There is always something happening in our Village. This page will keep you updated with sneak peaks from Village government, plans for the future, new businesses, interesting historical tid-bits, and facinating people. Also check out WEBSTERBID.COM for more information.
1/2/12 New and Improved Webster Gourmet (by Carol Klem) There are a few things we half -way intelligent people know… like – 1. Falling in love is wonderful (or so they say) 2. Warm showers are better that hot - 3. Fresh produce is best – 4 The importance of sunscreen – 5. Laughing for no reason at all doesn’t mean you are crazy. Walter Scott has learned that realtors and people- in –the- know, were right when they said- “the most important thing in real-estate, whether renting or buying, is truly location, location, location.” The first of this year Walter picked up his stock, and moved his store, Webster Gourmet, to a new location at 32 West Main Street. His business has tripled, he said. He calls it “new, inspired and departmentalized”. I would say “new, inspired, departmentalized and fragrant.” I noted immediately the herbal fragrance which was wonderful …stimulating. Then I observed the natural wooden floors and the larger space. But the best was the new stock additions such as soup mixes and pasta sauces and some interesting slow-cooker dinners, excited this wannabe Paula Deane. We enjoyed a cup of gourmet tea while checking out the merchandise. I had a green Chinese flower tea - enjoyed the flavor the aroma and sipped just enough caffeine to keep this old gal gently stimulated and able to buzz about my day. Walter enjoyed a white, delicate, soft, “lady-like” tea… and I know because I tested it. BUT – lady-like? Walter? Having a brunch? You will find great breakfast mixes that looked pretty darn healthy to me as well as delicious. Jams, jellies, cereals, pancake mixes and real maple syrup are available …along with recipe ideas. I also found a terrific turkey sandwich idea - replacing the mayo with chutney, and brie or bleu cheese, along with thin slices of green apple on crusty bread. (I should never write this when I am hungry.) If you’d like to make the “perfect” chocolate martini – see Walter. If you would like glutton-free baking mixes, soup mixes, etc. – see Walter. If you are looking for Pasta, sauces, mixes…see Walter. If you like cocktail foods, nuts and garlics – see Walter. “We have everything from soup to nuts - and I’ve been accused of being a little nuts once in a while,” he admitted (It takes one to know one – part of his charm) I came home with some wild mushroom linguine. I plan on making a pesto sauce with shrimp and a green salad and cannot wait to try it out on Gene with a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Walter is a Navy retiree who spent 26 years in all in the service of our country. Now he is having fun operating Webster Gourmet. “This keeps me busy – it’s fun and it gives me a purpose,” he said. He likes having a nice friendly job – and feels that he is doing things for people. If “I can’t have a job like Fritz (Sierk) – I’ll take this one,” he said. (Fritz owns and operates the Coach, also on Main Street.)
1/1/12:Traders AlleyTrader Alley Cards and Collectibles by Carol Klem What a surprise! For months I have been driving along East Main Street at least daily, minding my own business, (not really) watching the changes in the building at 14 East Main Street, watching it evolve, when - voila ! I observed an occupant..Namely Brendan MacKenzie owner of Trader Alley Cards and Collectibles. Hmmnnn I thought, I have to check this one out. The neon sign in the window advertised watches and batteries. I had no idea what I would find. Brendan, 32, Pittsford born and raised, is a veteran who enlisted in the Navy three hours after the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept 11, 2001, and a watch maker's apprentice. It wasn't long before I was enthralled with his story about how his grandfather, a machinist loved tinkering and sifting through junk, finding treasures. Like his granddad, he thinks he inherited his love for stuff... stuff like you will find in his shop - really great stuff - rare finds. His main love though is vintage watches...he loves old watches, repairs old watches, sells old watches, buys old watches ...watches for watches. I saw a number of them - old watches that I couldn't believe that someone sold. One such petite beauty was selling for $25 ...others a little bit more or less. Earrings, pins, chains and cuff links line his shelves. "Cuff links are making a comeback," he said. I hadn't seen such a collection EVER. His shop is a recycling place for watches and other pieces of jewelry. "Recycle your jewelry," he suggests knowing that most women have an accumulation of jewelry that they will never wear again. Frankly he recycles anything he finds that is interesting or rare. Brendan lives in the Jackson Road area with his wife, Lindsay and 15 month old daughter, Alyssa. He opened his first shop on Gravel Road a few years ago. But he wanted to be more accessible to kids- kids who might ride their bikes by his store in the village- kids who are like him - kids who love