Tag Archives: Local business

Local TV stations recognize Garritano, Groff for community service

29 Mar

Two of Webster’s own recently received some well-deserved recognition on our local TV stations.

Last Wednesday, Plank Rd. North Elementary School teacher Peggy Garritano was surprised in her classroom by Katrina Irwin from WROC Channel 8, who presented the long-time kindergarten teacher with a Golden Apple Award.

Garritano’s teaching colleague Theresa Dupont and her son Tyler nominated her for the award to honor her 46 years of teaching. They thought it would be a fitting tribute as Garritano plans to retire at the end of this school year.

The Channel 8 Golden Apple Award is a WROC-TV program that recognizes outstanding teachers and administrators in the Rochester area. It honors educators who make a significant impact on their students, fostering positive learning environments and demonstrating dedication to their school communities. 

Click here to see the piece that aired that evening on Channel 8.

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Webster Comfort Care Home Director Julianne Groff was honored a few weeks ago as the Channel 13 WHAM Bright Spot.

On Friday, Feb. 27, at the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s regular monthly breakfast meeting, Julianne was named the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year. It was that recognition which Channel 13 picked up on for their Bright Spot Segment, which aired on March 17.

Click here to see the whole segment, and click here if you’d like to see the blog I wrote about Julianne’s honor.

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(posted 3/29/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

26 Mar

Know your numbers!

This Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to noon, Lovely You Aesthetics on North Ave. is hosting a “Know Your Numbers Day” as part of the salon’s Go Red Lovely campaign. It’s an opportunity to get your blood pressure checked for free, and get a few gifts as a reward: a Go Red Lovely T-shirt and a $25 Lovely You gift card to use at a future date.

There will also be a CPR instructor on site giving hands-on demonstrations, PLUS if you make a donation to the American Heart Association, you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift card.

This is a walk-in event with no appointment needed. So stop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon, do something good for yourself and help out the American Heart Association.

Lovely You Aesthetics is located at 82 North Ave. in the Village of Webster.

Speaking of knowing your numbers …

The Webster Recreation Center invites community members who are 55+ to a fun and exciting “Singo Bingo” game on Friday April 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The game is a musical twist on the classic game of bingo. Sing along to your favorite tunes while matching song samples to titles on your Bingo card. Fantastic prizes await. Cost is $3 per participant and registration is required. Visit the Rec Center’s registration page and search for activity #141086.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

Women’s Club April meeting … and cookies!

Adam Traub, Director of the Webster Public Library, will speak at the Women’s Club of Webster’s April luncheon meeting, scheduled for Thursday April 16. Mr. Traub will highlight the many programs and materials the library offers for seniors.  

April’s luncheon will be hosted by Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster. Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Mr. Donovan’s presentation at 1 p.m. 

Enjoy a buffet featuring a variety of pizzas, salad and a cannoli. Cost is $19. New members are always welcome, and warm camaraderie is included at no charge. Send check made out to WCW by March 12 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you think your check might be late, or if you have any questions, call Carolyn at  585-265-1303.

This also from the Women’s Club:

Give blood, enjoy homemade cookies. The Women’s Club of Webster will be assisting once again this year at the American Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for Thursday, April 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. Women’s Club members will staff the canteen, offering donors homemade cookies, congenial conversation and a friendly word of thanks for giving the gift of life. Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s always best to make an appointment. Log onto redcrossblood.org/give, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you have any questions, call Katie Hout at 585-353-9964.

Arboretum presents program on lawn care

Carl Schimenti, the Urban Environmental Specialist for the Cornell Turfgrass Team, will visit the Webster Arboretum on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. to present a program on Lawn Care and Management. Learn lawn care basics such as grass type, water needs and weed control with pre- and post-emergents, fertilizing do’s and don’ts and mowing tips. Please register at thewebsterarboretum.org.  This presentation will take place at The Webster Arboretum 1700 Schlegel Rd in Webster.

Got expired drugs?

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.

The Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving Webster families for 30 years. Research shows that the longer a young person waits before trying drugs or alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life. WHEN works to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use by underage youth. 

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(posted 3/26/2026)

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

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Sip, savor & support cancer research at Lala’s

12 Mar

Lala of Webster is hosting a special event next Thursday to benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center.

It’s called Sip, Savor & Support, an evening of coming together as a community to have fun with friends, meet new people, and benefit a good cause at the same time.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday March 19, shoppers are asked visit Lala’s and purchase items worth $15 or more to be included in raffle baskets being prepared for the “Dinking for Wilmot Dollars” benefit pickleball tournament on April 4. As a thank you, shoppers can take advantage of a 20% discount off your entire Lala purchase that evening. Then, after you’re done shopping, head next door to Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar for live music and special appetizer and drink menus.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street in the village.

The Sip, Savor & Support event and the pickleball tournament are both being held in honor of Marty Lembo, who passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. His memory lives on through Team Marty, a group of friends and family members who continue to raise funds in his name to benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center. The “Dinking for Wilmot Dollars” pickleball tournament is one of their biggest events, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 4 at Dinkers Pickleball in Fairport.

Click on the flyer below for more details and to register.

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(posted 3/12/2026)

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

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A new restaurant is coming to the village

23 Feb

The old Jeff’s Computer Shop has been closed and papered-up for a long time now, but finally there’s some good news for that storefront — or at least half of it.

According to a sign in the window, a new restaurant will be moving into the east half of the shop this summer, at 3 East Main. It’s called Tabbouleh, and introduces itself as “a new chapter in Mediterranean dining.” Some quick online research tells me that tabbouleh (also spelled tabouli) is a popular Mediterranean salad made with fresh herbs and bulgur wheat, so it looks like we’re going to be treated to some real Middle East treats.

I can’t tell you much more about the new restaurant right yet. There’s no Facebook page or website, and while they have an Instagram feed (@dineattabbouleh), they haven’t posted anything. So stay tuned.

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(posted 2/23/2026)

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

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St. Pat’s Parade Committee recognizes Bella’s Bumbas

13 Feb

It’s always neat to see who the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee chooses every year as their annual honorees — like the Grand Marshal, Honorary Marshal, Citizen of the Year and the like. But this year, the announcement was especially exciting, because one of this year’s honorees is Webster’s very own Bella’s Bumbas.

At the annual kickoff event, held Sunday Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn, the committee announced that Bella’s Bumbas has been chosen as this year’s Official Charitable Organization. Anyone who’s read my blog for even a short time should already be familiar with this awesome grassroots, all-volunteer organization. Run by Webster residents Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr, it’s dedicated to building miniature wheelchairs for children with a wide variety of mobility issues, charging the families only for shipping.

In her announcement, Parade Committee Director Kate McBride introduced the organization by saying,

Since its founding, Bella’s Bumbas has grown from a small community effort into a global mission, having provided over 3,500 chairs to children in 70 different countries. Each chair represents a story of hope, inclusion, and possibility. Families who once felt isolated, now watch their children roll beside their peers, discovering new levels of confidence and independence. This incredible journey has been made possible entirely through volunteer dedication, community support, and the belief that no child should be left without mobility, simply because of financial or geographic barriers.

In this year’s parade, Bella’s Bumbas will showcase these little chairs and the joy they bring not only to the children who receive them, but also to the volunteers and donors who make each one possible.

As the Charitable Organization honoree, Bella’s Bumbas will get prime placement near the very beginning of the parade line-up. They’ve already started planning a pretty spectacular float, which will feature several Bumba chairs and “bumbaleers” riding them, hay bales, gold frills and lots of lights. Adult volunteer walkers and some young “test riders” will be rolling beside the float to hand out information and goodies to the crowd. It may very well be the first float in the parade, so it will be difficult to miss!

This is an incredibly well-deserved honor for Bella’s Bumbas, whose life-changing work for children worldwide often flies under the radar. While we in Webster have long been proud to call them our own, it’s wonderful to see them get the recognition they deserve, giving the rest of the Rochester area a chance to discover this incredible organization.

