Archive | Local businesses RSS feed for this section

Webster community mailbag

18 Feb

I was considering not even posting this mailbag for another week or so, since ALL of the events I’m featuring don’t happen until March or beyond. But I’m getting very tired of February and want to start looking well beyond all this snow and ice and stinkiness.

First, here’s another reminder about a very interesting program at the Webster Public Library. It was originally scheduled for Jan. 15, but it got snowed out and has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s a presentation by local bike enthusiast Karen Lankeshofer about Elsa von Blumen, a famous Rochestarian and female bicyclist in the 1880s.

Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. Succeeding at the male-dominated sport at the time, von Blumen helped pave the way for other women to find the courage to break social taboos.

There’s no cost to attend but registration is required.

***

the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of the organization’s volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.

***

The Webster Arboretum will present a program about Preparing Your Garden for Spring Planting on Tuesday, March 10 beginning at 7 p.m.

As important as the right plants are, they can’t do ALL the work for you. A thriving garden takes planning and care. Take a moment to plan ahead to help set your garden up for a successful season. The program will be presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola. There’s no cost to attend, but please register at thewebsterarboretum.org. 

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

***

The Webster Public Library’s next Vintage Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friends of the Public Library volunteers will have 14 tables of books set up in the Community Room, separated into a large variety of genres to make browsing easier. (Check out the flyer for more details.) Most books are under $20.

So stop in and grab some old bargains!

***

Save the date for the next performance by the Willink Middle School Student Parent Band, scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. The performance will feature special guests the Perinton Concert Band.

Tiffany DiPiazza and Matt Osiko direct the Student Parent Band. It is made up of Willink Middle School students, alumni, parents, other family members and friends. Mark Kellogg will direct the Perinton Concert Band.

More information to come about this event, but put it on your calendar now.

On Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 9 p.m., the Webster Comfort Care Home will hold a meat raffle at the Genesee Valley Moose Club in Henrietta. Advance-sale tickets are only $10 ($20 at the door), and there’ll be a cash bar and food available for purchase.

The event will feature meat, fish and seafood packages from Meat Man Dan, other raffles and prizes, and a chance to win a 5-cubic foot chest freezer from Orville’s Appliance, a $200 value. You don’t have to be present to win the freezer … or even attend the meat raffle at all. Click here to purchase freezer raffle tickets.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. Sponsorship packages are also available.

***

The Webster Chamber of Commerce is looking for a part-time Administrative Assistant at their office, located at 1110 Crosspointe Lane.

The additional support has become necessary as the Chamber membership numbers have grown and as more New York residents have come to take advantage of the Chamber’s rocENROLL HEALTH health insurance enrollment program.

Responsibilities will include managing incoming phone calls, mail, and email; greeting visitors; drafting correspondence; managing calendars; maintaining databases; clerical support; bookkeeping and more. Qualifications include experience with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office 365, good organizational and communication skills, among others. The schedule is flexible, from 16 to 24 hours a week, and the pay will be between $20 to $22 an hour.

Click here to see more details about the position. Submit your letter of interest or resume to: Office@WebsterChamber.com

This final note is from Webster Chamber member Embrace Your Sisters, a Canandaigua-based organization dedicated to providing emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. The organization covers 13 counties, and more than $700,000 has been distributed to date.

In the past, Webster residents have supported — and received financial support from — Embrace Your Sisters, so I’d like to share this information about one of their upcoming events, the 19th annual Tea at Two Fashion Show on May 3.

The Fashion Show will be held at Casa Larga in Fairport, and tickets are on sale now. But there are also a few other ways individuals and businesses can get involved:

  • Sponsorships – earn online, local media, and social media visibility pre-event and at the event
  • Program Ads – visible to 300+ (female/male, 25+), expressing appreciation or bringing attention to business products or services
  • Silent Auction donations – new, individual, or themed sets 

Click here to purchase tickets and find out more details about how you can get involved. More information to come about this event soon.

* * *

(posted 2/16/2026)

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).

