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)

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(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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(posted 9/15/2026)

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24 hours. 45 students. One secret musical.

14 Sep

Webster Schroeder High School will host a fast-paced 24-Hour Musical Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. in the school auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. In an intense 24-hour sprint, a team of 45 student performers and technical crew members will learn all choreography, music, stage blocking, and technical cues before performing a complete, live musical production for the community.

In addition to the tight timeline, the title of the show is being kept strictly confidential. The mystery production will be officially revealed on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. via the Webster Schroeder Musicals Facebook and Instagram pages.

The event serves as a major fundraiser for the school’s award-winning drama program. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly support Webster Schroeder Musicals’ production of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, scheduled for February 2027.

The mystery musical will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $20 and are on sale now. Click here to order yours.

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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 9/14/2026)

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Helping young people discover the joy of writing

13 Sep

I just signed up — again — for a fun program offered through the Webster Recreation Center. Unlike most of the programs you’ll find there, it doesn’t involve a whole lot of (well any) physical exertion, but does help some very special young people exercise their minds and practice their writing skills.

It’s the Recreation Center’s annual Pen Pal Program, which invites Webster 55+ folks to become pen pals with Autumn Lane (Greece Elementary School) second graders.

Remember back to the days when we would write letters instead of emails? And, as kids, how excited we got when a letter addressed to us would show up in the mailbox? The Pen-Pal Program provides that thrill for almost two dozen young people.

Here’s how it works:

  • Community members who are interested in participating first sign up through the Webster Recreation Center. Call 585-872-7103 (ext.0) to register.
  • Each participant will be assigned a second-grade student, to whom you’ll write a letter each month (give or take a week or two). The first letters from the students should arrive by the end of September. That’s when you find out who your special pen pal is.
  • Throughout the next several months, you can expect five or six more letters. In the past, my pen pal has written about things like her favorite part of school, her favorite sports, favorite colors and that she DOESN’T like to read. Once I found out about her family’s toothless dog.
  • In May, we all take a trip to Autumn Lane Elementary to meet our second-grade pen pals in person. We have a nice chat, they serve us cookies and juice, and sing songs.
  • We already have a nice cadre of adult pen pals who sign up for the program every year, but I know that the Rec Center would like to have even more adult friends! Remember, you must be committed to this program for an entire year … but it’s really easy and fun.
  • There’s no cost, just your commitment to help some students fall in love with writing.

So please consider joining; you won’t regret it.

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(posted 9/13/2026)

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What’s happening with the Women’s Club?

12 Sep

Now that it’s September, the answer to that question is … LOTS.

The autumn season actually kind of kicked off on August 20, when 30 Women’s Club of Webster members and guests gathered on a gorgeous Thursday afternoon for a leisurely 90-minute cruise on the Sam Patch along the Erie Canal in Pittsford. Thanks to Captain Zach for the smooth ride and First Mate Bob for serving up beverages and some very interesting canal history.

The canal cruise was just the first of several special events the club is planning for the 2026/27 year. Next up is the Women’s Club’s annual Card and Game Party, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Participants can play any number of card games or, if you don’t like card games, bring a game of your choice. You can play with friends or take advantage of the opportunity to meet some new people. There are door prizes, raffles, 50/25/25 drawings and more. 

Coffee and danish will be served beginning at 10 a.m. with a buffet lunch at 12:30, including salad, eggplant parmesan, chicken French, roasted rosemary potatoes, fresh vegetables, rolls and butter, with cookies and brownies for dessert.   

It all takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Donation is $45 and reservations are required by Sunday, Sept. 20. For tickets, send a check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, 14617. Make sure to include the names of anyone you would like to play with. 

Sip, Shop ‘n’ Savor at Lala’s

This is going to be a fun time.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, Lisa Schlonski, owner of Lala of Webster, will host one of her very popular Sip, Shop, Savor & Support events to benefit the Women’s Club. Basically, this is an evening of coming together as a community to have fun with friends, meet new people, and benefit a good cause at the same time.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 24, shoppers are asked visit Lala’s and purchase items worth $15 or more to be included in raffle baskets being prepared for the Women’s Club’s Card and Game Party, scheduled for Sept. 29. As a thank you, shoppers can take advantage of a 20% discount off your entire Lala purchase that evening. Then, after you’re done shopping, head next door to Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar for more discounts, live music and special appetizer and drink menus.

Details are still coming together for this terrific evening out, but put it on your calendars now.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street in the village.

Give blood, enjoy homemade cookies

The Women’s Club is also proud to assist once again at the American Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Women’s Club members will staff the canteen, offering donors supremely scrumptious homemade cookies, congenial conversation and a friendly word of thanks for giving the gift of life.

Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s always best to make an appointment. Log onto redcrossblood.org/give, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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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 9/12/2026)

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Don’t miss the Garlic Fest

12 Sep

I spent a little time at the Webster Garlic Fest at the Webster Recreation Center this morning, which was packed with vendors and garlic-loving crowds. As always, I was amazed by the wide selection of crafts and food items, not to mention more varieties of garlic than I ever knew existed.

I was fortunate to be there to see the Garlic King and Queen open the ceremonies, assisted by Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone, and I personally met Count Snackula, the Garlic Fest’s very own garlic-loving vampire.

I couldn’t stay very long, which meant I didn’t have a chance to drop the supervisor into the dunk tank, and I didn’t try out the duck pond game. But I did wander around to check out all the booths and took lots of photos. Some of them are here, but I’ve posted a lot more to a Facebook gallery here. And if you don’t have access to Facebook, you’ll also find them on a Google gallery here.

The Webster Garlic Fest continues Saturday Sept. 12 through 5 p.m., and Sunday Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s being held at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Parking is across the street in the former Xerox parking lot, where free shuttles will be transporting guests back and forth.

Single-day tickets are only $5, and children under 12 are free. Tickets will be available at the door, or if you buy them online ahead of time, you can sail right through the ticket lines.

Proceeds from the Webster Garlic Fest benefit

  • Wreaths Across America: Honoring and remembering veterans resting in local cemeteries on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 19, 2026.
  • Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 (military families): Building Care Packages for locally deployed service members and helping military families in our area.
  • Gold Star Mothers Rochester (mothers who have lost a child, spouse, sibling, or parent in active duty): Helping community veterans-in-need with meals, resources, and year-round support.

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(posted 9/12/2026)

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

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Hope garage sale returns next week

11 Sep

The huge Webster NY Hope Garage Sale is coming up next week, from Sept. 16 through 19, and you want to put this on your calendar for sure.

The garage sale, held at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster (just east of Phillips Rd.), is Webster HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the culmination of a year’s worth of volunteer effort collecting, sorting and pricing items. Items are clean and organized, and include a wide range of high-quality goods. They include household items, crafts, tools, sporting goods, electronics, holiday, books, games, puzzles, toys, décor, floral, baby, pets, lamps, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture, Christmas items and more. The gymnasium and another large room in Murphy Hall are set up by “department” with the different categories of goods.

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, September 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd. (just east of Phillips Rd.). Admission is $10 for this special preview.
  • Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
  • Cash, credit cards and Venmo will be accepted.
  • All proceeds go to Webster Hope.

Webster Hope serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. 

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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 9/11/2026)

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Lots of Webster businesses are in contention for Rochester’s best

11 Sep

You might have read a few days ago in my blog that Sweet Shenanigans bakery on East Main St. in the village has been nominated them in the Best Bakery category of this year’s Rochester Community’s Choice Awards.

Well, as I was going online yesterday to vote for them again (guess what? You can vote EVERY DAY!) I noticed that they are not the only Webster business included in the list of nominees, by far.

I took a quick walk through the list last night and this is what I came up with. I’ve identified them by their category, so when you vote, look for the category to find them. See if there’s a business in here that you’d like to support, and after you’ve read through them all, I’ll tell you again how to go about voting.

Beauty and Health

  • Joe’s Barbershop
  • Lattimore Physical Therapy
  • Burds Physical Therapy

Dining (various sub-categories)

  • Proietti’s Italian Restaurant
  • Royal Dynasty
  • Sweet Shenanigans
  • Mama Lor’s Cafe
  • Bill Gray’s
  • Charlie Riedel’s
  • Tom Wahl’s
  • Uncle Buck’s Catering
  • BC’s Chicken Coop
  • Abbott’s Frozen Custard
  • Bruster’s
  • Salvatore’s
  • Castaways

Entertainment and Leisure

  • Play-a-Latte

Kids and Education

  • DK Dance
  • Northern Hemisphere Gymnastics
  • St. Rita School (preschool)
  • Webster Thomas High School

Pets

  • Ruff Day Pet Resport

Services

  • Ace Swim & Leisure

Shopping

  • Orville’s Home Appliances
  • Heart to Heart Bride
  • Warren’s Decorating
  • Kittelberger Florist
  • Sunscape Farms
  • JF Jones Jewelers

If, as you go through the nominations, you see that I’ve missed anyone, please let me know and I’ll add them to the list.

Here’s how to vote:

  • Go to Rochester Community’s Choice Awards and click “Vote Now.” If you hit a Democrat and Chronicle paywall, don’t worry. Just back out of that screen and hit “Vote Now” again and it should let you through.
  • The voting instructions are there, but basically they’ll make you register before you make your first vote, then you’ll breeze through the next time you log on.
  • Scroll down to the category you want.
  • Click on the category and the nominated businesses will show up. Just click “vote” next to your selection.

As I mentioned, you can do this every day through Sept. 23, so basically, you can stuff the ballot box. So log on and let’s vote for Webster!

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(posted 9/11/2026)

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

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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)

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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