collecting things like sports and baseball cards, card holders and supplies, which, besides watches, he has in abundance. Even I was impressed with his collection - spotting a Mickey Mantle card and some absolute beauts - some would have collectors drooling. However for a kid's budget he keeps many $2 cards. Another showcase spotlights sports caps and memorabilia. "All proceeds from this case go to the Juvenile Diabetes Association", he said, explaining that a good friend's son is fighting the disease. Brendan has a neat collection of beautiful geods - quartz, amethyst- but my eye eyes a beautiful agate ring. Too small. FYI -Geodes are rocks that are plain on the outside but have beautiful crystals on the inside. In another corner of the store you will find a little whimsy - very cleverly made and designed, in particular, bird houses made by his sister, Martha Sullivan, a teacher who lives in New York City and has her own little extracurricular business named Patches and Thatches. “Everything you see is for sale," he said. "But my favorite is still watches - if I could, this would be a watch store!" Brendan describes his business as a mom and pop shop...”I offer a service because I can get whatever you want - I am in it for the long haul and I want to be here 30 years." We hope he is. At some point in time, if little shops such as Trader Alley and Collectibles really takes hold (and I think it will) I can foresee Webster Village becoming a destination for shopping. It compliments Nest Things across the street and our other jewelry stores in the village." Why? Because of its uniqueness. It is unlike mall stores
11/12/11: Vino Lounge by AMANDA SEEF Messenger Post Class and comfort are blended perfectly at the Vino Lounge in Webster. The frosted doors make way to an environment that’s soothing and begs for visitors to sit down, relax and melt the work week away. The Vino Lounge, on Main Street in the village of Webster, opened earlier this month, offering 21 glasses of wine, 61 bottles, 17 beers and a full food menu. Though I’m quite the wine novice, I stopped by to check out the latest hot-spot in the village, and to find my new favorite wine. I joined a group of workers from a local corporation that had stopped by for an office happy hour on a recent Thursday night. The atmosphere Once inside, the traditional bar area is offset by warm, dim lights and corners stuffed with sofas, cast against brown and neutral tones throughout the bar. Overhead lighting is dimmed, with mellow music playing throughout the background — not overpowering, or too quiet. Full-wall curtains with oranges and browns decorate the longest wall in the bar, with table arrangements enough for a group. On either end, soft sofas edge up the room, giving a more quiet place for couples to chat. A fireplace showcases one corner, giving off warmth for the body and soul. In the summer, an outdoor patio will be perfect for the music in the village park. The wine General manager Paul Powers was able to help pick out some wines that I, as a self-described “wine-aphobe,” instantly fell in love with — and now I no longer fear wine. I went from wine-aphobe to wine-lover in the seconds it took to pour my new favorite, a German Riesling, Blufeld ($8 for a glass). It had deep apple type of fruits, providing a touch of sweetness with a soft finish. Powers said the more wines you taste, the more you’ll be able to pull out the different and distinct flavors. Daily specials are available, and on this Thursday the bar was offering a special on Norton Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, the house favorite, Powers said. The wine is described as having notes of mocha and cassis, with the essential flavor that defines California wines. The food is brought to the Vino Lounge by Marvin Mozzeroni’s, upstairs. (Mark Natalie owns both establishments.) The menu includes traditional pizza shop cuisine, with a touch of class. Next time As a newly described wine lover, I’m anxious to make it back and try out Canyon Oaks, a white zinfandel. The Dom Brunet Pinot Noir seems perfect too, offering a glass that’s not overly dry. It’s described as being dynamic — good for a glass alone, or with a dinner. I’ll be giving the Norton Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon a whirl, too (that runs at $8 a glass, too). Vino Lounge will be adding more local wines, too, which will be a nice homage to the bustling Finger Lakes region. They currently offer a Shaw Riesling, from Seneca Lake ($29 for the bottle). Last thoughtsEmployees are friendly to customers and the prices are friendly to your wallet. It’s refreshing to see a wine bar in Webster, and it’s refreshing to see the industry spread into Monroe County. Between the mood and the wine in the Vino Lounge, I can’t imagine
11/1/11: Barry's Old School Irish Pub: I was honored to be asked to cut the ribbon on the grand opening of this exciting new business. On one side of the pub is the bar with several Irish beers on tap, and on the other side is the bakery, which serves baked goods, soups, stews, salads and sandwiches. The owners, Jessica and Danny Barry, have patterned it after country pubs in Ireland.
