Tag Archives: Local business

NY Forward grant recipients announced

25 Jun

You may remember last year when there was a lot of news about the $4.5 million NY Forward grant from New York State which the Village of Webster won for improvements to our downtown business district. The grant was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), headed by Matt Chatfield.

We received the huge grant a year ago February, and over the following months, WEDA collected proposals for projects all around our village from business owners and community members. Those proposals were whittled down to 21 projects, ranging from building a conservatory to improving Veterans Memorial Park to enhancing the Harmony House and more. Community members were given lots of opportunities to vote for their favorite projects.

I recently learned that the final winning proposals were announced about a month ago; 11 different projects which will improve local businesses, village green spaces and more.

Here’s the list:

  • Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use ($1,100,000): Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
  • Optimize Harmony House for Performances ($1,010,000): Update the historic Harmony House to enhance ADA accessibility and make it more conducive to performances and events, strengthening the presence of performing arts in downtown Webster.
  • Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts ($546,000): Create a conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts that can be used for retail as well as workshops and educational programs to complement the existing business. Rooftop solar panels will also be installed to enhance the sustainability of the building.
  • Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage ($381,000): Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the downtown core to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster’s sense of place.
  • Create a Gateway to the North End Business District ($310,000): Enhance the connection between Main Street and the North End Business district by incorporating artistic lighting under the Route 104 bridge to create a gateway feature.
  • Establish a Small Project Grant Fund ($289,000): Create a matching grant fund to support smaller-scale improvements and renovations to enhance properties and businesses in the NY Forward Area.
  • Create a Hojack Trail Gateway ($289,000): Create a gateway at the intersection of the Hojack Trail and North Avenue to highlight the trail connection, create a sense of place and enhance safety for those accessing the trail.
  • Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church ($255,000): Enhance the community spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church by modernizing the spaces and enhancing comfort to increase utilization by the community.
  • Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street ($161,000): Modernize and reconfigure the commercial spaces at 39 West Main Street to optimize the layout, right-size the spaces for the market, and enhance accessibility to attract future tenants to the downtown core.
  • Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use ($89,000): Renovate the interior and exterior of 7 South Avenue to optimize for retail use, bringing a new business into a vacant space and adding vibrancy to the Main Street Business District.
  • Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster ($70,000): Develop a platform for information on parking, events, and promotions, along with digital marketing content and print collateral to promote downtown Webster and enhance awareness of businesses.

All of these improvements should make our little village even more beautiful and welcoming in the years to come.

* * *

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 6/25/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Ruff Day Resort named Chamber’s June Business of the Month

12 Jun

Congratulations to Ruff Day Pet Resort, honored as the June Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Ruff Day Resort is located on Gravel Rd. in Webster, and provides dog daycare, lodging, training and spa treatments. The business specializes in individualized care, providing indoor and outdoor play equipment, dedicated lodging and play areas, paying attention to the needs of dogs of all sizes.

Ruff Day was founded by Amy Holtz, who began her canine-dedicated career as a certified dog trainer. In the 15 years since she established Ruff Day, it has grown from a family-operated business into an organization with 13 employees, enabling the delivery of comprehensive pet resort services.

Holtz and her daughter are active members of community groups and youth programs through Crosstown Alliance Church and Northridge Church. They also participate in the community outreach of RocDog, a local therapy dog organization.

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 June 27, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. 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 of Commerce Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve presents the June Business of the Month award to Ruff Day Resort. Sammi Datthyn, employee of Ruff Day Resort, accepted the honor at the monthly Chamber Breakfast.

* * *

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 6/12/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

Mabel Jane’s brings mid-century modern decor — and more — back to the village

31 May

The Village of Webster’s newest shop caters to customers who really like the old.

The new Mabel Jane’s Vintage and Consignment shop opened in mid-April at 10 North Ave., just steps from the village’s four corners.

Mabel Jane’s features two rooms and more than 1200 square feet packed with pre-loved furniture, antiques and collectibles. It’s the realization of a long-time dream for owner Sharon Kruger, an extension of the Loyal Helper Group, a business which she’s owned for 9 years.

I help people downsize and move; sometimes they’ve moved to Heaven. After we get them situated, they ask, “What do I do with what’s left?” I help them find a home for it without putting it in the dumpster. We help them donate some, sell some.

And now, Sharon has a dedicated shop in which to do that.

I’ve always wanted a shop, not because I’m taking all their stuff here. That’s too much work and cost for them. But there are special pieces that you can’t necessarily sell in the month that you’re working with them, so we could bring them in here.