Tags: , , , , ,

Young dancers spread kindness, share joy with local elders

16 Feb

Here’s a nice little story about how the students at Dancing With Denise share happiness and kindness with the older generation.

Studio owner Denise Baller calls it the “Yaya Project,” named in honor of her mother Tina, who passed away in 2019. The studio recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and from the very beginning, “Miss Tina” — whom Denise’s kids affectionately called “Yaya” — was a friendly, smiling face greeting everyone who entered the waiting room.

After Tina passed away, Denise wanted to come up with some way to continue spreading the happiness and kindness that her mother would share every day. The Yaya Project was born.

Every year (sometimes around Valentine’s Day, sometimes at Christmas), Dancing With Denise students each donate $5 to “adopt” a Gramma or Grampa. Denise takes all the donations and purchases small gifts, like fluffy socks, candy, stuffed animals and note pads. The students then make up small gift bags, which they deliver to residents of local nursing homes, assisted living facilities and memory care homes.

Denise makes weekly visits to elder care facilities, and this year on Valentine’s Day was able to deliver 40 gift bags to the residents. Some years she’s been able to deliver as many as 100.

One of the lucky recipients of the students’ kindness

Denise believes her Yaya Project is a great way to teach children the importance of being kind.

It’s a kind gesture to teach the kids that it doesn’t cost a lot of money to make someone smile! My mom loved “volunteering” as she would say, making everyone happy by her presence at the front desk! So in keeping her memory alive, every week I travel to various homes where elders live and share my love of music and dance with them, making them smile! A little love goes a long way!

The Yaya Project is a great example of how Denise takes her lessons well beyond the studio. By fostering community connections, she teaches her students that dance is not just a skill, but a powerful vehicle for spreading joy and making our world a better place.

* * *

(posted 2/16/2026)

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).

Tags: , ,

St. Pat’s Parade Committee recognizes Bella’s Bumbas

13 Feb

It’s always neat to see who the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee chooses every year as their annual honorees — like the Grand Marshal, Honorary Marshal, Citizen of the Year and the like. But this year, the announcement was especially exciting, because one of this year’s honorees is Webster’s very own Bella’s Bumbas.

At the annual kickoff event, held Sunday Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn, the committee announced that Bella’s Bumbas has been chosen as this year’s Official Charitable Organization. Anyone who’s read my blog for even a short time should already be familiar with this awesome grassroots, all-volunteer organization. Run by Webster residents Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr, it’s dedicated to building miniature wheelchairs for children with a wide variety of mobility issues, charging the families only for shipping.

In her announcement, Parade Committee Director Kate McBride introduced the organization by saying,

Since its founding, Bella’s Bumbas has grown from a small community effort into a global mission, having provided over 3,500 chairs to children in 70 different countries. Each chair represents a story of hope, inclusion, and possibility. Families who once felt isolated, now watch their children roll beside their peers, discovering new levels of confidence and independence. This incredible journey has been made possible entirely through volunteer dedication, community support, and the belief that no child should be left without mobility, simply because of financial or geographic barriers.

In this year’s parade, Bella’s Bumbas will showcase these little chairs and the joy they bring not only to the children who receive them, but also to the volunteers and donors who make each one possible.

As the Charitable Organization honoree, Bella’s Bumbas will get prime placement near the very beginning of the parade line-up. They’ve already started planning a pretty spectacular float, which will feature several Bumba chairs and “bumbaleers” riding them, hay bales, gold frills and lots of lights. Adult volunteer walkers and some young “test riders” will be rolling beside the float to hand out information and goodies to the crowd. It may very well be the first float in the parade, so it will be difficult to miss!

This is an incredibly well-deserved honor for Bella’s Bumbas, whose life-changing work for children worldwide often flies under the radar. While we in Webster have long been proud to call them our own, it’s wonderful to see them get the recognition they deserve, giving the rest of the Rochester area a chance to discover this incredible organization.

Congratulations, Marty and Rebecca, on this amazing honor.

The 2026 Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at East Ave. and Alexander St. Make sure to watch for the Bella’s Bumbas float at the beginning of the parade and cheer loud for our Webster neighbors!

