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It’s official: another Irish pub is moving into 2 West Main

8 Mar

Perfectly timed for the St. Patrick’s Day season, here’s some great news about 2 West Main St. in Webster Village, the former Barry’s Old School Irish:

Another great Irish pub is moving in.

Before the end of this year, Mark and Kelly Petzing, members of the Shamrock Jack’s family, will be opening a wee Irish pub of their own.

I spoke to Mark recently, who sounded very excited to be fulfilling what he said has been a longtime dream. Having worked in the restaurant business since he was 10 years old, he said that having “a tiny pub of my own” is something he’s always wanted to do.

He’s well acquainted with that corner, too. Webster residents themselves, he and Kelly often visited Barry’s, and Mark even bartended at Burke’s many years ago.

“Danny and Jess Barry did a great job,” he said. “I don’t want to compete with that,” adding that his pub will look different, however. The design will feature a lot of brickwork, there’ll be a longer bar, and the bathrooms will be moved a bit. They’ll be taking out the gardens to expand seating on the patio, and Mark’s even considering putting in some garage doors which can be opened in the summer.

They haven’t decided on a name yet, but some of the ideas reflect that it will have a “wee bit of everything” — a little music, a small menu, several Irish beers and local brews, and whiskeys and bourbons.

The remodeling process has only just begun. The place has been gutted to the studs and tape on the floor indicates where the new bar will be located. How long all of the renovations will take is still a question, but Mark estimates perhaps four to six months.

So there won’t be dancers and bagpipers and Irish fiddlers at the village’s four corners for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. But rest assured, next year the Guinness will be flowing at our new Irish pub.

“We’re very excited to be in the village,” Mark said. “We can’t wait to be part of the neighborhood.”  

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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 3/8/2024)

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Woodland Silkscreen just got an upgrade

6 Mar

Have you stopped into Woodland Silkscreen & Embroidery in the Village of Webster recently? If you haven’t, you’ll want to check it out, because owner Laurie Read has been making some changes, and the place is looking really great.

Laurie moved into the former tattoo shop at 5 West Main (lower level) about three years ago, relocating from her longtime location on Rt. 104 in Ontario. (Click here to read the blog I wrote after she settled in.) It’s taken a while, but she’s FINALLY gotten rid of all of the tattoo-themed decorations on the walls and behind the counter. She’s replaced and re-positioned the worn-out counter, repainted everywhere and is repairing the ceiling.

Basically, Laurie said, she’d tried to “class it up a little.” The result is a much more professional, much more inviting shop where patrons are greeted by tasteful decorations, stunning artwork and a BIG fish tank with some BIG fish (who WILL stare back at you when you stare at them).

And while screen printing is still the biggest part of her business, Laurie is also introducing a nice selection of retail items, including a variety of t-shirts (long and short-sleeved), sweatshirts and other clothing items, embroidered with all sorts of fanciful designs, or pre-printed. She’s already got lots of St. Patrick’s Day and Buffalo Bills items on a rack in the lobby, but she’ll be happy to make one up to your order.

There’s also a small table with hand creams, and — soon — small teddy bears with Webster Thomas and Schroeder t-shirts.

And, by the way, Laurie is still your local connection for some of the finest “everything” sauces I’ve ever had. The “OHHH LORDEE” sauces range from sweet and tangy to blazing hot, and while you can still pick one up at the shop, it’s better to look for them at one of the 30 locations all around the area (including most Tops Friendly Markets).

Lots of great reasons to stop by Woodland. Not to mention, Laurie will always welcome you with a smile.

Woodland Silkscreen & Embroidery is located at 5 West Main St. (lower level across from the gazebo). The shop is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, other times by appointment. For more information, visit the website or Facebook page or call (585) 265-3060.

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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 3/6/2024)

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Who takes care of those WEBSTER bushes?

3 Mar

We drive by them all the time, those bushes along Rt. 104 just east of the Bay Bridge that spell out WEBSTER, welcoming residents and visitors alike to our fair town. But did you ever wonder about their history, who originally planted them and who takes care of them now?

According to Webster Chamber of Commerce president Barry Howard, the WEBSTER bushes installation was a project spearheaded by the Chamber in 1986 as a beautification project. The Chamber commissioned the design in February of that year, got all the required permits by September, then arranged to have the bushes and stone scape installed. The sailboat motif in colored stone mosaic was added in 1993.