Sharon also takes items on consignment from the community, so there’s a wide variety of, well LOTS of stuff, and inventory turns over daily. Plus, the prices are very reasonable. Friends have actually suggested to her that she raise them, but she doesn’t want to do that. “I want my inventory to change,” she said, “and I want it to get into someone’s hands.” 

The 10 North Ave. location most recently housed Mod 4 U, which specialized in mid-century modern decor. That shop closed in February, and Sharon said that people are happy to see a similar shop fill the empty space.

“Robert (Verrone) was here before,” Sharon said, “and he had some great mid-century modern. This has got that and more. And it’s not all vintage, there’s some new stuff.”

So basically, it’s like one big estate sale right in the heart of the Village of Webster.

Sharon is still trying to sort out her hours, but right now Mabel Jane’s is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and usually one other day during the week. The best way to find out when she’s there is to visit Mabel Jane’s Facebook page or Instagram (mabel_janes_), which are both updated regularly.

* * *

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 5/31/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Webster Museum receives $2,500 donation from NBT Bank

30 May

The Webster Museum and Historical Society received a generous donation Thursday morning when representatives from NBT Bank presented the museum with a check for $2,500.

The presentation was part of NBT Bank’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new branch located at 1075 Ridge Road (in the plaza with Corona’s Mexican Restaurant, next to Great Clips).

Donations like this are a key part of NBT Bank’s commitment to supporting the communities they serve. With each new branch opening, the bank selects a local nonprofit organization to receive a donation.

During the check presentation, Market Manager Lindsey Meyers praised the museum’s efforts, saying:

The Webster Historical Society’s passion for keeping Webster’s history alive, and the dedicated effort within the community, is really something special. Their commitment to the Webster School District and other organizations makes them a staple in both Rochester and Webster. We are honored and privileged to partner with you today.

Webster Museum President Tom Pellett expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that while there are no immediate plans for the funds, they will go a long way toward supporting the museum’s mission.

“It’s gifts like this that keep us—a nonprofit, all-volunteer museum—going,” he said. “It enables us to keep the museum open for free, so we’re always thankful.”

Also attending the presentation were Webster Museum volunteers Sharon Pratt and Deb Oakley; Webster Town Historian Lynn Barton; Webster Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty; Webster Chamber of Commerce President Barry Howard; Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Bob Duffy; and several NBT corporate representatives.

NBT Bank, which recently merged with Evans Bank, is expanding its presence in Upstate New York. The new Webster location is the first NBT branch in the Rochester area. When asked why Webster was chosen, Shauna Hyle, Executive VP of Community Banking, explained:

We really like the Webster community. We had a subsidiary in downtown Rochester, and many of our employees lived in Webster. That gave us some insight into the area, and we felt it was a great opportunity to re-enter this market.

* * *

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 5/30/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Village businesses coming and going

16 May

Sheesh. You go away for a month and so much business news happens, I’m having a hard time staying on top of it.

I’ve recently found out about several businesses planning to set up shop in the village, and at least one which has moved out. I want to eventually connect with all of these business owners to get photos and more details about their plans, but in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of what I know:

Kiss me cookie is moving into the former Mane Street Beauty Lounge location at 15 East Main St. This little bakery calls itself “a boutique bakery in Webster NY specializing in gourmet cookies, cupcakes and unique creations!” You can find them on Facebook here and on their website here.

Uncle Buck’s Scratch Kitchen has moved from their small space at 9 South Ave. to a much more spacious location at 2122 Empire Blvd. (the former India House restaurant). Hopefully this means their business is expanding and they needed more room.

But 9 South Ave. will not be vacant for long. ROC City Empanadas is planning to move in sometime soon, and hopes to hold a grand opening in June.

Mabel Jane’s Vintage Consignment & Furniture is now open at 10 North Ave., featuring “quality pre-loved furniture, antiques and collectibles.”

Finally (and this is not Webster Village — or even Webster — news) Elvio’s is now open at 1350 Empire Blvd. on Irondequoit Bay, across from K2 and Bar Bill. It’s a coffee shop and live music venue with a Portuguese-inspired menu.

As I said, I’m going to try to connect with all of these businesses in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for more information.

AND as long as we’re talking about great Webster Village business news, I recently saw that Brimont Bistro is back in business at 24 W. Main St.

In April, a severe water leak from a neighboring building filled Brimont’s basement with two feet of water, destroying everything in it. But a few days ago, owner Greg Cody posted on Facebook, “Brimont Bistro is finally back open after over five weeks being shut down after a water breach from neighbors building. We have made some menu changes and changes to our lunch service. Please visit our website for more details. It’s nice to be back to work!!!”

