Tag Archives: Village of Webster

An update on the NY Forward grant

15 Sep

Just yesterday, as I walked through the village, I got to wondering whatever happened to that $4.5 million NY Forward grant that we heard so much about a few years ago.

The grant, you might remember, was awarded to the Village of Webster for improvements to the downtown business district. It was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), and landing it was a long process involving proposals, committees, focus groups, and lots of opportunities for input from community members and business owners.

After receiving the award, more meetings and input sessions ensued to decide where and how to use the hard-won funds. Ultimately all the proposals were whittled down to 21 projects, and community members were given several opportunities to vote for their favorite ones. Last year, New York State selected 11 projects to receive the funding.

But then, I heard pretty much nothing about that money and when it was finally going to be spent. So it was with great interest that I read an article in the most recent Village of Webster newsletter which outlined the next steps.

The 11 projects which were chosen are:

  • Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use — $1,100,000
  • Optimize Harmony House for Performances — $1,010,000
  • Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts — $546,000
  • Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage — $381,000
  • Create a Gateway to the North End Business District — $310,000
  • Establish a Small Project Grant Fund — $289,000
  • Create a Hojack Trail Gateway — $289,000
  • Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church — $255,000
  • Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street — $161,000
  • Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use — $89,000
  • Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster — $70,000

According to the newsletter, on Aug. 13 the Village of Webster signed initial consultant agreements for three of those projects:

  • Veterans Memorial Park
    • Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
  • Wayfinding signage
    • Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the Village to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster’s sense of place.
  • Marketing
    • Develop a platform for information on parking, events and promotions, along with digital marketing content to promote the Village and enhance awareness of businesses.

The Village promises additional opportunities for public engagement with the projects. Stay tuned 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)

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 9/15/2026)

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Another flood sale at the Quilt Shoppe?!

15 Sep

It’s happened again, but fortunately this time it wasn’t as bad.

You may remember that back in 2019, just months after the Village Quilt Shoppe opened at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, a water leak from the upstairs apartment came through the floor and ruined much of their merchandise. They had to close to regroup, but came back strong thanks to their very loyal customers.

Well, it happened again. Another water leak from the same apartment. This time, though, it only affected some of their fabrics. So once again, the Village Quilt Shoppe is having a “Flood Sale.” Monique and Vanetta have washed all of the affected fabric, cut it into convenient one-yard and two-yard pieces, and are selling it for $7 a yard (cash only).

So stop on down to the shop at 21 East Main St. (on the corner of Lapham Park) and grab some bargains.

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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 9/15/2026)

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Susan Elizabeth Portraits is dressing up the Village of Webster

10 Sep

One of the things I like best about writing this blog is that occasionally I discover a hidden corner of our town or village that I can share with everyone, like an under-publicized event, an unusual find, or perhaps a local resident who’s doing great things for others.

But I especially like learning about small businesses which have just moved to town, so I can help spread the word. That’s why I was pleased when Sue Mongiovi emailed me about her new photography studio, Susan Elizabeth Portraits, located at 47 West Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Sue actually opened up her new studio space in January, but she’s been doing the photography thing for a long time. Her passion for photography began 20 years ago, when she was working part-time as an assistant wedding photographer while, ironically, working full-time at Kodak. But even back then she longed to open up her own studio and leave the corporate grind behind.

In 2007 she made the leap, leaving Kodak (before they downsized her) so she could focus all her attention on pursuing her passion. For a long time she worked out of her home, until she rented her first studio in 2018 in the Anderson Arts Building in Village Gate, and then later the Hungerford Building. When that didn’t pan out, she dropped the studio idea altogether for two years. But she always kept one eye focused on the real estate listings in case the perfect property became available.

The last thing she expected was to find that perfect space in her very own village, around the corner from her Webster home.

The new two-room studio is located on the bottom floor of a small house on West Main Street. “I’ve never had anything like this before,” Sue said, “and it never dawned on me to look in my own town. I’m such a city girl. I live here, but I’ve always thought of an artist being in the city in some run-down building.”  