The landscaping company who originally planted the bushes went out of business, and Thomas Landscape took over their maintenance just a year or two later. The company has been taking care of them every year since, for more than 35 years, at the Chamber’s expense.

Many will remember that back in 2010, vandals destroyed the bushes, cutting every single one of the plants to the ground. At the time, the Chamber asked people if something like a welcome sign should be put in instead. But the community stood behind their much-loved WEBSTER shrubs, and overwhelmingly voted to replace them. With help from a radio-thon fundraiser hosted by WARM 101.3, 75 new bushes were purchased and planted.

It’s been more than 10 years, and the new bushes are doing pretty well, but it’s going to take them a while to get back to their former glory.

“They’re coming around,” said Thomas Landscape owner Rick Thomas. “Last year we started doing an organic-based fertilizer on the plants and it’s definitely helping.”

“It’s an extremely hard area to grow plants because of the steep slope,” he added. “You don’t realize how steep it is until you’re standing on it. Water and nutrients just roll down it. It’s a tough area to grow anything.”

Between the Chamber of Commerce and Thomas Landscape, the WEBSTER shrubbery continues to get regular TLC. The stone scape was repainted a few years ago, and Thomas staff members head up there three times a year for general maintenance. They’re even giving some thought to perhaps changing out the stone design in front “to keep things fresh.”

“I think it’s still viable,” Rick said. “People like to look at it. It’s fun; we’ll be up there trimming and weeding and cleaning up and people drive by, waving and cheering.”

I’ll be one of those people waving and cheering next time I see you up there, as a thank you for keeping our favorite town landmark looking great.

Thomas Landscape is located at 775 Ridge Rd., Webster.

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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 3/3/2024)

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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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We won! Webster awarded $4.5 million grant

27 Feb

Have you heard the big news?

As a result of many, many months of hard work by the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA) and lots of community input, the Village of Webster has been selected by Governor Kathy Hochul as one of just two Finger Lakes communities to receive a portion of the grants being awarded through the NY Forward community revitalization program. The Village of Webster and the Town of Macedon will each receive $4.5 million as this year’s Finger Lakes region NY Forward winners.

As part of the competition process, the Village worked with the Town of Webster, Webster Central School District and the Business Improvement District (BID) to submit an application outlining the village’s vision to improve the downtown business district. During the process, WEDA provided tons of opportunities for community input to gather resident opinions on what the grant money should be used for. If you attended one of these events, you may remember large maps with sticky notes you could place on the areas you thought should be improved.

Officially, the WEDA explains that “the Village of Webster’s downtown revitalization project seeks to create a thriving Main Street which seamlessly blends modern sustainability with the historic character of our community.” More specifically, a few of the projects under consideration are things like improving Veterans Park (including replacing the gazebo with a larger band shell), creating a flexible event space behind the firehouse, and various streetscape improvements in the center of the village.

The ultimate goals are to create an active downtown, enhance accessibility and walk-ability for residents and visitors, provide flexible space for cultural events, provide amenities to enhance downtown living, and rejuvenate economic development along Main Street.

The next steps will begin with the creation of a Local Planning Committee, consisting of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The committee will identify projects that most align with the community’s vision and are poised for implementation. There will be many opportunities for community input before the final projects are selected for funding, so stay tuned for those.

Upon accepting the award, WEDA Executive Director Matt Chatfield said,

The Village and the Webster Economic Development Alliance are prepared, energized, and steadfast in their desire to bolster growth and investment in our downtown business district. With the support of the NY Forward Program we are now ready to launch the next phase of our prosperous future, to be accomplished through coordination, partnership and dedication from the entire community – leadership, local business, and citizens. We are thankful for the generous support of Governor Hochul and the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, as we work together in the spirit of cooperation to make Webster a community of choice in Upstate New York.

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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 2/27/2024)

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New Donutchew bakery offers an Asian twist on donuts

24 Feb

There’s a new donut in town. It’s called a “mochi donut,” and you gotta try one. But beware … once you’ve had one, you might never go back to your old donut shop.

Mochi donuts are one of several Asian-inspired menu items available at Donutchew, a new bakery located in Baytowne Plaza. Michael Blair, a Chinese-American, opened the shop about three weeks ago, bringing to the Webster/Penfield area some sweet treats that our area has never really seen before.