And finally in Webster business news, the Webster Chamber of Commerce has announced that Bauman’s Farm Market and Greenhouses has been honored as their May Business of the Month.  

The Bauman family has a long Webster history, which began in 1908 when Joe and Emma Bauman bought the property at an auction. Subsequently, the property has been a farm to dairy cattle and then to fruits and vegetables. Jim and Barb Bauman have been operating the farm since 1984 and have added a bakery, twenty greenhouses, and more.

(Pictured below: Webster Chamber Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve (L) presented the May Business of the Month award to the Bauman family.)

* * *

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 5/16/2025)

Tags: , ,

Webster community mailbag

12 May

The Webster Recreation Center will be holding a Family Fun Night on Friday, May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.

The evening’s festivities will include lawn games, dancing, food, and lots more. Police, fire department and Town of Webster highway trucks will be present, as well as community group booths, tattoo artists, food trucks and a concession stand. There’ll even be an “Instrument Zoo.”

There’s no cost to attend and registration is not necessary. Just come on by and bring the family!

*****

Color Webster Green has scheduled two very interesting programs in the next few weeks.

The first is an outdoor workshop called Magnificent Monarchs, on Saturday, May 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Charles Sexton Park. Color Webster Green member Geri McMahon will be presenting this family-friendly event. Everyone who attends will go home with fun stickers, and some milkweed seeds to plant in their yards.

There’s no charge, and registration is optional, but it might be nice to let the Color Webster Green folks know how many are planning to attend.  

The second is a Refuse District Discussion on Thursday, May 29 from 7 to 8 p.m.

This is an online discussion to start a conversation about refuse districts. Since this is an initiative that needs a lot of buy-in from the community, Color Webster Green is trying to see if folks are interested in pushing for this. It’s already been implemented in Brighton and Pittsford.

The discussion will start with a short presentation on what refuse districts are and how it came about in Brighton. The meeting will be online via MS Teams at this link. 

*****

The Webster Museum has some new items in their store, which you’ll want to check out next time you’re there. They’re scenic photo cards picturing several beautiful features of the Webster area, including the Harmony House, the pier, historic homes, and others.

The cost is three cards for $5.40, or $2.15 each, tax included. Cash or check, please.

The Webster Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. They’re located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

*****

The next Breakfast Before Business Meeting of the Webster Chamber of Commerce will be Friday, May 30 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests, and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Every attendee participates in pass-the-mic time, your opportunity to briefly introduce yourself. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70 to 90 attendees. Reservations are required. Click here.  

* * *

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 5/12/2025)

Tags: , , , , ,

Keep those cards and letters coming!

28 Apr

Time is running out to achieve the ambitious Mail Call: Letters From Home goal set at the beginning of this month to collect 1,000 letters and notes for our deployed service members.

During this month-long challenge, community members have been encouraged to stop by one of a dozen businesses throughout Webster which are hosting mailboxes (like the one above) and fill out a card with a simple message of thanks, or we’re thinking of you, or we’re proud of you. The messages will then be sent overseas this June inside care packages prepared by the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester.

The month is almost over and Cherie Wood, the project’s organizer, reports she’s counted 800 cards and letters so far. So we really need to step up these next few days, Webster, and put this great initiative over the top!

We still have a few days to make that happen, so when you’re out and about today or tomorrow, consider stopping by one of these businesses to fill out a message and put it in the mailbox:

  • American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post 942: 818 Ridge Rd (back entrance).
  • Jersey Mike’s Subs: 975 Ridge Rd.
  • Key Bank: 1848 Empire Blvd.
  • Key Bank: 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Lowes Home Improvement: 900 Five Mile Line Rd.
  • Mama Lor’s Cafe: 1891 Ridge Rd.
  • Pearl Vision: (Wegmans plaza) 900 Holt Rd.
  • Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: 195 North Ave/ (Rt 250)
  • Village Quilt Shoppe: 21 E Main St.
  • Webster Public Library: 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Webster Recreation Center: 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
  • Webster Town Hall: 1000 Ridge Rd.

Can’t make it this week? The mailbox at Town Hall will be up until May 16, and the folks at Lowe’s will be hosting their mailbox all year, so loom for it when you stop in for your gardening supplies.

Cherie has high hopes that once she’s had time to collect the mail from all of the mailboxes, the messages will number well over 1,000. So, given the incredible response she’s seen from our community, she’s already planning to run the Mail Call project again next year.

So start saving your blank cards (without them “we would have been sunk,” Cherie said) and talk to your clubs and groups about having card-making parties. Teachers, this would be a great class project! The more, the better, because every single one of these positive messages from home will brighten the day for a deployed service member.

