Caraglio’s Pizza is coming to the Village of Webster

25 Jul

It’s been a long time, but the former Music Store at 18 East Main Street in the Village of Webster will soon have a new tenant: Caraglio’s Pizza.

Owner Tony Caraglio opened his first pizzeria 20 years ago, and now has seven locations in Fairport, Ontario, Gates, Greece, Hilton, and on Empire Blvd. in Webster. As a Webster resident, Tony says he’s been trying to find a location on the east side of town for about five years, and is excited about moving into the old, long-vacant Music Store.

It’s still early in the planning stages, but Tony expects to devote most of the building’s 3000-sq. ft. floor space to the kitchen and serving counter, while leaving plenty of room for restrooms and indoor seating. And he loves the “three huge windows” in front to entice people who walk along Main St.

“Being in the Webster village is very cool,” he said.

Turning the former Music Store into a pizzeria is taking longer and requiring a lot more work than expected, however.

“We were originally shooting (to open in) November, but that may not be doable,” Tony said. “When we take one step, when we try to look at something, sometimes we find something else we have to address first.”

Many of the challenges can be attributed to the fact the building is 130 years old. But that’s also made for some rather interesting discoveries. Like a newspaper from Nov. 15, 1892, which was stuffed into the wall for insulation.

“As we find stuff, we’re holding on to it,” Tony said, “and will be donating artifacts to the museum.” Those artifacts will help the museum track the history of what Tony affectionately calls “this old goat of a building.”

Work on the building is continuing apace, but it’s going to take a while longer. Because, Tony said, “I want to do it right the first time.”

Stay tuned for more updates about the new Caraglio’s Pizza coming to 18 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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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 7/25/2024)

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Waterfront Art Festival, village events on tap this weekend

24 Jul

The 51st annual Waterfront Art Festival returns to Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) this weekend, Saturday and Sunday July 27 and 28, with lots of great art, entertainment and food.

The Waterfront Art Festival quickly became a highlight of the Webster summer event scene when it moved here from Canandaigua almost ten years ago. For anyone who appreciates fine art and quality crafts, this is a must-see event. Dozens of artisan booths line the park’s scenic and shaded walkways, displaying an incredible variety of hand-made items in all price ranges.

What’s really nice about this particular festival is that all of the artisans’ work is juried beforehand, which is why it’s all so different and high-quality. Plus there are food trucks, live music, demonstrations, a wine, beer and cider-tasting tent, several food and drink vendors, plenty of free parking right on the grounds, and a handicapped parking area. You can even bring your own cooler and your own chairs into the festival.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Charles Sexton Memorial Park, off of Rt. 104 between Rt. 250 and Holt Road (take the Rt. 250 exit off Rt. 104). 

Admission is only $5, no charge for kids 12 and under. For more information, including a list of artisans and entertainers, click here for the Waterfront Art Festival website and here for their Facebook page.

Music and games in the Village of Webster

The Village of Webster has cooked up some great family-friendly events this weekend as well.

The Red Hot and Blue Band  brings Americana to the Gazebo Park on Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. The band plays Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and much more. Bring your chairs, blankets and refreshments and sing along with some favorite tunes. Admission is free.

By the way, next Friday Aug. 2, Escape Terrain takes the gazebo stage, described on the Webster BID website as “an inventive, uniquely versatile jazz fusion band, featuring jazz guitarist Ryan Johnson.”

The village’s next Family Games Night & Beer Garden is this Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.
on West Main Street in the Village.  

There’ll be tons for kids (and adults) to do, including sidewalk chalk art, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four and Cornhole. DJ Chad Cassano will provide music for the evening.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/24/2024)

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Two great Chamber networking events coming up soon

23 Jul

If you own a business and are not yet a member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, you’re really missing out on a great way to help your business grow. Two events taking place in the next few weeks are your next opportunities to get to know the Chamber better and find out how the organization can support your business.

