It had been a long time since I’d popped into the Village Quilt Shoppe on Main Street, which happens to be one of my favorite — and perhaps the cutest — shops in town. I don’t visit very often these days, but I’m always pleased to see patrons coming in and out while I’m there, and I love exploring all of the new, very creative quilting projects hanging everywhere.
I paused during my morning walk yesterday to stop in just to say hi to Monique and Vanetta. What immediately struck me when I walked through the door were the dozen-or-more “fat quarters” hanging from the shop’s ceiling.
Basically, fat quarters are mini-quilts, and the challenge to our local quilters was to take two distinctly different fabrics, and work them into whatever design they’d like. The finished projects, even though each one incorporates the two fabrics, are wonderfully different. The designs range from more traditional bordered quilts, to a pastoral scene with sheep, two friends holding hands, flowers, a beehive, cats and birds and more.
You can vote for your favorites online here, but it’s better to stop by the shop and see them in person. They’ll pretty much blow you away. (Votes are being accepted through April 15.)
But be forewarned. When you go to the shop, be prepared to be sucked in by the beautiful quilted projects of all kinds that fill the walls and hang from the shelves. I’m not even a quilter, and I kept stopping to admire first an apron, then a bag, then a pillow.
If you’re a quilter yourself or if you love a quilter, and you haven’t stopped by the Village Quilt Shoppe yet, what’s stopping you? Vanetta and Monique would love to meet you. The shop is at 21 East Main St., at the corner of Lapham Park.
This coming summer is looking pretty … well, entertaining, as all Village of Webster summers are.
The small business owners who comprise the Webster Business Improvement District (BID) have sent out a preliminary schedule of all the events planned so far. (Make sure to read all the way to the bottom, because there’s a brand new, wildly fun event on the schedule.)
The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 7 with a performance by the Red Hot and Blue Band featuring Americana music.
The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.
The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for August 18 and 19, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., and Jazz in the Street” on Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m.
The Webster Fireman’s Field will be hopping in September, with a Fireman’s Field Evening/Coach’s ALS Fundraiser on Sept. 9; the Oktoberfest Sept. 15 to 17; the Zach Brown Tribute Band on Sept. 21; and an all-day cornhole tournament on Sept. 23.
BRAND NEW this year, the Webster Village Bed Race will take over Main Street on Saturday Sept. 16! Lots of details are still being hammered out about that, so stay tuned for those.
And of course, watch for blogs about the Trick or Treat Trail in October and Webster’s Winter Wonderland in December.
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Plus, don’t forget about the second annual Village of Webster Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled for Saturday April 8 at Webster Fireman’s Field.
The absolutely free event will begin at 11 a.m., and is designed for children ages 10 and under. Children will be split into three age groups: 0-2, 3-5 and 6-10. Arrive any time after 10:30 a.m. Our local business owners and community agencies are preparing almost 5,000 eggs, so no fear — there will be enough for everyone. (And some eggs have a secret surprise.)
The Easter Bunny will be there, too, so bring your cameras!
All of these events are sponsored by the Webster Business Improvement District. Visit the website for more details as they become available, and while you’re there, sign up for the newsletter which will deliver details about these events right to your mailbox.
The second annual Village of Webster Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Webster BID, is just around the corner, on Saturday April 8 at the Webster Fireman’s Field on Ridge Rd.
The absolutely free event will begin at 11 a.m., and is designed for children ages 10 and under. Children will be split into three age groups: 0-2, 3-5 and 6-10. Arrive any time after 10:30 a.m. Our local business owners and community agencies are preparing almost 5,000 eggs, so no fear — there will be enough for everyone. (And some eggs have a secret surprise.)
The Easter Bunny will be there, too, so bring your cameras! This great event is sponsored by the village’s Business Improvement District.
By the way, the organizers could use some volunteers to help set up and run the event. If you’re interested in having a little fun and helping out, click here to sign up!
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Those young Brownies from Troop 60344 are at it again.
They’re going to be outside the Webster Walmart Home entrance on Saturday April 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with their table of Girl Scout cookies. So no worries if you thought you’d missed out on Girl Scout Cookie season this year.
The girls will also be encouraging people to donate a box of cookies to the Blue Star Mothers NY8 chapter to be included in care packages for locally deployed troops. (The soldiers LOVE to get Girl Scout cookies.)
The Blue Star Mothers plan to send out more than 200 care packages soon, and would love to have a box of cookies to put in each one.
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The next Friends of the Webster Public Library book sale is quickly approaching!
The Friends’ Spring Book Sale will be held Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.
Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.
The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.
Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.