Town Hall
Lowe’s

* * *

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 4/28/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Enter the WCCH Mother’s Day raffle, win cool stuff

25 Apr

Hot off the presses, here’s news about a great Mother’s Day raffle to benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH).

First prize is a Fendi Bag (valued at $1,500) packed with goodies including:

  • an M/Body gift certificate
  • Boma silver earrings ($150 value)
  • a Kittelberger 12 months of flowers gift certificate
  • wine and wine glass set
  • a certificate for a free class at Element Yoga and Juice Bar
  • a Webster Comfort Care sweatshirt blanket

Second prize is almost as great. It includes:

  • a Michael Kora purse (valued at $368)
  • a Rhodolite garnet ring (re-sizable for your mom), a $275 value
  • wine and wine glasses

Tickets are $25 each, 3 for $60 or 5 for $100, and are available at the WCCH website.

Think of how much your mom would love you if you were to present her with one of these fine prizes! And you’ll feel extra good because with each ticket you buy, you’re supporting an outstanding Webster organization.

Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH), located at the corner of Holt and Klem roads, provides free hospice care to the terminally ill of our Webster community. The dedicated staff members and volunteers there uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of its residents, while supporting their loved ones in a warm, home-like atmosphere. It’s an amazing agency that does great things for families experiencing the some of the most difficult times of their lives.

* * *

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 4/25/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Elena Dilai Photography named Chamber April Business of the Month

21 Apr

Congratulations to Elena Dilai Photography, honored as the April Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Elena’s business stood out to the Chamber of Commerce selection committee for several reasons.

Elena has studied under some of the most respected photographers in the world. Her hunger for perfecting her craft has been recognized by The Portrait Masters who have awarded her an Associate Accreditation. Additionally, several pieces of her work have earned entrance into the finals at the Professional Photographers of America’s International Competition. She was also recently named one of the Top 100 Photographers in the World by WPE.

Elena has been recognized outside of the field of photography as well. She is an awarded professor of mathematics at Monroe Community College, including being a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. 

Elena’s work, “Enduring Spirit,” recently won the Susan B. Anthony Museum Award through the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. Currently, she’s working hard on fulfilling her “40+ and Fabulous” dream, where she is photographing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, share with others the gifts of mature beauty and confidence.

As for community service — an important criterion for selection as Business of the Month — Elena performs leadership roles in Rochester’s Ukrainian-American community. Currently, she serves as the Secretary of RocMaidan, a nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

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. Length of service and commitment to our community are success factors the Webster Chamber of Commerce enjoys recognizing and celebrating.

Get to know the Chamber of Commerce

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, on Friday April 25 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Join 70-90 Chamber members, guests and visitors at this great opportunity to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. 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.)

This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area! Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is on Wednesday April 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Webster Chamber of Commerce office, 1110 Crosspoint Lane. Garrett Wagner, Founder of C3 Advisory, will host.

The Chamber’s monthly Eat Drink & Connects are opportunities to professionally network and get further acquainted with members. There’s no fee for Chamber members to attend, and just $10 for guests and visitors. And there are DOOR PRIZES! All attendees must pre-register here.

* * *

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 4/21/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

Cookies and cupcakes and brownies, oh my! Sweet Square Bakery is open

28 Mar

The word has spread quickly through the village: Sweet Square Bakery is FINALLY open at 1 West Main St., at the Village’s four corners.

We’ve all been carefully watching this vacant storefront for months, ever since Buffalo Bleached moved out about a year ago. The prospect of having a cute little coffee shop right in the middle of town was very exciting, so much so that their first few days, the line stretched out the door pretty much the entire time they were open.

I still haven’t been able to connect with the owner, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to introduce this new Village of Webster gem to everyone.

And it is a gem. Now, I’ll be the first to say that the Village Bakery is a wonderful place for coffee and treats, a convenient spot to meet friends and set up your laptop. But it’s kind of noisy and usually pretty crowded.

The new Sweet Square Bakery offers a much different ambiance, which I can only describe as quaint and cozy. There are five cafe tables which seat 20 comfortably, and every visitor is welcomed warmly by the staff members. The large front windows let in all sorts of sunshine, making the entire shop bright and airy. The display cases are filled with delectable treats including cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cakes and more (ranging in price from $3.25 to $6.50, depending on the baked good) and there are several coffee options.

So basically, it’s another wonderful place in the Village of Webster for coffee and treats, a convenient spot to meet friends and to fire up your laptop. And it’s right in the center of town.

Here’s a look inside; all photos are courtesy the Village of Webster.

* * *

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 3/28/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →