Congratulations to Rich Marlin, financial advisor with Edward Jones in Webster, who was recently named Webster Chamber of Commerce 2025 Business Person of the Year.
A financial advisor for 43 years and an Edward Jones partner for more than 30 years, Rich is a husband, father, business owner and advisor to many. He’s also an active volunteer who’s been involved with many community efforts in addition to his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce.
Outside the office, Rich is passionate about sharing his time, treasure and talent with local non-profits. In addition to his Chamber Committee work with the Program and Membership committees, Rich leads the Chamber’s coordination for the annual United Way Day of Caring. He has sponsored Chamber connecting events such as Connect at Noon and has led past Power Hour presentations.
Rich has contributed financially to many charitable causes including the Webster Community Chest and Comfort Care Home, Hope Ministry, Webster Health & Education Network, Christopher’s Challenge, the Webster Garlic Festival, Wreaths Across America, One Soldier at a Time, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters, and the Heritage Christian Stables Day of Caring. AND he was a Boy Scout leader for more than 20 years.
Rich’s efforts with the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is a project especially dear to his heart. Since 2021 he’s served on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee as a board member and chairperson. The event has raised more than $1,100,000 and Rich personally has raised more than $7000.
We have a plaque for him today that is inscribed with these words: “2025 Business Person of the Year presented by the Webster Chamber of Commerce to Rich Marlin in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the Webster Chamber of Commerce and your commitment to the community”.
In honor of his contributions to our community, Rich was presented with a plaque at the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s February Breakfast Before Business meeting. The Chamber also made a donation to an organization of Rich’s choosing.
The Business Person of the Year is an individual who is recognized as having set a standard of accomplishment in both business and the community. Nominations are from the Chamber’s business members who have made a significant impact on the role of business in the community. The nominee must have been an active member of the Chamber for at least 18 months, someone who is always willing to go above and beyond and be a leader that motivates others. He or she must have a level of community participation by contributing resources in the form of time, talent, or money to our community via projects, clubs, churches, and not-for-profit organizations.
(Pictured above, L-R: Webster Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Barry Howard, Deb Gargantiel from Rich Marlin’s staff, Business Person of the Year Rich Marlin, Rich’s wife Kathy Marlin, and Elena Heisel from Rich Marlin’s staff)
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The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests and visitors interested in investigating Chamber membership. The March breakfast will be held on Friday March 28 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. 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 when you’re invited to (very briefly) introduce yourself and your business.
This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70 to 90 attendees. Reservations are required. Click here to do so.
Shopping and Hopping
Quilters and crafters, take note:
The Village Quilt Shoppe is participating in a Fantastic Four Shop Hop from April 3 to 5.
15% off all bolted quilting fabric (1/2 yd min. cut)
Demos & goodie bags
Passport giveaway – Pick up your passport at the first shop you visit and turn it in at your last stop.
Grand Prize: 16 yards of fabric
Additional Prizes: Four 2nd & 3rd place winners, plus several 4th place prizes
PLUS, If you love this idea of a Shop Hop, then you’ll love this: The Village Quilt Shoppe is also participating in an All-New York State Shop Hop taking place throughout May and June.
More than 50 shops throughout the state are participating. To take part, you’ll need to purchase the All New York Shop Hop Magazine, available at the Village Quilt Shoppeor on their website. In the magazine, you’ll find a Shop Hop Passport which includes all the event details including,
Maps to help you navigate your journey
A list of stores by region for easy planning
Shops participating in Shop Hop Sundays
Special Shop Hop hours so you can visit as many stores as possible
Exclusive patterns included just for participants
Plus, there’s a special New York-themed fabric, which can also be purchased in the quilt shop or online, with pre-orders available now for pickup starting May 1.
The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park.
Women’s Club announces April luncheon
The April luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday April 17 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.
This month’s speaker will be Diane S. Miller, Associate Broker with the Re/Max Realty Group, a veteran real estate agent with over 38 years’ experience in local real estate. Diane will be sharing information on the current crazy real estate market, as well as tips for people thinking of making a move, tips for those wanting to age in place safely and tips for organizing life information to reduce stress, and more.
The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Diane’s presentation. Cost of the luncheon is $22 and will include a buffet featuring assorted deli subs (ham, turkey roast beef, cheeses, lettuce and tomato) Country Club chips, and a cookie. Friendship and camaraderie are included at no charge. New members are more than welcome.
Send your check made out to the Women’s Club of Webster by April 10 (FIRM) to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you have any questions, or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. She will hold your place.
Looking ahead to warmer weather, the Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds.
The talk will be presented by Liz Magnanti, the owner of The Bird House in Pittsford. Orioles and hummingbirds spend their winters in Central and South America and migrate back to North America in the spring for breeding season. Learn all about these beautiful birds and how to attract them to your backyard.
The presentation begins at 7 p.m. and will take place in the Curry Building. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.
Books books books (cheap books!)
The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. The first day of the sale, Wednesday April 30 from 4 to 7 p.m., is exclusively for Friends Members. A Friends membership is required to attend this Book Sale and Vintage Book Sale. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.
All are welcome to attend the Book Sale on Thursday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.
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One of the Chamber’s longest-tenured members, the Webster Community Chest has been serving the Webster community for more than 75 years, guided by their mission: “Serving people and organizations in need in the greater Webster community by providing services and resources.”
The Community Chest began as the Webster War Chest in 1942, during World War ll. It supported local residents serving overseas, along with their families. Six years later, it became a New York State charitable organization.
Today, more than 100 volunteers and two part-time benefits counselors work to provide a variety of services to the Webster community, including emergency food assistance, end-of-month meal kits, food delivery to local food cupboards, financial assistance during crises and emergencies, annual high school scholarships to reinforce volunteerism, summer camp scholarships, and Meals on Wheels subsidies. As examples of the Chest’s vast reach into the Webster community, nearly 11,000 end-of-month meal kits have been provided in 2024 and more than 750 Meals on Wheels meals were purchased.
If you’d like to join the Webster Community Chest in their mission to help your Webster neighbors in need, click here to learn more about the organization and explore volunteer opportunities.
Pictured above: (L-R) Webster Community Chest representatives Michael Grenier, Steve Yahoodik, Mary Kay Barrett and Sharon Pratt accept the award from Webster Chamber Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve.
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We all already know what an incredibly kind and giving community Webster is, especially during the holiday season.
A perfect example of that giving spirit was in full evidence on Thursday afternoon when the Webster Chamber of Commerce delivered more five than fully stuffed boxes and bags of hats, gloves, socks, neck warmers and more to Webster NY HOPE for distribution to our neighbors in need.
Some of the hundreds of donated items
The Chamber has been collecting the items since October. Members were encouraged to bring items to the monthly breakfast meetings and Eat, Drink and Connect networking events, or deposit them in the collection box at the Chamber offices on Crosspointe Lane.
In just that short time, the Chamber managed to collect almost 500 pieces of winter wear, including 195 pairs of socks, 115 children’s and adults’ hats, 35 neck warmers, 113 pairs of kids’ gloves and mittens, 24 pairs of adult gloves, plus five hat and gloves sets, and more. On Thursday afternoon Chamber President Barry Howard and Administrative Assistant Barbara Baldwin dropped them all off to very grateful staff members at Webster NY HOPE.
The donations will also be greatly appreciated by our Webster neighbors in need.
“We have 600 people signed up for our Christmas program this year,” Hope Director Margery Morgan said. “There’s a big need in Webster.”
Howard agreed. “We know that this is Webster, but you have to understand, we have a lot of people in need, even in Webster. We have a lot of people that go hungry, a lot of people who don’t have clothing, a lot of people who don’t have adequate housing. We have too much of that.”
Click here to find out how you can help Webster NY HOPE make this year’s holiday season a happy one for our neighbors in need.
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After 98 years of service to our community, Underberg & Kessler LLP is well known in a variety of circles – business, municipalities and community. With 58 staff members across Rochester, Buffalo, Canandaigua and Geneseo, their legal service offerings are comprehensive and visible.
Underberg & Kessler also gives back to the community. Their U&K Cares Program has supported more than 30 charities since its inception in 2019, and staff members also participate with the Chamber’s team at Heritage Christian Stables on the United Way Day of Caring.
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.
Pictured above: team members from Underberg & Kessler accept the Business of the Month award. (L-R) Attorney Kyle C. Pittman, Attorney Patrick L. Cusato, Past Webster Chamber Chair Carolyn Montanaro, and Attorney Andrew M. Washburn.
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At its September Breakfast Before Business meeting, held Friday Sept. 27, the Webster Chamber of Commerce recognized 18 local businesses who have not only been successful, but have withstood countless challenges and the test of time to remain strong and viable for decades.
The Chamber presents these awards annually, recognizing businesses which have been operating for 25 years or more. They’re awarded in five-year increments, and this year included one business — Webster Union Cemetery — which has just celebrated its 200th anniversary.
Here’s a quick look at all of the honorees. A longer write-up about each can be found at this link. The photos show the honorees receiving their plaque from Past Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro.
This family-owned business was established in 1999 by brothers Kevin and Keith Burrows. They’ve established themselves as a highly respected utility contractor specializing in underground services.
Burrows Bros Inc. is also very involved in our community, contributing to various causes, including St. Rita’s Church and School, Webster Union Cemetery, Wreaths Across America, Webster Cyclones Hockey, and numerous animal rescue organizations.
Christopher’s Challenge is a not-for-profit named in honor of Christopher Costello, a young man from Webster who was suffering from leukemia and in need of a bone marrow transplant. It was established to increase the number of people in the Bone Marrow Registry and find suitable bone marrow donors.
Over the past 25 years, Christopher’s Challenge has paid for the typing of over 7,000 people and at least 30 have become donors. They have also raised over $80,000 to support patients and their families going through bone marrow transplants that could include their rent, a utility bill or a recliner.
John Hayes worked at Taylor Rental in Webster through high school and college as a mechanic, and graduated with a four-year degree in mechanical engineering. But he couldn’t find a job in that field, so he continued to work at Taylor Rental.
In 1999, John started John’s Sensible Lawn Mower Repair as a side gig. In 2001 he quit working at Taylor and began working full-time in the repair business. In 2014 a windstorm toppled a tree and totally destroyed the shop. But he came back strong, rebuilding the shop to make it bigger and better. In the past two years his business has doubled in volume.
Webster Interiors Home Furnishings & Design, located in the Village of Webster, offers home furnishings, lighting, accessories, flooring and design services. Over the years, Webster Interiors has sold more than 10,000 window treatments, worked on many interior design projects, and completed four Homearama projects and numerous commercial projects, both large and small.
Drabik Orthodontics opened its doors June 1994 with one doctor – Stan Drabik – one patient and big dreams. It was several years later when Dr. Drabik and his wife created their brand: designing not just a dental office, but a “lodge,” complete with a fireplace and pine walls. The idea was to convey warmth, a welcoming atmosphere, and patient-centered care. They now have two lodges, their first one one in Crosspointe Lane, and a second in Gates.
Dick Astifan acquired Lincoln Quickprint in January 1989 after a 20+ year career at Xerox and established a rapidly-growing business. After 9/11, however, the downtown picture began to change and Dick decided to downsize, leave downtown, and relocate closer to home in Webster.
When Covid hit, Dick went from full-time to an ‘appointment only’ operation, which Dick now characterizes as “part time.”
John Gabriele Jr. and Tony Gabriele Jr.Jerry ChristopherGary Evarts
Marina Auto Group is a family-owned multi generation business, which began in 1989 as Weller Motors in West Irondequoit. When the State of New York acquired the building for the construction of the O’Rourke Bridge in May, 2001, they relocated to Webster and acquired Timothy Dodge. They’ve since expanded their offerings, adding the Mitsubishi line in 2006 and Chrysler Jeep in 2009. They actively participate in various community events and organizations.
Jerry Christopher operates a State Farm Insurance agency located on Empire Blvd and has been helping Webster residents with their insurance needs since 1984. The agency offers every type of insurance including auto, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, homeowners and renters’ insurance, business insurance, and life insurance.
Jerry is deeply involved in community service. He belongs to the Penfield Rotary, sits on on boards, serves food at community events, puts on work gloves during the Day of Caring and sings at various events.
Kuk Sool Won traditional martial arts that has been active in teaching all ages and genders for 45 years. The business currently operates at three locations, in Ontario, Williamson and Wolcott. The Webster/Ontario location was built a few years ago specifically for Kuk Sool and is one of the largest in the Rochester area.
Each location actively supports the community, also offering women’s self-defense classes and senior citizen classes emphasizing safety and awareness.
Webster Pediatric Dentistry was founded in 1974 by Dr. William Salminen in a 500-square-foot suite in the basement of the former Webster Health Center on Barrett Drive. In 1982, the office relocated to the Village of Webster at 39 West Main Street where it operated until 2023 when the current owner, Dr. Lisa DeLucia, undertook a massive relocation project to open an office in the Crosspointe business park. The current office operates with 11 employees, two pediatric dentists and one orthodontist, and a state-of-the-art, family-centered, kid-friendly space that cares for thousands of children, adolescents, and young adults annually.
Fifty years ago, Family First opened for business in the home of Penfield school teacher Dick Denison. Known then as the Penfield Central Federal Credit Union, it was chartered to serve those who worked at the Penfield Central School District.
A merger with BOCES Federal Credit Union in 1984 changed the name to Penfield Federal Credit Union. By 1995 its membership included 150 schools, social service agencies, small businesses and community groups. To better serve these groups the credit union established its current headquarters at 2520 Browncroft Boulevard. Ultimately its membership stretched far beyond Penfield, leading to another name change, to Family First Credit Union.
Since then, they have opened branches in Webster, Henrietta, East Rochester, and most recently in Greece to serve members on the west side of Rochester.
Herman’s Farm Market has been a cornerstone of the Webster community since 1969, when it was founded by Gary’s mother, Judy Herman. Known throughout Rochester for farm-fresh peaches, cider, and a wide variety of fruits and produce, the market has grown into a beloved destination for locals seeking high-quality, homegrown goods.
It’s a legacy rooted in over a century of farming tradition, beginning in the mid 1800s, when Gary’ great-great-grandfather, Adam Herman, first settled in Webster. Adam’s son, Joseph Herman, became the first official farmer in the family, a tradition that would be passed down through five generations (so far).
Mike Lingle, Melissa SchmittJhn LeFroisAdam Traub, Ginny Nguyen
The mission of the Webster PTSA is to provide a powerful voice for all children, to be a relevant resource for families and the community, and to provide strong advocacy for the education and well-being of every child. The PTSA also serves as a liaison between families and the Webster Central School District, advocating for the best interests of families and students, and bringing discussion points forward to help bring about positive change.
Webster’s PTSA is very active, supported by dedicated volunteer committees who plan activities and events including Community Arts Day, a concert apparel donation drive, college scholarships to students and teacher recognition awards.
Russell P. LeFrois Builder Inc. is a third-generation company, well known in the Webster community for their long history of construction projects. They’ve included the expansion of Hedge’s Nine Mile Point Restaurant, and the original construction of the Webster Golf Club. Current projects include the Cobblestone on Main Restaurant and Town of Webster Highway Garage.
As stated in Esther Dunn’s Webster…Through the Years, the Webster community has long been, “library conscious.” The town’s very first library was established in 1881 and located in the librarian’s home. For several years, between 1895 and 1927, no library existed at all. When it started up again, it was first housed in the high school, then moved around several places before landing in the Town Hall campus, then its current location in Webster Plaza.
These days, the Webster Public Library welcomes an average of 15,000 visitors a month, and is on track to break 200,000 visitors this year. Its very dedicated volunteer arm, the Friends of the Webster Public Library, has also grown in its memberships and donations to benefit library programs.
Originally opened in 1924, Avard Whelpley and John Paul launched their first location in Seneca Arcade in downtown Rochester. For the first 65 years, Whelpley and Paul worked in partnership with most of the ophthalmology practices in Rochester, which would refer patients to them to fill their prescriptions. Up until the 1990’s, most ophthalmology offices did not have an optical boutique to provide eyewear; this is where the Whelpley & Paul offices thrived.
At their peak, there were seven offices serving Monroe and Ontario Counties. In the 1990’s Whelpley and Paul added optometrists to their staff, further expanding their patient offerings.
Whelpley & Paul currently operate four offices in the Rochester area, in Webster, Brighton, Greece and Fairport.
Harter Secrest & Emery is a full-service business law firm founded in 1894 with attorneys throughout New York representing clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions.
