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A new owner and a new look for Ploty’s

9 Nov

There’s a new bar in town … sort of. It’s actually been around for almost six years, but celebrating its first anniversary this weekend.

I’m talking about Ploty’s Hometown Tavern, and everything I said above is accurate, if not confusing. Located at 27 West Main St., in the lower level behind Mozzeroni’s Pizza, Ploty’s originally opened in December 2017, owned by Eric Plotzker and his wife Kourtney. For a long time, the bar was one of my favorite hangouts. My friends and I would often meet there, especially on evenings when there was live music.

But over the years, the bar’s hometown atmosphere seemed to change from homey to … unpleasant. I can’t speak for everyone, but I became uncomfortable with the kind of patrons the bar was attracting, the conversations I was hearing around me, and the confrontational political statements hanging throughout the bar. After a while, I just stopped going.

Then I heard that last November, Eric had sold the bar to Charlene Napoletano, one of his bartenders. Curious to see if things had changed under the new ownership, I stopped in to check it out, and was very pleased with what I saw.

The “new” Ploty’s has still got the dart boards, digital jukebox and the large-screen TVs featuring sports most of the day. But the changes that Charlene HAS introduced have brought the vibe back to what Eric had originally envisioned: a comfortable, welcoming local tavern.

Charlene calls her pub a “boujie dive bar.” The “boujie” part comes from how she’s dressed it up with a brighter paint job, cozy lounge area, framed photos of entertainers, more pleasant restrooms, much nicer patio space and mixed drink specials. The “dive bar” part? Well, Ploty’s is still in a basement.

But even the drink selections have been upgraded. Charlene has doubled the number of beers on the menu, added some hard seltzers, a lot more liquors, and seven different wines.

On my recommendation, our Barry’s Runners settled there several weeks ago after our very first post-Barry’s-pub run. Since Barry’s has closed, we begin our runs at the gazebo on North Ave., and need a spot to socialize and raise a pint afterwards. Ploty’s is just steps away from the gazebo, so that was our first choice. The runners all loved the atmosphere, the outdoor patio, the cheap beer prices, and especially the free pizza Charlene had ordered from Mozzeroni’s. It’s become one of our favorite post-run spots.

So if you haven’t checked out Ploty’s recently, I recommend you stop in. This weekend would be a good time to do that. To celebrate the anniversary, from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday Nov. 10 and Saturday Nov. 11, Charlene is offering a ONE-year anniversary special: buy ONE domestic draft or well cocktail, and get ONE free.

And by the way, don’t be worried if the name soon changes. Sometime in the near future, Charlene hopes to rechristen the bar “Charzbar,” to really put her stamp on it. But the same welcoming atmosphere will not be changing.

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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 11/9/2023)

Happy Anniversary My Roommates Closet!

6 Nov

Keeping a small business afloat is always a challenge, but the first year is always the hardest. So it’s great to see that one of our village’s newest businesses, My Roommates Closet, has just celebrated its first anniversary.

My Roommates Closet is located at 19 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, next door to the Village Quilt Shoppe. It’s owned by 24-year old Nicole Iorio, a recent St. John Fisher graduate with a degree in business marketing. Her vision from day one was to share her love of clothing and fashion with women of all ages, help them discover new and different styles to add to their closets and to find that “missing piece” they’ve been looking for. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about the shop last year.)

By the look of things, she’s accomplished those goals — and more. She’s expanded her inventory with plenty of dressy and day-to-day styles for both younger and (a little bit) older women. She’s partnered with other small business owners to sell some of their products, like candles, jewelry and specialty clothing. And she’s developed a regular clientele, both online and in store.

No one is more surprised by the boutique’s success than Nicole herself. Thinking back to the anniversary party she had on Oct. 24, she remembers that it felt “surreal.”

“It doesn’t feel like it’s been a year,” she said. “I only feel like I’ve been doing it for three months. It’s kind of like impostor syndrome. It hasn’t hit me yet. Maybe once I’m able to hire someone, that’s when its gonna be like I’m a legit business.”

