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30 years of beautiful music and counting

13 Mar

In March of every year — Music in Our Schools Month — we can always count on our incredibly talented Webster musicians to pull together some outstanding performances. This weekend’s concert by the Willink Student-Parent Band is a great example.

The band is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend, three decades of inter-generational musical collaboration by middle school students, alumni and their parents.

For this very special occasion, conductors Matt Osika and Tiffany DiPiazza are planning a very special evening of vibrant music featuring harmonies of past and present generations. This year’s band even has  three generations in one family performing together, when three Willink Middle School/Webster Thomas High School students will be playing with their mother and their grandfather.

This is truly a heartwarming evening of community music which the whole family will enjoy.

The concert will be held on Saturday March 16 at 7 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Tickets are $4 at the door.

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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 3/13/2024)

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SEPTA Bowling Tournament returns

9 Mar

After a four year hiatus, Webster’s special education scholarship bowling fundraiser is returning on April 28.

The SEPTA Bowling Scholarship Fundraiser is a fun — and occasionally competitive — tournament which has been a tradition in our district for a long time, until it was sideswiped by the pandemic. But this year it’s back, and promises to be better than ever.

The tournament is hosted by the Special Education PTA and special education staff members from Webster Thomas and Schroeder high schools, with the proceeds benefiting scholarships for Webster CSD graduating seniors with special needs.

Details are still coming together, but right now organizers are looking for teams to show off their hidden bowling talents. This is always a hugely fun event where teams are encouraged to dress up in theme costumes to win some awesome prizes for most original, creative and fun/goofy.

The tournament takes place Sunday, April 28 at Bowlero Lanes, 2400 Empire Boulevard, Webster. Check-in and lane assignments are 1 to 1:45 p.m. with tournament play taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. Donation to play in the tournament is $35 per person with checks made payable to SEPTA. Registration includes two hours of bowling, shoe and equipment rental, pizza, unlimited soft drinks, three raffle tickets toward prizes, a gratuity for the Bowlero staff and (of course) money toward the scholarships. Registration is in advance and can be done online at tinyurl.com/SEPTA24 or by contacting Dina Malboeuf at dina_malboeuf@webstercsd.org. Indicate if your team needs bumpers or a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and if there is another team you would like to bowl with.

Deadline for registration is April 19.

Organizers are also looking for raffle prize donations. Please email Dina if your business is able to help out.

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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 3/9/2024)

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Spry Drama Club’s SpongeBob the Musical is oceans of fun

7 Mar

I have to admit right off the bat that I have never once actually watched an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. But after getting a sneak peak at Spry’s upcoming production of SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition, I feel like I know the characters inside and out.

There’s the irrepressibly optimistic SpongeBob and equally gloomy Squidward. There’s SpongeBob’s dimwitted BFF Patrick, the greedy Mr. Krabs, the sneaky Plankton and the enthusiastic scientist, Sandy Cheeks. They’re joined by many more of their aquatic friends, all residing in the undersea world of Bikini Bottom.

They, along with a ragtag group of almost four dozen more friends and community members (supported by another 20 behind-the scenes crew members), have to come together to save their home from a volcano which is threatening to erupt and destroy Bikini Bottom.

The enchanting production, which runs about 75 minutes including intermission, is an energetic, colorful, humorous, tune-filled romp from the beginning — when audience members are asked to silence their shellphones — right through to the triumphant ending when Bikini Botton is saved (oops. spoiler alert). It will delight everyone in the family, whether they’re familiar with SpongeBob or not.

The show features a talented group of young actors including Gary Patterson as SpongeBob, Tommy Bifarella as Patrick, Savannah Lane as Sandy, Rory Goodwin as Squidward, Tanner Peters as Mr. Krabs, Marne Mazzochetti as Pearl, Max Hoose as Plankton and Brynn Anderson as Karen. Watching them perform was like watching a Stars of Tomorrow program; I know we’ll be seeing many of these kids on the Schroeder stage in the coming years.

SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition takes the stage this weekend at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. Friday night’s show is sold out, but there are still a few tickets available for Saturday’s matinee at 2 p.m. and Saturday night at 7 p.m. Those shows will almost certainly sell out as well, so get your tickets now. They’re only $8 each and available at events.hometownticketing.com (use key word “Spry”).

Here’s a whole slideshow of photos; thank you so much to Marie Costanza from Image City Photography Gallery, for all of these great shots!

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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 3/7/2024)

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Community Arts Day is coming up!

5 Mar

It’s a sure sign of spring (even more so than the unbelievably spring-like weather we’ve been having): Community Arts Day (CAD) is coming up fast.