On a related note…

This year’s Honorary Marshal is Dave North, a well-known musician who’s played in and around Webster and Rochester for decades. He was (and is) a regular performer at the former Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster and the new Barry’s Pub in Fairport. I’m pleased to consider Dave a good friend and congratulate him on his honor!

Dave, by the way, has his own connection to Bella’s Bumbas. Last year on one of his trips to London, he brought a Bumba chair along with him to deliver to a child there.

* * *

(posted 2/13/2026)

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).

Tags: , , ,

Webster community mailbag

10 Feb

It’s not too late to recycle your Christmas tree

Assuming you’re not using it for Valentine’s Day decoration, you can still drop off your tree for recycling through Feb. 28 at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway (off of Hard Rd.)

Once you drive in, as soon as you see the gas pumps, look to the left and you will see a sign where you can leave the tree by the gate.

Supervisor Scialdone Community Office Hours

Your next opportunity to have a chat with Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone is this Wednesday, February 11, when he’ll hold his next Community Office Hours from 5 to 6 p.m. at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park, 850 Maple Drive. And if you can’t make that time, he’s also scheduled office hours on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.

Have lunch and network with the Chamber

This next notice is from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

The February Connect @ Noon event will be hosted by Susan Tripp of SMT Mobile Notary and Brett Dawson of the Dawson Law Firm. The event will be held at the offices of the Chamber of Commerce and & rocENROLL HEALTH, 1110 Crosspointe Lane, this Friday Feb. 13 from noon to 1:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

Webster Chamber members host Connect @ Noon events every month, opportunities to build current professional relationships and to begin new ones. Members and professionals interested in doing business in Webster and becoming members of the Chamber are invited to attend. Bring your business cards and a door prize to increase your visibility through announcements and the Chamber website. 

There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.

Spaghetti. Yum.

Looking ahead to March, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of our volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.

Party for Mardi Gras

Here’s a reminder about a fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras with our community.

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Mardi Gras Free Pancake Supper is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

This annual event is a thank-you to the community for supporting St. Martin’s charitable missions all year. The dinner will feature unlimited pancakes and syrup, sausages and applesauce. Beads will be provided and you can even make your own masks. Feel free to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, and bring the whole family and all your friends.

There’s no charge, but a free will offering to support St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry would be very appreciated, or bring boxed and canned goods.

Our schools’ spring musical season continues in early March when Webster Thomas High School presents Footloose the Musical March 5 through 7. It tells the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to the small, conservative town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned by Reverend Shaw Moore after a tragic accident. Ren clashes with the strict town, falls for the reverend’s rebellious daughter, and with his new friends, rallies the teens to challenge the ban and fight for their right to dance.

Show times are Thursday and Friday March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come about tickets.

Later in the month, on March 20 and 21, Spry Drama Club will present the hit musical Disney Newsies Jr.

This family-friendly stage adaptation of the Broadway musical tells the true story of New York City newsboys striking for fair treatment in 1899. Led by charismatic Jack Kelly and aided by reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies unite against powerful publishers like Joseph Pulitzer to fight exploitation, learn the power of their collective voice and win better conditions, while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and social justice. Show times are Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21 at 7 p.m. I’ll let you know when tickets are available.

Save the date for bowling!

CDS Wolf Foundation is hosting their 19th annual Strike for Abilities Bowling Party on Sunday, March 8 at Bowlero in Webster. Final details for this great event are still being worked out, but organizers are looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Stay tuned for more information.

* * *

(posted 2/10/2026)

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).

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

1 Feb

Quite the variety of notices in today’s mailbag, so make sure to read till the end.

Color Your Community Green will host a discussion this coming Tuesday focused on Monroe County’s Climate Action Plan and how it can be used to meet state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Information will be presented about the most effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions locally and how we can build a sustainable future for our community. Community members are encouraged to attend and share your concerns about climate change as well as your visions for a sustainable community.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library’s Community Room. There’s no cost to attend but please register here so the library knows how many chairs to set up.

Go Red!

