Archive | Local businesses RSS feed for this section

Bed races, wellness fair, trick-or-treating and more

23 Aug

Lots of exciting events are coming down the pike in the next few months, courtesy the Webster Business Improvement District (BID), and I picked up a few more details about many of them at the most recent BID meeting.

Registrations are beginning to come in for Webster Community Bed Races, scheduled for Saturday Sept. 16. This should be a tremendously fun event and a great chance for local businesses and organizations to get a little publicity. It’d kind of be like building a parade float. But with wheels. And you have to push it. But otherwise, JUST like a parade float, fancy and creative and fun. I’d love to see beds from organizations like the school district, service clubs, maybe Miracle Field and the Friends of Webster Trails. The more the merrier!

Click here to see the previous blog I wrote for more details.

A brand-new Webster Health and Wellness Fair will be coming to the village on Saturday Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It will be held at Village Hall on West Main St., and showcase many of the health and wellness businesses and professionals from our community. More details to come.

The annual Trick or Treat Trail is on the books, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so stay tuned for more about that. Also, the Bourbon Bash will be taking place again this year, and there’s still talk about squeezing in a Beer Walk soon, but I didn’t get a set date for that. And of course, the village’s Winter Wonderland will be back the first Saturday in December, so get that on your calendar.

As details are finalized for these events, they’ll be posted at websterbid.com, so check back there frequently.

By the way, the BID logos I’ve posted here are brand new. They;ve just been introduced, and I think they’re quite attractive. Look for them everywhere you read about the Webster BID and the great events they sponsor in our village.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/23/2023)

Tags: , , ,

Photos from the Jazz Festival

20 Aug

Another excellent Webster Jazz Festival is in the books.

The weather could not have cooperated any better Saturday night when thousands of jazz lovers filled West Main Street to enjoy an afternoon and evening of great music, presented by some very talented musicians. The food and beverage vendors lining the street were kept busy all night, and the pubs and restaurants that stayed open during the festivities definitely saw increased traffic. And I have to say, the village never looks more beautiful than on Jazz Festival night, with the white lights twinkling in the trees and stretched across West Main.

It was especially nice to see so many children in the audience, dancing to the music along with their parents and grandparents, clearly having the time of their lives.

A lot of effort goes into this annual festival, and we have Tom Spoonhower and the Webster Business Improvement District to thank for that. They do a great job every year showing the entire Rochester area how vibrant — and charming — the Village of Webster is.

Click here to check out my gallery of photos from Saturday night.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/20/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

Kinecta presents donation to Wreaths Across America

18 Aug

Here’s a quick shout-out to Kinecta Federal Credit Union for their great “Kinecta Kindness Award” program and their decision to recognize a terrific local organization that’s close to my heart.

On Wednesday Aug. 16, Kinecta presented a $250 check to Wreaths Across America Webster, an organization committed to placing a wreath on the grave of every one of the 3,000 veterans who rest in Webster’s seven cemeteries.

The donation will be used to sponsor wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves at Webster Union Cemetery on National Wreath Day, December 16, 2023. Plus, $5 from every sponsorship will be passed on to the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester to help build care packages for our locally deployed service members.  

Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator Cherie Wood and Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 president Amy VanDerwerken were on hand to accept the donation.  

Kinecta supports and employs both veteran and active duty service members, proving their commitment to the Wreaths Across America Webster and Blue Star Mothers (military families) causes. Kinecta Federal Credit Union is dedicated to supporting the community, providing both resources and volunteers for all sorts of community projects. Look for them volunteering at the Webster Garlic Fest, September 9 to 10 at the Webster Recreation Center, and helping the Webster community lay wreaths on National Wreath Day at Webster Union Cemetery.

The Kinecta Kindness Award program recognizes acts of kindness throughout the community. Wreaths Across America was nominated by Kinecta employee Kimberly Barkley.