The first is the monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, this Friday July 26 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. These meetings are usually held at the Webster Recreation Center, but this month is a special treat: the meeting will be held at First Responders Park, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, which is basically next door to the Rec Center.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Chamber staff and members. Enjoy coffee, tea and juice while you network with dozens of other local business owners. (Anywhere from 70 to 90 companies are represented at these events.) A buffet breakfast will be served at 7:30, and you’ll sit with other Chamber members to get to know them and their businesses even better. And there’s always an informative speaker. This month, Beth Parry from Wellness 360 will present a talk about “the importance of incorporating stress reduction techniques and movement into your business practice.”

Before the end of breakfast, during pass-the-mic time, everyone attending gets to introduce themselves. Then there are DOOR PRIZES! (Bring a door prize when you come and you’ll get even more recognition at the meeting and on the Chamber website.)

Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is Tuesday Aug. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Whelpley & Paul, 950 Ridge Rd.

Eat Drink & Connect events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities for visitors to get to know the Webster Chamber and its members. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for the raffle, and even donate a raffle prize to earn more visibility for you and your organization.

There’s no cost for this event, but reservations are required.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/23/2024)

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‘Twas a beautiful day for a parade

21 Jul

I’ve marched in Rochester’s Pride Parade for several years, but I can’t remember the weather and temperatures being more ideal than they were yesterday.

I march with the Free Hugs Rochester group, our mission being to offer free “Mom hugs” (or Dad hugs or sister hugs…) to kids who aren’t accepted at home. It’s always a day filled with laughter, smiles and often a few tears shed by grateful hug recipients.

My daughter and several friends joined me in the parade, and many other friends joined us in spirit. The one-mile long route was moved from East Ave. to South Ave. this year, and the Pride Festival moved from Cobbs Hill Park to Highland Park, to accommodate the huge crowds and the ever-increasing number of businesses and community groups who participate. Thousands of people lined Science Parkway, where we lined up, and South Ave. — kids, teens, 20-somethings, parents, grandparents. Everyone was waving flags, holding supportive signs, grinning and waving. And hundreds of them of them gladly opened their arms to accept hugs.

Thanks to the new location, parade organizers were also able to accommodate more than 200 marching groups this year, making it the best Pride Parade in my memory.

I came home covered in sweat and glitter, and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I’m already looking forward to next year. Thank you to all my friends who joined me this year, to everyone in the Free Hugs group, and to the parade organizers for pulling together such a terrific event.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/21/2024)

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Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union named Chamber Business of the Month

19 Jul

Congratulations to Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, honored as the July Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, located at 815 Ridge Rd. in Webster, is known not only for its financial services, but also for its involvement with education. In 1967, they were known as the Geneva School Employees Credit Union, and were located inside a school building. In 2020, FLFCU merged with Webster Federal Credit Union and enhanced their service capabilities. They now have over 22,000 members, with assets above $215 million.

FLFCU’s Webster Branch is lead by Lynn Dunn. She actively represents the Credit Union throughout the Webster Chamber, currently serving on the Board of Directors and the Program Committee. In May, Lynn also arranged to host the monthly East, Drink & Connect event at the branch.

Upon presenting the award, Chamber CEO and President Barry Howard said, “It is members like FLFCU which add richness to the development of local business and organizational relations, education, and support, as we all navigate this present economy, together. We are very thankful of the support Lynn receives from FLFCU, which allows her to contribute so much to our members.”

Learn more about our Webster Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union by visiting the Chamber website membership directory here.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is Friday July 26, beginning at 7 a.m. at First Responders Park, 1350 Chiyoda Drive (new location). Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro presents the Business of the Month award to Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union staff members Lynn Dunn (L) and Trisha Tyson.
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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/19/2024)

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Heroes, and more heroes, will play at Miracle Field on Saturday

18 Jul

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Combine baseball, Miracle Field, and first responders, and whaddya get? An incredibly fun and inspirational day for the whole family.

It’s the fourth annual Heroes Helping Heroes Day at Challenger Miracle Field. This coming Saturday July 20, local first responders will spend the day at Miracle Field, playing with and against some of our amazing Challenger athletes. In addition to the entertaining baseball games, and the chance to meet some local first responders and get a close-up look at some of their equipment, there’ll be food, carnival games, a dunk tank, obstacle course and lots more.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the field, 1000 Ridge Rd., Webster.