But she was perhaps most surprised and delighted by how quickly and warmly she was welcomed by the village community. It was a big relief, given how unsure she was of running her first business, in a town which she didn’t know very well.

“I’m 24. I’ve never done anything like this before,” she said. “It was really nerve-wracking. I feel the businesses here (in the village) have been here for a while, and then I came in.” But, “I was welcomed with open arms.”

“What surprised me the most is how close-knit the businesses are here. When I first opened I had people come in and introduce themselves. Everyone was so nice and they continue to be super nice. … Just the coolest thing ever meeting other small business owners that I’m now friends with.” 

“I’m feeling like I’m part of the community.”

Now, at the start of her second year in business, Nicole is determined to give back to the community which has welcomed her so warmly. From Nov. 8 through 19 she’ll be collecting items for Willow Domestic Violence Center in Rochester. Anyone interested in helping out can choose an item (or several) from the wish list below, and drop it off at My Roommates Closet during regular business hours. Nicole herself will be donating several items from her old inventory (“I would rather donate it than throw it out”), and will be taking all of the donations downtown just before Thanksgiving.

She’s already planning another donation drive of some kind for December. “I really want to do something and give back and get the community involved,” she said, “and now I have that community where I can.”

My Roommates Closet is located at 19 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. The shop is open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

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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 11/6/2023)

Barry’s regulars head to Barry’s West

30 Oct

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or in this particular case, in the absence of Barry’s Old School Irish, find the next best place to get your Irish music fix.

On Sunday night, that place was Temple Bar and Grill on East Ave. My husband and I joined many other Barry’s regulars there that night, where we headed to catch a performance by one of our favorite Irish musicians, Dave North. It was like Old Home Week when we walked in and saw many of our Barry’s friends gathered around the bar. We really weren’t too surprised, though; Temple Bar has long been known for offering up Irish music on Sunday nights, and Dave North has been a regular performer there for decades. We’ve all enjoyed his shows at Barry’s, and were happy to follow him downtown.

Walking into the bar that night and seeing so many familiar faces helped fill the hole in my life created when Barry’s closed almost two months ago. We counted a good dozen Barry’s regulars among the Temple Bar faithful that night, and we spent a delightful couple hours enjoying a few pints and reconnecting with friends.

Temple will never replace Barry’s, but as we await the return of our favorite Irish pub to Webster (soon, please, Danny and Jess!) it’ll do in a pinch.

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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 10/30/2023)

Webster community mailbag

27 Oct

I’m going to head-up today’s mailbag with a few events which I haven’t mentioned in any recent posting, including this brand new one I only just learned about this week.

Webster Schroeder High School’s National Honor Society will be hosting a Trunk or Treat at the school on Sunday Oct. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. The NHS kids promise candy, popcorn, cotton candy and creative costumes. They’ll also be accepting donations for the Pirate Toy Fund, so if you can help, bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event.

Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge Rd. The Trunk or Treat will be held in the GOAL parking lot, which is on your right as you approach the Schroeder main entrance from Ridge.


Veterans and active-duty service personnel are invited to a free Veterans Day spaghetti dinner in appreciation for their service.
 
The dinner will take place Thursday, Nov. 9 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue. Reservations are required, so attendees are asked to call the school at (585) 216-0093 to reserve seats. If you’d rather pick up a meal and not eat at the school, you can also call to reserve a takeout order.
 
The dinner includes spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Attendees and pickup orders are asked to enter the school’s back parking lot off of Rt. 250, behind the cafetorium.


The next meeting of The Visionaries will be held on Wednesday Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

The Visionaries is a support group for community members who struggle with vision issues — macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, or others. Members share their interests and opportunities with others, encouraging those with visual impairment to get the most out of their lives.