Carla Ann Scheiber, owner of Lovely You Aesthetics in the Village of Webster, has enthusiastically signed on to the Go Red for Women campaign, an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women, and empowers women to take charge of their heart health.

As part of her efforts, Carla Ann will be hosting a Go Red Lovely Galentine’s Event on Friday, Feb. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lovely You Aesthetics, 82 North Ave. Tickets are $30, and attendees will get cocktails, food, a Go Red Lovely shirt and five raffle tickets for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Click here to get tickets.

So grab your girls, wear red, and support women’s health while making an impact together.

Party for Mardi Gras

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Mardi Gras Free Pancake Supper is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

This annual event is a thank-you to the community for supporting St. Martin’s charitable missions all year. The dinner will feature unlimited pancakes and syrup, sausages and applesauce. Beads will be provided and you can even make your own masks. Feel free to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, and bring the whole family and all your friends.

There’s no charge, but a free will offering to support St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry would be very appreciated, or bring boxed and canned goods.

Kindergarten registration now open

Webster Central School District kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open.

Families with incoming kindergartners are asked to register them now via the Infinite Campus Parent & Student Portal at www.websterschools.org by clicking More > Student Registration and completing the 2026-27 registration completely online. All registrations completed via the portal are streamlined by accessing the current information on file. 

The district is encouraging families to register early because it takes a lot of planning to appropriately place students in our seven elementary schools. If there is not enough space for a child to enroll at their home elementary school, registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received.

PreK registration is not yet open. The preK lottery for the 2026-27 school year will be open February 13 at 10 a.m. and run through March 14. Parents and caregivers interested in learning more about the district’s preK options are invited to attend an open house on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

The district has three preK options:

  • Full-day (five hours) located at our elementary schools and both high schools
  • Full-day (5 hour) with wrap care located at a childcare community partner with wrap care paid by the family
  • Half-day (2.5 hours) with morning and afternoon options at STARS Preschool next to Holy Trinity Church

The upcoming open house provides families living within the Webster CSD boundaries an opportunity to see some of the sites and learn more about the program before registering for the lottery. This adult visit is intended to support families in ranking their choices and answering questions prior to the registration window beginning Feb. 13.

Open houses will take place at:

  • Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, Webster (enter door 4)
  • Bay View YMCA, 1209 Bay Road, Webster
  • Busy Blossoms, 60 Barrett Drive, Webster
  • Expressive Beginnings, 12 May Street, Webster
  • Kids First, 1676 Empire Blvd., Webster
  • STARS Preschool, 1456 Ridge Road, Webster

Families who are unable to attend the open house and would like to learn more about Webster CSD PreK are encouraged to visit the website at websterschools.org/prek or call (585) 216-0122.

Got antiques?

This isn’t Webster specific, but will be of interest to anyone who loves antiques: Antiques Roadshow is coming to Mumford on Wednesday, June 17.

You won’t be able to just show up or buy tickets at the door. They’re distributed through a random sweepstakes.

  • Deadline to Enter: You must submit your entry by Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
  • Cost: Tickets are free.
  • The Process: You can enter the drawing on the official PBS Antiques Roadshow website. Winners are usually notified in mid-to-late April.
  • The “Producer Picks” Contest: When you enter the sweepstakes, you have the option to submit photos of your specific item. If a producer loves your item’s story or mystery, you might be selected for a “Producer Pick” ticket, which guarantees you a spot.

Limit is two tickets per address. Good luck!

* * *

(posted 2/1/2026)

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).

Tags: , , , ,

“Munchie” could use our help

25 Jan

It’s been a really tough six months for Luis “Munchie” Carrasquillo.

Back in July, Luis took a leap of faith and opened up his Roc City Empanadas restaurant on South Ave. in the Village of Webster, an expansion of his very popular food truck business. At first he found it a bit challenging to balance the busy food truck with a new restaurant, and the hours he was open seemed very sporadic. Then, in early September, the restaurant went totally dark, and people started to question whether Luis was really committed to the village.

The reason for that, we came to learn, was a distressing one.