The day will start with a tribute to local heroes followed by baseball games. The Seneca Park ZooMobile will be onsite with animals and families can enjoy a dunk tank, inflatable games, and food throughout the event. A variety of special needs agencies and providers will also be there. 

This is a great morning of safe family fun. There’s no charge, and there’s plenty of parking. To find out more, visit www.rochestermiraclefield.org.  

If you’ve got about a half hour to spare, consider clicking through to this story aired by WROC-TV about Miracle Field, filmed at that year’s Heroes Helping Heroes Day. It’s really inspirational.

About Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester  

Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/18/2024)

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Here’s a fun way to explore all of Webster’s trails

17 Jul

I got an email from the Friends of Webster Trails the other day with some exciting news: the Wegmans Hit the Trail Passport has been updated.

The passport program began at least five years ago as a way to encourage families to get out and discover our area’s beautiful trails, using a passport to record their completed hikes. Each trail has a marker post somewhere along it, which participants use to make a rubbing into the passport.

This newly updated passport is a whopping 40 pages long. It includes several new trails which the Friends have added since the last printing — the Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest, State Rd. Nature Preserve, Michael Johnson Nature Trail and the Hickory Bark Trail — plus the Bike Trail. There are 32 trails and trail spurs in all, spanning Webster from west to east, measuring more than 36 miles of incredible natural beauty.

Each page features a different trail, detailing its individual spurs, their length, difficulty and approximate hiking time. The location of each marking post is clearly indicated, and there’s even a short description of each trail’s unique features. (A sample page is below.)

Basically, it’s a fun and educational way for the whole family to explore our amazing trail system. And if you’ve completed the passport program before, there are so many new trails to explore, it’s time to do it again!

You can pick up one of the new Hit the Trail passports at Wegmans (Holt Rd. or Eastway) or at Webster Parks and Recreation on Chiyoda Dr. You can also see the passport and download it here.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/16/2024)

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Great things are happening at the Village Quilt Shoppe

15 Jul

I got an email from my friends Vanetta and Monique at the Village Quilt Shoppe the other day. It was just an update on their community volunteer projects which they send out regularly to their email subscription list. They most definitely did NOT send it out to toot their own horn about the great things their little shop is doing under the radar.

So I’m going to do that.

Most of the ladies’ email had to do with their One Common Thread project. I wrote about this great initiative a while ago, where I explained:

On the third Tuesday of every month, Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti, owners of the Village Quilt Shoppe, host a “charity day.” For four hours, a handful of crafters sit around the tables at the back of the shop, carefully cutting and sorting hundreds of small fabric squares. The squares are then assembled into individual quilting kits, which are packaged up and shipped to Honduras.

Their destination is an foundation called One Common Thread, whose mission is to help Honduran women make quilts, which they can then sell to support their families.

Here is thew follow-up (with a call for donations) which Vanetta and Monique sent recently:

Thank you so much for your continued support of One Common Thread! Last month, thanks to the incredible efforts of our many volunteers, we were able to mail out three boxes of kits. Your dedication and hard work make a significant difference in the lives of those we aim to help.

We are currently running low on 3″ fabric squares. Specifically, we have an abundance of dark colors, but we desperately need lighter and brighter shades such as yellow, orange, teal, and blues. Additionally, we can always use more black, grey, and white squares. We gladly accept both 3″ squares and fabric donations. Any contributions of these colors and materials would be greatly appreciated and will help us continue empowering other women!

Our July charity day will take place on Tuesday, July 23rd. We hope to see many of you there as we come together to support this wonderful cause.

The Quilting Divas are once again making period bags and are accepting donations of tampons, panty liners, and period pads. These items need to be individually wrapped. In addition to these products, the Divas will also accept monetary donations.  Donations can be dropped off at our shoppe.

For those who may not be familiar, period bags are bags that the Divas make and fill with feminine hygiene products for the homeless. These bags provide essential items to those in need, helping to ensure dignity and health for all women.