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This notice from the Webster Central School District:
Applications for absentee ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are now available.
Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available from District Clerk Cynthia Cushman, 119 South Avenue, Webster, phone (585) 216-0001, or at the news story on the district website.
All absentee ballot applications must be RECEIVED by the district clerk at least seven business days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be picked up personally by or for the voter.
The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and election of Board of Education candidates takes place Tuesday, May 16, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.
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Here’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day this coming April 22: a Family Scavenger Hunt.
This easy hike/scavenger hunt will take place at Liberty Lodge/Finn Park on Maple Drive from 10 a.m. to noon. Different hunts will be available for three three skill levels, ages 2 through 12. The event will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather, and make sure to wear boots if it’s been wet. It would also be helpful if you could bring your own clipboard and pencil.
The Family Scavenger Hunt costs $5, and registrations are being taken through the Webster Recreation Center. PLEASE register ahead of time so we know how many kids to expect. Payment can be made when you arrive at the park. Click here to register.
This little blog post might get lost amidst all the excitement about the new Nautical Bowls restaurant moving into Webster Towne Plaza. (Scroll down to see the post about that.)
But I had the chance to pop into the Greater Rochester Peep Show this afternoon and wanted to share some photos with you all. There had to be a couple hundred or more displays created by community agencies, businesses, Scout troops, and others, so I couldn’t get a photo of all of them. But I did post a selection here.
As usual, the Peep Show has been very popular today; there were lots of people there when I went and cars still pulling into the parking lot as I left. There’s one big room and a smaller one filled with displays, a kids’ craft area, some raffles, and opportunities to buy some snacks and sweet treats.
The Peep Show runs today (Saturday) until 5 p.m., and continues tomorrow (Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (just off of Phillips).
There’s no admission, so this is a great event for the whole family. The kids will especially love to see the incredible works of art created from candy.
And remember, all proceeds from voting, concessions and raffles benefit the Webster Community Chest.
Those of you who regularly eat healthier than I do (I could eat a sleeve of Thin Mints for dinner) are probably familiar with this tropical fruit, which has found its way into beverages, smoothies and even cosmetics for a while now. I also learned that I’ve been mispronouncing it for, like, forever.
But the most important thing I learned yesterday is that when açaí is part of a Nautical Bowl, it’s downright delicious.
My classroom for this lesson was the brand new Nautical Bowls restaurant in Webster Towne Center, and my teachers were Webster residents (and Webster Thomas grads) Cameron and Jamie Scalzo. Their “Nautical Bowls” are what they like to call “superfood smoothie bowls,” filled with natural and organic ingredients.
Jamie explained that they’re
…basically a smoothie but in a thicker consistency, in a bowl, with really delicious toppings. The best thing about ours is that it’s fruit mixed with fruit with no refined sugars. … They’re gluten free, dairy free, soy free and plant-based, and they’re packed full of antioxidants. It helps give you energy and fuel your body the right way.
There are ten different varieties, which feature an impressive variety of intriguing ingredients like coconut, spirulina, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, Blue Majik, and pitaya. They can substitute for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just be a dessert, she said, adding, “The biggest compliment we have gotten from people is how refreshing they are.”
This is the Scalzos’ first experience with opening a business, and only the first Nautical Bowls franchise in New York State. They looked at other locations before settling on Webster Towne Plaza, but they always knew they wanted to start their adventure in Webster.
“We grew up here,” Jamie said. “We went to school here, it’s where we met, where we want our kids to go to school. We just love this community so much, we wanted to bring our first store here to share with this community which we have so much appreciation for.”
That commitment to community is an important part of their business plan as well.
Cameron said, “A portion of our proceeds will be going back to the community in any way we can to churches, to causes, to families in need, sports teams, dog shelters.” Every month will benefit a different cause.
They also want to get involved with local events, especially those that benefit worthy organizations. “We’d like to do as much as possible if we can,” Cameron said.
Nautical Bowls only officially opened this morning, but they’ve already been warmly welcomed by their business neighbors and a steady stream of guests (one of whom remarked “I’m so excited that you’re over here!” when I was there).
“Everybody has been so welcoming, so nice, so supportive,” Jamie said. “That just shows us why at least right now we want to keep on giving back to the community. We see how people love the community, how much they care about it and those are the people we want to continue to find.”
The Scalzos have big plans not only for the immediate future of their new Webster restaurant, but also for the next five or six years, when they hope to expand the franchise into a dozen or more towns in the Rochester area and all around Upstate New York.
But for now, with a brand new baby on the way (or by the time you read this, he might have arrived) and a brand new restaurant to run, they’re going to be focusing on serving the community where they grew up.