That’s not to say that mochi flour and mochi-based desserts are anything new. The confections have been wildly popular in Japan and Hawaii for years, and that popularity has been slowly spreading across the U.S.

How is a mochi donut different from your standard American donut? I asked Michael to explain, and he struggled a bit with the answer.

“You have to taste it to know,” he began. “The flour is a lot lighter and the texture is chewier. It might taste like a lighter fried dough.” While most American donut products are heavier and denser, he continued, “with these, you can probably eat three or four and you feel OK about it.”

But what really sets Donutchew’s mochi donuts apart from the rest are the wide variety of unique toppings and flavorings. Don’t expect to find glazed, cinnamon, powdered, or chocolate-iced donuts here. DO expect toppings like Oreo cream cheese, mango, Earl Gray and s’mores, and Asian-inspired flavors like black sesame, imported straight from Japan. There are even some kid-friendly options, like Cookie Monster and Fruity Pebble.

“It’s a fun thing,” Michael said. “That’s what brings people in, the fun flavors on the top and the different texture when they bite into it.”

Aside from their taste, what I find most intriguing is the donuts’ unusual design. It’s kind of like a beaded bracelet, perfect for bite-sized snacking (a theory I tested on my drive home with delicious results).

Donutchew’s mochi donuts lead a menu of several other Asian-inspired sweet treats that are hard to find on the east side, like Korean corn dogs, boba teas (with tea sourced from the family’s tea farm in China), croffles, and tanghulu.

Never heard of tanghulu? This traditional Chinese snack is fruit on a skewer — strawberries, grapes, pineapple — wrapped into rock candy, giving it a crunchy outer layer. Michael’s grandmother would make the snack when he was growing up, and she’s the one in the Donutchew kitchen making it every day now. Ask a young person about it, because it’s huge on TikTok.

Opening his first bakery in the Webster/Penfield area was not Michael’s first choice. “To be honest,” he said, “coming to Webster was kind of a gamble for us.”

In my opinion there’s not much diversity here. If you compare to Henrietta, Brighton, you see a lot more Asian Americans who live out that way, which is good and bad. The good thing is, there’s a greater variety of Asian restaurants, bubble tea places in the area. But the people in Webster who enjoy that type of cuisine have to drive all the way to Henrietta or Brighton. So we thought if we could create a successful location here, that would save a lot of time for the east-side community.

So far, that gamble has paid off. They’ve already started to develop a steady clientele, and customers are telling them how much they appreciate having a boba tea shop nearby.

“The feedback has been super positive,” Michael said. “People are beginning to learn who we are. Once they learn what it is and who we are, they’re coming back.”

Donutchew is located on the south side of Baytowne Plaza, 1900 Empire Blvd., Webster, in the former Royal Dynasty Restaurant. They’re open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Find out more about them on their website, Facebook page, and Instagram (@donutchew_rochester).

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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 2/24/2024)

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Elena Bernardi named Webster Chamber Business Person of the Year

12 Feb

Congratulations to Elena Bernardi, owner of Bernardi & Company CPAs, who was recently named Webster Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Person of the Year.

Elena is a wife, mother, business owner, and volunteer. Over 20 years ago she made the decision to move her business to Webster. Since that time, Elena has been very active within our community. In addition to her Chamber membership, Elena is an Advisory Board Member at Canandaigua National Bank. She also serves as the Webster Economic Development Alliance Treasurer and is currently President of the Webster Village Business Improvement District (BID).

At the BID, Elena leads volunteers in a quest to make the Village of Webster businesses visible, impacting business owners and residents. Her planning and leadership have brought to Webster the recent shredding event at Village Hall, the Beer Garden, Family Game Nights, Winter Wonderland, Easter Egg Hunt, movies and concerts in the park, Jazz Festival, Trick or Treat Trail and Health and Wellness Fair.

Candidates for Business Person of the Year are nominated by Chamber of Commerce members, the winner chosen based on length of Chamber membership, business accomplishments and community service.

The next Webster Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Before Business meeting is scheduled for  Friday Feb. 23 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Business owners are encouraged to attend for an opportunity to network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders. There’s always an informative program followed by “pass-the-mic” time when everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., off of Phillips Rd. Please register here.  

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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 2/12/2024)

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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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Webster community mailbag

26 Jan

The secondary schools’ lineup of spring musicals begins in just a few weeks when the Willink Drama Club presents Finding Nemo JR. on Friday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway.

