Don’t miss this holiday light display

10 Dec

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If you and your family like traveling around the neighborhoods during the holidays to see the different Christmas light displays, read on, because I want to tell you about one that you shouldn’t miss.

It’s at the home of Charlie and Cora Venishel, 100 Henderson Drive in Penfield (across from the library and Penfield Recreation Center).  For years, in addition to an incredible front and back-yard light display, the Venishels hosted a magical Christmas town inside their home, with a gingerbread house toy shop, miniature villages, hundreds of nutcrackers, electric trains, exquisitely decorated dining rooms, and more. For a small donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, families could enjoy the front yard decorations, tour the village, then wander out into the backyard where thousands more lights twinkled. (Click here to read the D&C column I wrote about it.)

The couple hosted the event for ten years, raising more than $30,000 for Ronald McDonald House. After the 2015 season, they decided to hand off the villages to their children. But they’ve continued to set up their amazing front yard display in the years since, and have added something new every year.

Visitors will see all varieties of Christmas trees, trumpeting angels, icicles, lighted walkways, huge “Season’s Greetings” sign on the roof, Santa’s mailbox, and an Ice Princess’ castle, all illuminated with somewhere around 25,000 twinkling lights. There are also giant candy canes and life-sized snowman, and an antique, refurbished sleigh with Santa and Mrs. Claus, led by eight reindeer (and Rudolph, of course).

Like many private home Christmas light displays, the effect is breathtaking. But what’s different is the Venishels’ continued commitment to helping others. They’re encouraging visitors to help them raise money for AutismUp, a local organization dedicated to supporting those with autism spectrum disorder. They’ve put a mailbox at the end of the driveway for anyone who might like to drop in a dollar or two for the cause.

So make sure to stop by the Venishels’ display, 100 Henderson Drive. Park for a bit and actually wander down the sidewalk to the Ice Princess’ castle. Then tuck a few bucks into the mailbox before you leave. It’s a great way to share the joy and love of the holiday season.

 

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Another anniversary in the village

6 Dec

ploty'sHot on the heels of the anniversary blog about Yesterday’s Muse which posted on Tuesday, here’s more news about yet another anniversary being celebrated in the village this week.

Ploty’s Hometown Tavern turns one year old this week, and owner Eric Plotzger has a pretty exciting anniversary celebration planned for Saturday.

Ploty’s is located at  27 West Main Street, on the lower level of shops behind The Coach and Mozzeroni’s. You may remember The Vino Lounge being there for a few years.

I met Eric the first time at a table he’d set up on Main Street during 2017’s Halloween in the Village. His new pub wasn’t even open yet, but he had a big “coming soon” sign and was handing out beer cozies. It was just after Christmas that I made arrangements to visit the newly opened tavern and meet Eric and his wife Kourtney. Here’s the blog I wrote introducing Ploty’s to the village.

Ploty’s has since become my second-favorite pub in the Village of Webster (y’all know what my favorite pub is). The people are always friendly, the service is fast, there’s a nice selection of reasonably priced beers, the bar snacks are top-notch and there are a lot of sports on the TVs, if you’re into that.

Ploty’s anniversary celebration takes place this Saturday Dec. 8. It’s officially Pajama Night, so everyone is invited to wear their finest (appropriate) PJs. Amanda Ashley will provide live entertainment beginning at 8 p.m., there will be giveaways, drink specials and a cake to celebrate both the anniversary AND Eric’s 41st birthday.  Check out their Facebook page for more details.

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Yesterday’s Muse turns 10

5 Dec

One of my favorite village businesses is turning ten years old this month, and they’re planning a big celebration to mark the occasion.

Yesterday’s Muse, purveyors of used, rare and collectible books, opened the day of the 2008 White Christmas in the Village. I was thoroughly charmed and impressed by this little shop from the first day I walk through the doors later that month met the owner, Jonathan Smalter.  The reading nerd in me geeked out at the large, well-organized and attractively priced collection of used books.

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Since that day, Jonathan has continued to grow his impressive collection of first editions, signed editions, and rare volumes, along with the more “mundane” used books more in line with my interest and price range. He has also continued to be very involved in our community, always participating in village special events like White Christmas and the Trick or Treat Trail.

But the best change of all was when Jonathan married Kristine.

On his website, Jonathan reflected on the last ten years, writing:

Ten years. In a way it seems like it came and went in a flash; in other ways, I feel like the shop has been a part of my life forever. I want to thank everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, and guided me along the way.