The firm has offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, with more than 125 lawyers, and their attorneys are consistently recognized by the industry’s leading law firm and attorney ranking programs, including Chambers and Partners, Best Law Firms®, and The Best Lawyers in America®.
Webster Union Cemetery is one of the richest historical sites in our town. The first burial on the grounds was Benjamin Woodhull in 1820. Since then, it has been the burial place of Webster’s first settler, Abram Foster, and many prominent Webster family members are laid to rest in the Webster Union Cemetery, including the Burnetts, the Curtices, the Fosters, the Pelletts, the Woodhulls, the Whitings, and the Wrights. Veterans from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, War of 1812, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are also buried there.
The cemetery was established as an official burial ground in 1824. On September 6, 1851, a meeting was held to organize a society called the Union Cemetery of Webster, New York. But since this name caused frequent confusion between the Union Hill Cemetery, an official name change took place in April of 1954, to become the present “Webster Union Cemetery.”
Webster Union Cemetery held its 200th anniversary celebration in August.
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Boulter Industrial Contractors is a fifth-generation, family-owned business. Owned by Willis (Bill) Boulter since 2005, Boulter’s 41 employees use equipment and technology to provide rigging services, heavy hauling, crating/packaging, production line installation, preventative maintenance, plant relocation, steel fabrication, and warehousing. They’re located on Basket Rd. in Webster.
The Boulter family legacy dates back to 1892, when Thomas Boulter founded a local carting/moving company. He had two teams of horses, and specialized in coal and ice deliveries. In the more than 130 years since those simple beginnings, Boulter moved its company headquarters to Webster, greatly expanded its services and built a huge new warehouse.
In presenting the award to Bill Boulter, Chamber president and CEO noted that the company even has history with the Chamber; Bill’s father William was an active Chamber member and at one time served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Bill Boulter exemplifies the Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to community service, serving on the Board of Directors for Miracle Field of Greater Rochester. His company has also sponsored high school skilled trades career events and supports the Salvation Army of Greater Rochester’s Eclipsing Hunger food drive.
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 Sept. 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: Boulter Project Superintendent Tom O’Neil (left) and Chief Executive Officer & President William S. Boulter (right) accept the September Webster Chamber of Commerce award.
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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).
Steve’s Custom Canvas, owned and operated by Steve Palis, is a homegrown business spanning over three decades, providing our community with marine, auto and awning needs for canvas, upholstery, waterproofing and repairs. It’s located at 765-B County Line Rd. in Ontario.
Upon presenting the award to Palis at the Chamber’s July Breakfast Before Business meeting, Chamber President & CEO Barry Howard applauded the business, saying, “Steve has been able to maintain his business over the past 33 years because of his craftsmanship. He also delivers his skill reliably, with a commitment to his customers.”
Palis started his business in May 1991 at Sutters Marine on Empire Boulevard. (Fun fact, Palis needed canvas for his boat, so he bought the business which could do the work and paid the previous owner to train him to do his own service.) In the beginning, he operated out of a 20-foot trailer, with a rain shed for working on boats. Business growth led him to move to his present location at 765-B County Line Road, Ontario. Over the years, Palis has added to employment opportunities in our area, with up to four staff members, working on a variety of unique service projects.
Palis ‘additional commitments to the greater Webster area include Boy Scouts, Irondequoit Fish & Game Club and the Webster Chamber of Commerce.
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 this Friday Aug. 23, 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 Chair Chamber Chair Carolyn Montanaro, presents the plaque to Steve Palis.
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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).
My own 50th high school class reunion is coming up in a few years, so this email that came my way recently piqued my interest.
The Webster Thomas/Schroeder class of 1975 will be holding their 50th class reunion on July 26, 2025. Plans are already in motion, but right now organizers are really focused on trying to contact as many former classmates as they can. They’re looking for emails for all of the students from the Class of ’75 from Webster Thomas and Schroeder, so they can keep everyone informed about the latest updates.
R Community Bikes will be holding a bike donation event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday Aug. 10 at the Webster-Fairport Elks Lodge, 1066 Jackson Rd.
