Let’s start today’s mailbag with this quick note about something happening REALLY SOON that will interest those who want to get some Christmas shopping done.
Maplewood Nursing Home will be hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar this Thursday and Friday Nov. 20 and 21.
It will feature nine vendors offering one-of-a-kind items including home goods, crafts, jewelry, knitwear, wind chimes, and much more. Plus there will be a bake sale, two raffles and an ornament donation tree. All proceeds will benefit Lap Robes for Veterans, a charity near and dear to The Maplewood; the organization donates homemade lap robes to all military veterans at the facility.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The Maplewood is located at 100 Daniel Drive in the Village of Webster. There’s plenty of free parking. This is a community event and all are welcome.
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The Women’s Club of Webster has announced details for their 31st annual Holiday Cookie Sale, scheduled this year for Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Cost for cookies is $10 per pound (cash only!). They usually sell out very quickly, so get there early.
Proceeds from the sale, which is eagerly awaited by area cookie lovers, will benefit the club’s scholarship funds as well as many other programs in the Webster community.
AND while we’re talking about the Women’s Club, you’ll want to make plans now to attend the club’s December meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Penfield Country Club.
Santa will be the special guest at the luncheon, so this is your chance to ask him all those questions you’ve ever wondered about, like what his favorite cookies are and who pulls his beard the most. Mrs. Claus will also be with him.
The meeting will be held at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. It begins with social time at 11:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30. Cost is $25 and includes lunch, either Chicken French, a Reuben or Italian Melt sandwich. All lunches also come with fresh fruit and beverages. Send your check made out to WCW with your lunch choice by Dec. 11 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Rd, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check might be late, call Carolyn at 585-265-1303 to hold your place.
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From the Webster CSD:
Families with children residing in their household who are ages birth to 5 years old are asked to help Webster CSD forecast enrollment by completing the brief Young Children Census.
This census is a young family’s first connection with the district and helps the school district keep in touch with the family as their child approaches school age. When families share their email address with Webster CSD through the census, it enables the district to notify those families when their children are eligible for prekindergarten and kindergarten registration.
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Webster Comfort Care Home’s2025 Holiday Raffle is now open, your chance to win some fabulous prizes. (Details about what they are can be found on the WCCH website.) Tickets are one for $25, three for $60 and six for $100 (that’s a bargain!). You can click here to purchase them online. The raffle will be live through Thursday Dec. 18, when the winners will be chosen.
Not only is this a great opportunity to win a pretty awesome Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one, but you can feel good that you’ve supported a really awesome organization at the same time.
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Here’s another reminder that Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early. Admission is free.
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This is kind of a catch-up blog today with a few events that are coming up fast (or happening right now) which I neglected to mention in my recent mailbag.
The first is a happy occasion for Lala of Webster at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. This adorable gift shop is celebrating its 7th anniversary this week, and owner Lisa Schlonski has an extra special deal cooked up for the occasion.
All this week (through Saturday) she’s giving away a FREE piece of Katie Loxton bling (worth $22 or more) when you spend at least $25. Also, when you make a purchase this week you’ll be entered to win one of several surprise giveaway bags.
So pop in this week, start your Christmas shopping, get some bling for yourself, and wish Lisa congratulations on her anniversary. In today’s business climate, seven years is commendable.
In honor of Veterans Day this week, this Saturday Nov. 15, the Webster Museum will present a talk by Tom Pellett, focused on the Civil War, called “Honoring Veterans.”
As you know, the War between the States, which began in 1863, could have separated the North and South. President Abraham Lincoln had a different idea and in his famous two-minute-long Gettysburg Address, which he presented at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, he shared those thoughts.
Tom has extensive knowledge about Webster veterans who fought in the Civil War. He’ll tell stories about some of those veterans, who went off to fight for the ideal that all men are created equal.
The presentation will take place at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, on Saturday, Nov. 15 beginning at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the museum is handicap-accessible. For more information, visit the museum’s website at webstermuseum.org.
There’s no cost and registration is not necessary.
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At its September Breakfast Before Business meeting, held Friday Sept. 26, the Webster Chamber of Commerce recognized 14 local businesses who have not only been successful, but have withstood countless challenges and the test of time to remain strong and viable for decades.
The Chamber presents these awards annually, recognizing businesses which have been operating for 25 years or more. They’re awarded in five-year increments, and this year included one business — Key Bank — which has just celebrated its 200th anniversary.
