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Thank you Jersey Mike’s, from Wreaths Across America

24 Nov

Back row (L-R): Jonathan Duque (Jersey Mike’s Director of Operations); George Baker (President, Webster Union Cemetery); Joseph Bozzone (Pittsford GM). Front row (L-R): Frederick Bloss, Kayla Sexton (Director of Operations); Marlon Duque (Webster GM); Will Sullivan (Victor GM), Cherie Wood (Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator and member of the Daughters of American Revolution, Candandaigua Chapter).

In this season when we’re especially thankful for the people in our lives, I want to send a huge thank you out today to Jersey Mike’s Subs for their unwavering support of Wreaths Across America.

On Monday afternoon, several Jersey Mike’s representatives gathered at the Webster location on Monday afternoon to present a big check to Wreaths Across America. In a month-long promotion during which the Webster and Victor stores gave out coupons for free subs, chips and drinks in return for donations, Jersey Mike’s raised $615.

The funds are enough to sponsor 41 wreaths, but also, $205 will be used by the Gold Star mothers to purchase Christmas toys for military families in need.

Cherie Wood, our local Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator, expressed her gratitude to Jersey Mikes not just for this donation, but also for being one of the top corporate donors to Wreaths Across America in the nation, having donated at least $100,000 to the cause.

Jersey Mike’s Director of Operations Jonathan Duque explained that commitment in part when he said, “Even though we’re a franchise, we try to be mom-and-pop, and give back to the customers that come in.”

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization which began 31 years ago, its mission to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. Last year, 2.4 million wreaths were placed in more than 3,100 cemeteries in the U.S. and abroad. This year, Webster Union Cemetery, at the corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull, will join that list.

Webster Union is the resting place for about 650 veterans, so decorating every one of the their graves will require that many wreaths. Sponsorships are still available. Each wreath costs just $15, and $5 from each sponsorship will go directly to the Blue Star Mothers, who will use the funds to prepare and ship care packages to deployed servicemen and women. Click here for more information and to sponsor a wreath.

Sometime in early December the wreaths will be delivered to the cemetery by a Wreaths Across America 18-wheeler, which will make its way through the village to the cemetery. Keep tabs on this blog and my Facebook page to see when we can expect the truck, so we can all cheer it on.

Then on Wreath Day, December 17, the community will be invited to the cemetery to view a short ceremony at noon, then help lay the 650 wreaths to honor our fallen heroes. More details to come about that.

Several Jersey Mike’s staff members and managers have already signed on to help out.

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

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(posted 11/23/2022)

New indoor dog park will serve dogs AND their humans

22 Nov

Today I’d like to offer a sneak peak at a brand new business opening soon which will be of particular interest to dogs and the humans they love.

It’s called Woofs Canine Club and Indoor Dog Park, located at 187 West Main St. (at the corner of Barrett Dr.), in the former World Gym.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of an indoor dog park, you’re not alone. There aren’t many of them out there, even here in Rochester, where an indoor park makes a lot of sense. And this one is even different from the ones that ARE out there. Owner Christine Gigante has taken the idea of an outdoor dog park and, she says, “put a spin on it.”

What she means by that is that while Woofs will have the amenities you’ve seen at your average outdoor dog runs, like separate areas for large and small dogs, and lots of agility equipment on artificial turf, Christine will also be focusing on the human component of every dog/owner relationship.

Christine wants to make sure that dog owners get as much out of their visits as their dogs do. She recognizes that getting together with other dog owners has a huge social benefit, so she’s carving out areas for a cafe, pool table and a dart board so people can relax and have conversations while their dogs are getting some exercise. There will even be a small gym area so owners can get a workout while their dogs are getting a workout. (Both the cafe and gym will be separated from the run area by low walls so owners can watch their dogs play.) She’s even thinking about occasionally bringing in food trucks to help build the community.

“If I build it for the dogs, I automatically build it best for the humans,” Christine said. “It’s about getting quality time in your life back.”

Downstairs, a smaller room is being turned into a kind of private “V.I.P.” (very important pup) dog park which can be reserved for dogs with special needs. Next to that is space for a groomer and a photographer.

There’s still plenty of work to be done, but Christine is hoping to open in early December. Admission is membership-based, with day passes and packages available. Click here for more details, and I’ll let you know when Woofs is officially open!  

A now a second, somewhat related part to this story:

A little while ago, Christine Gigante entered a contest called “Fab Over 40.”

The contest, sponsored in part by NewBeauty magazine, has invited women to submit their photos and stories for a chance to win $40,000, a two-page spread in the magazine, and a spa vacation.