Congratulations, Marty and Rebecca, on this amazing honor.

The 2026 Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at East Ave. and Alexander St. Make sure to watch for the Bella’s Bumbas float at the beginning of the parade and cheer loud for our Webster neighbors!

On a related note

This year’s Honorary Marshal is Dave North, a well-known musician who’s played in and around Webster and Rochester for decades. He was (and is) a regular performer at the former Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster and the new Barry’s Pub in Fairport. I’m pleased to consider Dave a good friend and congratulate him on his honor!

Dave, by the way, has his own connection to Bella’s Bumbas. Last year on one of his trips to London, he brought a Bumba chair along with him to deliver to a child there.

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(posted 2/13/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

1 Feb

Quite the variety of notices in today’s mailbag, so make sure to read till the end.

Color Your Community Green will host a discussion this coming Tuesday focused on Monroe County’s Climate Action Plan and how it can be used to meet state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Information will be presented about the most effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions locally and how we can build a sustainable future for our community. Community members are encouraged to attend and share your concerns about climate change as well as your visions for a sustainable community.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library’s Community Room. There’s no cost to attend but please register here so the library knows how many chairs to set up.

Go Red!

Carla Ann Scheiber, owner of Lovely You Aesthetics in the Village of Webster, has enthusiastically signed on to the Go Red for Women campaign, an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women, and empowers women to take charge of their heart health.

As part of her efforts, Carla Ann will be hosting a Go Red Lovely Galentine’s Event on Friday, Feb. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lovely You Aesthetics, 82 North Ave. Tickets are $30, and attendees will get cocktails, food, a Go Red Lovely shirt and five raffle tickets for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Click here to get tickets.

So grab your girls, wear red, and support women’s health while making an impact together.

Party for Mardi Gras

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Mardi Gras Free Pancake Supper is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

This annual event is a thank-you to the community for supporting St. Martin’s charitable missions all year. The dinner will feature unlimited pancakes and syrup, sausages and applesauce. Beads will be provided and you can even make your own masks. Feel free to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, and bring the whole family and all your friends.

There’s no charge, but a free will offering to support St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry would be very appreciated, or bring boxed and canned goods.

Kindergarten registration now open

Webster Central School District kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open.

Families with incoming kindergartners are asked to register them now via the Infinite Campus Parent & Student Portal at www.websterschools.org by clicking More > Student Registration and completing the 2026-27 registration completely online. All registrations completed via the portal are streamlined by accessing the current information on file. 

The district is encouraging families to register early because it takes a lot of planning to appropriately place students in our seven elementary schools. If there is not enough space for a child to enroll at their home elementary school, registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received.

PreK registration is not yet open. The preK lottery for the 2026-27 school year will be open February 13 at 10 a.m. and run through March 14. Parents and caregivers interested in learning more about the district’s preK options are invited to attend an open house on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

The district has three preK options:

  • Full-day (five hours) located at our elementary schools and both high schools
  • Full-day (5 hour) with wrap care located at a childcare community partner with wrap care paid by the family
  • Half-day (2.5 hours) with morning and afternoon options at STARS Preschool next to Holy Trinity Church

The upcoming open house provides families living within the Webster CSD boundaries an opportunity to see some of the sites and learn more about the program before registering for the lottery. This adult visit is intended to support families in ranking their choices and answering questions prior to the registration window beginning Feb. 13.

Open houses will take place at:

  • Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, Webster (enter door 4)
  • Bay View YMCA, 1209 Bay Road, Webster
  • Busy Blossoms, 60 Barrett Drive, Webster
  • Expressive Beginnings, 12 May Street, Webster
  • Kids First, 1676 Empire Blvd., Webster
  • STARS Preschool, 1456 Ridge Road, Webster

Families who are unable to attend the open house and would like to learn more about Webster CSD PreK are encouraged to visit the website at websterschools.org/prek or call (585) 216-0122.

Got antiques?