The space is perfect for what Susan Elizabeth Portraits has become especially known for: a dress-up photo studio. There’s a small hallway for a gallery; a side room filled with fancy dresses, shoes, jewelry, tiaras, hats, and some fairy wings; and the studio space itself where Sue makes the portraits.

Girls come in with their moms (or sometimes it’s teenage friends, or even a Girl Scout troop), and explore the dress-up room, choosing whatever outfits and bling they’d like. They’re encouraged to examine all the props in the room, find their favorites, get creative and make their own magic.

“I feel like this is their place, to let them be who they want to be,” she said. “I love watching them transform, so they suddenly feel more confident, more proud of themselves.”

Even the process of selecting the outfits is part of the experience, so Sue will make a short video to help them remember it. Once everyone is primped and proper, they move into the studio for photos. Whether her clients ultimately decide to purchase the completed portraits doesn’t seem as important to Sue as being able to provide the experience.

“I don’t want them to just come over here for us to take pictures,” she said. “I want them to have that feeling of togetherness. Two people coming in or friends coming in, having fun in here, playing dress-up. …  Whether or not they buy anything, it’s more like I just want them to have this place to go, to have this fun experience.” The finished products are kind of like a bonus.

Dress-up photography is just a small part of the services Susan Elizabeth Portraits offers, which also include family and couples’ portraits, senior portraits, special event photography and more. For more information, check out her website here, Facebook page here, and find her on Instagram and Pinterest.

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(posted 9/10/2026)

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

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Webster business bits

9 Sep

I’ve had occasion recently to visit several of our town and village’s small business owners. My main purpose was to solicit donations for the Women’s Club of Webster’s upcoming Card and Game Party, and of course everyone was very generous, as our small business owners always are. But it was also a great chance for me to check in on these businesses, and chat with the owners to see how things are going.

In the process, I learned about all sorts of special events and new offerings, several of which I would now like to share with you.

We’re going to start with some BIG NEWS from Sweet Shenanigans at 15 East Main St. in the village. This little bake shop is barely six months old — they only opened in April — but it has already become a village favorite.

So much so that our sweets-loving Webster community has nominated them in the Best Bakery category of this year’s Rochester Community’s Choice Awards.

The Community’s Choice Awards is a nationwide program which celebrates the best businesses and organizations across the country. Community members nominate and vote for their favorite companies in more than 100 categories. Sweet Shanigans is vying against six other Rochester-area bakeries, including some big names you will definitely recognize. And this is just the first round; if they get enough votes, their category will be whittled down to five semi-finalists, then three finalists.

Voting is open now through September 23, so log on soon to cast your vote for Webster’s very own Sweet Shenanigans. Click this link to go to the voting page, click on the “Dining” tab, then “Bakery.”

And this is the kind of thing that has made Sweet Shenanigans a favorite:

They’ve just introduced a really fun new concept, the “Shenanigans Surprise Bags.” Basically, if you’re undecided about what to choose from the delightful variety of goodies in their display cases, you can order a surprise bag. They’ll choose around eight items from the cases and the bread rack — generally a $25-$30 value — and pack them up all ready to go. Your cost is only $20.

There is a limited amount of Surprise Bags available, and they’re only offered on Thursdays.

This adorable little “Trinket Trade Box” is located outside Oh Bella, a charming boutique located at 24 East Main St.

Owner Isabella Proietti got the idea from a shop she came across in Orlando and installed hers at the beginning of summer. The idea is kind of like a Little Free Library, but in this case children can place little trinkets, toys or stickers in it, and take what they’d like. Isabella says it’s been very popular, with both children and adults alike.

It’s pretty adorable. Make sure to check it out next time you’re in the village.

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Never Say Never Stables, located at 906 Maple Dr. in West Webster, has recently introduced a brand new “Horse Hangout” experience for adults.