My reliable staff members, Robert and Holly, deserve a hearty thank you for their hard work and dedication. My wonderful wife, Kristine, deserves an abundance of credit for putting up with the demands running a small business has put on me over the years, and for teaching me to how to keep smiling, and how to be patient on those inevitable days of frustration. She even took the time to commission a painting of the shop, which now hangs on the wall here as a reminder of how far we have come together.

Without you loyal customers, my faithful friends, and supportive family members, not only would doing this not be possible, it would not be worth it. I am proud to be a part of this community, and hope to remain one for a long time. I hope you will all continue to be a part of the shop’s story.

And now, on to the details of the celebration.

Yesterday’s Muse’s 10th Anniversary Open House will be held Saturday Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. 6 p.m. There will be refreshments, a raffle, and all items priced $10 or less will be buy-one-get-one-free. Larger purchases will also be discounted through Dec. 14, including $10 off purchases $40 and over, and $25 off purchases $100 and over.

Other sales will also be in effect through the month of December. For details, sign up for the shop’s monthly newsletter on the Yesterday’s Muse website. 

Yesterday’s Muse is located at 32 W. Main Street in the Village of Webster.

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Christmas trees galore, thanks to the Webster Museum

4 Dec
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A look at the raffle prizes you can still win at the Webster Museum this week. 

Late yesterday afternoon after I got home from work, I got a very nice phone call from Amy at the Webster Museum. She told me that I had won one of the two Christmas trees that the museum was offering as part of their annual holiday raffle.

I had entered the raffle when I stopped by the museum during White Christmas in the Village on Saturday. So many gorgeous raffle prizes were piled on a table in the museum’s main room, but I was set on winning one of the fat Christmas trees which stood near the front entrance. After all, with the price of cut-your-own trees these days, combined with the hassle of slogging through the mud and snow to get one, I considered the $5 I plunked down for the raffle a good bet.

Turns out it was a very wise investment.

I tell you this story mostly because I want to give a public shout-out and thank you to the Webster Museum for not only hosting the raffle, but also delivering the tree to my door within an hour of when they called. Also, I want to thank Woody Acres in Penfield for donating the tree, and supporting our museum.

The raffle, by the way, is still going on this week. Even if the two trees are gone, there are still plenty of incredible raffle prizes to be won. Cost is just $5 for three entries, which will be accepted through the end of this week.

And while you’re there, make sure to check out the museum’s Festival of Trees. This annual event features adorable little 4-foot tall trees set up throughout the museum, each of which has been adopted and decorated by an individual, family or local organization. I snapped a few photos when I was there to give you an idea of what you’ll find (check out the slideshow below), but you really have to see them all for yourself.

Plus, you have to vote, Serious bragging rights are on the line for the most creative tree.  Votes are being taken through the end of the month.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 585-265-3308 for more information.

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Photos from White Christmas in the Village

2 Dec

IMG_0015Once again we didn’t have a whole lot of white for Webster’s White Christmas in the Village. But I’ll wager that the thousands who came into town for the cookies, wagon rides, caroling and visits with Santa appreciated the unusually warm temperatures.

We could have done without the light rain, though, which began just as the parade started.

Still, it was another successful event. The village looked beautiful, the businesses were all decked out in their holiday finery, and several who remained open throughout the afternoon benefited from a steady flow of holiday shoppers.

Of course I took a lot of photos. Many of them didn’t come out very well because of the low light and wet conditions, but I hope you enjoy what I did manage to get:

Click here to see the gallery. 

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Two holiday events to start the season

1 Dec
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At St. Martin last night, this young lady had to make sure her letter to Santa was placed in his mailbox before visiting with him. 

Happy December!

There are so many holiday events on the calendar over the next few weeks. This weekend is a particularly busy one, with the White Christmas in the Village celebration today leading the list.

I can’t make it to every one, but I did catch a few community parties last night at St. Martin Lutheran Church and Plank Rd. North Elementary School.

St. Martin’s annual Christmas party is terrific. And it’s always the first place every Christmas season that I get to see Santa. The church’s community room is nicely decorated, the volunteers are dressed like elves, there’s free pizza and cookies, and the Girl Scouts run games for the children.

I was really impressed how volunteers were taking beautiful photos of children with Santa, then immediately running them off on a color printer for parents to take home with them. What a treasure.

Here’s a little video of photos from the evening:

Plank North’s Share the Season is always fun as well. There’s caroling around the piano, Christmas cookies to be frosted and sprinkled, and lots of holiday crafts — ornaments and wreaths — which kids and adults make to be donated to different community agencies.

Here are some photos from last night:

I’ll be walking around with my camera all afternoon today, and definitely during the parade of lights tonight. Hope to see you all!