Check out the new Nautical Bowls yourself on Saturday March 25 when Cameron and Jamie host their grand openingcelebration. Doors will open at 11 a.m. The first 50 guests will receive a free bowl, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to enter to win free bowls for a year, or cards good for ten free bowls or five free bowls.
Nautical Bowls is located on the north side of Webster Towne Center (Kohl’s Plaza), 927 Holt Rd., in between America’s Best Eyeglasses and Chipotle. Check out the website here and Facebook page here.
One of our town’s most creative and fun FREE family events — the Great Rochester Peep Show — returns this weekend!
If you’ve never heard about this really fun event, you’re going to want to keep reading, especially if you like eating those yellow (and now pink and purple and whatever other colors) marshmallow chicks and ducks.
I’ve never been a big fan of Peeps. I put them in the same category as those faux-orange circus peanuts. They squeak when you bite into them. But I LOVE the Peep Show. This is a two-day event at the Webster Recreation Center, where at least four entire rooms are filled with incredibly creative sculptures, dioramas, and various other works of art created with Peeps. It’s simply the cutest thing ever. (Click here to go to the Peep Show website and see some winning entries from last year.)
This year’s show is scheduled for Saturday March 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday March 26from 10 to 4 at the Webster Recreation Center on Chiyoda Drive (right off of Phillips). In addition to the Peeps, several entertainers and community groups will be performing. Thanks to the support from many business sponsors, admission is free, but you can drop some bucks on some raffles with great prizes. All proceeds will benefit Webster Community Chest.
This is a must-see family event, folks, and it’s all free. Click here to find out more about the Greater Rochester Peep Show.
Forget March Madness. The Democrat and Chronicle is holding a much tastier tournament, and our very own Mama Lor’s is in the hunt for a spot in the Final Four.
They’re calling it the “Fish Fry Faceoff,” which for the last several weeks has been pitting restaurant against restaurant to see who has the best fish fry in Rochester. This particular popularity contest was last run four years ago, and Crabby Dan’s Grill in Mendon took top honors. Apparently they’ve closed, so a new champion will be crowned this year.
And Mama Lor’s has worked its way through the original field of 32 down to the Elite 8.
As you can see in the brackets posted above, Mama Lor’s is up against Underpass Bar & Grill in this round, the only remaining Fairport contestant in the mix. As I write this blog, Mama Lor’s is ahead, but not by much. To add your vote, click here and scroll down to the appropriate listing. Then click the circle next to your choice. You can vote once per matchup, per round. Voting for this round is open through Sunday March 12.
If you want to try their fish fry for yourself, Mama Lor’s has two locations, at 1891 Ridge Rd. and 1319 Lake Rd.
Count on Webster’s very own, award-winning Irish pub to do St. Patrick’s Day up right.
And I don’t throw the phrase “award-winning” around lightly. Since this little pub opened a little more than 11 years ago, Barry’s Old School Irish has racked up 15 local and national awards, regularly landing in the top 10 (or even top 5) in lists recognizing the best Irish pubs in the country.
Started by Jessica and Danny Barry just over 11 years ago, Barry’s Old School Irish Pub offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere paired with delicious bites like sticky toffee pudding, corned beef Reuben fritters, potato and herb soup, and hot pretzels. The pub hosts its own annual Irish festival with music, craft vendors, Irish dance, and beer and food trucks. Barry’s may be a small, relatively new pub, but The Irish Post named it one of the best Irish pubs in the United States.
If you haven’t yet discovered this wee little corner of Ireland located smack-dab in the middle of the Village of Webster, St. Patrick’s Day is the time to do it. True to their award-winning reputation, Danny and Jess have planned not just one day’s worth, but more than a week’s worth of festivities to celebrate the season.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming up. For more details, check out the Barry’s Facebook page or website.
March 10, 7-10 p.m.: Annual Irish Music Sing-Along with Kevin Reynolds and Trace Wilkins
March 11 (Parade Day): Open 8 a.m. to midnight with breakfast, traditional session by The Killarney Boys; Irish dancers, bagpipers, whiskey samples; live music by Dave North, Everheart and Billy Herring; giveaways and more.
March 14, 6 to 8 p.m.:Guinness Glass Etching with Guinness on the house
March 15, 6:30 p.m.:All Things Green Trivia, with prizes sponsored by Guinness. Email Barrysirishpub@gmail.com to reserve a table.
March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day): Open 8 a.m. to midnight with breakfast, traditional session by The Killarney Boys; Irish dancers, bagpipers, whiskey samples; live music by Dave North, Everheart and Kevin Reynolds; giveaways and more.
