Tag Archives: Local business

It’s Christmas at the Village Quilt Shoppe

20 Jul

I was just lamenting to someone just the other day how the stores are ALREADY displaying school supplies, adding that I’m happy that at least the Halloween merchandise isn’t in the shelves yet, anyway. Then I get an email from the Village Quilt Shoppe touting all of the Christmas fabrics they’ve got in the shop.

CHRISTMAS fabrics!

I know, I know, if you’re a quilter, you have to start thinking very early about your holiday projects, so I don’t fault Vanetta and Monique for already hyping the season. And I looked at all the images of the fabrics on the email — they’re so pretty and festive that they kind of make me want to learn how to quilt.

Getting that email did remind me that I haven’t posted about the Quilt Shoppe recently, despite it being one of my favorite little village shops. Vanetta and Monique always have fun things going on. This month, for example, you can enter the Christmas in July raffle, they’ve got lots of cool classes, and they’re starting to put together their third annual cookbook. This year’s edition will feature bread and soup recipes. Bring your favorites into the shop or email them to vqsrecipe@gmail.com.

So pop in, check out the new fabrics, pick up some new supplies and enter the raffle. And if you know someone who loves quilting, consider grabbing a gift certificate. After all, if it’s Christmas at the Village Quilt Shoppe, that means the Christmas shopping season has officially begun.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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

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

(posted 7/20/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Jul

Today’s mailbag is going to be a long one, so buckle up, my friends.

These first few events are coming up fast — like Thursday and Friday — so I want to let them know about them up front.

Listen to music, smell the flowers

The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday July 17, featuring the acoustic duo  Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concerts are held at the gazebo, and audience members are encouraged to spread out on blankets or in lawn chairs to enjoy some delightful music, surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum. The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary. Snacks will be available with proceeds benefiting the Arboretum.

Sip and shop

Also happening Thursday evening, a special event brought to you by Lala of Webster and Jojo Bistro, which they’re calling “Fine Tastings,” to benefit the Al Sigl Center.

From 5 to 7 p.m., sip while you shop, and shop while you sip, while enjoying light fare from Jojo Bistro and music by iSteel Music.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Music at another gazebo

The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series begins this Friday July 18. The first concert features the Earthtones, who play 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Tom Petty and others.

Upcoming concerts include:

Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m.. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a night of free music under the stars.

More information about these concerts and all the other exciting Village of Webster events coming up this summer and fall (including the Jazz Festival, Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash, Trick-or-Treat Trail and more) can be found at websterbid.com.

More from the Arboretum

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called “Honoring Life — One Frog at a Time,” scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Margot Fass, M.D., the “Frog Lady,” and discover the life of our friend the frog. And before you come, check out Margot’s whimsical book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic. The presentation will be held outside on the far side of the pond at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

And even MORE music

The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 23, featuring Allegro, Western New York’s premier party band. It will benefit the Webster Health and Education Network.

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ’s front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd., so bring a blanket and chairs. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

The remainder of this summer’s schedule includes:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Summer family fun from the Rec Center

This summer more than ever we need this: the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Summer Splash, scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Responders Spray Park on Chiyoda Dr.

Rich the Magic Man will be there with foam bubble fun, and free slushies will be provided courtesy Gleason Orthodontics (while supplies last). The event is free and open to all, and no registration is needed.

Old books at great prices

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. The sale features fourteen tables of books, many with titles available for the first time. Most books are under $20. Proceeds from the sale support Webster Public Library.

In other news from the library, this month’s Community Exchange is jewelry. Bring in some items you don’t wear anymore, and swap them out for something new! And July’s Donation Station is accepting hygiene products for underprivileged and disabled seniors.

This month’s drop-in crafts tables will feature camping. Two sessions will be held, Friday and Saturday July 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is needed, and all ages are welcome.

And this looks like fun: this month’s Family Fun Night is a scavenger hunt, scheduled for Monday July 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. Start in the storytime room, where you’ll get your instructions, then follow the clues on a scavenger hunt through the library. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

These events are just a few of the great things happening at the library in July. To keep on top of all of them every month, click here to subscribe to the Webster Public Library newsletter. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the sign-up link.)