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Webster community mailbag

30 Nov

Here’s a quick note from the Webster Fire Department: When you’re in town this Saturday, Dec. 1 for the White Christmas in the Village celebration, remember to bring a jacknew, unwrapped toy for the JACK Foundation Toy Drive.

All donations can be dropped off at the fire house, 35 South Avenue, and all the toys will be distributed to local charities.

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The Webster Lions Club will host their annual FREE Pancake Breakfast with Santa this Sunday, December 2.

Breakfast will be served at Webster East Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd., from 8 a.m. to noon. It includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, English muffins, hot and cold beverages, raffles, prizes, gift certificates and (of course) a visit from Santa.

There’s no charge, but donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit Santa’s Workshop, One Soldier at a Time and other Lions Club charities.

For more information, visit the Lions Club website here.

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Here’s a nice story from our schools.

Five Webster Thomas High School art students have brightened Rochester General Hospital’s Lipson Cancer Institute by creating landscape murals for the center’s infusion room.

A new Center for Critical Care is being built at Rochester General Hospital and as part of the project, the windows of the infusion room at Lipson have been boarded up — and will be for two to three years — leaving the room devoid of outside light.

The Lipson Cancer Center reached out to Webster Thomas art teacher Todd Stahl inquiring about painting a mural that could cover the windows. Students Quinn Bartusek, Delaney David, Sarah Postigo, Olivia Meynadasy, and Alexandra Steve answered the call. All are members of the school’s art club, who worked throughout last school year to create a five-panel nature themed mural. The finished mural was delivered in October, and on November 21, a few of the artists and their teacher visited the infusion room to see the mural and meet some of the patients.

Art Students

Webster Thomas art students with a patient at the Lipson Cancer Institute. (provided)

Finally, since December is just around the corner, here’s a look at some of the programs the Webster Public Library has in store for in next several weeks:

  • LuLaRoe Pop-Up Boutique, Saturday Dec. 8, from noon to 2 p.m. This is a good chance to get a head start on your holiday shopping, and proceeds will benefit the library.
  • Webermusic Interactive Family Concert, Saturday Dec. 15 from 2 to 3 p.m, featuring  husband and wife duo Gerard and Jeanne Weber. The holiday show will includes a mix of holiday (religious and secular) as well as popular tunes from multiple eras. Kids and adults will be invited to play along with shakers and bells.
  • Make Your Own Snow Globes, Wednesday Dec. 16, 3:30 to 5 p.m. A great after-Christmas activity for the whole family. All ages are welcome, and registration is required.
  • And save the date for the library’s Night at Hogwarts, Saturday Jan. 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The night of magical fun will include crafts, activities, music, refreshments, live animals, fortune telling, potions, Quidditch, and more! Tickets are $2 for youth (2-17), $4 for adults. They’re available at the library beginning January 10.

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If you love honey (and beeswax), you’ll love the village’s newest shop

29 Nov
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The North Bee is located at 27 North Ave. 

The Village of Webster just keeps getting better.

Hot on the heels of two brand new shops opening up within the last few weeks, a third has joined the village’s small business ranks. It’s The North Bee, located at 27 North Avenue.

The North Bee is owned by Amy Stringer, a long-time Ontario resident. Amy has been a beekeeper for about three years and loves pretty much everything about bees. That includes honey, of course, but more than that, it also includes something you might not expect: beeswax.

Until you visit The North Bee, you probably really don’t have any idea how many things can be made from beeswax. When she started beekeeping, Amy didn’t know much about the stuff either, but really didn’t like the idea of throwing out all the wax her bees produced.

“At the end of my first season I had honey that I had extracted, and I had all this wax left

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Owner Amy Stringer with her tree full of beeswax ornaments

over that I didn’t know what to do with. So I came up with the idea to make ornaments and a hard lotion bar.” She gave them for Christmas gifts, sold them to friends at work, and then branched out even further by setting up a booth at the Purple Painted Lady Art Festival in Palmyra.  

She also started going into nursery schools to share her knowledge about bees and beekeeping with children. Somewhere along the way she started dreaming about having her own place where she could make and sell her products, and have a place for kids to come in and learn. 

The North Bee is the answer to that dream. Inside, shoppers will find honey, of course. But there’s also a surprising variety of products made from or with beeswax, including wax rounds, beard balms, mini planters, vases and cups, small sculptures, and body products.

Nor did Amy forget about how much she loves to work with kids. She’s created a separate room just for them, which she calls “beekeeper central.” There, kids can play a bee game, maybe try on a beekeeping suit, and examine a demonstration hive (without the bees). She hopes to start offering classes soon, where children can learn about bees and how honey is made, inspect a hive, try to find the queen, and see a real smoker in action.