Pictured above (L-R) are: Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 president Amy VanDerwerken, Wreaths Across America Webster Location Coordinator Cherie Wood, Financial Advocate IV and Active Duty Army National Guard member Rob Seay, and Kinecta Community Program Manager Andrew Myers. Not Shown:  Assistant Retail Services Manager Ashley Michaels.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/18/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

4th annual Barry’s Irish Festival is Sept. 16

14 Aug

The entire Village of Webster was saddened by the recent news that our favorite Irish Pub, Barry’s Old School Irish, will be closing its doors in just a few weeks — at least for the short term (we hope).

But the GOOD news is that we can celebrate the pub and all things Irish with Danny and Jessica Barry at the 4th annual Barry’s Irish Festival, scheduled for Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at their farmhouse in Hilton.

This has become a very popular, family-friendly festival for everyone who loves Irish culture, from dancing to music, vendors of Celtic crafts, bagpipers, and of course good Irish brews. There’s always plenty for the kids to do, lots of good food, raffles and games.

You can click here for a lot more details about what’s on the schedule, but here are some highlights:

All day:

  • Food trucks: Webster Hots, Netsin’s Ice Cream, Red Osier, Cheesy Eddie’s, Rustic Taco, Fried Dough and Desserts
  • beer truck
  • craft vendors
  • The Talking Tent where you can explore Irish history
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey reps
  • Clonakilty Irish Whiskey reps
  • the Raffle Castle

Entertainment:

  • 10 a.m.: traditional Irish music session
  • 11:40 a.m.: Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums
  • Noon: Connemara Social Club
  • 1 p.m.: Jamieson Irish Dance will teach some Irish Dance steps for the kids
  • 1:30 p.m.: Peg Dolan and Sharon McHargue
  • 2:30 p.m.: Jamieson Irish Dance
  • 3 p.m.: Lucky Enough and Everheart
  • 4:30 p.m.: Celtic Cross
  • 5:30 p.m.: Young School of Irish Dance
  • 6 p.m.: Dave North Trio
  • 7:30 p.m.: Gavin Barry and the Rebel Banjo Circus
  • 9 p.m.: 1916

Other highlights:

  • Yoga class courtesy Ryan Barry (10 a.m.)
  • Pick-up soccer game (1 p.m.)
  • Roc City Gaelic on hand to demonstrate hurling
  • Kids’ activities and crafts (noon to 2 p.m.)
  • Corn hole tournament (3 p.m.)
  • Proper 12 Irish Whiskey sampling (2 to 8 p.m)
  • Parade led by the Gates Keystone Police Pipes & Drums (4 p.m.)
  • S’mores kits for everyone (7 p.m.)
  • green and gold eggs hidden throughout the grounds with raffle prizes
  • raffles every hour

The 4th annual Barry’s Irish Festival takes place Saturday Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at The Barry Patch Farm, 2668 Brick Schoolhouse Road, Hilton. Tickets are available at the pub for $15 (2 West Main St., Webster), and can be purchased online here. You can also get them on the day of the festival, when they’ll be $20. Kids 16 and under are free.

Visit the event’s Facebook page for more information, and if you have any questions, email Danny and Jessica at Barrysirishpub@gmail.com.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/14/2023)



Tags: , , ,

Webster community mailbag

8 Aug

I’m going to lead today’s mailbag with an event I only just learned about myself when I was reading through the Town’s Webster This Week newsletter.

It’s the Water Lantern Festival, being held this Saturday Aug. 12 at Charles Sexton Memorial Park (formerly North Ponds). It’s one of hundreds of similar festivals held world-wide every year by an organization called One World Lantern Festival, which describes it as:

an incredible experience where thousands of family, friends, and strangers celebrate life together. Water Lantern Festival brings together individuals from all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to join in one emotional and memorable night. You’ll cherish these moments as you witness the beauty of thousands of lanterns and the lights reflecting upon the water.

Participants design their own lanterns, and are invited to inscribe their “hopes and dreams, or a letter to a loved one,” or any other meaningful message, and then send them floating out onto the water. I imagine the scene of countless illuminated lanterns floating on the pond will be spectacular.

