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Knuckleheads help others in need

12 May

The Knuckleheads continue to show us why they’re such a valued part of our Webster community.

For the last few weeks Len Dummer and the folks at Knucklehead Craft Brewing they have been collecting food and toiletries for people in need. Patrons have been delivering bags of donations  which staff members have been organizing and distributing to the homeless and refugee families.

And they’re not done yet. They’re asking everyone to continue to drop items off. Len Dummer writes on his Facebook page,

donations

Items for homeless should be individual servings like peanut butter cracker packs, packets of tuna (can be opened by hand), nutrition bars, beef jerky, Slim Jims, raisins, dried fruit, any kind of nuts, single rolls of toilet paper, bars of soap, etc.

Items for families could be: canned goods, pasta sauce, dried pasta, salsa, corn chips, canned soups, snacks of all sorts, drinks (like Gatorade or other), toilet paper, bars of soap, boxes of mac & cheese.

Check out their Facebook page for more information, and consider lending a hand! Helping others out during these scary times helps us all. 

Knucklehead Craft Brewing is located at 426 Ridge Rd. in West Webster.

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An update on Bella’s Bumbas

5 Apr

In March 2017, I first introduced my readers to Webster residents Rebecca Orr and Marty Parzynski and their incredible grass-roots organization Bella’s Bumbas when I wrote about them in my D&C East Extra column.  (And here is a follow-up I wrote in January 2018.)

Their niece Bella was born in 2015 with spina bifida, which caused paralysis of her lower limbs. Troubled by Bella’s inability to move around and interact with other children, they did a little research and found a posting on Pinterest about how to make a toddler-sized wheelchair using a commercially-available “Bumbo” infant seat and a child’s bicycle tires. Marty got to work, and before long had built one for his niece. He called it “Bella’s Bumba.”

When word started spreading about what Marty had done and how it had changed Bella’s life, he and Rebecca started getting requests for Bella’s Bumbas from other parents. So they set up a workshop in the garage and started to mass-produce the wheelchairs, using mostly donated parts. They asked families only to cover the shipping costs.

Bella’s Bumbas has grown steadily since those early days, and to date Rebecca and Marty have built and shipped more than 1400 chairs to children all around the world, still only charging families for shipping costs — when they can’t arrange to deliver them personally.

Marty, the master builder, has also continued to develop their product, coming up with design improvements specifically developed for children with particular disabilities.

I was thinking about these fine folks the other day and wondering how their “business” was faring in these difficult times. Rebecca filled me in, saying in her email:

Wow 3 years ????? Who would have thought we would still be “rollin” and growing the way we are…. We have been blessed with amazing volunteers, literally around the world now. We have made some amazing connections and have our little chairs in 36 countries.

During this this “social distancing”  time , we are missing our volunteers greatly . Uncle Marty is slowly but surely still making chairs, aunt Becky is learning, and has made her first chair. Our granddaughter Sage has been helping since we started and has become proficient enough for us to send parts to her home and volunteer her time remotely. She is assembling chassis then will drop them off (via her mom’s help) and we will attach the seats.

Even with everything else going on in the world today, requests for Bumbas are still “trickling in,” Rebecca said. But, she added, Corona has affected them in one big way: they’re beginning to run low on the shipping boxes that are usually donated to them regularly by businesses which are now closed.

The perfect sizes are 50 cm. x 45 cm. x 28 cm. (Rebecca uses two of these for the small chairs); 28″ x 20″ x 14″, and 29″ x 14″ x 24″ are great for the large chairs.

If you’re getting Amazon deliveries regularly, you might also have the boxes they need; the ones that say P5 on the bottom are perfect (25.75″ x 20.75″ x 16.5″).

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Bella, the little lady who inspired Bella’s Bumbas

So if you have any boxes that are the right size, and would like to donate them, please connect connect with Marty and Rebecca through the Bella’s Bumbas Facebook page or email bellasbumbas@gmail.com. They also still have a GoFundMe page if you’d like to send a direct donation.

And little Bella herself? She’s now almost 5 years old, and thanks to the strength she was able to build with her Bella’s Bumba, she’s now walking with help from a walker, and is even taking a few independent steps. This for a young lady whom doctors said would never walk, and maybe even never sit up unassisted.

Here are several other photos from the Bella’s Bumbas workshops:

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Corona or not, we need our fish fries

3 Apr

It’s Friday, it’s Lent, and world-stopping virus or not, we need our fish fries.

The D&C actually ran an article this morning (which can be seen online here)  about afish fry lot of places around town where you can get a fish fry today. I’d like to add to that list these three Webster Village restaurants, who feature these options on their websites, all which can be ordered for take-out:

Barry’s Old School Irish, 2 West Main St.

Fish n’ Chips ($13) — Irish cider-battered cod served with pub chippers and wrapped in local newspaper. Served with choice of either Irish curry sauce or homemade tartar sauce. Barry’s only serves this on Fridays and they always sell out, so call well ahead.

Carl’s Pizza Kitchen, 9 South Ave.

* Fish Fry ($13.99) 12 oz. panko-breaded haddock with french fries, mac salad or coleslaw and tartar sauce (Friday only!). Carl’s also has seafood bisque.

Pub 235, 235 North Ave.

* Haddock Dinner ($15) — a choice of beer-battered, panko-breaded or broiled. Served with a choice of two sides.

* Haddock French ($20) — Lightly egg-battered and sauteed in a sherry, lemon and wine sauce, over spaghettini pasta. Served with a side salad.

Webster Hots, 55 East Main St.

* Fish Sandwich ($5.99) — Beer-battered haddock on a hard roll

* Pub-style fish and chips ($8.99) — Platter with 8 oz. beer-battered cod and a double order of fries

* Fish Fry ($11.99) — Large beer-battered haddock fillet with fries and mac salad or cole slaw

Brimont Bistro (24 West Main) also offers fish, but not a traditional fish fry. And of course, there are plenty of places outside the village but in Webster where you can get one, so check online and let’s continue to support our local restaurants!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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Support our local restaurants and get some good eats to go

27 Mar

small town

Holy cow, does the Village of Webster have a lot of great restaurants. I came to that realization when I started to come up with a list for this blog.

Somebody asked me a little while ago if I knew of any village restaurants offering take-out. At the time I only knew for sure about a few of them, but I knew there must be many others.

There sure are. Here’s a list. I’m hoping this will be a good resource for all of us who are getting sick and tired of making dinner at home every night and REALLY need to get some take-out. You can stop by for take-out or most of these places will deliver (check the websites for details).

To make this easier on me, I did not include hours of operation or menus. You can also find that information on their web or Facebook pages.  Also remember that many of these restaurants do use food delivery services like DoorDash and UberEats, so look into that option.

First, here’s the short list of restaurants which DON’T appear to be offering take-out at this time: The Filling Station, The Coach, Golden Boys (couldn’t find any info on their websites) and Burke’s Grill (the information is sketchy. Best to call them at 585-265-1370). If I’m wrong about any of these, let me know.

Restaurants

Barry’s Old School Irish, 2 W. Main St. Offering their homemade menu and homemade Irish cream. 585-545-4258.

BC’s Chicken Coop, 159 W. Main St. They just started offering low-cost delivery even outside the Webster area. Call (585) 265-1185.

Brimont Bistro, 24 W. Main St. “We will be here for to go orders and larger take out catering orders as we have always done. Lunch menu will be served during dinner hours as well as lunch hours, entree prices will be reduced by $3 to $5 during this time.” Call
585-872-3170.

Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar, 42 East Main St. Just started up their to-go options on Thursday. Order through their website, restaurantjojo.com. They also have a wine special going on and are accepting cash tips to split among their displaced employees.

eat localMaria’s Mexican  Restaurant, 75 W. Main St. They’re open Wed. through Saturday 3 to 8 p.m. You can order on the web at mariasmexican.weborder.net, and if you have any problems you can call 585-872-1237 or 585-872-5753. They’re also preparing take-our margaritas!

Pub 235, 235 North Ave. Pick-ups will be available 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They’re also filling growlers, selling 32-ounce mason jars, and wine by the bottle. Call 585-216-1750 for delivery (Webster-Ontario-Penfield, $10) or for pick-up.

ROC Style Chicken & Burger, 5 W. Main. Webster location: “We are still doing takeout and pickup during regular hours. In both locations! Webster and Chili. http://www.roc.style for the details….we (Webster location) are also offering mix and match six packs of to-go beer/cider/white claws as well as half off bottles of wine. Call (585) 236-1902, or order online from Webster at http://www.oowebster.com

Village Bakery, 44 E. Main St. The Village Bakery is accepting online pre-orders only for pick-up or delivery, Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. There’s a $10 delivery fee. They won’t be handling any payments or selling additional items at the store. Place your order at villagebakeries.com.

Waffle Factory, 30 North Ave. Accepting orders for pick up (call 585-626-1152), through GrubHub or DoorDash, or you can step up to their window and order there. Then you can sit in the park next door while you wait!