The Visionaries began in 2000, and at one time boasted as many as 80 members. In addition to regular monthly meetings, the group has taken outings to attractions like the Memorial Art Gallery, Geva Theatre, and Pike Stained Glass Studio. For their December 6 meeting, the group will return to the Memorial Art Gallery and in January will meet at the Webster Public Library.

There’s no need to register for any meeting, just come by and join in. For more information on The Visionaries, contact Ed Wilkonski at (585) 265-4167 or email wingstwofly@rochester.rr.com.


From the Webster Public Library, located in Webster Plaza, 980 Ridge Rd.:

  • The library will be closed on Friday Nov. 10 for staff training, and will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday Nov. 22 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • The Caps for Sale fundraiser is coming up Thursday Nov. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hats will be $10 for children’s sizes and $15 for adult sizes and all proceeds benefit the Webster Public Library programs.
  • Also on Saturday Nov. 11, the library will hold their annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book prices will start at $8 and prices are firm.
  • November 22 marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. On Wednesday Nov. 15, MCC history professor Mark Sample tells the story of that tragic day and discuss some of the conspiracy theories. The hour-long program begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
  • The next Webster Business Spotlight program will focus on Schutt’s Apple Mill, on Thursday Nov. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. Please register here.
  • The Webster Art Club Fall Show is going on right now at the library, through the end of November. This group meets for Open Art every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center and has meetings with guest artists and demos on the second Wednesday of each month. New members are always welcome. For more information click here.

The next benefit spaghetti dinner at the Masonic Lodge is Friday Nov. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the lodge, 30 Orchard Street.

This month’s dinner will benefit the Webster Thomas Titans Cheerleaders organization. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children. You can eat in or take it to go. Call (585) 872-3500 with questions.


The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters will host an Indoor Arts/Crafts Sale at the Webster Recreation Center, Saturday Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 30 vendors will be there. Proceeds will benefit WSPS, a non-profit organization which provides Webster seniors with rides to their medical-related appointments.


The West Webster Fire Department invites community members to help clean up the Lake Rd. memorial honoring fallen WWFD firefighters Lt. Mike Chiapperino and Tomasz Kaczowka, on Saturday Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.

Please bring gloves, weed trimmers, takes and trash bags. The memorial is located on Lake Rd. just past Sandbar Park.


I won’t go into much detail about any of these following events since I’ve written about them before, so if you want to find out more about any of them, check out the flyers below or just search for it on the blog.

  • DEA Drug take-back Saturday Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Justice Court, 1002 Ridge Rd.
  • Family Scavenger Hunt, Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center
  • Santa’s Garage Sale at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., from Nov. 2 to 4.
  • A Concert Apparel and Coat event, Sat. Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
  • Friends of Webster Trails’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike, Saturday Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve.
  • Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday Oct, 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
  • The Village of Webster’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, Saturday Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night, Friday Nov 3 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at The Lodge at Shadow Hill in Ontario.
  • The Webster BID’s annual Bourbon Bash, Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House.

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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 10/27/2023)

A “magic” pumpkin patch grows at Woodside Nursery School

26 Oct

This is just the most adorabl-est thing ever.

I was visiting recently with some new friends over at the Woodside Nursery School, located at the United Church of Christ on Klem Rd., who told me about a “magic gardening” activity they designed for their young charges.

The students first planted “magic” pumpkin seeds — fallen leaves cut into stars, hearts and butterflies — in the Magic Pumpkin Patch outside of the school. Then, during the day, parent volunteers and school board members helped the magic seeds “grow” by replacing them with little pumpkins, perfectly sized for little hands. You can just imagine the squeals of delight from the students and the wonder in their eyes when they saw the magic garden filled with miniature pumpkins.

Check out some of these adorable gardeners:

In the next several months you’re going to be hearing more in my blog about the parent co-operative Woodside Nursery School, which has been serving our community since 1956 from the same location at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. I didn’t know anything about them until my visit, and was rather surprised they’ve been around this long. I’ve encouraged them to keep sending me news about what’s going on over there, so stay tuned for more cuteness coming across your computer screen.