Webster’s Water Lantern Festival will begin at 6 p.m. with food trucks, music and activities. Lantern designing begins at 8:30 p.m. and launch is from 9 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $26.98 (plus processing fees and taxes) and include a lantern kit, a commemorative drawstring bag, playing cards, conversation cards and access to the food trucks and music. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING, you should get your tickets by Wednesday Aug. 9, because the price goes up after that to $45.99 and even higher on the day of the event.

Click here for more information about the festival and ticket options.

The Village of Webster’s next and last-one-of-the-summer Family Games Night is this Friday Aug. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Gazebo Park on North Ave. These great — and totally free — family events feature giant games, sidewalk chalk, great food and drink, and Dancing With Denise. Come for just a short time, come for the entire event; you and your kids will have a blast.

Remember to visit the Webster BID website regularly to keep up to date on village events.

Webster NY Hope has published this month’s wish list, which includes:

  • toothbrushes
  • toilet paper
  • pasta
  • cooking oil
  • towels (used or new)
  • socks for all ages
  • underwear for all ages
  • queen sheets

Items can be dropped off at Webster Hope, 1450 Ridge Rd., during their normal operating hours, Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Webster Marching Band‘s next Bottle and Can Drive happens this Saturday Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All you have to do is place those bags outside your house or at the end of the driveway, with a little note indicating they’re for the band, and they’ll be whisked away for a good cause.

Or, if you plan to be out and about on Saturday, you can drop them off at the collection site, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, by 3 p.m.

OR, you can call the Bottle and Can Hotline (234-8684, option 1) ANYTIME to arrange a pickup at a time convenient for you.

The United Church of Christ‘s last Caring Community Concert of the summer takes place this Wednesday Aug. 9 when 8 Days a Week performs.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. This week’s concert will benefit the Friends of Webster Trails.  

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

Finally, looking ahead, these two events take place in a few weeks:

The Steam Police will sponsor a blood drive in the Spry Middle School cafeteria on Friday Aug. 18 from 1 to 6 p.m. There’ll be food, drinks, t-shirts, raffle prizes, and a whole lot of gratitude.

For an appointment (always a good idea), visit redcrossblood.org and use the keyword “SPRYMS” or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

An electronics recycling event is scheduled for Saturday Aug. 19 on the Xerox campus off of Orchard St. (near the Rec Center). TICKETS ARE REQUIRED for this event, and you can sign up here for the time slot you want.

Some slots are already booked up, so sign up 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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/8/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Revelle’s Home Decor has landed safe and happy in Ontario

5 Aug

Dave and Peggy Revelle were all smiles on Saturday when they officially introduced their new Revelle’s Home Decor location to the public with a grand opening ceremony.

You may remember Revelle’s from when they briefly had a shop on East Main Street in the Village of Webster, adjacent to M.O. Pasta. They opened that storefront in May, but it took only a few months before they realized the space was much too small for the products and services they really wanted to feature. (Click here for the blog I wrote when they opened.)

Their new shop, located at 1864 Rt. 104 East in Ontario, measures 3,000 square feet, several times larger than the original. That means a LOT more space to display their own hand-crafted products, feature lots of local crafters, and devote a spacious back room to paint parties.

It was really that paint party aspect of the business which ultimately drove the need for a bigger space, Peggy said. “We thought we would try (the smaller Webster location) without the paint parties,” she said. “But in my heart it wasn’t happening. … This is what I’ve always done.”

So only about a month after closing their East Main Street shop, they’d found and started renovating their new place, which previously was a bait shop and seafood market. For Dave Revelle, the location is like “coming home,” since he grew up just a few miles away on Fisher Rd.

(L-R) Lisa Fede, Peggy and Dave Revelle, Gina Weatherell
Dave and Peggy Revelle

In addition to the incredibly beautiful refurbished and new handcrafted furniture pieces that the Revelles themselves are known for, Peggy is currently displaying beautifully crafted items from 23 local artisans, and hopes to add more in the near future. She’s also set up a smaller side room as her “Christmas room,” which will feature holiday-themed crafts year-round.

