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.
Burrows Brothers, Inc. (25 years)
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 (25 years)
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’s Sensible Repair (25 Years)
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 (25 years)
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 (30 years)
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.
Lincoln QuickPrint (35 years)
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.”
Marina Auto Group (35 years)
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 State Farm (40 years)
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 (45 years)
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 (50 years)
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.
Family First Federal Credit Union (55 years)
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 (55 years)
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).
Webster PTSA (65 years)
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.
RP LeFrois Builder Inc. (75 years)
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.
Webster Public Library (95 years)
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.
Whelpley & Paul Opticians (100 years)
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, LLP (130 years)
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 (200 years)
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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(posted 10/21/2024)
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