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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 10/26/2023)

Two family fun Halloween events this Saturday

25 Oct

As we get closer to Halloween, I know that there are SO MANY events coming down the pike that you want to make sure your kids have a chance to check out. Make sure these two, happening this coming Saturday Oct. 28, are atop your list.

The first is the Village of Webster’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, an annual tradition in the village which draws thousands of kids and adults to walk through the streets and trick-or-treat dozens of village businesses.

The day begins with a costume contest at Village Hall from 11 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the Trail from 11:30 to 2:30. There’s a pet costume contest as well (a judge will be walking along Main St. keeping an eye out for contestants!). The Webster Museum will have special treats, the Webster Volunteer Fire Department will host their open house with displays, fire hats and equipment for the kids to explore, and there’ll be wagon rides behind Gazebo Park.

And don’t forget to take the short side trip down Lapham Park to visit the Webster Museum, where the folks there are cooking up some special events for the kids.

And of course, I’ll be out there with my camera trying to take as many photos of kids (and adults) in costume as possible, so watch for me. I especially love to see entire families dress up together. Moms and dads often have some of the most creative costumes.

Saturday evening, Pumpkins on Parade returns to the Webster Recreation Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This is a super fun family event where participants stroll along the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, which is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns. At the end of the path, there’s free cider and donuts and a bonfire, a family photo area, and for the kids, a hay maze and roller slide. And it’s ALL FREE. (Here’s the Facebook event page for more information.)

To make this event the success it always is, the Rec Center needs a LOT of jack-o-lanterns. So grab some pumpkins today or tomorrow and get carving! You can drop off your finished creations on the trailer parked outside the Rec Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.) on Friday Oct, 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Saturday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Multiple pumpkins are both welcomed and encouraged. Each pumpkin gets a raffle ticket for the chance to win a Fall Themed Raffle Basket (be sure to stop inside the Rec Center after dropping off your pumpkin to fill out a ticket!)

Once again, I’ll be there with my camera, so keep an eye out for me. And have FUN!

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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 10/25/2023)

A brief history of Barry’s corner

17 Oct

Do you recognize this corner? For many years, this building stood at South Ave. and West Main in the village, at the former home of our beloved Barry’s Old School Irish.

I still walk by Barry’s regularly, and have noticed that Danny and Jessica have finally started clearing out their old establishment for the next tenants (and no, sorry, I haven’t heard who that might be). At the suggestion of a friend, and with lots of help from Webster Town and Village Historian Lynn Barton, I thought it would be fun to take a brief walk back through the building’s history.

The building was erected around 1830 by Dr. Oliver Reynolds. He was an author and inventor, and served as Postmaster from 1834 to 1849. He was also known for his “Reynold’s Lung Restorative, Nervine, etc.” a forerunner to many cure-alls.

The building’s next owner was Robert F. Hendee, who ran a general store there with his son (you can see the Hendee and Sons sign on the earlier photo). In addition to his general merchandise, he made and sold simple coffins. He also was Postmaster for many years starting in 1873. 

The beautiful cobblestone building was eventually demolished to make room for a ESSO Service Station, operated by William Kielon, owned by Webaco Oil Co. Mark P. recently noted that the Esso station became a Cities Service station in the early 60s, adding, “I used to marvel at the ‘grease monkeys’ who stood underneath the cars that pulled into the garage, parking over the pit where the mechanics would perform an oil change and lube job.”

Later, the building became home to Living Water Plumbing, well known for the gardens, fountain and Ten Commandments just outside the front door. The shop was owned by Robert Richards, who passed away in 2009. Danny and Jessica Barry fell in love with the empty storefront and created Barry’s Old School Irish in 2011.

The rest, as they say, is history.

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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 10/17/2023)

Three spooky (and fun) Halloween events

12 Oct

I did something a little bit unnerving today. I put up my November calendar on the refrigerator.