Plus, of course, there’s plenty of space now for paint parties, which Peggy is already booking. The first is scheduled for Aug. 17; participants choose from the website the sign they’d like to create, and Revelle’s will provide all the instruction and materials. (More information here).

Revelle’s Home Decor is located at 1864 Rt. 104 East, less than a mile east of Ontario Center Rd. To learn more, visit their website here and Facebook page here.

Here are some more photos from the grand opening celebration:

In the Christmas room
The spacious paint party space
So many great artisans

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/5/2023)

Tags: , , ,

More thoughts about Barry’s Old School Irish

29 Jul

The word “close” is not in our vocabulary.

That was perhaps the most important, and most encouraging, part of the message Danny and Jessica Barry posted to Facebook and Instagram Wednesday morning as the news began to sink in that Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster will be closing in September. And it was a comforting statement, to say the least.

The message was clear: Yes, Barry’s is closing, but only temporarily. Plans are in the works to bring it back even bigger and better than before.

If you’re not on Facebook or Instagram, and didn’t see the recent article in the Democrat and Chronicle, here’s the gist:

Opening and running a very successful Irish pub was their original dream. Having done that (in spades), now they want to focus full-time on the next stage of their dream, producing and packaging their very own Barry’s Irish Cream Liqueur. To do that, they need a bigger space where they can house both their production facility and the pub.

In their Facebook message, they wrote,

We’re blessed to have this opportunity to launch Barry’s Irish Cream, which is literally the bottling of all the love and warmth this Barry’s Irish Pub Family has created together. … We can’t wait for the day to bring these two dreams under one roof, that is going to be one heck of a story and one heck of a party. Barry’s will be built for the long haul! read the entire message on their Facebook page.)

The Barrys really want to keep their new operation in Webster, which is great news for our town and all of us who have come to consider Danny and Jess extended family. And until they open again, they’re making plans for several events throughout the year to “keep our pub family/community together, to keep the hugs and handshakes flowing.”

The first will be the 4th annual Barry’s Irish Festival on September 16. Tickets for that will available soon online and at the pub, and I’ll be posting more details in a future blog.

We’re all saddened to the core that Danny and Jessica’s friendly pub will no longer be anchoring our village’s four corners. But we’re gladdened to know that we have not seen the last of them, and I think speak for us all when I say we’re excited for them as they embark on this new adventure.

Danny and Jessica concluded their message on Wednesday with this:

Cheers to our Pub Family, and let’s rock this thing!

Rest assured, my friends, we — your pub family — are ready, willing and excited to take this ride with you.

Danny and Jessica have set a closing date for Saturday Sept. 9. Stay tuned for details about special events leading up to that final day, and the big celebration that will inevitably happen that day.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/29/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market “Evening in the Park” a great addition to the regular Saturday market

25 Jul

Another Wednesday is upon us, which means it’s time to head out to Charles Sexton Park for the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market, especially since the weather looks like it’s going to be picture-perfect.

The “Evening in the Park” market is a relatively new improvement to the long-established Joe Obbie Market, which has been setting up at Webster Towne Center every Saturday for years now. And it’s been a very popular addition.

On top of the wide variety of food and craft vendors you’ve come to know and love at the Saturday market, the Evening in the Park also has food trucks and live music. Basically, everything you need for a nice evening out with the family, including flowers, fresh produce, meats and sauces!

I stopped by the first market last week and took these photos. The band and a lot of the vendors were still setting up shop, so the photos really don’t capture the entire fun atmosphere of the evening. Make sure to check it out for yourself this Wednesday.

The Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market Evenings in the Park will run every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds). The poster below tells you what bands are playing each evening. Don’t forget your chairs!

Definitely don’t forget about the Saturday market, either.

You’ll find the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market in Webster Towne Center Plaza (Target/Kohl’s plaza) every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The vendors offer baked goods, flowers, crafts, farm-raised meats and eggs, honey, jams, maple syrup and more.

Enter the plaza from Holt Rd. or Ridge Rd. and follow the signs. You’ll see the market set up in front of Old Navy.