10/15/11:Mark's Alignment & Brake Service has moved to 166 North Ave. For 25 years Marks has been a presence in the Village.A grand opening for the new location was held on Oct. 9. Hours at the new shop are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call (585) 872-3090.
9/7/11: New busineses in the Village: Businesses are contstantly coming into our Village. We welcome: 46 Commercial Street: Webster Precision Fabrication (metal fabrication); 82 East Main Street (building in the back): Practical Instrument Electronics; and 26 East Main Street: Empire Train and Hobby.
1/29/10: The Irish Rover, the Village's new pub, is now open at 7 West Main Street. It is an excellent addition to the already great line-up of restraunts and bars found throughout the Village.
1/1/10: Prime Steakhouse. The newest eating establishment in our Village is the fruition of a dream Neil Bauman had when he lead the effort to refurbish the northeast block of Main Street. Prime Steakhouse has an exquisite decor, a vital ambiance, and delicious food. Webster has needed a high-end establishment and this restaurant fits the bill. Check out http://www.primesteakhouserochester.com/ for more information.
4/9/09: Game Craze: Check out the new Game Craze in the Village right across from Village Hall. They feature stand-up video game tht can be played right there, very inexpensive movies, and current as well as old games as well as accessories. Check out more at http://rocwiki.org/Game_Craze.
1/15/09: New Book Store: A new book store has opened in the Village, right next to Village Hall on West Main Street. I have been in a greeted the owner. There are a combination of old and new books on just about every subject you can think of. A beautiful sitting area faces Main Street and the owner provides coffee. If you are in the Village on a cold day and just want to browse for your favorite book, stop in.
12/2/08: White Christmas in the Village. UPDATE: A truely wonderful event. Thanks to the BID and the northeast district for putting on such a find event. Check out the link above to the Business Improvement Website for a schedule of White Christmas events.
11/1/08: Another great Trick-or-Treat Trail. Photos coming soon.
8/16/08: Watermain Lining in Wilmorite Tract. UPDATE: 12/2/08: the watermain lining is complete. We are seeing better flows and improved water quality because of thsi project for the residents in the Wilmorite Tract. The first phase of watermain lining in the Wilmorite tract is just about completed. For many years residents in this section of the Village, where the mains are over 50 years old, have complained about brown water that appears at various times. This was caused by strong water flow from the water towers through cast iron pipes. Now with the cement lining in the mains, our residents in this section of the Village will begin to have the same clarity of water the rest of the Village has.
8/10/08 UPDATE, 7/12/08: Bauman-Utz Block Facade Improvement. Final approval is pending for the Bauman project and Village residents should begin to see some movement on this projects ("Centers at Webster") in the next few months. Village residents should see a facelift for the block of buildings on E Main St just west of the Harmony House. The old Mich Builders Building has come down (that was Phase 1) and now Phase 2 will begin with the update of facades on the block on E Main Street. This is an exciting time for our Village as the core of Main Street begins to undergo revitalization.
6/9/08: Ground-breaking for new firehall. There was an excellent article in the Webster Post. Click HERE to goto the article.
5/11/08: The Planning Board has given approval for the demolition of the building between the Harmony House and old Utz block. The building should come down within the next month. A new sign, advertising the "Centers at Webster" is already up. The next step after the demolition: new facades for the entire block.
2/11/08: The Bauman purchase and the northest quadrant. The purchase of the "Utz block" of buildings will play a critical part in Village revitalization. The transfer of this property took place about a month ago, but surrounding that announcement are other very positive signs for our Village including the purchase of the old Key bank building, the submital of plans for development of the land along State Road and the continuing development of Larry Fermusa's property on Kittleberger Park.
1/31/07: Look for a new bakery and quilt shop opening soon in our central business district. Congratulations to R Salon for a fantasic opening in December. I have already heard accolades from many residents who have taken advantage of their services. Click the link below to get to their website.
