2,000 nights and it’s a wrap!

15 Sep

An every-evening tradition that has brought an entire neighborhood together for 2,000 nights straight is finally coming to an end.

Every evening since March 22, 2020 (and I mean EVERY evening), the residents of the Brooksboro neighborhood on Webster’s north side have been gathering at the end of Jack Turan’s driveway for a kind of happy hour, sharing a beverage, conversation and a few laughs. The tradition began just as the pandemic was shutting the world down and distancing us from our friends and family members.

The idea of being socially isolated from his neighbors did not sit well with Jack, so he did something about it. He grabbed a beverage, stood out at the end of his driveway and invited his neighbors to join him for some socially-distanced conversation.

That was more than five years ago, and every night since then, at least two people have participated in the nightly “Yak With Jack Happy Hour,” regardless of the weather or temperature. Usually it’s more like four or six. Every time they hit a major milestone — one year, 1,000 days, five years — they’d celebrate with a larger gathering, and someone would invariably wonder out loud when it would finally end. But it never did. Until last Friday night.

It was ultimately Jack’s idea to call it a wrap after 2,000 nights, and he’s feeling pretty good about his decision. It was difficult, sometimes, to make sure there were two people to make it officially count, so after a while it started to seem more like a duty than an opportunity.

When I asked him how it felt to be hosting his last happy hour, he said,

“I feel good. I feel like my daughter’s been living with me all through college, all through grad school, finally she says she’s getting married and going to move an hour away. I go ‘Sweetheart, I’ll see you, maybe once a month.’

But he has no regrets.

“We couldn’t have gotten to know our neighbors better than we have. We’ve lived here for 50 years, and all we really did (before) was wave at our neighbors. We really didn’t get to know them. This forced us to get to know each other. We’ve gone from being neighbors to being friends to being family.”

The every-evening-happy-hour tradition might be ending, but the close friendships it forged most definitely will not. Even last Friday night, there was already talk about how to keep the party going, even if it’s just a once-a-week gathering. One neighbor suggested everyone should “driveway hop.” Or maybe — just maybe — they’ll miss it so much that it will never end.

Whatever they decide, you can bet that night 2,000 will not be the last.

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(posted 9/15/2025)

Village of Webster welcomes Small Block Wine and Spirits

14 Sep

The Village of Webster finally has its own liquor store.

Small Block Wine and Spirits opened about two weeks ago at 205 North Ave., right off Rt. 104 between Pub 235 and Salvatore’s.

Opening the new shop was a two-year long process for owners Mario and Kailin Cristofori. Mario calls it their “little passion project,” a reflection of their love for wine and desire to share that love with the Village of Webster.

“I’m not a wine savant,” Mario admitted, but “we’ve been to Napa, to Sonoma, and I’ve been to Tuscany in Italy. … A lot of the things on these shelves are what we’ve had or from vineyards we’ve visited. I’ve probably tasted 75% of the wines that are here.”  

The new shop is small but mighty. When you walk in you might be surprised by the limited selection compared to the much larger liquor stores in our area. But that’s the way Mario likes it.

“We didn’t want to go for the typical liquor store footprint, where we have boxes lined up and really congest the (floor space),” he said. “We’re trying to keep it clean and simple and easy to find what you’re looking for, and have variety where at least everybody can find something in a jam.”

Which explains, in part, how they chose the name Small Block. They first heard the term several years ago when they were touring the Hess Persson Estates in Napa Valley. It was there they learned that a “small block” was “a little section of the vineyard that they block off for friends and family or is a very small vintage they don’t sell,” Mario explained. “They keep it for themselves. That’s kind of the vibe.”

Mario’s worked hard to stock his shelves with a little bit of everything, starting with a nice selection of wines from New York State, California, Oregon, Australia, France, Chile and Spain, including a line of organic wines, at prices ranging from $7.99 to $77.99. But there are also box wines; ready-to-drink seltzers, vodka iced tea, and vodka lemonade; chilled wines, Prosecco and champagne; and lots of spirits — bourbons, whiskeys, tequila, gin, Scotch and more.

“I won’t have everything for everybody,” Mario admits, but he does take suggestions if there’s something in particular you’d like him to carry. And since it’s the only liquor store in the Village of Webster, “it’s certainly a convenience for anybody who lives in the area. …I think there’s a big opportunity for anybody who lives east of here because the next liquor store to the east is eight miles. This is very convenient getting right off 250,” he added.

Mario and Kailin proved their commitment to the village just a week after they opened, when they took part in the Village of Webster’s Beer Walk, where they handed out samples of — well, wine, of course.

It won’t be the last time you’ll see them at special events. “As much as the village has, we’ll be involved,” Mario said, “in any and all events.”

Small Block Wine and Spirits is located at 205 North Ave., between Pub 235 and Salvatores. It’s open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, check out their Facebook page here. You can also call 585-236-1080.

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(posted 9/14/2025)

Play-a-Latte is officially open

13 Sep

Play-a-Latte, Webster’s new play café, officially opened to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Friday morning.

The new play café — located in Towne Center Plaza (Target Plaza) — offers families a bright, kid-friendly space where children can dive into imaginative play, and a coffeehouse vibe, where parents can sip, chat, unwind and catch up with friends while their kids explore.

The last time I was in the café, well before it was open, it was pretty much still an empty storefront. Co-founders (and sisters) Richelle Acker and Kristi Phillips tried to help me picture their vision of the final layout once they got everything set up, but until I walked in Friday morning, I still had little idea of how it would look.

In a word, it’s adorable.

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

The word is spreading quickly about Play-a-Latte. Shortly after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the café was buzzing with small children, who were offering haircuts at Richelle’s Hair Salon, scooping ice cream, parking cars at Chase’s Garage, and serving up treats at Kristi’s Cafe.

Mary Mungovan-Moss knew it would probably be busy, so she got to the café early with her 18-month old son James. She’d only found out about it a few days ago, and it didn’t take her long to check it out.

“We were super excited,” she said. “We were hoping for something like this in Webster so that we can take him somewhere to play while his sister’s at school, and be able to play with kids that are not just his sister.”

The 90-minute time slot she’d registered for was “the perfect time for this age,” she added. “Play with everything, get tired and go.”

Play-a-Latte located at the southwest corner of Towne Center Plaza (Target Plaza), 1028 Ridge Rd., next to Cold Stone. It’s open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Birthday party reservations are available after hours every day. Registrations are strongly recommended, because it’s gonna get busy and you don’t want to be turned away. Click here to make yours.

Find out more on their website here, Facebook page here and Instagram (playalatte_playcafe).

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(posted 9/13/2025)

Returns for a Reason makes every bottle and can count

12 Sep

A young Village of Webster boy is making the world a better place, one returnable at a time.

Pierson Farina — not quite 11 years old — has been collecting returnable bottles and cans for a long time, often snagging them out of his neighbors’ recycle bins. At first it was just a way to get a little spending cash and maybe build up his savings. But about three months ago, he decided to double down on his efforts and start putting those nickels to better use.

He established Returns for a Reason, which he describes as “a weekly returnable drop-off and pick-up.” He first decided what organizations he wanted to support: St. Rita School, Spry Middle School, G.R.A.S.P. Animal Rescue, Lollypop Farm, Webster NY Hope and the Webster Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD). Then he made up some flyers and started distributing them to all of his neighbors.

His plan is to make a donation every time he collects $100. In the first three months since he began Returns for a Reason, he’d already reached his first $100 goal. He chose the WVFD by random as the first beneficiary; “I put my finger on (the list) and it landed on the fire department,” he said.

Last Monday, Pierson was invited to the fire station, where he was greeted by Chief Brian Smith, who accepted the donation check. He told Pierson, “That is awesome. That work is truly inspiring. You share the same commitment for the community that the fellow firefighters do, so we definitely appreciate it.”

Justin Ientilucci, president of the Firemen’s Association, was also on hand. As a thank-you, Ientilucci presented Pierson with some “swag” — t-shirts and a cap — telling him, “The world should be filled with a lot more people like you, because a lot of people wouldn’t do things like this, especially at 11 years old.”  

Pierson was also rewarded with a front-row seat on a fire truck for a ride through the village. (You might have heard him sounding the horn.)  

Returns for a Reason is just the most recent example of Pierson’s entrepreneurial spirit. He was only 6 or 7 years old when he started a garbage can toting and cleaning service for his neighbors, a business he’s still running.

“We’ve had discussions about money,” his mother Cathy said. “How it’s good to make money, good to save money and good to help others, too. I think he’s kind of got that mindset that people need help.”

Pierson is well on his way to raising his second $100, which he’s planning to donate to Lollypop Farm. “I’m pretty sure I’m halfway there,” he said. If you want to help out, stash your returnables in your car, and the next time you’re in the village, drive down Dunning Ave. and look for the bin with the Returnables for a Reason flyer attached to the front!

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

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(posted 9/10/2025)

Knights of Columbus launch 2025 Coats for Kids campaign

11 Sep

Summer’s not quite over, and we don’t REALLY want to think about the cold winter ahead yet, but it’ll be here before we know it. And right now is definitely the time to start thinking about helping the families — and especially the children — who can’t afford enough warm clothes. The Webster Knights of Columbus Trinity Council #4618 is already doing that, as they gear up for their 14th annual “Coats for Kids” fund raiser.