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

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

(posted 7/16/2025)

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The Village of Webster’s got the “Munchies”

7 Jul

It used to be a fried chicken place. Then a pizza joint. Then a scratch kitchen. Now, the little restaurant at 9 South Ave. in the Village of Webster is serving up something completely different: empanadas — with all the fixin’s.

It’s called Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas, and even though the restaurant is less than a week old, owner Luis “Munchie” Carrasquillo is already seeing a steady stream of customers, even in this oppressive heat, when just stepping outside feels like a chore. Fans of the Munchie’s food trucks, familiar from local festivals, markets and street corners, are tracking him down at his new location, and plenty of new customers are discovering empanadas for the very first time. And from what I’ve seen, the prevailing — very enthusiastic — opinion seems to be that this is the kind of restaurant the Webster area has needed for a long time.

When Luis officially opened late last week, he was working with a limited food truck menu: six kinds of empanadas and eight sides, including traditional favorites like Spanish rice, maduros, bacalaitos and tostones, along with staples like French fries and mac and cheese. But this week, he’s rolling out an expanded menu, and also launching Taco Tuesdays and Fish Fry Fridays. (And keep reading to find out about his Fireman’s Parade Day specials.)

Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas may have just opened its first brick-and-mortar location, but the brand has a long history rooted in resilience and creativity.

Luis first tried to open a restaurant in the early 1990s, setting up shop on Clinton Avenue in downtown Rochester. Unfortunately, sales were slow, and he quickly found himself in financial trouble, just days away from shutting down.

Then came the phone call that changed everything.

A worker from a nearby construction crew ordered a meal for delivery. As soon as he started eating, his coworkers took notice, and they all placed their own orders. On the way back to prepare the food, Luis had a game-changing realization: if customers wouldn’t come to him, he’d bring the food to them.

He began packaging $5 and $10 meals and drove around his neighborhood, selling them out of the trunk of his car to patrons and employees at local businesses. He developed a loyal following, with customers looking forward to his regular visits. The demand grew so strong that he eventually stopped selling from the front of the restaurant entirely; his mobile method was more profitable and far more successful.

Then COVID hit. His usual stops closed their doors or no longer allowed outside vendors. So Luis pivoted once again, investing in a food truck. It needed a lot of work, but before long, Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas was officially on the road, and business has been rolling ever since.

Luis is a Village of Webster resident, so when it came time to take the next step and open his first Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas restaurant, the village was a natural choice.

“We’re home,” he said. “Webster is my place.”

He’s excited to share his passion for empanadas with the community, so keep an eye out for him at local festivals and special events. He’s already cooking up a special for this Thursday, Fireman’s Parade Day: his empanada-and-side combo, normally $15, will be just $10 that day. Individual sides will go for $5. And don’t forget to grab some fried dough while you’re at it. After all, it is carnival time.

Now that he’s in Webster, though, don’t expect Luis to sit still for long. He said,

This branding, this logo will go everywhere. By the time it’s over with, Penfield, Fairport, Irondequoit, Greece, Pittsford, all the surrounding suburbs will have a Roc City Empanada restaurant. That’s our goal in the next couple years. … We want everybody to have this experience.

We started in the city, in the middle of everything. Now we want to go out in the circle and have everybody experience what it is to eat a Roc City Empanada.

Webster is fortunate that Luis Carrasquillo has chosen our village to be the launchpad for his future success, serving as ground zero as Roc City Empanadas heats up the Rochester food scene.

Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas is located at 9 South Ave. in the Village of Webster. For now, the restaurant is open every day, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Luis can gauge the flow of the neighborhood and see what hours best suit his customers. Keep tabs on his Facebook page and website for details about the hours, when and if they change. You can also call (585) 435-6848.

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

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

(posted 7/7/2025)

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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.

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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 6/25/2025)

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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.

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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 6/12/2025)

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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.

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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 5/31/2025)

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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.

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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 5/30/2025)

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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.)

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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 5/16/2025)

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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. 

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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.

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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.  

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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 5/12/2025)

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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

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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 4/28/2025)

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