This isn’t Webster specific, but will be of interest to anyone who loves antiques: Antiques Roadshow is coming to Mumford on Wednesday, June 17.

You won’t be able to just show up or buy tickets at the door. They’re distributed through a random sweepstakes.

  • Deadline to Enter: You must submit your entry by Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
  • Cost: Tickets are free.
  • The Process: You can enter the drawing on the official PBS Antiques Roadshow website. Winners are usually notified in mid-to-late April.
  • The “Producer Picks” Contest: When you enter the sweepstakes, you have the option to submit photos of your specific item. If a producer loves your item’s story or mystery, you might be selected for a “Producer Pick” ticket, which guarantees you a spot.

Limit is two tickets per address. Good luck!

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(posted 2/1/2026)

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

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“Munchie” could use our help

25 Jan

It’s been a really tough six months for Luis “Munchie” Carrasquillo.

Back in July, Luis took a leap of faith and opened up his Roc City Empanadas restaurant on South Ave. in the Village of Webster, an expansion of his very popular food truck business. At first he found it a bit challenging to balance the busy food truck with a new restaurant, and the hours he was open seemed very sporadic. Then, in early September, the restaurant went totally dark, and people started to question whether Luis was really committed to the village.

The reason for that, we came to learn, was a distressing one.

On September 3, Luis was involved in a frightening accident. He was on the shoulder of Five Mile Line Rd., helping a friend secure a fence to her trailer, when another driver struck him. The impact sent him flying ten feet. He suffered a compound fracture to his leg and was losing blood rapidly. A veteran who happened on the scene applied a tourniquet, most definitely saving his life. (Click here to read the blog I wrote back then with the whole story.)

Luis spent weeks in the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and intense recovery procedures. He’s still facing a long road to healing — physically, emotionally, and financially. Because of his injuries, he hasn’t been able to work, and Munchies Rock City Empanadas is struggling to stay afloat. His friends and family members have been doing their best to try to keep the doors open, but the bills are piling up, rent and equipment costs continue, and the future of his restaurant hangs in the balance.

For over 20 years, Luis Carrasquillo has been a pillar in our community, serving delicious food with love, donating meals to local events, and showing up whenever someone needs a helping hand. He’s never asked for anything in return because that’s just who he is. But now he’s asking for our help.

Luis’ family members have set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help cover Luis’ medical and household expenses and ongoing rehabilitation, and to help keep his restaurant running until he can get back on his feet.

If you can spare even a little something, Luis would be eternally grateful, and you’d be helping someone who’s given so much to our Webster community. Click here to make your donation.

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(posted 1/25/2026)

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

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Barry’s Old School Irish is back!

15 Jan

If you haven’t heard the news yet, Barry’s Old School Irish has finally opened a new, larger location, in Fairport, about 12 minutes south of Webster.

Barry’s Old School Irish anchored the Village of Webster’s four corners for almost 12 years. It became kind of like village’s living room, where families and friends gathered for after-work pints and birthday parties, Irish trad music filled the air, Notre Dame football was on the TV, and St. Patrick’s Day lasted all week long. For many it became like a second home.

So when the Barrys announced in July of 2023 that they were closing the pub, it came as a shock to our community. But it was an exciting development for the Barry family. It was just the next step in their journey which began with opening Barry’s Old School and expanded with the production of their Barry’s Irish Cream.

When the Barrys left 2 West Main St., however, it was with the promise that closing the pub would only be temporary. They immediately started to look for a new location, as the Barrys faithful (and there are a LOT of them) anxiously waited from the sidelines. But finally, after more than two years, Barry’s is back.

This Saturday, Jan. 17, the brand new Barry’s Irish Pub will officially open its doors at 4400 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd. (at Eagle Vale) with a grand opening celebration featuring everything we’ve come to know and love about our little pub, including live Irish music, Irish dancers, pipes and drums, free whiskey samples, and one of Danny Barry’s legendary whiskey toasts.