Here’s a quick look at all of the honorees. A longer write-up about each can be found at this link. The photos show the honorees receiving their plaque from Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve.
Robyn Whittaker (Penny Swingly accepting)Friends of the Webster Public LibraryRuss Ziskind
Beyond Cuts salon started in 2000 when Robyn Whittaker purchased the business from Nancy Macomber. Since that day, Beyond Cuts Salon has been involved with many of the Village Business Improvement District’s events. Robyn has hosted wine walks, participated in “Trick or Treat Trail,” and has hosted Chamber Eat Drink and Connect events!
Beyond Cuts also donates to many local charities, either financially or with pro bono services. The Salon has also helped local artisans sell their wares by allowing them space in the shop to showcase their talents.
The Friends of Webster Public Library are library supporters who are committed to strengthening the library and helping it provide the best service possible to the community. They are motivated, hardworking volunteers who enjoy working together to promote the service, facilities, needs, and programs of the Webster Library. They sponsor cultural and educational programs for the community and financially support the library services, programs, and materials not covered in the library’s operational budget.
Their biggest fund-raising events are the Spring and Fall book sales and now they have Vintage and Collectable book sales a few times a year. They also organize and operate the Lobby Book Store.
Gemini Technical Services was founded by Russ Ziskind in 1994, as AccuCom Computer Service in Syracuse NY. The company grew to have over 25 technicians and over 100 customers for the I.T. business, and about 10,000 dial-up subscribers. They also started a teaching center to teach customers basic computer and network skills so they could be self-supportive. In 1999 the ISP business was sold, and in 2002 the company was rebranded Gemini Technical Services, added Rochester to its service area, and continued to grow the business in Central and Western NY. In 2021 Gemini purchased Barnone Design, a competitor in the Rochester area, to grow its business even further.
Ian Kuchman, Al LaRue, Greg McMahon and Bryan WhiteJanine Sanger and Judy Shelton David Corretore, Neil McLaughlin and Alexandra Amico
McMahon LaRue Associates was founded in 1995 by Greg McMahon and Al LaRue. Starting from Al’s house in Webster, Greg and Al built their practice on the belief that staying right-sized allows for deeper client partnerships and a family-centered workplace culture. This philosophy guided their return to Webster in 2013, where they restored and occupied an historic 1840 brick farmhouse on Holt Road.
In January 2024, the founders passed leadership to the next generation: Bryan White, a licensed land surveyor who grew with the company over 13 years from college field work to full licensure, and Ian Kuchman, a licensed civil engineer who joined in 2023, bringing extensive engineering expertise and business acumen with his MBA.
The Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) was established by Judy Sheldon in 1995 and has become a recognized leader in the advocacy and promotion of healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in the Webster community. In 2018, WHEN joined the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and became Webster Health and Education Network: A Drug Free Community Coalition (WHEN:DFCC). WHEN has always worked closely with the Webster Central School District, town, and community resources to support drug education and awareness initiatives.
WHEN:DFCC is comprised of over 60 members representing multiple sectors of our community including business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic and volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, and substance use prevention professionals. The coalition’s goal is to collaborate with their partners to prevent substance abuse among youth as much as possible.
Corretore McLaughlin PLLC is a law office that began when David T. Corretore “hung out his shingle” as a lawyer at 138 East Main Street in the Village in the spring of 1985. Without any other employees, he “did it all.” The firm has since grown to three attorneys, a receptionist, and a bookkeeper, and has relocated to 1150 Crosspointe Lane.
The firm concentrates in the areas of estates and estate planning including wills, powers of attorney, living wills and health care proxies, along with other real estate matters.
Denise BallerPamela Heald, Mike Miller and Christina KariukTony Casciani and John Casciani
Dancing with Denise was established in 1985 when Denise Baller began teaching dance to children in daycare centers. In the mid-1990s, she opened a studio in Irondequoit, adding classes and expanding the student age group.
Today, boys and girls enjoy classes in tap, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, baton, hip hop, and Broadway theater. Denise also teaches a “buddies” class that teams up “student helpers” with students with special needs to help them learn all about dance. She provides traditional classes during the school year, and camps and during the summer. Her dancers have performed at farmer’s markets, Sea Breeze Dance Days, and many local parades, and her “Happy Feet Dancers” entertain at various nursing homes.