The Village of Webster’s Fall in Love With Webster month-long community celebration is almost over! All month, residents and visitors have been enjoying merchant discounts and special events, all embracing the theme of love.
The goal is to promote a fun way to unify the village residents and business owners. But it’s also all about helping community members get to know our village a little better, find out more about our many fine businesses, and encourage everyone to get more involved in all of the activities found here.
Here’s what’s coming up this week. Check back this weekend to see what’s scheduled for week 5. And for a whole list of the month’s events, visit the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page.
Kick off your Fall in Love With Webster experience this week by stopping by the Village Hall, 28 West Main, to reach into their “Random Acts of Kindness” jar and select a slip of paper suggesting a random act of kindness you can do this week. And while you’re there, check out information about the wide variety of services the Village Hall offers.
Come into Yesterday’s Muse bookshop anytime this month and choose a mystery book — wrapped in brown paper — for just $5. Each has a description on the front hinting at what the book is about. All you have to do is find your perfect match, unrap the book and enjoy your blind date! This was a hugely popular Fall in Love With Webster event last year.
Have you been wanting to play with wool? We love wool here at the Village Quilt Shoppe and are always looking for new wool patterns and kits. In this class Michelle will teach you how to work with wool and some simple embroidery stitches. You will go home with a beautiful Needle Case. Kits are $18.99, and include the pattern and wool. There are only 6 kits available so sign up soon. Instructor is Michelle Coon.
You’ll love this handy zip-up Tool Case to store and carry a variety of tools, from rotary cutters and scissors to markers, turning tools, small rulers, and more. A variety of easy-to-access pockets in vinyl, mesh, and quilted fabric can be customized to fit the tools you use and love. The finished project is 9½”H x 12½”W x 1½”D when closed and opens to 12½”H x 20½”W. Instructor is Michelle Coon.
More details about all these events and what’s coming up the rest of the month at the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page. Make sure to “like” the page to get regular updates, because new events are being added every day.
The Village of Webster’s Fall in Love With Webster month-long community celebration is well under way! All month, residents and visitors will enjoy merchant discounts and special events, all embracing the theme of love.
The goal is to promote a fun way to unify the village residents and business owners. But it’s also all about helping community members get to know our village a little better, find out more about our many fine businesses, and encourage everyone to get more involved in all of the activities found here.
Here’s what’s coming up this week. Check back this weekend to see what’s scheduled for week 4. And for a whole list of the month’s events, visit the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page.
Kick off your Fall in Love With Webster experience this week by stopping by the Village Hall, 28 West Main, to reach into their “Random Acts of Kindness” jar and select a slip of paper suggesting a random act of kindness you can do this week. And while you’re there, check out information about the wide variety of services the Village Hall offers.
Come into Yesterday’s Muse bookshop anytime this month and choose a mystery book — wrapped in brown paper — for just $5. Each has a description on the front hinting at what the book is about. All you have to do is find your perfect match, unrap the book and enjoy your blind date! This was a hugely popular Fall in Love With Webster event last year.
Brimont Bistro is offering an AMAZING Valentine’s Day-only dinner featuring Beef Tenderloin with Burgundy Demi-Glace, Crab-stuffed Shrimp and Butternut Squash with Herbs Asiago Au Gratin Potatoes. Call 585-872-3170 to make reservations.
Join Michelle the second Tuesday of each month for her latest table runner class. Each month she will have a new table runner or table mat pattern. Some months there will be kits, others you use your own fabric. All will be beautiful and will be great for your home or to use as gifts. Instructor is Michelle Coon.
Cost is $40. Call the Village Quilt Shoppe at 585-626-6916 to find out what the pattern is and to sign up.
Sewcial Day is the perfect day to come hang out with your friends. Bring your sewing projects and use this time to get caught up without home distractions. Snacks will be available. Sign up is required due to limited space. Vanetta and Monique will be available for help and encouragement.
Stop by Kittelberger Florist today anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and you’ll get a flower for yourself, and one to giv away in honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Day today (one pair of flowers per customer).
You’ll love this handy zip-up Tool Case to store and carry a variety of tools, from rotary cutters and scissors to markers, turning tools, small rulers, and more. A variety of easy-to-access pockets in vinyl, mesh, and quilted fabric can be customized to fit the tools you use and love. The finished project is 9½”H x 12½”W x 1½”D when closed and opens to 12½”H x 20½”W. Instructor is Michelle Coon.
More details about all these events and what’s coming up the rest of the month at the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page. Make sure to “like” the page to get regular updates, because new events are being added every day.
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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