Thank you, Village Quilt Shoppe quilters, and Vanetta and Monique, for all the good you’re doing! And if there’s anyone out there who can help with donations of fabric or period supplies, please contact the Shoppe.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. To learn more, check out their website here or call (585) 626-6916.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/15/2024)

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Photos from the Kiddie Costume Parade

14 Jul

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been in town for the Kiddie Parade, so I was glad to be able to attend this year’s event. The firefighters changed the route this year from the village streets to the carnival grounds, “due to concerns regarding the length of the parade and safety issues with the parade occurring on the roads.” I was somewhat disappointed with that change, because I think it reduced the audience (and the candy-throwing, which kids love to do) and perhaps even the number of participants.

So this year, the costume parade began at the carnival’s beer tent, and took three laps through the grounds, led by an eclectic and always entertaining marching band (don’t know their name, unfortunately). I took a bunch of photos, and I apologize if there are duplicates of many of the kids because I didn’t want to miss anyone.

They’re all in this gallery.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/14/2024)

Webster community mailbag

13 Jul

I begin today’s mailbag with a fun and free family event happening at Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.

It’s the fourth annual Heroes Helping Heroes Day, this coming Saturday July 20. Local first responders will spend the day at Miracle Field, playing with and against some of our amazing Challenger athletes. In addition to the entertaining baseball games, the chance to meet some local first responders and get a close-up look at some of their equipment, there’ll be food, carnival games, an Iron Man obstacle course, a dunk tank, the Zoo Mobile and lots more.

It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the field, 1000 Ridge Rd., Webster. If you have any questions, reach out to challengerdirec​tor@gmail.com or visit Rochestermiraclefield.org.

And now for some reminders previously mentioned in other mailbags:

Free concert at the Arboretum

The next “Music at the Arb” concert, sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center at the Webster Arboretum, is scheduled for Thursday July 18, featuring Doctor’s Orders, an acoustic folk and pop duo playing a variety of songs from the Beatles to John Prine, and pretty much everything in between.

The concert will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., is free and open to the public, and there’s plenty of parking. Bring a chair or a blanket, fill a cooler with dinner and drinks, and enjoy a pleasant evening of music.

The Arboretum talks about herbs

The next program in the Webster Arboretum’s Timely Topics Walk and Talk series is coming up this week, also on July 18.

On Thursday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m., Janet Robert and Beverly Gibson will show and tell about the Arboretum’s outstanding herb garden. Beverly will discuss the origin of the garden and the variety of herbs in each of the six themed beds.

This free, educational and lively herb discussion will be held July 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd.  Visit the Webster Arboretum website to register for this free talk at the Arboretum. 

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Music, music, music in the village

Music’s going wild this summer in the Village of Webster.

The Webster Jazz Festival comes to West Main Street on Friday and Saturday August 9 and 10 with a Super two day lineup featuring Bill Tiberio, Judah Sealy, Sofrito Latin Jazz, Prime Time Funk and many more.

The Friday Night Memorial Gazebo Park Concerts start on Friday July 19 at 7:00 p.m. That’s Beatles Week so come and celebrate the 60th year Anniversary of the Beatles’ 1964 USA tour with Eight Days a Week.

Remember, admission is always free at village events, which are brought to you by the Village of Webster Business Improvement District.

Baseball is on tap at Webster community night

On Friday Aug. 16, the Webster Recreation Center will be partnering with the Red Wings to host a Webster Community Night. The focus will be on our community that evening; Supervisor Tim Flaherty will be throwing out the first pitch, and Webster-based musician Sarah De Vallière is singing the national anthem.

The game starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are only $10 click here to reserve yours.

Webster Union Cemetery celebrates 200 years

Don’t forget about this amazing opportunity to “meet” some of Webster’s earliest settlers, at the 200th Anniversary Celebration for Webster Union Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 17.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to stroll Webster Union Cemetery’s beautiful grounds and chat with some of the people who founded our town. Talk to a suffragette fighting for women’s right to vote, a 1918 Spanish flu victim, Civil War soldiers, shopkeepers, boardinghouse owners, and even a Revolutionary War spy. You’ll also have a chance to learn headstone cleaning and preservation.

The 200th Anniversary Celebration will take place Saturday Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull). Admission is free.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/13/2024)

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