It’s part of the Barnside Social Club, a welcoming place to relax, connect, and enjoy the company of horses, without the pressure of riding, lessons, or need of experience.

The Never Say Never website explains,

Many of the horses at Never Say Never Stables are enjoying their senior years. After spending their lives teaching, carrying, and caring for people, they’ve earned a softer landing. While they’re no longer suited for regular adult riding, they still thrive on connection. They love being groomed, pampered, hand-grazed, talked to, photographed, and simply enjoyed for who they are. And as it turns out, many adults are looking for exactly that.

The Barnside Social Club was created for those who miss being around horses, dream of owning one someday, once rode years ago, or simply find peace in their presence. Here, there is no pressure to ride, perform, or know anything about horses. Just come as you are and enjoy authentic connection with these wonderful animals—and with other people who appreciate them, too.
Because sometimes the best part of the horse isn’t riding.

The program offers participants the opportunity to meet and connect with the horses in a relaxed barn atmosphere. You can meet fellow horse lovers and enjoy light refreshments or BYO, depending on the event. No riding experience is necessary.

New adventures are scheduled every month. Click here for more information and to check availability.

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

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(posted 9/15/2026)

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Hojack Trail improvements officially introduced to the community

6 Sep

About two dozen people attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday afternoon marking the official re-opening of the greatly improved Hojack Trail.

As you probably know, the Hojack is Webster’s premier Rails-To-Trails trail. Part of the former Hojack Railroad, the trail runs almost five miles from the northwest of town to the southeast, between Lake Road and Phillips Road. Several connections to other trails can also me made from the Hojack, including the Vosburg Hollow Nature Trail, John Ungar & Michael A. Johnson Trails, Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park, and the Bird Sanctuary Trail. It’s one of the most popular trails in the Webster trails system.

For several months through last summer and fall and into this spring, volunteers from the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) worked hard, resurfacing the entire stretch between Holt and Drumm roads, improving drainage, and adding plantings, signage and benches. The work was made possible with a large grant, which was matched by two anonymous donors. Those improvements were officially introduced to the Webster community at Thursday’s ribbon-cutting.

FWT Board Member Ben Wisniewski welcomed the assembled guests, and reminded everyone about the trail’s rich history, which goes back to 1875 when the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad — the “Hojack Line” — came through town.

He said,

By the 1890s, the railroad was the center of the village, with a large station there. Four daily trains took passengers to Sea Breeze and into Rochester, while freight was shipped out of town. The golden age of the railroad transformed Webster and the entire area. But times changed, cars and trucks become the dominant means of transport, and the railroad eventually closed.

Passenger trains stopped running to Sea Breeze in 1929, and in 1964, less than 100 years after the Webster Station was built, this section of the Hojack Line closed.

It wasn’t until the 1990s when a local movement began to turn the old rail bed into the rail trail we love today. The Friends of Webster Trails was established in 1997, charged with maintaining the new Hojack Trail.

The Friends have created many more trails in the years since, but the Hojack has always been one of the most popular. But there were often times when the trail would get very muddy, flooded and sometimes become impassible. FWT has long wished to improve the trail surface, but the cost to do that was a huge stumbling block.

Then, in early 2025, the stars aligned. FWT became aware of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund for Western New York, which provided a large chunk of the needed funds. And when two very generous community members stepped forward to provide the funds required to make up the difference, the work could begin.

In addition to the resurfacing, the FWT added two new kiosks with maps and trail information, wayfinding signs, point-of-interest signs, new trees and shrubs and access bollards, all designed and built by FWT and its community partners.

The Hojack really is a beautiful trail, and the crown jewel of our extensive trail system. We owe a huge debt to the Friends of Webster Trails for all the work they’ve done to really bring it up to snuff so that we can all enjoy it for years to come.