Her motto of “Having Fun is our Philosophy,” has made her well-known for promoting fun, good health and confidence in a non-competitive environment. Her students’ ages range from 2-year-old dancers to a 107-year-old Zumba Gold enthusiast.
Reliant Credit Union began in 1970 as the WCTA Federal Credit Union, founded by members of the Wayne County Teachers Association. It started in a science classroom in Sodus Central High School and has since grown into a trusted financial partner for more than 47,000 members across Wayne, Ontario, and Monroe counties.
Over the decades, Reliant has evolved significantly. In 1985, the organization expanded into Canandaigua, and in 2004 the credit union adopted a community charter, extending membership beyond school employees to welcome anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Wayne, Ontario, or Monroe counties. In 2007, the organization became Reliant Community Federal Credit Union to reflect its growing and diverse membership. In 2020, Reliant Credit Union refreshed its brand to better reflect the credit union’s culture, people-centered values, and mission to help members achieve life.
John Casciani learned his trade at the early age of 15, working for his father, Anthony, and grandfather, John Sr., in their masonry business. Eventually he found himself with a growing passion for real estate, building, and land development. After college, he started a home building career – selecting challenging parcels to develop, such as “The Bluffs” in Webster overlooking Irondequoit Bay.
John wanted to provide a private neighborhood for families. At the Bluffs he had an opportunity to establish a private marina and community gazebo, magnificent water views, 12 acres of preserved woodlands filled with wildlife, a half mile of shoreline and breathtaking sunsets – leaving homeowners with the feeling of vacationing every day at home. He had the vision and created a unique lifestyle for families seeking seclusion with convenient amenities.
Jeff Scott, Sarah Kenny and Timothy ScottJoseph Scofero Mayor Darryl Byers and Heather Halstead
With its origins starting in the 1940s, the Willard H. Scott Funeral Home began its life as Tinklepaugh Funeral Home (where Ward Tinklepaugh also ran a side business selling shoes). n the mid-1960s, Willard “Bill” Scott purchased the business from Ward Tinklepaugh and soon after changed the name to its current name, Willard H. Scott Funeral Home.
Jeff and Timothy Scott, Bill’s son and grandson, now run the business and are grateful for the legacy of service to the community and the community’s trust in them.
Joseph Scofero started J.J Scofero and Son Builders in 1955. He started out as a mason and that soon led to the full construction of homes in the Rochester area. In the early 1970s Joseph moved away from home building and into Fire and Water Restoration. It remains their main line of work today.
Joseph’s son, Leonard, took over the business in the 1980s, and his sons took over the company in 2013, making it a third-generation business, which has also expanded into consulting and appraisals for public adjuster firms and insurance companies.
On February 19, 1904, prominent Webster residents met to discuss possible incorporation and decided to petition the Town of Webster to hold an election on the matter. In June 1904, the issue was decided in favor of incorporation by one vote. The decision survived two appeals and and a second election, where it passed by 27 votes. On March 26, 1905, more than a year after the public first voted, the Board of Trustees held its first meeting.
Today, the Village of Webster is thriving and bustling. The Village Office has a staff of four, offering an array of services including FOIL requests, passport processing, building permits, EZ passes and resident needs. They maintain village records run village meetings, handle day-to-day finances, and run community events. The Department of Public Works provides 24-hour sewer monitoring and service, sanitary and storm sewer maintenance, snow removal, street and sidewalk upkeep, brush and leaf pickup, tree maintenance, street lighting, park maintenance and more.
Tony Casciani and Jennifer WrightJenny Frank, Cindy Peak and Joseph Campeau
The Town of Webster was established in 1840 and has agricultural roots due to its favorable soil conditions and climate. It’s currently home to about 45,000 residents. Through the years, the town has been the site of commercial and industrial progress, welcoming businesses like Xerox, Trident Precision Manufacturing, Boulter Industrial Contractors, and recently, Fairlife.
Today, the Town offers many amenities to its 45,000 residents including the Webster Recreation Center, nearly 1,030 acres of active parkland and open space with and nearly thirty miles of trails, and the Webster Public Library.
The Webster Town Board consists of five elected members who govern the town of Webster: one Town Supervisor and four Town Council members. The Town of Webster has two elected Town Justices who serve our community. The Town currently employs approximately 400 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff members, with thirteen department heads.