An adaptation of the beloved 2003 movie, Finding Nemo JR. tells the story of Marlin (Jeremiah Fischer), an anxious and over-protective clownfish who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo (Harper Johnson), who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters Dory (Peyton Short), Crush (Rylie Biroscak), and the supportive Tank Gang (Jeremiah Clark, Ella Boneberg, Benedict Sweeney, Leah Schinaman, Kayla Vanderlinden, and Sierra Strelick), Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. showcases a large, energetic cast and crew of more than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, and free for children ages 3 and younger. Tickets can be purchased online here but should also be available at the door.

Challenger Miracle Field invites the community to a Valentines Dance on Friday and Saturday Feb. 9 and 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Webster Country Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Participants ages 20 and under are invited to attend Friday night, and those 21 and older can come on Saturday. Both nights will feature dinner, a photo booth, and a DJ providing the dance music.

Cost is $10 for 1 to 2 people, $25 for a group of three or more. Click here to register. Registrations are due by Feb. 2.

Beyond Cuts Salon on North Ave. in the Village of Webster is working with RocMaidan to send relief supplies to the Ukraine.

The salon is now collecting any size bottles of Ibuprofin (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol), and cold medicines and bandages of any size, which will be added to the medical backpacks which RocMaidan regularly ships to the Ukraine for soldier and civilian casualties.

Please drop your items off at the salon, 33 North Ave., during normal operating hours.

The annual Robynpalooza Golf Tourney has been scheduled for June 14, 2024 at the Morgan’s Crossing Golf Club in Scottsville.

This tournament is in its 13th year of having fun and raising money for local charities. Last year’s event raised $18,000, which benefited the Genesee Land Trust, Webster Public Library, Human Kindness and Webster Rotary charities. Business owners are encouraged to support this year’s Robynpalooza by purchasing a sponsorship, which range from $100 to $2500.

For more details, visit www.websterrotaryny.org or call 585-678-1378.

The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday Feb. 15 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd. Cherie Wood, Webster’s coordinator for Wreaths Across America Webster, 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. Then Cherie will speak about Wreaths Across America and other projects supporting Blue Star families and Gold Star mothers.

Lunch will feature a buffet featuring Proietti’s famous Chicken French, stuffed shells, zucchini marinara, salad, and a cannoli.  The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by February 8 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

New members are always welcome.

The CDS Wolf Foundation invites community members to join a fun afternoon of bowling at the 17th annual Strikes for Abilities Bowling Party, scheduled for Sunday Feb. 25 at Bowlero Webster, 2400 Empire Blvd.

Registration costs just $250 for 5-person teams, and includes two hours of unlimited bowling, bowling shoes, pizza and unlimited soft drinks, prizes, a cash bar and raffles.

To learn more and sign up, click here.

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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 1/26/2024)

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Finns Garage is under new ownership

24 Jan

These days, it can be hard to find a mechanic who’ll do a good job at a reasonable price and not try to up-sell you on every little thing.

We were fortunate to find one of those trustworthy mechanics when we moved to the Village of Webster four years ago: Finns Automotive at 45 East Main Street. So when I got the email from owner Kevin Finn that after 20 years in business he had sold the shop, I got a little panicky.

But then I walked down there, chatted with Kevin about his decision and met the new owner, James Robinson. When I left, I was feeling much better.

Kevin and his wife Susan have actually been thinking about selling the business for the last three years and have been actively looking for a new owner most of that time.

“I felt it was time,” Kevin said, “as long as I was healthy and we were able to financially do it. … We’re looking forward to some other endeavors. For me it includes spending time with the BID (Webster’s Business Improvement District) in addition to some other volunteer work.” He and Susan are also looking forward to having more time to visit with family and friends and doing some traveling.

The shop’s new owner, James Robinson, is actually a longtime Finns Automotive customer. He brings to the business a 24-year history of working with cars, beginning when he was just 14 years old, and he studied automotive mechanics at MCC. He plans to “keep (the shop) the same as it is,” especially looking forward to working with all of the customers who have come to trust Finns to take care of their vehicles.

And as a sign of that trust, he’ll be keeping the “Finns Automotive” name.

Kevin Finn has already received a lot of handshakes and pats on the back in support of his decision, and with thanks for being a valued part of the Village of Webster business community. He’s planning to be at the shop for several more weeks, so stop in to congratulate him and say hello to James.

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(posted 1/24/2024)

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