I’m sure you already know about this great family event which takes place every April. It’s basically a show-off day for our district’s schools, showcasing the musical and artistic talents of our Webster School District K-12 students. It was created as a collaborative effort to raise money to encourage and enhance fine arts programs throughout the district. This year’s event is Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School.

In addition to the art displays, it’s also a great opportunity for community groups to set up tables and spread the word about their organizations. The fee for participation and space rental is $30 (payable at the time of registration) plus an additional fee of $30 for selling vendors. Click here for more details and to register.

New home for those old instruments

I’ll be posting a whole lot more about Community Arts Day in the coming weeks (it is literally one of my favorite events of the year), but I did recently find out about this great new addition to CAD 2024:

This year, the Webster Central PTSA is partnering with the WCSD Music Department to offer a Used Instrument Donation Drive, an opportunity for families to donate their gently used instruments to students who aren’t easily able to afford a new instrument.

The Concert Wear/Coat Drive the WCPTSA does every fall is so successful, this seemed like another wonderful way to help those in need, while spreading the love of music. The school district will cover the cost of repairing any instruments that need repair.

A table will be set up at Community Arts Day where families can drop off their unused instruments, so keep an eye out for it!

Also new at this year’s Community Arts Day

And this is breaking news: I’ll also be setting up a table at Community Arts Day! If you’ve ever wanted to meet me, find out more about my blog, or have a great story idea, please watch for me and stop by.

More details about this later as well.

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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 3/5/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

2 Mar

Strap in, folks, ’cause this is a long one.

Good food for a good cause

Boy Scout Troop 262 will be hosting their “Famous Spaghetti Dinner” on Saturday March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Bldg. on Sanford St.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. You can eat in or take out. And bring extra cash for the bake sale!

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

The Friends of Webster Trails, working with the Village of Webster, are proud to introduce the newly updated informational kiosk where the Hojack Trail meets 250 (North Ave.).

The kiosk was built by Eagle Scout Alex Groff in 2018, and for some years it held temporary postings. But recently, the Village gave the kiosk a professional makeover and it looks great. On one side is an aerial photo of the area from years ago, provided by the Webster Museum, which shows some prominent industries. QR codes are provided if you want to find out even more. On the other side is a map from about the same time, and more photos. It all illustrates the reason for the Hojack railroad and its importance to the area.

New swag at the Museum

If you love the Webster Museum, you’re going to love the new promotional items they’ve just introduced. There’s a nice selection of new mugs and caps, which join an already impressive variety of fun, museum-themed merchandise including stickers, t-shirts, water bottles, aprons, bags and more. (I know you want a WLiWL sticker.)

Click here to see the whole collection. You can’t buy this new merchandise online, so stop by and visit the museum at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Carlsen named CWZ Elementary PE Teacher of the Year

Webster CSD is proud to announce that Danielle Carlsen has been selected as the 2024 Central Western Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

The State Road Elementary School PE teacher was recommended for the award by one of her colleagues who felt that Carlsen exemplifies a true professional in the field of physical education at the elementary school level. 

Petitions available for BOE candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 21 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve three-year terms beginning July 1.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216 0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org.

Here are some important dates to remember:

  • April 16: BOE adopts budget to be put before voters, 6 p.m.
  • May 7: Public hearing on proposed 2024-25 budget, 6 p.m.
  • May 21: WCSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates; polls open 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has two events coming up this month, and business owners are all welcome, whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not.

On Wednesday March 6, the next Webster Chamber Eat Drink & Connect will be hosted by Chamber member Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal.

Network with Chamber members and visitors while enjoying refreshments and door prizes. A brief introduction to the business world of Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal will also be provided by the owner and Chamber board director Dan Dunn.

This great networking event will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane (Suite C), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no cost, but preregistration is requested. Please register here.

Then, coming up on Friday March 22 is the next Monthly Breakfast Program meeting. Network with an many as 90 business and organizational leaders during the monthly Webster Chamber breakfasts. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Please register here.

A few reminders

Here are some reminders about events I’ve already mentioned in a previous mailbag, but want to make sure you remember them.

  • The Thomas vs. Schroeder Charity Basketball Game will be this Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. Concessions will be available. Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.
  • The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m., and the presentation. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

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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 3/2/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

22 Feb

A Thomas vs. Schroeder high school basketball game is always highly competitive and definitely worth watching. But the one happening in a few weeks should be … well, interesting, and dare I say, a little short on actual basketball talent.

It’s a Charity Basketball Game, scheduled for Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School.

The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. The school’s Resource Officers will officiate, so it will (well, SHOULD) be a clean game. Halftime activities will include some super fun competitions between Thomas/OWL students and Schroeder/GOAL students. Concessions will be available.

Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.

The game will be played in the gymnasium at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. on Wednesday March 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Enter on the east side of the building, near the field house.

The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. WHEN is a network of Webster community members linked through awareness, education and action. It connects Webster residents to reliable resources with programs providing youth engagement, community education, parent outreach, advocacy and community training,

The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. followed by the presentation.

Lunch will feature a Turkey Melt, Reuben or Crispy Chicken sandwich, plus coffee, tea, cold drinks, fresh fruit and a cookie. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

New members are always welcome.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.

Here’s another option for the upcoming solar eclipse, this one an invitation from the Webster Arboretum, on Schlegel Rd.:

The Arboretum is planning a day-long event on Eclipse Day, April 8, beginning at 11 a.m., when the Curry building will be open with complimentary hot and cold beverages. A poetry reading begins at noon, featuring Jennifer Maloney and Jonathan Everitt, who will share some of their original works. Afterwards, community members will be invited to present some of their own poetry.

The eclipse itself will begin at about 2:07 p.m., and community members are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and solar eclipse glasses to relax and enjoy the event surrounded by the beautifully landscaped park, away from noise and light pollution. By about 3:20 p.m., the sun will be completely covered for 3 minutes and 38 seconds. By 4:30, the show will be over.

In the case of inclement weather, the readings will be moved to the Curry building.

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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 2/22/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

15 Feb

Soooooo … you’ve heard about this solar eclipse thing that’s happening on April 8? It’s a pretty big deal, so you’re going to start seeing and hearing about all sorts of programs to celebrate it and teach you and your family all about it. Leading today’s mailbag are several that might strike your interest.

This Saturday Feb. 17 at 2 p.m., the Webster Barnes & Noble will host Dave Bishop, vice president of the Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Science, who will explain all things eclipse and answer your questions. There’s no cost, and attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses.

Barnes & Noble is located in Towne Center Plaza (Kohl’s/Target Plaza) on Ridge Rd.

The Webster Public Library has all sorts of special programs scheduled in March for everyone in your family. The two that excite me the most are:

  • The Black Hour: Eclipses in the Middle Ages — Tuesday, March 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

An evening exploring medieval science and superstitions about lunar and solar eclipses, including discussions about medicine, religion, art, and more. Registration is required. Click here for more information and to register. There’s no charge.

  • Rochester Eclipses: Past and Present — Tuesday, March 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A talk about Rochester’s experience with the 1925 eclipse as captured in the resources of Central Library’s Local History & Genealogy Division. Registration is required. Click here for more information and to register. There’s no charge.

You’ll also want to check the Webster Library website for information about these other eclipse programs for the entire family:

  • Homeschool Hour — Friday, March 1 from 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Make it Monday Eclipse Craft — Monday, March 11 from 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Eclipse Storytime — Tuesday, March 12 from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Family Eclipse Night Wednesday, March 27 from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
  • March drop-in eclipse crafts — Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And definitely don’t miss the Webster Public Library Eclipse event on Eclipse Day, Monday April 8. More details to come about this.

The library will be handing out two pairs of eclipse glasses per family at each of these events (while supplies last). If you can’t attend one of them, they’ll be handing out more glasses to the public as the date approaches and will have some available at the April 8 eclipse event.

These next items come straight to you (via me) from the Webster CSD:

Results on Budget ThoughtExchange Shared

In January, Webster CSD held a month-long ThoughtExchange, asking all district community members a series of questions seeking feedback on district budgeting.

The ThoughtExchange closed on Jan. 31. The results were presented to the Webster CSD Board of Education at its February 13 meeting. If you’re interested in seeing those results, click here.

Work of Webster Students, Teachers on Exhibit Together

The community is invited to enjoy artwork created by several of our One Webster students and their teachers at Nazareth College’s Art Center Gallery.

The Art Center is currently celebrating its biennial Shared Spaces show, which invites local art class teachers to submit one work by a chosen student to display alongside one of their own. The show celebrates the unique apprenticeship process that occurs between teacher and student.

Webster’s exhibiting artists this year are Webster Thomas students (with teachers) Carson Hogan (Kat Harrison), Jessica van Wichen (Cathy Morrill Crockett), and Gweneth Tetzlaff (Todd Stahl); and Webster Schroeder students (with teachers) Gianna Gallo (Cate Zalewski), Alexandra Zilist (Danielle Zatkowsky), and Corintia Griffith (Cheryl Simon).

The exhibit will remain on display through March 10. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Prekindergarten Lottery Opens!

Lottery applications for Webster CSD’s 2024-25 prekindergarten program are now available online.