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Amy introduces her bee friend to a young customer. 

What I particularly like about The North Bee is that it’s so unique. I can’t think of anywhere else you can get beeswax ornaments or mini-planters made entirely from beeswax. It’s the perfect place to find unusual gifts for those difficult-to-buy-for family members and friends.

I’ve already been there once. I stopped  by on Small Business Saturday when they first opened. I’m pretty sure, though, that I’m going to be back.

The North Bee is located at 27 North Ave., right at the entrance to the community parking lot across from the gazebo. There are three spaces in front of the shop, and plenty of parking in the adjacent community lot.

Click here to visit them on Facebook, or email Thenorthbee@gmail.com.

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White Christmas in the Village is this weekend

26 Nov

OK folks, now that Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to get down to some real holiday celebrating. And it starts this weekend with the Village of Webster’s White Christmas.

fire truck

This annual festival, which takes place this year on Saturday Dec. 1, features horse-drawn wagon rides, a bounce house, cookie decorating, storytelling, carolers, Santa (of course), and the always very popular Electric Parade.

Everything begins at 3 p.m. with activities for adults and children throughout the village. The official schedule looks like this:

3 to 6 p.m. — Horse-drawn wagon rides through the village
3 to 6 p.m. — Bounce House on Main Street
4 to 5:45 p.m. — Santa Claus at the Village Hall
4 p.m. — Storytelling at Yesterday’s Muse Book Store
4 p.m. — Cookie decorating
4:30 p.m. — Rochester Rhapsody Carolers
5 p.m. — Church of the Good Shepherd Chime Bell Choir on Main Street

And do not forget to stop by the Webster Museum that afternoon as well to check out — and vote for — some beautiful miniature Christmas trees.

santaThe Electric Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Phillips Road and head west down Main Street. This spectacular parade features fire engines, floats and marching bands, all draped in thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. You’ll definitely want to bring the kids, but dress warm, and pack a thermos of hot chocolate, because this is a pretty long parade. Fireworks will follow the parade at 8:15.

(Click here to see a gallery of photos from last year’s White Christmas celebration.)

By the way, don’t forget to start out that morning with a hot breakfast, served up by the Chorus of the Genesee.

The Chorus will be hosting their third annual Breakfast with Santa, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main Street in Webster.

Breakfast will be cooked and served, music will be provided by the Chorus of the Genesee, and of course, Santa will be there! Tickets are just $5 each, with a maximum of $20 per family. To purchase a photo with Santa is just $20.

For more information or to make reservations, call (585) 265-9540.

This is a good chance to visit with Santa before everyone else descends on him when he’s at Village Hall later in the day.

AND BY THE WAY …

When you’re in the village this weekend, make sure to visit some of our village businesses and knock off some Christmas shopping. Two brand new stores opened recently on East Main Street, The Pickled Paintbrush and Lala: Laugh and Love, Always.  And on Saturday a third new business came to town, The North Bee on North Ave. This cute shop offers local honey and hand-crafted items made from beeswax. I’ll be blogging more about them later this week, so stay tuned!

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Rec Cross has announced a severe need for blood. Here’s how you can help

24 Nov

You have an opportunity TODAY to honor a life ended too soon, while helping to save others.

A blood drive being held today (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School honors the memory of Schroeder graduate Colin Montesano, who passed away suddenly last year at just 21 years old.

colinColin had wanted to dedicate his life to helping others by becoming a physician and studied at the University of Pittsburgh. He was also an active community volunteer and talented athlete.

Here are the details of today’s drive:

Blood Drive in honor of Colin Montesano
Saturday, November 24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Webster Schroeder High School
875 Ridge Road, Webster. Walk-ins are welcome.

Aside from this being a great thing to do in Colin’s memory, this is also a critical time of year for blood donations. Donations decline significantly from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day as people get busy with holiday activities, so the Red Cross really needs your help.

If you can’t make today’s drive, here are several other local opportunities coming up in the next several weeks:

  • Fairport/Webster Elks Lodge, 1066 Jackson Rd., Webster: Thursday Nov. 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.
  • St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., Webster: Tuesday Dec. 11 from 1 to 6 p.m.
  • Webster Knights of Columbus, 70 Barrett Drive: Wednesday Dec. 12 from 1 to 7 pm.
  • Kent Park Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd., Webster: Thursday Dec. 20 from 2 to 7 p.m.
  • Visiting Nurse Service, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster: Friday Dec. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Dunkin Donuts, 2100 Empire Blvd., Webster: Sat. Dec. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd.: Friday Dec. 21 from 1 to 6 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged (and help you get in and out a little faster). Call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or log onto RedCrossBlood.org.

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