This incredible organization, based on Hudson Ave. in the City of Rochester, accepts any and all types of bikes, both children’s and adult, regardless of condition. They also gladly accept bike parts, tools and other cycling items such as bells, locks, lights, baskets, bags, trailers, and car racks (but not helmets or cycling shoes). Bikes with special value will be evaluated and possibly sold, with the proceeds going directly back into the program to purchase parts, supplies and tools. Receipts are available upon request.
R Community Bikes is a grassroots organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, that collects and repairs used bicycles for distribution, free of charge, to the Rochester, NY area’s children and adults. They give away over 2,000 bicycles every year and do over 3,000 repairs for their clients, many of whom depend on bicycles as their main source of transportation. In addition, they provide bicycles or repair services to dozens of community organizations, including church groups, youth centers, and neighborhood associations.
Rec Center at the Red Wings
If you haven’t gotten your fill of Rochester Red Wings games this season, here’s a good opportunity to do so, at a great price.
On Friday Aug. 16, the Webster Recreation Center will be partnering with the Red Wings to host a Webster Community Night. The focus will be on our community that evening; Supervisor Tim Flaherty will be throwing out the first pitch, and Webster-based musician Sarah De Vallière is singing the national anthem.
The game starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are only $10; you can use the QR code on the flyer, or click here.
Webster Union Cemetery turns 200
Here’s a reminder about a great opportunity to learn more about Webster history by actually speaking to some of its earliest settlers. (Well, not really. But we can pretend.)
On Saturday Aug. 17 From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Webster Union Cemetery will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Visitors are invited to stroll Webster Union Cemetery’s beautiful grounds and chat with some of the people who founded our town. Talk to a suffragette fighting for women’s right to vote, a 1918 Spanish flu victim, Civil War soldiers, shopkeepers, boardinghouse owners, and even a Revolutionary War spy. You’ll also have a chance to learn headstone cleaning and preservation.
The celebration will take place Saturday Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull). Admission is free.
Read more about this important celebration in this blog.
Free rabies clinic
On Wednesday Aug. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Town of Webster is partnering with Monroe County Department of Public Health to host a free rabies vaccination clinic at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway.
All dogs in the Town of Webster are required to be licensed with proof of a current rabies vaccination.
Support the Marching Band. Eat good food
The Webster Marching Band will host a Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday Aug. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fireman’s Field, 172 Sanford St.
The band promises at least 13 food trucks and vendors, more than 30 draft vendors, a kids’ play place ($10 per child), free face painting, vendor raffles and a 50/50 drawing. The band will also be offering a preview of their 2024 show, “Death of a Star,” with performances at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Breakfast is Aug. 23
The Webster Chamber of Commerce’s next monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, is Friday Aug. 23 from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
There’s a new location! For as long as I have been attending them, they’ve been held at the Webster Chamber of Commerce. But beginning this month, the meetings will be held at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Chamber staff and members at the door. Beverages will be ready to enjoy during networking time. At 7:30 a.m., the breakfast buffet is served, which you’ll enjoy while getting to know other Chamber visitors and members seated at your table. After breakfast, every attendee will get a chance to introduce themselves at pass-the-mic time, and door prizes will also be awarded. Donate a door prize and you’ll get even more recognition for your business or organization.
These events are open to the public as well as Chamber members. Cost is $19 and reservations are required. Click here to do so.
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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).
If you own a business and are not yet a member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, you’re really missing out on a great way to help your business grow. 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, this Friday July 26 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. These meetings are usually held at the Webster Recreation Center, but this month is a special treat: the meeting will be held at First Responders Park, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, which is basically next door to the Rec Center.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Chamber staff and members. Enjoy coffee, tea and juice while you network with dozens of other local business owners. (Anywhere from 70 to 90 companies are represented at these events.) A buffet breakfast will be served at 7:30, and you’ll sit with other Chamber members to get to know them and their businesses even better. And there’s always an informative speaker. This month, Beth Parry from Wellness 360 will present a talk about “the importance of incorporating stress reduction techniques and movement into your business practice.”
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.)
Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.
The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is Tuesday Aug. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Whelpley & Paul, 950 Ridge Rd.
Eat Drink & Connect events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities for visitors to get to know the Webster Chamber and its members. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for the raffle, and even donate a raffle prize to earn more visibility for you and your organization.
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