The annual drive runs through September, October and the first week of November. Over the past 13 years, through Coats for Kids, the Webster KofC has raised enough money to purchase and distribute more than 4,100 NEW winter coats to children in Monroe and Wayne counties, distributed through more than 25 charitable organizations, schools and churches throughout Webster and Greater Rochester. PLUS, in the last two years they’ve also handed out 288 pairs of sneakers.

Those incredible numbers have been made possible by generous donations from individuals, businesses and community organizations. This year, once again, they’re hoping the greater Webster community will step up and help them spread their reach even further.

Each new coat costs $25 and each new pair of sneakers $21. If you can help by making a donation, please make a check payable to Knights of Columbus #4618 and send it to:

“Coats for Kids”
c/o J. Stewart Coon, Chairman
230 Champion Ave.
Webster, New York 14580-3464

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(posted 9/11/2025)

Good news from the Arboretum and the Hojack

10 Sep

I got some email updates recently about two beloved Webster attractions that are back in action after undergoing some much-needed repairs.

First, the newly reconstructed Robert and Carroll Manning Bridge at the Webster Arboretum was officially welcomed back Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It took several months to complete the work, and strong support from the Webster community helped make it happen. Back in July the Arboretum set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the estimated $12,000 needed to reconstruct it. That effort collected more than $6,000 alone, and the donations are still coming in. The folks at the Arboretum are incredibly grateful for that support.

Wendy Mendola from the Arboretum wrote,

Constructed in 2017, the Carol Manning bridge has become an essential part of the community landscape. In addition to its aesthetic value, the bridge holds significant symbolic importance to the arboretum, having been funded by community contributions and named to honor two long-term benefactors. For the volunteers who maintain the arboretum, the bridge is regarded as a key emblem of Webster, extending beyond its function as a physical structure.

The bridge holds considerable importance for both the Webster Arboretum and the surrounding community, serving as a notable location for photographs during weddings and other events. It is possible that images of the bridge are displayed in homes throughout the area.

Several local dignitaries attended Wednesday’s ceremony, including Arboretum Board president Carole Huther, Webster Chamber of Commerce President Barry Howard, Webster Town Board Deputy Supervisor Patty Cataldi and New York State Senator Samra Brouk.

I also got notice from the Friends of Webster Trails that the work they’ve been doing on the Hojack Trail is finally done.

The Friends wrote,

Temporary orange barriers at road crossings are in place, and the trail is open to walkers, runners, hikers, and bikers. The new surface is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, as well. As always, no motorized vehicles. Up next, FWT will be adding more benches and new signage, access gates, and plantings, with that work to be completed over the next several months.

Friends of Webster Trails couldn’t have done this project without the grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Funds and matching funds from a generous anonymous community member.

Click here to read more about the grant and the enhancements.

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

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(posted 9/10/2025)

Webster community mailbag

9 Sep

We’re going to start today’s mailbag with a look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month.

  • Some beautiful music is in store on Friday, Sept. 12 when the Gold & Ivory Flute Duet performs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. They play flute and piano music in styles ranging from the classical era to American pop. Registration is required.
  • This month’s community collection is picture frames. If you’ve got some you really don’t want, and could use a few others, bring them by the library and swap them out.
  • September’s Donation Station is accepting diapers to be donated to Webster NY Hope.
  • Family Fun Night on Monday, Sept. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. will celebrate the start of Star Wars Reads Month in October with Star Wars-themed crafts and activities. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will be a Play-Doh Play Morning. It’s National Play-Doh Day, so stop by for a morning of creativity and fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • This month’s Drop-in Crafts will be autumn-themed. Stop in Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make something fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Children in grades 4 to 12 and adults are invited to Make it Monday on Sept. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month the craft night features Perler Bead Bookmarks. Registration is required.
  • The next meeting of the Teen Library Club is Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Teens in grades 6 to 12 who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys and hanging out with your friends are encouraged to join. Click here to register.

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The Village of Webster’s annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony will be held Thursday Sept. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 28 North Ave. This is always a very nice ceremony, and will feature patriotic music by the Webster Village Band.

On Saturday Sept. 13 the Village of Webster will host a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Drive.

This free event will showcase many health-related businesses and professionals in our area. Learn more about all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health.

Also on Saturday Sept. 13, the Village will host a free shredding event from 11 a.m. in the Lattimore Physical Therapy parking lot.

This is a drive-through event, accepting paper only (staples do not need to be removed). Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags, with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Click here for more information about the health fair and shredding event.