Need more information? Check out the market’s Facebook page here.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/25/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

Barry’s Old School Irish is closing

23 Jul

The Village of Webster’s very own Irish pub, Barry’s Old School Irish, is closing.

Danny and Jessica Barry announced the news this morning on their Facebook page, and it’s already spreading like wildfire. For those like me, who consider Danny and Jess extended family, the news came as a kick in the gut. Since Barry’s opened almost 12 years ago, the pub has become kind of like village’s living room, where families and friends came to gather for a pint, parties, live traditional Irish music … it’s been like a second home.

But while the news comes as a shock for us all, it’s an exciting development for the Barrys. It’s just the next big step in their journey which began with opening their pub and is now expanding with the production of their Barry’s Irish Cream.

The Barrys have been working on their Irish Cream brand for a good year now, and most of us know they’ve arranged to have it produced in Ireland. But they’ve been struggling with finding enough time and space to both run the pub and start marketing their Irish Cream full-time here in the states. The only way to do that is to expand.

So the good news is, Barry’s Old School Irish is not closing forever. It’s just going to be moving, to a bigger location where Danny and Jess can work together to continue to fulfill their original dream — running a traditional, family-oriented Irish pub — while also building their new dream of selling their original Irish cream. Even better news is they’re looking to find a place in Webster, and that is, Danny said, “100% guaranteed.”

The timeline for the move is still up in the air, but we do know that the last day for Barry’s Old School Irish as we now know it will be in September, so stay tuned for more about the big party planned that day. In the meantime, visit the Barry’s Old School Irish Facebook page, where Danny and Jess will tell you more about their exciting news.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/23/2023)

Tags: , , ,

Quilters come together to help others

21 Jul

Here’s another nice story about how a local business is doing great things to help the community — in this case the global community.

On the third Tuesday of every month, Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti, owners of the Village Quilt Shoppe, host a “charity day.” For four hours, a handful of crafters sit around the tables at the back of the shop, carefully cutting and sorting hundreds of small fabric squares. The squares are then assembled into individual quilting kits, which are packaged up and shipped to Honduras.

Their destination is an foundation called One Common Thread, whose mission is to help Honduran women make quilts, which they can then sell to support their families.

Monique explained that the lap-sized quilts are created by English Paper Piecing, a method especially designed for hand-sewing, a necessary requirement for Honduran women who often don’t have a sewing machine, let alone electricity. The Quilt Shoppe volunteers work from patterns specifying how many of each color piece are required for each quilt, cut them all, separate them by color, then sort them into individual quilt kits.

Depending on how many helpers show up, Monique said, she can assemble and ship as many as six kits every month.

Monique and Vanetta began holding their charity days about two and a half years ago, after one of their former employees brought One Common Thread to their attention. They’ve adapted their efforts along the way as they’ve learned the most efficient ways to help.

“At first we had people drop off fabric, and we would just send fabric,” Monique said. “But upon talking with them we found it was more beneficial to cut the fabric up. So then we would send them squares. Then we realized we could print the patterns out and make kits.”

She estimates that the first year they shipped more than 50 yards of fabric. Then, thousands of pre-cut squares the following year, and about 30 kits since then. And they’re not planning to slow down anytime soon.

“Being a small business owned by two women, we want to help other women have a better life,” Monique said. “We try to look for charities where we help women empower their lives.” 

Vanetta and Monique welcome anyone to stop in on Charity Tuesdays to help out. You don’t need any quilting or even crafting experience, since most of the work involves sorting squares into kits. The next one is on Aug. 15, beginning at 10:30. If you’d like to help out at home, you can pop in and pick up a bag of fabric, complete with instructions, to cut into squares.

They also take donations of thread and hand-sewing needles, and monetary donations to help with shipping. (No fabric donations, thanks — they have plenty of fabric!)

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. To learn more, check out their website here or call (585) 626-6916. And definitely log onto the One Common Thread website to see some of the beautiful finished quilts and the women who are benefiting from them. You’ll also read about other ways you can help this wonderful organization.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/21/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →