Tag Archives: Village of Webster

Annette’s Restaurant to open this weekend

7 Nov

I’ve been hearing from some friends that they’ve seen people inside the new Annette’s Restaurant and are wondering if it’s open yet.

Well, sorry, I found out that it isn’t officially open QUITE yet. They’re inviting some friends and family members in on Friday night to give their staff some practice and iron out some kinks. But the restaurant won’t be open for everyone else until this Saturday, Nov. 9.

Owner Nan Kent told me that beginning Saturday, Annette’s will be open for lunch and dinner. You can check out the menu here, but Nan was particularly excited to tell me about a few of the desserts, an apple/pear tart and a flourless chocolate cake. The rest of the menu looks pretty delicious, too.

I don’t need to tell you more about Annette’s here; just stop on in and check it out for yourself. The restaurant’s hours will be Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 to 9:30, and closed Sunday and Monday. They’re already taking reservations (call 585-645-6002).

Annette’s is located at 27 West Main St. in Webster (the former Mozzeroni’s). Visit the website here for more information.

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(posted 11/7/2024)

Veterans honored at the Webster Museum

3 Nov

A special program and new exhibit at the Webster Museum honor and give thanks to those who fought in the Vietnam War.

On Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m., Charles Klauck, a Vietnam veteran and President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 will tell his story. Plus, attendees will also hear from the Schraders, who met because of the Vietnam War. Nguyen Schroeder escaped by jumping on a ship as it was leaving the Vietnam harbor. They will tell their fascinating love story. Other veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend the presentation to share their personal stories of the war and their service.

The program is free (donations are always appreciated) and refreshments will be served. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster and is handicap accessible.

While you’re there for the presentation (or anytime this month), make sure to check out the new Vietnam War exhibit tucked into the “toy corner.” It features two uniforms actually worn during the war. The one on the left was worn by Spencer Radnich from the US Army, and on the right, the US Air Force uniform worn by Ron Gentle. The patches are from Vietnam veteran Michael Geisler.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. You can find out more at their website here and Facebook page here. The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. 
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(posted 11/3/2024)

Some quick updates about recent events

31 Oct

I received a couple of emails in the last few weeks with good news about two recent fundraising events.

The first was from Kevin Finn, who every year organizes the Beer Walk for the Village of Webster. This year’s walk was held on Saturday Oct. 19, and Kevin reports that the weather was perfect.

The event completely sold out its 200 available tickets. Participants strolled through the village, stopping at six businesses:

  • The Coach Sports Bar (where walkers picked up their wrist bands and glasses)
  • Jojo Bistro and Wine Bar
  • Finn’s Automotive (where Mayer’s Cider Mill sampled their hard ciders)
  • Roc Style Chicken and Burger
  • BC’s Chicken Coop
  • Lattimore Physical Therapy, where Rising Storm offered their locally-brewed beer

The event raised $3,300 for future Webster Business Improvement District events. A portion was also donated to the Harmony House to help fund their renovations.


The next day, I got this great news from the Webster Public Library’s annual Fall Book Sale, held Oct. 16 through 19: just through sales of $1 hardcover books and 50 cent paperbacks (plus $5 bags at the bag sale), the event managed to raise more than $6,000. The Kittelberger flower cards which were also being offered for sale were also a big hit; 200 of them were sold.

All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library.

On a side note, I’ve also been told that a very good friend of the library — whom I only know as “Ted” — took it upon himself after the sale to rearrange the book sale area. He managed to more than double the available shelf space for both books and digital materials.

So next time you’re at the library, check out the newly organized space, which is just to the left as you come in the front door. Remember, even though the big Fall Book Sale is over, the book sale area is open all the time, and the prices are great.

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(posted 10/31/2024)

Have you SEEN the Mary Wee?

28 Oct

If you happened to be in the Village of Webster during Saturday’s Trick or Treat Trail, then perhaps you were one of the lucky ones to get a not-so-sneak-peek at the new Mary Wee Pub opening at 2 West Main in the old Barry’s Old School Irish space.

Owner Mark Petzing was there with some family and friends handing out candy and giving tours of the almost completed pub. I’ve posted a few blogs in the last few months chronicling Mark’s progress, but I haven’t been in there in more than three weeks, so I made sure to stop in and see where things stand.

I was blown away by how much has been accomplished in those last three weeks.

Granted, the floor still needs to be finished and the kitchen is still in disarray. But the indoor bar is looking beautiful, the spacious indoor/outdoor bar is ready for pints, the jukebox has been installed, and there are a few special touches that people are really going to love, like how the restroom door looks like an Irish telephone booth and the ceiling is emblazoned with the symbols from Ireland’s four provinces.

Best of all, Mark says all the final touches should be completed within a few weeks. So watch for news of a grand opening, hopefully sometime before the end of November.

Here are a few more photos:

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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 10/27/2024)

Photos from the Trick or Treat Trail

26 Oct

What a spectacular autumn day we had Saturday for the Village of Webster’s annual Trick or Treat Trail. The gorgeous sunshine and not-too-hot, not-too-cold temperatures brought thousands of adults and children to the streets of the village. I think our small business owners enjoyed the day as much as the kids, although some of the first-time participants were a bit unprepared for the number of trick or treaters that would come by.

I spent a few hours walking around taking photos. Perhaps you and your kids are in one of them! Click here to see the whole gallery.

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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 10/26/2024)

Plans are in motion for this year’s Festival of Trees

17 Oct

Yes, it’s only the middle of October, but the Webster Museum is already thinking ahead to the holidays, and their annual Festival of Trees.

This year’s Tree Festival will begin on Saturday, Dec. 7, which is (not coincidentally) the same day as the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland holiday event. Starting that day and through the end of the year, museum visitors can vote for their favorite decorated mini-Christmas tree among 15 to 20 beautiful and creative entries. (Online voting will also be offered.)

But before that can happen, individuals, families and organizations need to step up and do some decorating! Two $25 prizes will be awarded for the trees getting the most votes.

If you’re interested in participating, call Gwen Hoffman at (585) 738-6221.

By the way, the museum is also looking for a few additional music groups willing to share their talents during the Winter Wonderland festivities at the museum.

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Quick addendum to this blog: the museum has a great program coming up tomorrow (Saturday Oct. 19).

Beginning at 2 p.m., Jon Gonzalez, President of Bill Gray’s and grandson of Bruce Hegedorn will be providing an update on the redevelopment of the former Hegedorn’s Plaza and sharing a few thoughts on business in Webster, past, present, and future.

Following this talk, back by popular demand, the Palma brothers will be in to share their expertise and insight into the history and value of the items you bring in. There’s no charge for either presentation.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park 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)

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(posted 10/17/2024)

Details about Webster’s Trick-or-Treat Trail and costume contest

15 Oct

The Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I can’t believe that there’s anyone reading my blog who hasn’t heard about this great event. But just in case …

Basically, for three hours on what is usually a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, children and their adults can wander the village, popping in and out of businesses, trick-or-treating. Full costumes are expected of course, and not just for the children! It’s always fun to see entire families dressed up, often as a common theme. I love taking photos of cool parents who get into the spirit.

The costume contest this year will begin at the same time as the trail, right at 11 a.m. But have no fear; it will only take a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging. Then you can head out for trick-or-treating!

So grab your kids, get everyone into costumes (including you, too, Mom and Dad), then stroll through the village, visiting friendly merchants who will be handing out candy. This is a great chance to check out some of the newer businesses in town, or even some older businesses you’ve never been in before.

And make sure you stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., because they’ll be holding their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, free fire hats, and candy of course. And turn the corner on Lapham Park to take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.

Keep an eye out for me and my camera; I’ll be wandering the streets, too, taking photos of as many kids and families in costume as I can. Then I’ll post a really big follow-up photo gallery. (Click here for my gallery from last year.)

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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 10/15/2024)

Welcome to the village, Emerald Financial

6 Oct

It was a sad day when Nest Things moved out of its storefront at 11 East Main St. in the village. It was sadder still when that beautiful old building remained vacant for so long. That all changed when Emerald Financial Services moved up the street from its Barrett Dr. offices and settled in several weeks ago.

Emerald officially joined the Village of Webster business scene on Aug. 19, after completing some significant interior renovations.

“This was just one big empty space,” said Emerald president Joe Altobelli. “We had to put in the offices, do a lot of electric work. The structure was solid, but we needed to create a more financially aesthetic look to it.” In addition to the offices, that also meant adding a conference room and consultation room and redoing the kitchen.