Despite the fact that we have to accept that November is less than three weeks away, let us try to focus on all of the fun stuff still coming up in October, especially the Halloween-related events marking the end of the month. I bring you details about three of those today.

On Sunday Oct. 22, Heritage Square Museum will host their second annual Halloween Happening from 1 to 4 p.m. Trick-or-treat through the historic buildings, hear spooky stories, and enjoy kids crafts and games. Halloween snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is just $5 per car, and costumes are encouraged.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario, just about 12 minutes east of the village. If you’ve ever wanted to check out this living history museum, this would be a great opportunity. I recently wrote a blog about my recent visit there. Click here to see that and learn more about this historical treasure just down the road.


Pumpkins on Parade returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I love, love, love this event. Now four years old, Pumpkins on Parade began was originally dreamed up by the Rec Center to give families a fun Halloween-time event to safely enjoy during the pandemic. But it has since grown to become an annual favorite for hundreds of families who hike the trail, admire all of the jack-o-lanterns and hang around afterwards for games, photos, and snacks.

During Pumpkins on Parade, the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns. There’s also a much shorter path for seniors and small children to enjoy. At the end of the path, in the large field behind the Rec Center, participants enjoy free cider and donuts and a bonfire, there’s a family photo area, and for the kids, a hay maze and roller slide. And it’s ALL FREE. (Here’s the Facebook event page for more information.)

BUT the success of this event depends on community participation. The Webster Recreation Center needs several hundred carved pumpkins to make the walk amazing. So start planning out your jack-on-lanterns now, and stay tuned for more information on when and where to drop them off (usually that day or the Friday before).


The Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail will be held Saturday Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kids (and their adults) can wander through the village to and trick-or-treat at dozens of shops. I’ll be running around with my camera to try to catch as many great costumes as possible, so watch for me!

The annual costume contest will be held from 11:00 to 11:30 at Village Hall, so participants won’t miss out on any of the trail.

This is just one of the great events brought to us by the village’s Business Improvement District. To keep up to date on all these events, make sure to visit their website often.

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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 10/9/2023)

Their Light Shines at Webster Comfort Care Home

9 Oct

A very special event was held last Tuesday evening at Webster Comfort Care Home, when more than 270 luminaria lined the home’s parking lot, lighting up the evening with memories.

Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH), located at the corner of Holt and Klem roads, provides free hospice care to the terminally ill of our Webster community. The dedicated staff members and volunteers there uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of its residents, while supporting their loved ones in a warm, home-like atmosphere.

That mission was illuminated in a special way last Tuesday during the home’s second annual “Their Light Shines” remembrance event, when community members were invited to light a luminaria in honor of their loved one.

Before the evening was over, almost 275 luminarias had been lit and placed around the perimeter of the home’s large parking lot, honoring 62 residents. The daughter of a past resident spoke, and shared her story about how it felt watching her mom leave her home, come to the Comfort Care Home, how she was cared for, and how the experience moved her to become a resident care volunteer herself.

Attendees enjoyed apples and cider donated by Schutt’s Apple Mill, Herman’s Farm Market and Bauman’s Farm Market, and a wide variety of homemade cookies. Music was provided by Leah Sherman and Erin T. and Michael Miller and their groups who played the clarinet, violin, piano. The son of a former volunteer and resident made a slide show of every resident’s name, and several people paused to take a photo when their loved one’s name appeared.

So many volunteers came together to make this event happen. Volunteers who wrote names on the luminaria, filled them with sand and directed traffic into the parking lot across the street. Members of the Webster Police Department even stopped by to see if they could lend a hand with anything.

“It was a real Webster Comfort Care Home community/family effort,” said director Julianne Groff.

She added,

We had families of residents (who were here) years ago attend, to a family who had just lost their loved one days before. A mom whose son died here last year made her first return to the Home, something she didn’t think she could do, and was reunited with the nurse who was holding her son’s hand when he died. There were lots of tears at that reunion. 

Their Light Shines was a chance for the community to come together, to share our losses, to share an emotional moment, to share our stories and a piece of our loved ones. They may not be with us any longer, but their light shines through in every moment of every day, in every thought, in every memory, in everything we do. We carry them with us in so many ways.

The lights remained in the parking lot all through the night, casting their light in remembrance, continuing to spread comfort and joy to all who passed by. The evening illuminated in a beautiful and very meaningful way what Webster Comfort Care Home means to our community.

These are pictures from the “reunion” between the mother and one of our nurses, Regina (in the black top).

Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

So. Much. Going. On.

I’m going to start today’s mailbag with several events that I haven’t featured in a mailbag recently.

The first are the latest details about the Village of Webster’s Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House. Tickets are now on sale, and if this year’s event is going to be anything like previous ones, it will sell out quickly, so get your tickets SOON.

Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin’ Tails along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and others will be available for sampling. Village of Webster restaurants such as The Coach, BC’s Chicken Coop and more will be featuring samples of their goods to complement the bourbons. ID is required at entry and raffles of bourbon products will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $30 and are limited. Click here to get yours. Proceeds will benefit the Harmony House Renovation Fund.


This is a cool event from the Webster Museum, an Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow.

If you’re curious about the value or origin of a special piece from your family’s history, bring it to the Webster Museum on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. and the Palma brothers will use their expertise to provide you with some insight.

Frank and Greg Palma grew up in Penfield and own the Webster Jewelry and Coin Exchange at 159 W. Main St. in the village of Webster. Frank enjoys collecting and selling antique toys, comics, advertisements, and oil cans (the older the better), while his brother Greg is an expert in gold, coins, silver, and precious metals.

Over the years they’ve assembled a museum-like collection of items that can be seen and purchased at their store. In addition to sharing their expertise identifying your special objects, they’ll share some stories from their years in business.


Speaking of the museum, the folks over there are gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

It will be held Saturday Dec. 2, as part of the village’s White Christmas festivities. So mark that date on your calendar right now.

But first … the museum is looking for individuals or organizations to decorate the small trees. Winners in each category will win $25 cash. Call Gwen Hoffman at 585-738-6221 to reserve your tree. Visitors to the  museum will be voting Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. Join the fun!


The Rochester Academy of Irish Dance parents’ association will host a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 21 from 4 p.m. until gone.

Cost is $15 which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

The event will take place at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (by Auto Locators. Look for the elephant).

Get more details about the school and this great event on the Facebook event page here.


The Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers Association are partnering for a Concert Apparel and Coat Event on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and “shop” the gently used items for free. Donations are now being accepted, of any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition: winter coats/jackets, pants, boots, accessories; concert dress attire including white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories. Collection boxes are located at each Webster Central School through Oct. 26.


The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night is fast approaching.

Matt Molloy from 13WHAM News will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a 50/50 roulette wheel, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers and desserts. Plus everyone gets a complimentary $500 chip.

The Casino Night is scheduled for Friday Nov. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill, 7259 Lakeside Rd., Ontario. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.


Webster NY Hope, 1450 Ridge Rd., has published this month’s wish list. It includes:

  • pasta
  • jarred spaghetti sauce
  • jars or cans of applesauce
  • diapers (size 5)
  • baby wipes (they’re completely out)
  • canned corn and beets
  • toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, deoderant
  • laundry detergent
  • dish soap

You can drop off your donations anytime Webster NY Hope is open. Click here for more details.


If you’re interested in any of these following events, I wrote about them in my mailbag last week, so click here to see that post for more details.

  • Capital Improvement Project vote
  • West Webster Fire Department and Webster Volunteer Fire Department open houses
  • Friends of Webster Library used book sale
  • Autumn special events at Schutt’s Apple Mill
  • Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center

And click here to read again about the great upcoming panel discussion about Athlete Wellness and Youth Sports.

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(posted 10/1/2023)