Children who will be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024, but who are not eligible for kindergarten, are eligible for prekindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year.

Webster CSD PreK is a play-based program that engages students in social and emotional skills with a heavy emphasis on communication. The district offers both full-day and half-day options for families. Locations are determined by the lottery and according to the child’s home catchment for kindergarten.

For more information and to complete a lottery application, please visit Webster CSD’s prekindergarten web page here. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, March 14.

An open house will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. at the Schroeder PreK located at Webster Schroeder High School, as well as at Kids First, Expressive Beginnings, and Webster CSD’s half day location at STARS Preschool. Webster CSD PreK teachers will be on hand to answer questions. 

Webster CSD Vocal Teacher Grammy Nominated

Huge congratulations to Webster Thomas vocal music teacher Kyle Sackett, who was recently nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award.

Sackett is a member of the professional chamber choir The Crossing, which Musical America magazine named 2024 Ensemble of the Year. This year, The Crossing was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Choral Performance for their album “Carols after a Plague,” conducted by Donald Nally.

They were up against fellow powerhouse performances: “Ligeti: Lux Aeterna” performed by the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, “Saariaho: Reconnaissance” performed by the Uusinta Ensemble and the Helsinki Chamber Choir, “Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil” performed by The Clarion Choir, “The House Of Belonging” performed by the Miro Quartet, and “Conspirare,” conducted by Craig Hella Johnson.

In the end, “Saariaho: Reconnaissance” was announced the winner, but as they say, it’s an honor to be nominated.

Kyle is in his second year teaching vocal music at Webster Thomas (his alma mater). He earned his undergraduate degree in music education at SUNY Fredonia and a Masters in Voice and Opera Performance at Northwestern University in Chicago. Remarkably, this was The Crossing’s ninth Grammy nomination in eight years and Kyle’s third as a member of the group.

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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 2/15/2024)


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Friends of Webster Trails have a great new website

13 Feb

If you’d asked me last week if the Friends of Webster Trails could do anything better than they’re already doing, I’d have laughed and said, “No way!” But I’ve been proved wrong. This already amazing organization has just updated their website with a new, modern look.

Those of you familiar with the Friends will be relieved to know that all of the information we’ve come to expect from their old website is still there, including maps of each trail, trail length, and details about each trail. But somehow the Friends have found ways to make the website even better.

For starters, the new site provides even more information about each trail, including interesting tidbits like fishing and dog walking regulations, cross country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, trail difficulty, and details about boardwalks and bridges. There are a lot more photos, and links to several news stories about things like the recent annual meeting, Eagle Scout projects and the ReTree Initiative. The navigation bar across the top leads to even more content, including an interactive events calendar, fun stuff just for kids, how to become a member and how to get involved in other ways.

Why the update? The Friends explain,

With more than 5,000 people using the trails in Webster each week, we wanted to make finding out about them a better experience. With a modern look, easier navigation, and more trail information, the updated site brings the best of Webster’s trails to you.

Friends of Webster Trails has always had some of the best maps and information about the trails, but this new design sweeps out the corners and gives the whole site a fresh look.

They still haven’t put the final touches on the site, so check back regularly to see what’s new. And when you do, PLEASE hover over that “become a Friend” tab and drop $10 (or $15 per family) to become a member and help the Friends of Webster Trails continue to do great things for our community.

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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 2/13/2024)

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An update from Danny and Jess Barry

9 Feb

It happens to me at least once a week these days. I’m chatting with someone, and they ask me something like, “So, what do you know about Barry’s? When is it going to open again?” And more often than not they’d pass along some theory or rumor which answered their own question.

A few days ago, I determined to track down the REAL answer by going straight to the source. I called Danny and Jess and asked them to clear up the issue once and for all. Have they made any decisions on where the new Barry’s Old School Irish will be, and when it might open?

Their answer? In a word, no.

They DID tell me they “have some feelers out,” and a “lot of people looking” for the new space. But basically, Danny and Jess are not much closer to finding their pub’s forever home than they were when they closed Barry’s Old School Irish five months ago.

They get the same question all the time, of course. But they also often have people tell them, in no uncertain terms, “I know where you’re going.”

Danny laughed when he told me that, and said he responds, “OK, fill me in.”

Even though plans are still not set in stone, their hopes for the new pub haven’t changed much. They want a building they can own outright. They want it to be larger, yet still maintain the intimacy that Barry’s Old School Irish has become known for. And they definitely want to stay as close to 2 West Main St. as possible.

In the meantime, however, Danny and Jess continue to work hard promoting their new Barry’s Irish Cream Liqueur, traveling all over the state to hold tastings in liquor stores and pubs.