On September 3, Luis was involved in a frightening accident. He was on the shoulder of Five Mile Line Rd., helping a friend secure a fence to her trailer, when another driver struck him. The impact sent him flying ten feet. He suffered a compound fracture to his leg and was losing blood rapidly. A veteran who happened on the scene applied a tourniquet, most definitely saving his life. (Click here to read the blog I wrote back then with the whole story.)

Luis spent weeks in the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and intense recovery procedures. He’s still facing a long road to healing — physically, emotionally, and financially. Because of his injuries, he hasn’t been able to work, and Munchies Rock City Empanadas is struggling to stay afloat. His friends and family members have been doing their best to try to keep the doors open, but the bills are piling up, rent and equipment costs continue, and the future of his restaurant hangs in the balance.

For over 20 years, Luis Carrasquillo has been a pillar in our community, serving delicious food with love, donating meals to local events, and showing up whenever someone needs a helping hand. He’s never asked for anything in return because that’s just who he is. But now he’s asking for our help.

Luis’ family members have set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help cover Luis’ medical and household expenses and ongoing rehabilitation, and to help keep his restaurant running until he can get back on his feet.

If you can spare even a little something, Luis would be eternally grateful, and you’d be helping someone who’s given so much to our Webster community. Click here to make your donation.

* * *

(posted 1/25/2026)

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).

Tags: , , , ,

Meat raffle! Meat raffle! Meat raffle!

18 Jan

My eldest daughter, who lives in Buffalo, works at a city school which hosts a meat raffle every year as a fundraiser.

This is a very Buffalo thing, and it’s a LOT of fun. You pay an entry fee, then throughout the evening you can purchase tickets for $1 each to take chances on winning all sorts of different meat prizes. You win when the huge number wheel spun by the host lands on your ticket number. The prizes include steaks, hot dogs, bacon, burgers, chicken and lots more. It’s really exciting and so much fun.

I’ve been watching for when this very Buffalo thing started showing up in Rochester — and it finally has. On Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 9 p.m., the Webster Comfort Care Home will hold a meat raffle at the Genesee Valley Moose Club in Henrietta. Advance-sale tickets are only $10 ($20 at the door), and there’ll be a cash bar and food available for purchase.

The event will feature meat, fish and seafood packages from Meat Man Dan, other raffles and prizes, and a chance to win a 5-cubic foot chest freezer from Orville’s Appliance, a $200 value. (It would be a great place to keep all of your meat raffle winnings, just sayin’.) You don’t have to be present to win the freezer … or even attend the meat raffle at all. Click here to purchase freezer raffle tickets.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. Sponsorship packages are also available.

More information to come about this fun event, but make sure to put in on your calendar now, and consider getting your tickets soon.

* * *

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 1/18/2026)

Tags: , ,

Barry’s Old School Irish is back!

15 Jan

If you haven’t heard the news yet, Barry’s Old School Irish has finally opened a new, larger location, in Fairport, about 12 minutes south of Webster.

Barry’s Old School Irish anchored the Village of Webster’s four corners for almost 12 years. It became kind of like village’s living room, where families and friends gathered for after-work pints and birthday parties, Irish trad music filled the air, Notre Dame football was on the TV, and St. Patrick’s Day lasted all week long. For many it became like a second home.

So when the Barrys announced in July of 2023 that they were closing the pub, it came as a shock to our community. But it was an exciting development for the Barry family. It was just the next step in their journey which began with opening Barry’s Old School and expanded with the production of their Barry’s Irish Cream.

When the Barrys left 2 West Main St., however, it was with the promise that closing the pub would only be temporary. They immediately started to look for a new location, as the Barrys faithful (and there are a LOT of them) anxiously waited from the sidelines. But finally, after more than two years, Barry’s is back.

This Saturday, Jan. 17, the brand new Barry’s Irish Pub will officially open its doors at 4400 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd. (at Eagle Vale) with a grand opening celebration featuring everything we’ve come to know and love about our little pub, including live Irish music, Irish dancers, pipes and drums, free whiskey samples, and one of Danny Barry’s legendary whiskey toasts.