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We have an amazing trail system in our town, and I hope you can see now that the Friends of Webster Trails are the folks to thank for that. These dedicated volunteers are committed to planning, maintaining, and promoting our trails, and advocating for the preservation of the natural character of Webster’s open spaces.

If you’re a regular user of any of Webster’s 28 miles of trails, please consider showing them some love by becoming a member of the Friends. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $15 for an individual or $20 for a family) and the funds go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.

You can find out more about the organization and see an interactive map of all the trails at the Friends of Webster Trails website.

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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 9/6/2026)

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So how was YOUR night?

3 Sep

Wednesday night’s storms were no joke. The severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches (and then warnings in some places) weren’t kidding this time. Rarely during these events do I lose power (thank you Village of Webster) and have little damage aside from small branches, twigs and leaves littering the yard.

Wednesday night, though, we weren’t so lucky.

I was sitting on my enclosed front porch with a few friends, sipping some wine and watching the lightning, when the power went out. Didn’t bother me; when that happens it’s usually only for a short time, and in the meantime it’s like camping. But, shortly thereafter, we heard a huge crash come from beside my garage. Seems that one of our trees had decided to make an unannounced visit to my neighbor’s roof.

A few of us ran outside to assess the situation, which proved somewhat difficult in the still-driving rain. Sure enough, our really big white pine had become uprooted, and much of it was resting atop our neighbor’s house. As adults do, we reconvened on the porch to discuss the ramifications of this disturbing event — and finish our wine.

After a while, the rains relented, my friends headed to their Fairport home (where they still had power), and my husband Jack went next door to check on the neighbors, Matt and Kari. Great neighbors that they are, they took the whole thing in stride, and laughed about how snake-bitten they seem to be when it comes to natural disasters and their homes. The tree had managed to punch a small hole in their roof, so Matt had already contacted his insurance agent, already putting things in motion.

Props to RG&E for getting our power back by 1:00 a.m. and for dispatching Birchcrest Tree and Landscape only a half hour after we called to remove a branch from a power line. And a HUGE shout out to J.M. Tree Service, who came out in force early Thursday afternoon to tackle the huge job of removing the huge tree.

And they did that very efficiently. It was a fascinating process watching the J.M. worker-bees sawing and removing huge chunks of tree, being careful not to cause any more damage, and chewing them all up in their shredder. By the end of the afternoon, our landscape looked a lot different, minus a few trees and a big piece of our fence. But the worst of the experience was over. One more adventure in the life of a homeowner.

I hope you and yours fared the storm, and if you did lose any trees, they fell without incident.

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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 9/3/2026)

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Happy anniversary Village Quilt Shoppe!

1 Sep

I’m embarrassed to say that this occasion almost completely passed me by. But an email I got this morning from The Village Quilt Shoppe reminded me that this cute little shop turns seven years old this week. With all the business comings and goings of late, and all the empty storefronts, I’m happy to see a village business thriving.

That’s especially the case here, because owners Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti had a very rocky start. Just three months after they opened their doors in August 2019, a water leak from the apartment above the shop came through the floor and destroyed much of their merchandise. They had to close for almost a month. Then, a year later, COVID struck — and you know how difficult it was for small businesses to navigate that.

But thanks to a solid core of loyal customers, they navigated both of these major obstacles and came back stronger each time. And now this week they’re celebrating seven years in business.

Vanetta and Monique have several special events up their sleeves to celebrate the anniversary, most notably, Birthday Bingo TODAY (Tuesday Sept. 1) at 1 p.m. and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. They’ll be handing out free gifts with every purchase all week, and treats for all. Plus, they’ll have a prize wheel which you can spin for extra discounts.

They promise more fun surprises all week, so make sure to stop by the shop.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 E. Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park.

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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 9/1/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Aug

September is still a day or two away, but the September events are piling up, even more than they did over the summer. Looks like it’s going to be a busy fall.