Today, KeyBank is one of the nation’s largest financial services companies. Formed in 1994 through the merger of Society Corporation and KeyCorp, KeyBank’s story began in 1825 in Albany, when the first steam ships traversed the Atlantic and the Great Lakes. This merger resulted in the company retaining the name KeyCorp, fully headquartered in Cleveland. Today, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion as of December 31, 2024.
Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products.
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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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Thank you, Village of Webster business owners, for the fun excuse to eat too much candy every year on the Saturday before Halloween.
I mean, that’s what always happens when I wander the streets on Trick-or-Treat Trail day in the village (always with my daughter Erin at my side), stopping by to chat with all of the business owners I’ve come to know. Invariably I leave with a Butterfinger or Reese’s Cup in my hand or stuffed in my pocket for later. And this year, Netsin’s had their ice cream truck there as well; that cup of Panda Paws was kind of like lunch, right? Erin and I may have also stopped by for a pint at the Mary Wee before heading home.
Of course we also made sure to pop into the Webster Museum, where they always have a fun scavenger hunt, and the Webster Volunteer Fire Department, which holds their open house during the event.
So it was a great time, but as always, I struggled to get photos of all the incredible costumes we saw as we wandered. There were a lot of dinosaurs (small and huge), Roblox and Minecraft characters (my daughter had to help me identify them), and some perennial favorites like Winnie the Pooh and the Wizard of Oz. But I saw a lot of unique costumes as well, like the young man who was a garbage collector.
The weather was cool and started out a little spitty, which I think muted the crowd numbers a bit compared to previous years, but I still managed to take 70 or 80 photos. There are a few here, but many more in this Facebook gallery.
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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It took me a couple of weeks, but I finally had a chance to check out the Village of Webster’s newest drinking and dining establishment, the Main Dive.
The Main Dive officially earlier this month at 5 West Main St., in the former Roc Style Chicken and Burger. To be totally honest, when I popped in that first time, I really didn’t know what to expect. My preconception (based on no experience) was that a “dive bar” would be kind of shabby, dark and unwelcoming.
But boy, was I wrong.
Roc Style was a fine restaurant, but Main Dive owner Brittney Amato has somehow transformed it into an even more inviting space that feels tailor-made for after-softball gatherings, happy hour get-togethers with friends, football watch parties, or Friday-after-school hangouts.
And that’s exactly the vibe that Brittney was going for, because that’s HER definition of a dive bar: a place that’s very “laid back, with cheap drinks, a lot of specials, cheap food … just a good atmosphere.”
Brittney and her husband Justin have been in the restaurant business for a while. You might recognize the names of their previous restaurants, Amato’s Cafe downtown on University, and Amato’s Cravings on West Main Street in Rochester. COVID and a short stint in Nashville detoured their plans for a while, but when they came back to New York State they started looking for something new.
“We were looking for a bakery or another sit-down restaurant,” she said. “We didn’t know what route we wanted to take. But then I thought ‘a dive bar.’ … We chose Webster because this place fit the description of what we were looking for. Small, cozy, right on Main St.”
The Main Dive has already become known for their inexpensive drinks and bar food menu. Apparently their wing sauce is the talk of the town. Lots of TV screens (which will eventually number at least 10) will keep sports fans entertained while there’s plenty of seating — including an extended bar — for everyone else who might just want to chat with friends and family. There’s a juke box, darts, and chalk in the bathrooms so you can leave a message on the wall. Basically, it’s a little bit of something for everyone.
“I really want people to know us as the place that doesn’t really define themselves as a specific themed bar,” Brittney said. “We don’t want people to think it’s just young crowd or older crowd. We welcome everything … We just want to please everyone.”
The Main Dive opens at 11:00 every morning (except noon on Sunday) and will stay open until at least 11 p.m. — midnight on the weekends. But Bruttney’s plan is to “serve food as late as possible. So if there are people in the bar at 1 a.m. who still want some boneless wings, she’ll accommodate.
You can check out their menu on their Facebook page and Instagram. You should also stop in this weekend if you’re in town for the Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday. The Main Dive will be participating.
They’re also planning a big Halloween Party on the 31st beginning at 9 p.m., complete with a costume contest with cash prizes. Cover charge is $5. Check the Facebook event for more information.