The Barrys looked at a lot of places before finally landing on the former Yanhuang Gourmet restaurant on the Eagle Vale Golf Club campus. The initial goal was to find something as close as possible to the original location, but it had to have the right atmosphere. A lot of the places they looked at were “cool,” Danny said, but “they all seemed like they’re all trying to be bigger just for the sake of being bigger.” He wasn’t even sure he wanted to tour the Eagle Vale location, but when someone pointed out that it’s basically just a bit farther south on the same road, he decided to check it out.

It was last March, around St. Patrick’s Day, when he first walked in. The former restaurant clearly needed a lot of work, but somehow Danny was able to see its potential. “This one had that homey feel to it,” he said. “By the end of the walk-through, I thought, this is an Irish Pub. It just doesn’t know it yet.”

The new Barry’s Irish Pub has much more floor space than the original Webster Village location. Behind the roomy bar area is a separate party room/overflow room with a deck. A third room, separated from the bar by a gas fireplace, is what Danny calls the “music room,” with a dedicated stage for musicians, complete with a sound system and speakers. (The musicians are going to love that upgrade.)

The layout accommodates multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining a sense of shared experience for everyone.

Danny explained, “If you’re sitting in the party room you could still see into the music room, but if you want to make that private, you can. So the whole place flows — no matter where you’re at, you’re kind of seeing what’s going on in the other room, but you also have the snug-like feel to it.”

There are plenty of fun new decorative touches, but comforting reminders of the old place are scattered throughout the space, like the old 1800s-era bar, posters and photographs on the walls, the “firefighter’s corner” with its framed turnout coat, lots of the old tartan-covered stools and favorite menu items. Even the walls are painted Barry’s Old School Irish green. The shelves behind the bar are filled with whiskies, and Guinness is still on tap, of course (two taps, actually, to meet the demand) along with Harp, Smithwicks and Magner’s cider. New to the taps are a Barry’s Irish Red, brewed in New Jersey, and a White Hag Irish IPA, brewed in Ireland. There’s even yard space outside, where Danny hopes to set up fire pits and lawn games when the weather turns warmer.

Live music is returning as well, at least Friday and Saturday nights, plus Saturday afternoon’s traditional Irish session.

So, it’s been a long time coming, but it sounds like the Barrys have found their forever home. Once again they’re inviting everyone to make yourself at home in their cozy living room, have a pint or a whiskey, settle in and enjoy some music, and chat with friends old and new.

If you’ve never been to Barry’s Pub before, welcome. And for everyone else … welcome home.

* * *

Details about the grand opening celebration

Barry’s Irish Pub will hold its Grand Opening Celebration this Saturday from noon to 11:30 p.m. You can visit their Facebook page for more details, but here are a few highlights (and Don’t worry, the Buffalo Bills playoff game will be on the TVs):

  • traditional Irish music session, noon to 3 p.m.
  • ribbon cutting
  • live music by Kevin Reynolds and Lucky Enough from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Jamieson Irish Dancers at 4 p.m.
  • Keeper’s Heart Irish Whiskey Samples
  • Dave North Trio plays 7 to 10:30 p.m.
  • ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums Performing, 7:30 p.m.
  • Official whiskey toast on the house, 9 p.m.

And by the way, there’s a LOT of parking.

* * *

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 1/15/2026)

Tags: , , ,

Webster Community Mailbag

7 Jan

It’s a fairly short mailbag today; the new year is ramping up slowly, apparently.

GO BILLS!

The Buffalo Bills are in the playoffs, which means it’s time to celebrate at the Webster Recreation Center’s Buffalo Bills Hype Party!

This second-annual family-friendly event returns to the Rec Center on Friday, January 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free with a donation to Webster Hope (see below for a list of desired items).

There is SO MUCH fun planned, including:

  • souvenir laminated photo trading cards for all attendees from WeTheHobby
  • Music and trivia from Jeremy Andrzejewski (Mr. Brightside, anyone?)
  • Food (tailgate style, of course)
  • Vendors
  • Buffalo-themed lawn games
  • a Bracelet-making station
  • Temporary tattoos
  • Buffalo Bills stickers

and so much more.