It all really starts on Friday, Sept. 11, when the Village of Webster holds its annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park (Gazebo Park) on North Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

It’s hard to believe that 2026 is the 25th anniversary of that awful event. The Village always does a very nice job commemorating it. The ceremony usually lasts around 45 or 50 minutes and includes first responders and local and regional political representatives who offer some comments. The Chorus of the Genesee or Village Band will also be there to perform patriotic tunes.

Chicken BBQ … yum

St. Martin Lutheran Church will host their next Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday Sept. 12 from 4:30 p.m. until they run out. Dinners include 1/2 chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie for just $15 (cash or check only). Pull into the parking lot, place your order using exact payment, and the dinner will be delivered to you as you drive up in your car. Proceeds will support the church’s Little Free Pantry and annual Christmas Stocking Project.

St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.

Health and Wellness Fair

The Webster Business Improvement District (BID) will host its 4th annual Webster Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 12.

The fair will showcase businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. It will be held at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Dr. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and there’s no charge to attend. The fair will feature all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health. Pharmacists from Wegmans will also be on hand for a vaccine clinic.

During the Wellness Fair, the BID will also host a free shredding event from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot.

This is a drive-through event. Please bring paper only, and staples do NOT need to be removed. Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no plastic), with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Webster Museum program

The Webster Museum will host their first program of the fall season on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Karen Lankeshofer will speak about the life of cycling legend Elsa Von Blumen (1865-1935). Elsa gained national attention initially for her lengthy walks, but soon caught further attention for her race against a horse here in Rochester, and a 1000-mile bicycle trek over 6 days.

Fit for the occasion, Tim Warren will be atop the museum’s penny farthing bicycle to demonstrate the skills required to operate this venerable device.

The presentation will begin at 3 p.m. It’s free to attend and refreshments will be served. The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park

Vintage book sale

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Vintage and Collectible Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room.

There will be 14 tables with about 250 books, grouped into the following table themes: U.S. Civil War; mystery, spy and suspense fiction; travel; juvenile fiction; art; animals, birds and nature; Rochester and Upstate NY; titles published by The Modern Library; American history; poetry; medical and health; and older fiction.

Nearly all books offered are in good or better condition, many with their original dust jackets in a protective plastic cover. Some are first editions or early printings. Most books being offered were published in the 20th century, and most are priced under $20.

The sale will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room of the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd.

And these things …

Also coming up this month:

  •  Webster Comfort Care Home’s 5th Annual Raise the Stakes Casino Night, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. This is an exciting evening of gaming, prizes and fun while supporting a great cause. Click here to read more about it.
  • The Webster Garlic Fest, Saturday and Sunday Sept. 12-13 at the Webster Recreation Center. A “stinkin’ good time” for young and old. Click here to read more about that.
  • The Mud Run, on Saturday Sept. 19, also at the Recreation Center. This is sloppy, muddy fun for the whole family. Click here to read more about that.
  • The Village of Webster Beer Walk and Car Show, Saturday Sept. 19. The Car Show will be from 3 to 6 pm. on West Main St., and the Beer Walk will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Registrations for the Car Show are closed and no drive-up registrations will be accepted. Tickets are not yet available for the Beer Walk, but stay tuned here for more details when they become available.
  • The Webster Comfort Care Home hosts their annual Their Light Shines remembrance event on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the home, 700 Klem Rd. Participants are invited to purchase a luminaria and personalize it for their loved one. They’ll all be placed around the home’s parking lot on the evening of Sept. 29 in loving memory of those we’ve lost. More information to come, but the luminaria are available for purchase now. They cost $15 each or $25 for two. Visit the Webster Comfort Care website to learn more.

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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 8/30/2026)

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Serenity Life opens creative new extension

28 Aug

A huge Webster welcome to the Village’s newest — and most creative — business, Serenity Life Creative Studio.

Located at 10 North Ave. (formerly Mabel Jane’s Vintage Shop), the new Serenity Life Creative Studio is an extension of Serenity Life Counseling Services, which already has established locations at 93 West Main St. and 98 North Ave. Owned and operated by professional therapist Mattye McKibben, the studio is the realization of her long-time vision to bring a community-driven art therapy space to life.