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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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The Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In case you haven’t heard about this great event yet, here’s what it’s all about:
Basically, for three hours on what is usually a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, children and their adults can wander the village, popping in and out of businesses, trick-or-treating. Full costumes are expected of course, and not just for the children! It’s always fun to see entire families dressed up, often as a common theme. I love taking photos of cool parents who get into the spirit.
The trick-or-treating will begin at 11 a.m., and the costume contest runs from 11:30 to 12:30. Don’t worry about missing out on any of the village festivities, because it only takes a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging.
So grab your kids, get everyone into costumes (including you, too, Mom and Dad), then stroll through the village, visiting friendly merchants who will be handing out candy. (Participating businesses will have a pumpkin sign displayed in their window.) This is a great chance to check out some of the newer businesses in town, or even some older businesses you’ve never been in before.
And make sure you stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., because they’ll be holding their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, free fire hats, and candy of course. And turn the corner on Lapham Park to take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.
Keep an eye out for me and my camera; I’ll be wandering the streets, too, taking photos of as many kids and families in costume as I can. Then I’ll post a really big follow-up photo gallery. (Click here for my gallery from last year.)
The Trick-or-Treat Trail is sponsored by the Webster Business Improvement District. Stay tuned for more information about future village events, including the Bourbon Bash on Saturday, Nov. 22 and the Winter Wonderland celebration (with the ever-popular Parade of Lights) on Saturday, Dec. 6.
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A warm Webster welcome to Lovely You Aesthetics, one of the village’s newest businesses.
Owned and operated by Carla Ann Scheiber, FNP-BC, Lovely You is located at 82 North Ave. She’ll be offering a wide variety of services including bio repeels, chemical peels, micro needling, Botox, fillers, personal skin care evaluations, weight management and more.
The location is a beautiful old house built in 1914 which still holds much of its original charm including leaded glass, stained glass windows, and coffered ceilings. And despite the fact it hasn’t been strictly a private residence for a long time, every room still exudes that at-home feeling.
The final touches are still being completed on making every room perfectly suited for the new business. Eventually, the there will be two treatment rooms downstairs, four treatment rooms upstairs, and two bathrooms.
“It’s a nice big space,” Carla said, “and we’re going to grow into it.”
Carla’s been offering beauty-care services for a while, working out of the house and rented space. But this is her first brick-and mortar location, and she’s very excited to have found it. But it almost didn’t happen.
“When I started this,” Carla said, “I really saw myself in Webster or Penfield. I live in Ontario and have a lot of roots in Webster but I couldn’t find anything. So I started to widen my search. I found a space to lease in Pittsford, but after months and months of trying to get the zoning approved, they rejected me.”
But it was fate, because it turned out “it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Literally the next day my realtor sent me this (listing), and it was for sale.” She’d found the perfect place, a beautiful house, in a village which has welcomed her with open arms.
For now, Carla will only be joined by two other injectors as she builds her business. But in the future she’d love to add a massage therapist and aesthetician to her team, to build it into a “real medical spa.”
Her approach is already very people-focused.
“You’re not going to come here and get a sales pitch,” she said. “You’re gonna know us, we’re going to educate you, we’re going to actually care about you, building that trust and that education component so that people can make informed decisions.”
Carla will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Friday, Oct. 17, so that’s a great opportunity to check out Lovely You Aesthetics for yourself. It all starts with a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m., followed by a “happy-hour-style” open house from 3 to 7 with signature cocktails, finger foods, vendors, raffles, giveaways and merch bags. She’ll officially open for business the next day, Saturday Oct. 18.
In the meantime, you can find out more about her new business on her website and Facebook page. You can also connect with her on Instagram (lovely.you.aesthetics).
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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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There’s been some chatter on social media in recent weeks about the new Roc City Empanadas restaurant on South Ave. in the village. Luis Carrasquillo — better known as “Munchie” — opened the restaurant in early July and for a while did some brisk business. But then the open hours became sporadic, and more recently, it almost seems like it’s closed permanently.
Well, the sporadic summer hours were due to the fact that Luis was juggling his new restaurant responsibilities with a very busy food truck schedule. When that started to slow down, he started to focus more on the restaurant. But when the restaurant went dark again in early September, people started to question whether Luis was really committed to the village.
But here’s the real story, which I tell with Luis’ blessing, because he really wants people to know what happened.
About a month ago, 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.
Luis 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.