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Also on Saturday, Sept. 13, there’s a pharmaceutical collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastway Wegmans, 1955 Empire Blvd.

Accepted Items include:

  • pills and liquid medications
  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medications
  • empty medicine bottles
  • ointments and creams
  • sprays and inhalers
  • EpiPens, sharps and syringes

Syringes/sharps must be in approved sharps containers or sturdy alternatives (two liter plastic bottles, rugged laundry soap bottles, etc.). All containers should be capped and labeled “SHARPS”.

Appointments are not required for this drive-up pharmaceutical event.

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There’s also a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 7:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Webster Highway Dept., 1005 Picture Parkway.

Residents may properly dispose of up to thirty (30) gallons of chemicals, such as paint, automotive fluids, fertilizers, household cleaners, and pool chemicals at no charge.

Registration is REQUIRED. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

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The United Church of Christ on Klem Rd. is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

The performance will be held at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately after the performance. A CD of the readings and music will also be made available at the event. Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

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St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

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Looking ahead to October, the Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

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

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(posted 9/9/2025)

There’s new stuff at this year’s Mud Run

7 Sep

Hey Mud Run fans, I just got an update from the Webster Recreation Center about this year’s event, and there are some fun changes in store.

For starters, runners do NOT have to sign up for a specific time slot this year. Once you’re registered (here), you can show up any time between 10 and 11:30 a.m. to go through the course (several times, if you’d like!), then enjoy the rest of the festivities.

When you complete the course, you’ll enjoy fried cakes from Herman’s (yum) and apples from Schutt’s. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the informational tables of these vendors and organizations who’ll be there:

  • Webster Library
  • Align Integrative Wellness
  • MVP Healthcare
  • Webster Thomas Cheer Club
  • Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Rochester
  • 3 B’s Beverages (who will be selling beverages)
  • MVPT  (Physical Therapy)
  • Diamond Collision
  • Webster Police Department
  • Webster Fire Department 

If you’ve never done the Mud Run, you should consider doing so. It’s a hugely fun family event that encourages kids and adults alike to get sloppy and muddy (and you KNOW how much the kids will enjoy that). It’s an easy one mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there’ll be a few challenging obstacles (which you can go around if you like).

It takes place on Saturday Sept. 20 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. It only costs $5 per person. Please register in advance so they know how many people to expect. Look for program #301202. Or you can call (585) 872-7103.

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

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(posted 9/7/2025)

Webster Museum Vintage Sale returns

6 Sep

I’ve had several readers ask me about the annual Webster Museum Barn Sale, which usually takes place the same week as the NY Hope Garage Sale. But there was no sale last year, and it was sorely missed. So I’m happy to report that the Barn Sale is back for 2025!

Sort of.

Actually, this year’s sale will be a collaboration between the Webster Museum, who will fill one barn with vintage items, and a huge Estate Sale hosted by Jan and Phil Naujokas, who will fill the other barns with many other treasures. The sale will be held Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11, 12 and 13, on the same Phillips Rd. property and in the same barns as always, which are owned by the Naujokas family.

Among the museum items for sale will include old high chairs, cranberry glasses, old newspapers and tools, treasures from past barn sales, some vintage pieces donated by museum volunteers, and many other unique items. Funds raised from any of those items will benefit the museum.

The Estate Sale and Vintage Museum Sale will be held on Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11, 12 and 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 394 Phillips Rd. It’s worth stopping by just to see the historic property and its old barns. Picking up some bargains and historic treasures would be pretty cool, too.

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(posted 9/6/2025)

Checking in with the Garlic Festival

6 Sep

Just a quick bonus blog this afternoon to report on my time this morning at the Webster Garlic Festival.

There are so many things going on this weekend, it’s hard to figure out how to fit them all in, but I definitely recommend you get yourself down to the Webster Recreation Center today (until 5 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), because so much is going on. Like LOTS of food trucks, more than 150 vendors of all kinds (not just garlic), alpacas, balloon art for the kids and so much more.

Plus, you’re almost guaranteed to run across some friend or neighbor, because even this morning, when it was spitty rain, the place was packed. I got there in time to see the opening ceremonies, when Supervisor Tom Flaherty “crowned” the King and Queen of the Garlic Festival, and then I wandered around for a good 90 minutes just checking out all the booths (which filled the gymnasium, the community room and the huge side field) and chatting with people.

It’s only $5 and it benefits some really good causes. Unless you need handicapped parking — for which the entire front lot is reserved — they’ll ask you to park across the street at the Xerox lot, but it’s a short walk to the Rec Center from there or take a shuttle bus, which run frequently.

Here is a whole gallery of photos from today.

P.S. If you’re doing the Beer Walk in the village today, see you there!

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(posted 9/6/2025)