The Barrys looked at a lot of places before finally landing on the former Yanhuang Gourmet restaurant on the Eagle Vale Golf Club campus. The initial goal was to find something as close as possible to the original location, but it had to have the right atmosphere. A lot of the places they looked at were “cool,” Danny said, but “they all seemed like they’re all trying to be bigger just for the sake of being bigger.” He wasn’t even sure he wanted to tour the Eagle Vale location, but when someone pointed out that it’s basically just a bit farther south on the same road, he decided to check it out.

It was last March, around St. Patrick’s Day, when he first walked in. The former restaurant clearly needed a lot of work, but somehow Danny was able to see its potential. “This one had that homey feel to it,” he said. “By the end of the walk-through, I thought, this is an Irish Pub. It just doesn’t know it yet.”

The new Barry’s Irish Pub has much more floor space than the original Webster Village location. Behind the roomy bar area is a separate party room/overflow room with a deck. A third room, separated from the bar by a gas fireplace, is what Danny calls the “music room,” with a dedicated stage for musicians, complete with a sound system and speakers. (The musicians are going to love that upgrade.)

The layout accommodates multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining a sense of shared experience for everyone.

Danny explained, “If you’re sitting in the party room you could still see into the music room, but if you want to make that private, you can. So the whole place flows — no matter where you’re at, you’re kind of seeing what’s going on in the other room, but you also have the snug-like feel to it.”

There are plenty of fun new decorative touches, but comforting reminders of the old place are scattered throughout the space, like the old 1800s-era bar, posters and photographs on the walls, the “firefighter’s corner” with its framed turnout coat, lots of the old tartan-covered stools and favorite menu items. Even the walls are painted Barry’s Old School Irish green. The shelves behind the bar are filled with whiskies, and Guinness is still on tap, of course (two taps, actually, to meet the demand) along with Harp, Smithwicks and Magner’s cider. New to the taps are a Barry’s Irish Red, brewed in New Jersey, and a White Hag Irish IPA, brewed in Ireland. There’s even yard space outside, where Danny hopes to set up fire pits and lawn games when the weather turns warmer.

Live music is returning as well, at least Friday and Saturday nights, plus Saturday afternoon’s traditional Irish session.

So, it’s been a long time coming, but it sounds like the Barrys have found their forever home. Once again they’re inviting everyone to make yourself at home in their cozy living room, have a pint or a whiskey, settle in and enjoy some music, and chat with friends old and new.

If you’ve never been to Barry’s Pub before, welcome. And for everyone else … welcome home.

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Details about the grand opening celebration

Barry’s Irish Pub will hold its Grand Opening Celebration this Saturday from noon to 11:30 p.m. You can visit their Facebook page for more details, but here are a few highlights (and Don’t worry, the Buffalo Bills playoff game will be on the TVs):

  • traditional Irish music session, noon to 3 p.m.
  • ribbon cutting
  • live music by Kevin Reynolds and Lucky Enough from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Jamieson Irish Dancers at 4 p.m.
  • Keeper’s Heart Irish Whiskey Samples
  • Dave North Trio plays 7 to 10:30 p.m.
  • ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums Performing, 7:30 p.m.
  • Official whiskey toast on the house, 9 p.m.

And by the way, there’s a LOT 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)

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 1/15/2026)

Webster Community Mailbag

7 Jan

It’s a fairly short mailbag today; the new year is ramping up slowly, apparently.

GO BILLS!

The Buffalo Bills are in the playoffs, which means it’s time to celebrate at the Webster Recreation Center’s Buffalo Bills Hype Party!

This second-annual family-friendly event returns to the Rec Center on Friday, January 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free with a donation to Webster Hope (see below for a list of desired items).

There is SO MUCH fun planned, including:

  • souvenir laminated photo trading cards for all attendees from WeTheHobby
  • Music and trivia from Jeremy Andrzejewski (Mr. Brightside, anyone?)
  • Food (tailgate style, of course)
  • Vendors
  • Buffalo-themed lawn games
  • a Bracelet-making station
  • Temporary tattoos
  • Buffalo Bills stickers

and so much more.