Anyone can vote for their chosen contestant, and the really cool thing is that the contest also benefits the National Breast Cancer Foundation. While you do have the option to vote once a day without making a donation, if you DO choose to make a donation, your contestant will receive one vote for every dollar you donate.

So if you donate $10 to the Breast Cancer Coalition, your contestant will get 10 votes.

Christine has made it all the way through to the semi-finals, and has asked me to pass along the news. If you’d like to add your votes — and donations — to the cause, you can click here to see Christine’s page. (She would use her winnings to help build the new dog park.) Voting started this week and will run through Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

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

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 11/22/2022)

My first Nutcracker will not be my last

20 Nov

I know that many will find this hard to believe, but in all my 60-plus years, I had never seen a complete version of the Nutcracker ballet. That changed a few nights ago when my friend Denise Baller of Dancing With Denise hooked me up with some excellent tickets to Friday night’s production of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Auditorium Theater, so I could sit right in the middle of the auditorium to experience this magical performance for the first time.

Any of you who have had the pleasure of seeing Nutcracker know that I don’t use the word “magical” lightly. From the bright Christmas-Eve-celebration colors, costumes and staging in the first act, to the sparkling wintry scenes in Act II, I sat enraptured through the whole show.

The dancing was magnificent, of course, presented by an international cast at the top of their game. But the stars of the show? That would be the 40 local children who played the parts of mice, party kids, snowflakes and several other characters. Those little dancers included 35 Dancing With Denise students, including two with special needs.

I had to feel a little sorry for the professional dancers when the kids were performing. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one, for example, paying more attention to the little rats scurrying around the stage than the pitched battle taking place between the Rat King and the Nutcracker.

Adding to my wonderful experience, Denise was kind enough to take me to the backstage dressing rooms, where she introduced me to her young cast. I took some great photos of the kids, which you can see below.

It’s safe to say I’m already looking forward to attending this glorious production again next year.

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

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 11/20/2022)

Mama Lor’s now open on Lake Road

18 Nov

One of Webster’s best-loved restaurants has just gotten better. The very popular Mama Lor’s Cafe has opened a second location.

On October 1, Mama Lor’s officially opened at 1319 Lake Rd., in what used to be Doc’s Beer Hall, and before that, the Lake Road Country Store. Just ten minutes away from the original location at 1891 Ridge Rd., owners Mike Pompa, Lori Rosenzweig and Jonathan Oliva have created yet another comfortable, family-friendly restaurant that’s already becoming an integral part of the Lake Rd. community.

The new Mama Lor’s Cafe is a tad smaller than the original location, but that’s hard to tell when you walk through the front door. Unlike Ridge Road, which is divided into three distinct areas, the new restaurant’s dining room has an open floor plan, comfortably seating 80 customers. Another 40 can be accommodated on the big front patio.

The restaurant still offers many of its most popular breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items and specials, including the extremely popular fish fry. But, in a nod to its closer-lo-lake-Ontario location, some new seafood options have also been added. A full bar stretches along one wall, featuring a wide selection of liquors, and regional canned, bottled and draft beers.

One main thing that hasn’t changed with the new Mama Lor’s is the business’ commitment to community. It’s a commitment that goes back to when — and why — Lori opened the original Mama Lor’s in 2012, replacing the old Union Hill Country Grill.

Mike Pompa said that Lori used to work at the Country Grill and saw how much it drew the community together. “While it was vacant, it was always on (Lori’s) mind to resurrect that area, to bring it back to what it was,” he said. “She knew the community was huge over there. She loved the community, she loved seeing people.” Converting the old store into a restaurant seemed like a great way to create that community again.

The community responded in kind, both in good times and (especially) bad. During COVID, for example, Mike said that cars would be backed up in the parking lot waiting for the waitresses to deliver to-go orders.

That community focus was a big reason Mike, Lori and John decided to expand the business to Lake Road, just six miles from the Ridge Road location.

Historically, the Country Store and Doc’s Beer Hall “had a huge following,” Mike said. “Everyone we talk to says ‘I used to come here.’ When they closed down, we had the opportunity to do the same thing in this area,” to rebuild that sense of community.

Now that the business is up and running smoothly, the partners are looking at continued improvements over the next several weeks and next year. They include covering the patio, adding a heated front-door walkway, and creating an “express room” with a separate entrance for take-out orders, grab-and-go sandwiches, and maybe even beer and ice cream.

The new Mama Lor’s has already been warmly welcomed by many Ridge Road regulars. Now Mike hopes that Websterites on the north and west sides of town — who may not be familiar with the original restaurant — will now also get to know and love Mama Lor’s.