“We’re super thankful about how great the Irish Cream is going,” Danny said, attributing its success in large part to their loyal Barry’s Pub family, who have come out in droves to purchase it and ask for it to be stocked in their local stores. It’s folks like these, who remain loyal to the pub family, that continue to fill their hearts with gratitude every day.

“One of the things that’s been super nice is how we’ve been able to reflect on how amazing the last 12 years have been,” Danny said, “to go over the people and moments that have happened. … People built (the pub) with us. The least we can do is return the favor.”

“We’re excited for the future.”

Whether you’re a Barry’s regular or have only stopped in once or twice, you’ll like this next bit of news Danny and Jessica passed along: the 5th Annual Barry’s Irish Festival will (hopefully) be held at the Webster Firemen’s Field, just outside the Village of Webster. They’re still trying to figure out when exactly it will be, since several summer weekend dates are already unavailable, so stay tuned for more about that.

This is great news for all of the Webster locals who have come to love the festival — and Barry’s Old School Irish. It means that later this summer, we’ll be able to raise a pint with the Barrys again … albeit down the road a bit. In the meantime, Danny and Jess hope to hold some smaller events — kind of like mini-Barry’s family reunions — so that we can all get together again as we await for news on Barry’s Old School Irish 2.0.

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Also, HUGE congratulations to Danny and Jess Barry for being named this year’s Irish Business Leaders of the year by the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Watch for their whole family marching in the parade!

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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 2/10/2024)

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Catch Me if You Can comes to the Webster Schroeder stage this weekend

6 Feb

I had the pleasure Monday night of getting a sneak peek at Webster Schroeder High School’s upcoming spring musical, Catch Me If You Can, which takes the stage this coming weekend, Feb. 8 through 10.

The show tells the real-life story of con artist Frank Abagnale, who, from the age of 16, masqueraded as a teacher, pilot, doctor and lawyer, and wrote 17,000 bad checks to the tune of $2.5 million.

The musical drama’s plot largely follows the well-known 2002 film of the same name, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It opened on Broadway in 2011, receiving four Tony Award nominations and one Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

I’m a big fan of the film, and was very curious to see how a drama like that had been turned into a musical. But I’ve seen my share of Schroeder productions, and I expected to be blown away by this one, as I always am.

I was not disappointed.

Catch Me If You Can is not only well acted, with incredible voices I’ve come to expect from Webster Schroeder students, but it’s also funny. I was laughing right from the get-go, when the audience received the “airline safety procedures” presentation, complete with a seat belt and oxygen mask demo, and notice that we’d be having a “15-minute layover” in the middle of the flight.

Fans of the movie will notice that a lot of scenes have been eliminated and many others blended together, a necessary concession when translating a film to the stage. There are some impressive dance pieces, and LOTS of music, but every single one of the songs moves the story along and adds some meaningful character background. I actually left the theater humming one of the jaunty tunes.

The costumes are bright, and the set pieces are simple but imaginative. I was especially impressed by how quickly the stage crew could transform an airport into a living room, and may have gasped slightly when a huge airplane was lowered from the rafters.

Schroeder’s production of Catch Me If You Can is especially notable since it’s the first time the musical has been produced in our area. Artistic Director Carrie Zugelder said that Rush Henrietta High School was planning to stage it in 2020, but COVID put a halt to that. So, “it’s pretty much never been done in Western New York,” she said.

“We were intrigued by it,” she added, explaining why she, Music Director Katie Goodman and choreographer Cori Colombo chose it for this year’s production.

It’s not an easy show. It’s got a ton of characters, it’s got a ton of singing, lots of stage time for kids. We knew we had a really solid group of ladies and we knew we had some really star quality gentlemen. … There’s a lot of wealth to pass around and we knew we could cast it.

The show was challenging in other ways as well.

We have 41 kids in the cast and we have more than 350 costumes. The average actor on stage has between eight and twelve costume changes, which is crazy. And not only are there a lot of costume changes, there are lots of accessories. Kids have hats, they have sunglasses, baseball bats …it’s all over the place.

This is unlike anything that I’ve ever done before, but it’s a really, really great show.

I couldn’t say it any better.

Webster Schroeder’s production of Catch Me If You Can is a lighthearted adaptation of the movie which tells a fascinating story that will delight everyone, regardless of whether they’ve seen the movie or not.

You’re definitely going to want to catch this one.

Catch Me If You Can will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 and 7 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $14 and available now through WebsterSchroederMusicals.com. 

A thousand thanks to Schroeder parent David Schiffhauer for the excellent photographs. Check out his work at DJSchiffhauer Photography.

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(posted 2/6/2024)

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