Nothing had to be done on the exterior, though, which means that the striking beauty of the old Nest Things storefront has not changed.

Emerald’s offices had been at 60 Barrett Dr. since 2013, but recently the building’s landlord asked them to relocate to make room for a new business which needed both floors of the building. The decision was made rather easy when the landlord purchased 11 East Main with the intent for Emerald Financial to move in.

Altobelli loved the location from the first time he saw it.

I love the fact that it used to be a bank, I love the fact that it’s in the village, I love the fact that you can walk out your front door and you have all of these options and people walking by, and the hope is that the village continues to grow and expand, especially with some of the state money that’s coming. I’m looking forward to what the opportunities are going to be in this location.

Fun fact: for many years, Emerald Financial used to have its offices at 4 East Main, subletting the basement of the Smith Insurance building just across the street. It was when Smith needed the space to expand in 2013 that Emerald moved to Barrett Dr.

So, once again, welcome to the village, Emerald Financial Services. And welcome back.

Emerald Financial Services offers wealth management for individuals and families, business services for companies and groups including health insurance, group disability, group accident, group life and other group benefits. For more information, visit their website here or call (585) 265-2885.

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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 10/6/2024)

Autumn fun in the village

4 Oct

The dates have been finalized for all of the Village of Webster’s very popular fall and winter events. More details will be coming soon for some of these, but in the meantime, here are the dates so you can put them all on your calendar:

  • Shredding Event, Saturday Oct. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the parking lot behind Village Hall. This is a drive-through event; volunteers will be on hand to unload your car. Paper only will be accepted, and staples DO NOT need to be removed. Paper needs to be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (not plastic). Limit is five boxes per vehicle.
  • Health and Wellness Fair, Saturday Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Hall community meeting room, 29 South Ave. This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness.
  • Wine and Beer Walk, Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Stroll through the Village of Webster and into our local businesses, sampling beer, wine and snacks. More info to come.
  • Trick or Treat Trail, Saturday Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Always a great time for families. Features a costume contest, museum scavenger hunt, pet costume contest, the fire department’s open house and more. More info to come.
  • Bourbon Bash, Saturday Nov. 2, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St. Sample bourbons and whiskeys from local and national distilleries, complemented by food samples from local restaurants. This is always a hugely popular event which sells out, so stay tuned for when tickets become available.
  • Winter Wonderland in the Village, Saturday Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. on Main St. (Maybe it’ll snow this year?) More details to come.

The best way to keep on top of these events is to visit the Webster BID website frequently, where details will be posted as they’re finalized.

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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 10/4/2024)

An update on the Mary Wee Pub

3 Oct

For all of you anxiously awaiting the day when the new Mary Wee Pub opens at 2 W. Main St., re-energizing the Village of Webster’s four corners, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is that the renovations are progressing. The bad news is, they’re not progressing as quickly as we all would like, and certainly not as quickly as Mary Wee owner Mark Petzing was hoping they would.

For sure a LOT has been accomplished over the last few months. All of the electrical and plumbing work has been finished; there’s new drywall, insulation, ceiling and floor; the bar and footrest are in place; the jukebox, speakers and TV are up; the liquor license has been approved and the menu is ready to be printed. But as is often the case with any big remodeling project, when one project gets finished, often another one pops up that you didn’t expect.

That’s happened a lot, Mark said, and when it does, “It takes more time and money in the long run. But when I do something I want to make sure it’s done right.” 

“We’re close, but yet so far.”

Mark is still hoping that everything will be done by the end of the month, and is eyeing an official opening in November. He knows that the new pub is “the talk of the town,” and definitely knows how much everyone is looking forward to its opening. (Apparently people are already coming in to order beers.) And he really appreciates how much the neighboring businesses are supporting him, which makes it even harder to wait for opening day.

“The neighbors have been awesome,” he said. “I really appreciate all the support from The Coach and Roc Style, Brimont, Burkes … Everybody has been very supportive and it really makes you feel at home. I love the village. I can’t wait to be a part of (it).”

Even if it won’t be open yet, you’ll be able to get a sneak peek during the Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday Oct. 26. Mark and his family are planning to be outside handing out candy for the kids and handing out good news (hopefully) to the adults.

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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 10/4/2024)