After all, the more the merrier for a business which strives to be a welcoming gathering place for the entire Webster community.

The new Mama Lor’s Cafe is located at 1319 Lake Rd., Webster. They’re open Monday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here to visit their webpage and here to see them on Facebook.

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

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 11/18/2022)

Cobblestone presents check to Miracle Field

17 Nov

Dan and Sarah Bresnahan, co-owners of Webster’s Cobblestone on Main restaurant, presented a very large check (both in size and amount) to Challenger Miracle Field on Wednesday morning.

The check represented part of the proceeds from the first-ever Webster Oktoberfest, held Sept. 16 and 17 at Webster Fireman’s Field. Cobblestone on Main provided the beer, wine and soft drinks for the festival. The check for $8,000, presented to Miracle Field co-founder Ron Kampff, represented the proceeds from those sales. Several staff members, and even some regular patrons who had volunteered for the two-day event, were also on hand at the presentation.

Dan Bresnahan said the partnership with Miracle Field is exactly the kind of community collaboration they’ve been looking for.

“We are really excited to have been a part of the first Webster Oktoberfest,” he said. “Our goal was to find a local organization to partner with so we could give back to the community. Challenger Miracle Field is a fabulous organization, with great leadership, and one we feel aligns with our mission and values.”

He added, “There are so many great organizations, but these guys are amazing for what they’ve done for individuals with disabilities and inclusivity.”

There’s no shortage of projects at Miracle Field which can benefit from the donation. “We’re always making improvements,” Ron Kampff said. Right now, for example, plans are in motion to install stadium lights so athletes can hold night games. The cash might also help fund the many special events and sporting programs the organization runs all year long.

Kampff said he was especially grateful to Oktoberfest organizer Mike Spang for the opportunity to get the community involved and help bring attention to Miracle Field and its mission.

The Webster Oktoberfest benefited our community in so many ways. Not only did it bring another great festival to the Webster summer calendar (which I hope will become an annual event), it supported an incredibly worthy organization. It raised thousands of dollars for Miracle Field, but more importantly, people walked away from that festival knowing more about the life-changing opportunities the organization provides for children and adults with disabilities. Many thanks to Mike Spang, long-time organizer of the Irondequoit Oktoberfest, for bringing his experience and skills to Webster.

Cobblestone on Main is located at 109 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. Click here to visit their Facebook page.

Pictured above are (front row L-R) Evelyn Fonda, co-owner Sarah Bresnahan, Brenda Baleno, Ron Kampff, Mike Spang, Allie McLaurin; (back row) Tom Wright, Joe Baleno, Dan Bresnahan. Evelyn and Allie are Cobblestone employees. Brenda, Joe and Tom are regular customers who volunteered at the festival.

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

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 11/17/2022)

Barry’s Old School Irish celebrates 11 years

15 Nov

Do you remember this corner?

If you lived in Webster, say, 12 or 13 years ago, you might remember this unusual garden, complete with a mini-waterfall. It stood  at the the village’s four corners, welcoming visitors to our main business corridor. It adorned the storefront of the Living Plumber at 2 West Main St., and it stood for as long as I can remember.

That is, until the Living Plumber’s owner passed away, the village cleared it away, Danny and Jessica Barry moved in, and committed to turning that corner into something really special: a friendly little Irish pub.

For a long time now, it’s been clear to all of us that the Barrys have done that and so much more. With Barry’s Old School Irish, they’ve created a super-friendly, welcoming pub for the whole family. A place where you can set up your computer in the middle of the day to work while listening to musicians jamming in the corner. Where everyone who comes in is immediately considered part of the family.

Barry’s Old School Irish has not only changed that corner for the better, it has changed our village.

This weekend, on Saturday Nov. 19, Danny and Jessica Barry will celebrate their little pub’s 11th anniversary. The party begins at 7 p.m. with live music by Irish rocker Billy Herring, Jameson Irish Whiskey reps will be on hand all night with samples and giveaways, dancers from the Jamieson Irish Dance school will perform, some bagpipers will be stopping by, and the Official Toast (always an epic event) takes place at 9:30.

I’m pleased and proud to say I’ve been an extended member of the Barry’s Pub family since before they even opened, when I popped in to interview the new owners for this blog and took that iconic picture of them holding the sign that would soon adorn the outside of their pub. There were no pictures on the walls, no musicians in the corner, no cheeseburgers on the grill or soup in the pot. Just two young kids with a dream which they continue to expand upon every single day.

