Stories Around The Lake
Interview with Alex Webster
By Cate Bohler
“Believe in yourself”
Mr. Alex Webster was interviewed by Cate Bohler about the community and Otsego Lake. He owns a restaurant in Cooperstown on Main Street called ‘Alex’s Bistro,” and in Cherry Valley, called “Cantina de Salsa.” Alex feels the conditions when opening a restaurant aren't always easy to work with. There are rules and regulations that have to be followed.
Alex Webster moved to Cooperstown to find inspiration. He started originally as an artist, but he didn't find lots of inspiration. He then decided to start a life of cooking, which he thought would be “creative” like art. Sometime in his past, he was a potter. He made pottery with Elizabeth Neil and loves to make pottery, but he realizes that he doesn’t create pottery nearly as much. Though he moved around to find a good feeling for cooking, he found his way back to Cooperstown. He feels his connection to the community has grown due to his wife. Mr. Webster likes to go sailing in the summer to enjoy a nice relaxing time. Not all his family members enjoy to ride the boat with the sail up, but there is a motor and everyone does have a fun time going near the shore and playing around. Alex’s mom lives on Church St in Cooperstown, and his brother lives in California with his wife, Tamera.
Mr. Webster finds the novel, “Williams Cooperstown”. He learned that Cherry Valley was a much bigger town than it is now and that Cherry Valley should have had the county seat. Cate’s favorite memory of the interview is when Mr. Webster talks about the history of Cooperstown and the surrounding areas he learned from “Williams Cooperstown”. Alex loves the nature and going outside. Mr. Webster’s advice to young people in the community is, “Believe in yourself. Be open minded. Don’t go out and think nothing will change. Trust your instincts and senses and come to your own conclusion.” Alex knows he lives in a smaller community and is happy where his life led him. He is happy and content with his past and present. He knows that there is always a trial and error in life and if you believe enough in yourself you will get through anything. Listen to our interview to hear this amazing man’s wisdom and experiences.