Last I spoke with Luis (about two weeks ago) he’d already had six operations to try to save the leg. I don’t know where things stand now (I’m trying to get in touch with him again), but I do know one thing: Luis Carrasquillo feels blessed.
Not angry, not depressed, not despondent. Blessed.
Luis’ religious faith is rock-solid, and he’s certain that God was with him that evening, not only because he survived the accident, but because so many other things went RIGHT. Like how he was thrown clear of the traffic and not into the roadway. Like how the tourniquet (which belonged to his friend) just appeared on the ground next to her crushed vehicle. How the veteran showed up and knew how and where to apply it. The ambulance got there in record time. And most important of all, how one of the MRIs revealed a growth in his forehead which was causing him headaches.
Luis still has a long road ahead, but he wants everyone to know that his commitment to the Village of Webster — his home — is unwavering.
“I want the people to know, don’t give up on me,” he said. “”I don’t want people to be sad. I am so happy with my lord and my community and I love all of you guys. … and I want to find the veteran and give him a hug.”
As Luis recuperates, he hopes that friends and family will be able to keep the restaurant open three or four days a week, mostly on the weekends, offering pretty much his entire menu. Those same friends and family are also working with the United Way to create a GoFundMe. So keep an eye out for the OPEN sign, and stay tuned for more information about that fund-raising effort.
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Update!
One of my readers (“Pooch”) posted a comment last night (which you can read below) saying the restaurant happened to be open last Friday, and he spoke to Luis’ son Angel. The GREAT news is that Luis was scheduled to be released last weekend. Let’s hope that happened.
Pooch continued,
Store hours will continue to be sporadic until Luis recovers. Please hang in there! Try to get there when they are open. Luis’s faith is really strong and he wants everyone to know that he apologizes for the delay in getting the store open with regular hours, but it will happen! Luis is a strong strong man, and a man of his word…
Thanks Pooch!
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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).
As a runner, I’m finding that I go through running sneakers pretty quickly. To some extent (like many of you, probably), when I get a new pair, all my other ones drop one rung down the usefulness ladder, relegated to walking sneakers, then schlep-around-the-house sneakers, then gardening sneakers. But when my used sneaker collection starts number four or five pairs, that system falls apart.
So right now I have a growing pile of worn out sneakers in the corner of my closet. But they won’t be there for much longer, because at the last Webster Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, I met Ruby Black.
In her day job, Penfield resident Ruby Black works full time as the Director of Community and Employee Engagement at Volvo Cars Rochester. But it’s her part-time job working with Designer Shoe Warehouse and its partner organization,Souls4Souls, which reflects her real passion.
Soles4Souls is a Tennessee-based nonprofit which turns unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunities for people in need. They have four key initiatives:
4Relief, providing footwear and clothing to people in crisis situations,
4Opportunity, helping entrepreneurs in developing countries create sustainable businesses through shoe sales,
4EveryKid, delivering new shoes to children experiencing homelessness, and
4ThePlanet, keeping shoes and clothing out of landfills to benefit both people and the environment.
Ruby has focused her efforts on collecting and distributing footwear to those in need, spending much of her free time gathering, sorting, and bagging shoes. She’s been collecting shoes for five years now, through donation boxes placed in businesses throughout the city. Last year, her efforts hit a huge milestone of 10,000 pairs, and this year she fully expects to reach 11,000.
Here in Webster, Ruby’s donation boxes are located at
LA Fitness, 929 Holt Rd.
Garber Chevy , 740 Ridge Rd.
Burn Boot Camp, 1847 Empire Blvd.
LaLa of Webster, 38 E. Main St.
(I recently learned that Friday Brighton Hair Design Tat 80 East Main St. in the village is also collecting shoes, but I don’t know if it’s for the same program.)
So next time you’re ready to ditch that old pair of shoes, drop it by one of these locations instead. Soles4Souls will take shoes of any style, size or condition. New and gently used shoes are especially helpful for the 4Opportunity program.
Other ways you can help is to host a shoe collection box at your workplace or special event, help spread the word about Soles4Souls and its mission, and participate in Ruby’s annual fundraising run, where every $20 raised provides a new pair of sneakers to children experiencing homelessness in the U.S. (The run is held every May, but you can also send monetary donations through that link.)
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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.
James loved the trucksCayden (2) and Nora (6) serving up ice cream
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.
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).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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