Everything happens from 6 to 8 p.m. this Friday night at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr., off of Phillips.

Meet the new supervisor

Head back to the Rec Center on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to meet and chat with Alex Scialdone, the Town of Webster’s new supervisor. He’ll be holding his “community office hours,” so bring your questions and concerns, or just pop in to congratulate Alex on his win.

Library program features famous female cyclist

Cyclists and history lovers alike will be very interested in this special program coming up at the Webster Public Library on Thursday Jan. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s a presentation by local bike enthusiast Karen Lankeshofer about Elsa von Blumen, a famous Rochestarian and female bicyclist in the 1880s.

Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. Succeeding at the male-dominated sport at the time, von Blumen helped pave the way for other women to find the courage to break social taboos.

There’s no cost for the presentation but registration is required.

Connect and network with the Webster Chamber of Commerce

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has three events coming up, great opportunities for local business owners to connect with others and help bring exposure to their businesses.

  • The first is a New Year Open House on Friday Jan. 9. This will be a breakfast buffet, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane, Suite C. This is a great opportunity for Chamber members, guests and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. Bring a door prizes for visibility and your business card so you can take your chance on one of the amazing door prizes! Registration is required.
  • The next is the Chamber’s monthly “Connect at Noon” networking event, this month scheduled for Wednesday Jan. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. These events are hosted by different Chamber members to acquaint others with the member’s place of business. Members and those investigating membership are welcome to attend. There’s no fee but registration is required.
  • Finally, the Webster Chamber’s regular Monthly Meeting (featuring a hot breakfast buffet) will be held Friday Jan. 30 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Members, guests and visitors interested in pursuing Chamber membership are welcome to attend. These meetings are a chance to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Bring a door prize and your business card for your chance at winning. Reservations are required by Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Reminder about the Souper Bowl

A quick reminder about the Webster Comfort Care Home’s “Souper Bowl,” going on through Feb. 2. For just $15, you can order a quart of delicious soup, prepared by one of 11 different local restaurants and shops. (Check the website for choices.)

For another $5, you can even add four dinner rolls from Proietti’s to your order. And for just $5 more, you can add two oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip cookies. So basically, you can get an entire delicious meal for just $25, while supporting the Comfort Care Home at the same time. PLUS, order five or more quarts and you’ll be entered to win a one-hour massage at Wellness 360.

Souper Bowl 2026 is pre-order–only, from Dec. 29 through Feb. 2. Orders must be received by Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. and can be picked up on Saturday, February 7, from 10 a.m. to noon at Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd. Click here for more information and to order.

* * *

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 1/7/2026)

Tags: , , , , ,

Cheers to a creative new year from the Village Quilt Shoppe

4 Jan

I got an email from the Village Quilt Shoppe recently, which was just packed full of news about what this little shop accomplished in 2025, and a sneak peek at things to come.

But what really caught my attention was the news about how successful their One Common Thread initiative was in 2025.

One Common Thread’s mission is to empower women in Central America — specifically Honduras — by giving them the opportunity to work and earn an income. The income allows the women to provide essentials such as food, diapers, formula, stoves, beds, tin roofs, cement floors, tuition for their children’s education, and much more. (My blog here tells you more about the organization.)

In their email, Village Quilt Shoppe owners Monique Liberti and Vanetta Parshall reported they were able to send 20 boxes — each holding three or four sewing kits — along with dozens of spools of thread and needles to women in Honduras.

They added,

Our charity work will continue in 2026, and if you’re free on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, we would love your help assembling kits. Whether you can stay all day or just for an hour or two, many hands truly do make light work.

Looking ahead to 2026, Vanetta and Monique have plans for several clubs, lots of exciting classes, “Sewcial” days, retreats and new fabric coming in every month. Basically, the shop is kind of like a quilter’s playground. Click here to see their full calendar. Or better yet, stop by the shop and check it out for yourself.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 23 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park. (They’re closed for the holidays until Jan. 6.)

* * *

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 1/4/2026)

Tags: , , , ,

← Older Entries