If you STILL haven’t stopped by this little Irish corner of the world, at 2 West Main Street right smack in the middle of the village, you’re missing something special.

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

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 11/11/2022)

White Christmas is now “Webster’s Winter Wonderland”

10 Nov

The Village of Webster’s White Christmas celebration is taking on a new name and a new ’round-the-world theme this year.

The day-long event, scheduled for Saturday Dec. 3, has been re-christened “Webster’s Winter Wonderland.” The Webster Business Improvement District (BID), which organizes the festival every year, has been working hard with the Webster CSD and the Webster PTSA to add a multicultural flavor to the very popular annual event.

All of the best parts of White Christmas are still planned, including Santa, festival wagon rides, carolers, the bell choir, and of course, the Parade of Lights. Veterans Memorial Park will once again be transformed into Santa’s Workshop with cookies, hot cocoa, storytime, crafts, and the jolly old elf himself visiting with children at the gazebo.

The exciting new twist on the festival, the ’round-the-world activities, will take place on East and West Main streets, which will be closed for the afternoon and evening. The BID is inviting our local business owners to each represent a different country and set up displays (either inside our outside) highlighting their chosen country’s winter holiday traditions. The displays might just be informational, or they might include crafts, take-away items, and even ethnic cuisine.

Several businesses have signed up already. For example, Mozzeroni’s Pizza will be representing Italy, Barry’s Old School Irish has chosen (you guessed it) Ireland, and Finn’s Garage will be showcasing Japan.

Details are still being hammered out, so stay tuned for those. But definitely put this on your calendar right now, because it’s going to be one of the best festivals of the Webster year.

Webster’s Winter Wonderland will take place on Saturday Dec. 3 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. in the Village of Webster. The incredible Parade of Lights, hosted by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept. (thank you WVFD!) begins at 6:30 p.m.

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

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 11/10/2022)

Small businesses: the backbone of our village

8 Nov

I was thinking about small-town life the other day.

As a relatively new Village of Webster resident, I’m still in that early-in-a-relationship, giddy phase when it comes to the simple pleasures of village life. Great restaurants and pubs are just a short walk away. Tons of special events and live music gigs are right around the corner. Neighbors come together around fire pits on warm summer nights. The streets sparkle with holiday lights every winter.

But as I thought more about it, and about what REALLY makes small-town life different and special, I kept coming back to one thing: our small businesses.

When I look down the Village of Webster’s main streets, one word that comes to mind is “charming.” And that’s not just because of the white twinkly lights in the trees (but they definitely help). It’s because of all of the small businesses that line the sidewalks.

Inside and out, our village’s small businesses are just downright cute. The owners take great pride in making their front window displays colorful and inviting, and on pleasant days many will even set up shop on the sidewalk. Inside, the variety of clothing, books, health and beauty products, crafts, toys and gift items is outstanding. And if you have a question about anything, chances are good it’s the owner who’ll be there with a smile to answer it.

So this year I’m making a pledge to shop local this holiday season, and give back to the small businesses that make our town and village so liveable.

I’m embarrassed to admit this is a new concept for me. Like many, I’m a big Walmart/Target/Kohl’s holiday shopper. But in recent years the gifts I’ve been finding in the big-box stores have gotten kind of … predictable. I need to get more creative.

So I’m going to shop small as much as possible this year. It doesn’t hurt that Webster has so many wonderful little stores with an impressive variety of gift ideas. I figure I’ll avoid the Black Friday shoppers, go out on Small Business Saturday, and get my entire list taken care of in one day. 

I hope you’ll join me. Even if (or especially if) you just need stocking presents, step into a small shop you’ve never been in before and I guarantee you’ll find something unique and perfect.

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

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 11/8/2022)

Wreaths Across America is approaching its goal

4 Nov

I know I’ve said this before, but we have one amazing community here in Webster.

Witness the response to the recent call for sponsorships for the first-ever Wreaths Across America initiative happening in December at Webster Union Cemetery.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. This year, the movement has reached Webster, where efforts are under way to place a wreath for each of the more than 650 veterans resting at Webster Union Cemetery.

That’s a very ambitious goal, especially for Webster’s first effort, and we’re not there yet. But organizers are confident they’ll get there before the wreaths are placed during the official Wreath Day ceremony on Dec. 17.

What’s amazing about the great number of wreaths sponsored so far is that most of them have been purchased by individuals. A handful of businesses have stepped up as sponsors but about three quarters of the wreaths have been purchased one at a time. That’s an incredible testament to the people of Webster, and how our community comes together for a meaningful cause.