Everything happens from 6 to 8 p.m. this Friday night at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr., off of Phillips.

Meet the new supervisor

Head back to the Rec Center on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to meet and chat with Alex Scialdone, the Town of Webster’s new supervisor. He’ll be holding his “community office hours,” so bring your questions and concerns, or just pop in to congratulate Alex on his win.

Library program features famous female cyclist

Cyclists and history lovers alike will be very interested in this special program coming up at the Webster Public Library on Thursday Jan. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s a presentation by local bike enthusiast Karen Lankeshofer about Elsa von Blumen, a famous Rochestarian and female bicyclist in the 1880s.

Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. Succeeding at the male-dominated sport at the time, von Blumen helped pave the way for other women to find the courage to break social taboos.

There’s no cost for the presentation but registration is required.

Connect and network with the Webster Chamber of Commerce

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has three events coming up, great opportunities for local business owners to connect with others and help bring exposure to their businesses.

  • The first is a New Year Open House on Friday Jan. 9. This will be a breakfast buffet, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane, Suite C. This is a great opportunity for Chamber members, guests and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. Bring a door prizes for visibility and your business card so you can take your chance on one of the amazing door prizes! Registration is required.
  • The next is the Chamber’s monthly “Connect at Noon” networking event, this month scheduled for Wednesday Jan. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. These events are hosted by different Chamber members to acquaint others with the member’s place of business. Members and those investigating membership are welcome to attend. There’s no fee but registration is required.
  • Finally, the Webster Chamber’s regular Monthly Meeting (featuring a hot breakfast buffet) will be held Friday Jan. 30 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Members, guests and visitors interested in pursuing Chamber membership are welcome to attend. These meetings are a chance to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Bring a door prize and your business card for your chance at winning. Reservations are required by Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Reminder about the Souper Bowl

A quick reminder about the Webster Comfort Care Home’s “Souper Bowl,” going on through Feb. 2. For just $15, you can order a quart of delicious soup, prepared by one of 11 different local restaurants and shops. (Check the website for choices.)

For another $5, you can even add four dinner rolls from Proietti’s to your order. And for just $5 more, you can add two oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip cookies. So basically, you can get an entire delicious meal for just $25, while supporting the Comfort Care Home at the same time. PLUS, order five or more quarts and you’ll be entered to win a one-hour massage at Wellness 360.

Souper Bowl 2026 is pre-order–only, from Dec. 29 through Feb. 2. Orders must be received by Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. and can be picked up on Saturday, February 7, from 10 a.m. to noon at Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd. Click here for more information and to order.

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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 1/7/2026)

Cheers to a creative new year from the Village Quilt Shoppe

4 Jan

I got an email from the Village Quilt Shoppe recently, which was just packed full of news about what this little shop accomplished in 2025, and a sneak peek at things to come.

But what really caught my attention was the news about how successful their One Common Thread initiative was in 2025.

One Common Thread’s mission is to empower women in Central America — specifically Honduras — by giving them the opportunity to work and earn an income. The income allows the women to provide essentials such as food, diapers, formula, stoves, beds, tin roofs, cement floors, tuition for their children’s education, and much more. (My blog here tells you more about the organization.)

In their email, Village Quilt Shoppe owners Monique Liberti and Vanetta Parshall reported they were able to send 20 boxes — each holding three or four sewing kits — along with dozens of spools of thread and needles to women in Honduras.

They added,

Our charity work will continue in 2026, and if you’re free on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, we would love your help assembling kits. Whether you can stay all day or just for an hour or two, many hands truly do make light work.

Looking ahead to 2026, Vanetta and Monique have plans for several clubs, lots of exciting classes, “Sewcial” days, retreats and new fabric coming in every month. Basically, the shop is kind of like a quilter’s playground. Click here to see their full calendar. Or better yet, stop by the shop and check it out for yourself.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 23 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park. (They’re closed for the holidays until Jan. 6.)

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(posted 1/4/2026)