She’s delivered that in a big way. Step inside the new studio and you’ll find a bright, open, welcoming atmosphere, enveloped in warm tones with vibrant splashes of color. It’s an environment which Mattye says is “built around the concept of Open Studio Art Therapy, an approach that combines the freedom and joy of creating art with the presence and support of trained creative arts therapists in a welcoming, community-centered environment.”

Rather than feeling like a traditional therapy office or a typical paint-and-sip studio, we’re trying to create something that blends the best of both worlds. We want people to be able to stop in for a girls’ night, a parent-child outing, a date, a family activity, or simply an hour of quiet creativity, while also knowing that licensed Creative Arts Therapists are part of the environment should they want a deeper therapeutic experience. Our hope is to bridge the gap between clinical art therapy and everyday community life, making creative wellness feel approachable, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.

The concept is simple. When you walk in, you step up to the “art bar,” peruse the menu and select an art box stocked with supplies for your favorite medium — watercolor, acrylic, clay, oil pastel, pencil sketching and more. Each box includes all the art supplies you need, with optional add-ons. Grab some paper at the Paper Bar, find a comfortable spot to work (at a table, on a couch, or you can even sit in the front window) and start creating. There are even options for “little artists,” children 10 and under.

If you don’t have your own ideas and aren’t sure where to start, you can get inspired by one of the creative ideas posted in the studio. Or just experiment. You’ve got 90 minutes to work at your own pace, and licensed creative arts therapists are on hand at all times to help with materials, offer creative guidance or provide a little extra support.

Mattye describes the experience as “an approachable way to get some emotional wellness. It’s not a clinical environment.” Rather, “it’s ‘therapy-forward,’ more an open-structure art therapy.” And who couldn’t use a little therapy once in a while, especially when family and friends are part of the fun? What a great way to relax and put life’s problems aside for just a little while.

Serenity Life Creative Studio is located at 10 North Ave. in the Village of Webster. Find out more on their website, where you can also reserve a time to visit. Or just walk in during open studio hours. You can also follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram. And stay tuned for news about upcoming special events, like Ladies’ Nights and Teen Tuesdays.

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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 8/28/2026)

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Even more to love from M.O. Pasta

25 Aug

It’s really kind of hard to believe, but M.O. Pasta, that great little pasta shop on East Main St. in the Village of Webster, just celebrated its third anniversary.

Since opening in Webster in April 2023, M.O. Pasta has become a local favorite for authentic, handcrafted fresh pastas, small-batch sauces, take-and-bake kits, pastries, and fresh breads. Owner Mike Oldfield built a loyal following even before launching the storefront, and that community has grown steadily over the past three years through glowing word of mouth.

And now, M.O. Pasta is getting even better.

About a month ago, Mike expanded his services next door into the former Fella’s Tattoo and Gift Shop at 7 East Main, which moved out in April. It was perfect timing, opening up a spot for Mike to start offering pasta classes and private events (like dinners and team-building classes), something which was always in his long-range plans.

So it’s not so much an expansion as it is additional space. The room is long and thin, measuring about 800 square feet. On one wall hang photos from his trips to Italy, and on the other, a collection of pasta-making tools. A handsome table extends the length of the room, long enough to sit 14 comfortably, but leaving plenty of room for Mike to stack the bags of flour he imports straight from Italy. Some day he’d also like to set up a table in the front window and make pasta, “just like you’d see in Italy.”

Mike’s already hosted several classes in the short time since the classroom opened, and his September and October schedules are already filling up. If you’re interested in joining a class or scheduling one for your friends or co-workers, contact Mike through his website, Facebook page or Instagram to check availability. Or better yet, stop into the shop.

M.O. Pasta is located at 5-7 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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(posted 8/25/2026)

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