And then there’s Jersey Mike’s Subs. Jersey Mike’s is not only one of the handful of businesses that have stepped up as sponsors, but is one of the top corporate donors to Wreaths Across America in the nation, having donated at least $100,000 to the cause.

Locally, that commitment is being demonstrated in a delicious way. Both local Jersey Mike’s locations in Webster (976 Ridge Rd.) and Victor (405 Commerce Drive) will reward YOU when you make a donation to Wreaths Across America.

Here’s what your donation will get you:

  • $1 donation = $1 off your next sub
  • $3 donation = free chip and drink with a purchase of a sub
  • $5 donation = buy one regular sub get one for free 

The gift cards are available through Nov. 13, and can be redeemed through Nov. 30.

So that’s one easy way you can support Webster’s Wreaths Across America effort. But plenty of wreaths are still available, so click here to go online to sponsor a wreath, or email WebsterWreaths@icloud.com to request a form. Sponsoring a wreath only costs $15, and $5 from every wreath sponsorship will go directly to the Blue Star Mothers, who will use the funds to prepare and ship care packages to deployed servicemen and women who don’t have access to everyday supplies. Sponsorship deadline is Monday, November 21.

Stay tuned for more news about Wreaths Across America at Webster Union Cemetery, especially for notification about when the wreaths will be delivered. Sometime in early December, an 18-wheeler will be arriving from Maine with police escort, and weave its way through town to the cemetery. Then, at noon on Saturday Dec. 17, community members will be invited to help place the wreaths on veterans’ headstones.

I’m sure our community will want to come together on that very meaningful day.

Keep up to date on all the latest announcements by “liking” the Wreaths Across America at Webster Union Cemetery Facebook page.

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

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 11/4/2022)

Village of Webster business news

3 Nov

There’s a lot to celebrate for some of our Village of Webster businesses, beginning this weekend at Lala of Webster.

Believe it or not, Lala is celebrating its fourth anniversary this Friday and Saturday Nov. 4 and 5. In the last four years, the shop has doubled in size, opened a sister store, Whimsies, right next door, and always seems to be busy. Every time I visit the shops there’s something new to look at, and I always find them a great place to find holiday gifts.

In celebration of the anniversary, both Lala and Whimsies will be hosting an open house on Friday and Saturday, and offer 30% off all items. Plus, they’ll be giving away a beautiful gift basket. Fill out the entry form you see here and make sure to bring it with you when you shop.

Lala’s is located at 38 East Main Street in Webster. (Click here to read the blog I wrote when Lala opened.)


Cassano Studio has expanded to a second location in East Rochester.

Cassano Studio, owned and operated by Chad Cassano, specializes in teaching voice and acting workshops to children and adults with disabilities. Chad has operated his Village of Webster-based studio for about four years, but just recently opened up a second studio at The Piano Works mall in East Rochester.

The new studio is double the size of his original space, has a blackbox theater, two recording booths and an additional podcasting room.

Chad writes that he chose The Piano Works specifically because of its historical significance. He also said, “I also wanted to network alongside people who are already working with people with special needs, which is definitely something I wanted to concentrate on.” Between the two studios, Chad now has more than 120 students.

Click here to read the blog I wrote about Cassano Studio earlier this year, including lots more about how Chad found his calling to help those with special needs find their voice.


The Village Quilt Shoppe, at 21 East Main, will host a Holiday Open House on Saturday Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.

There will be several demos, some great holiday gift ideas and the reveal of five new patterns, which will be featured in December’s upcoming classes. There’s no charge for the event, but Vanetta and Monique are asking that you register ahead of time. Give them a call at 585-626-6916, email them at thevillagequiltshoppe@gmail.com, or stop in and see them!

They’ll also be collecting non-perishable food items at the open house for Webster Community Chest, and will be collecting them all month.


Speaking of anniversaries, our village’s very own award-winning Irish pub, Barry’s Old School Irish, will celebrate its 11th anniversary with a huge party on Saturday Nov. 19, beginning at 7 p.m.

More details to come about that, but — as always — there will be live music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, giveaways all night, an official Irish whiskey toast, and more. You definitely want to put this one on your calendar right now, because it’s always a great time.


Cassano Studio has expanded to a second location in East Ro


Finally, I picked up this exciting news when I was wandering around the village during the Trick-or-Treat Trail.

M/Body fitness studio is opening up a new location in Webster. It will be offering cycling, barre, yoga, boxing, pilates, HIIT and more.

The new studio will be located at 44 East Main St., and plans are to be up and running later this month. Much more to come about that.

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

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 11/3/2022)