Webster Hots, 55 E. Main St. Accepting orders by phone (585 -265-0824) and online at websterhots.com. They’re open at 11 a.m. every day, till 11 p.m. on weekdays,  1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Pizzerias

Of course, pizza is always an easy go to-meal, and most of us order them by phone anyway, so not much different there. Here are some handy phone numbers for reference:

Carl’s Pizza Kitchen, 9 South Ave., 585-236-1819. “No contact free delivery, curbside pickup or take out”

Martino’s Pizzeria, 160 W. Main St., 585-872-4140. Hours for pickup or delivery are 4 to 9 p.m. daily. Curbside pick up and no contact delivery are available.

Marvin Mozzeroni’s, 27 W. Main St.  (585) 872-1990.  “Touchless delivery” and “curbside pickup” are available.

Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria, 195 North Ave., 585-872-2210.  Until March 31, Salvatore’s is also offering 20% off orders for active military, first-responders and health workers with employee IDs.

Rhino’s Pizzeria & Deli, 85 Donovan St., 585-872-3150.

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Let’s support our local businesses

26 Mar

shop localLooking for a way to help others during this difficult time? Here’s a great one: support your local businesses by buying gift cards.

Many Village of Webster businesses are offering discounts on their gift cards, so now is a great time to stock up for later or to give to friends for gifts. Here’s the current list, and it’s being updated every day (log onto websterbid.com for the latest information).

Beyond Cuts Salon: 15% added to all Gift Certificates and Gift Cards .. Available in any amount. Call or text 585-872-5531 to purchase.

Savage Chef, A weekly service that provides fully prepared fresh healthy meals for delivery or pickup: Save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount. Order directly through their website.

Yesterday’s Muse Books, used, new, rare, and collectible books in all subject areas and age ranges: Save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount.
Digital gift cards available in the shop’s online shopping cart and redeemable on their website. Print gift certificate orders taken by phone (credit card) or email (PayPal), and redeemable in-store once quarantines are lifted. Use this link to order gift cards to use online. Order by phone at (585) 265-9295, Monday-Saturday from 10-1, and leave message if no answer. Or by email: yesterdays.muse@gmail.com

Barry’s Old School Irish gift certificates and gift cards available in any amount. Phone  (585) 545-4258, from Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.  to 7 p.m. You can email them at
barrysirishpub@gmail.com

Webster Hots: Save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount. Purchase by phone at (585) 734-5620. They’re open Monday 4 to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Furnari Jewelers, specializing in diamonds and custom made jewelry: Save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount. Contact Mark at: mark@furnarijewelry.com or call (585) 683-9917.

Finns Garage: Save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount. Call (585) 265-9620 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Performance Hobbies: Save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount. Available by calling (585) 872-4990, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also email tmcp51d@aol.com.

Chandeliers Boutique, boutique shopping at affordable prices. Clothing, jewelry, purses, accessories, gifts and more: save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount.  Order by calling (585) 622-1266.

Professional Nutrition Services/Holistic Health Center, alternative/holistic therapies to help you achieve your best health: Save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount. Order by calling (585) 787-4251 or emailing Profnutritionstore@yahoo.com. 

Webster Interiors Home Furnishings & Decor, home furnishings, window treatments, and design services. Save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount. Order by calling (585) 545-4503 or emailing ric@websterinteriors.com

R Salon, save 10% on all gift certificates and gift cards, available in any amount. Email  scott@rsalon.com.

Also, stay tuned everyone, because I’m compiling a list of all of our village restaurants that are offering take-out. I’ll post that in a day or two.

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Sewers and supplies desperately needed

21 Mar

maskAs you probably have heard, local hospitals are getting dangerously low on face masks. Thanks to several agencies and businesses reaching out via social media, a lot of volunteers have stepped up to offer their assistance, but supplies are also needed.

Today I received this email from our friends at The Village Quilt Shoppe, whose owners Vanetta and Monique are helping lead the charge in this effort, asking to help spread the word. They included this letter from the staff at Strong Memorial Hospital detailing their needs:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Emergency healthcare workers are writing to you with an urgent request in this trying time. The unfortunate truth of the COVID-19 epidemic is that there is an inadequate number of surgical masks to keep healthcare workers safe while we care for infected patients. This is particularly concerning as infected healthcare workers are unable to work which reduces the number of patients that we can care for. Given the nature of this illness, infected healthcare workers could spread the virus to healthy patients prior to exhibiting symptoms; in fact, many people who have COVID-19 are completely asymptomatic but are still contagious.

We expect to see more cases in the coming days and weeks, and we will run out of masks before the manufacturing sector can make and distribute replacements. We anticipate that we will be left with handkerchiefs as our only protection between us and patients infected with COVID-19. We are asking you to help by making as many masks as you are willing and capable of making to help keep the emergency healthcare workers safe.

There are several instructional videos on YouTube…. Some feature “N95 type” with
replaceable filters which offer a benchmark of protection that is desirable but not truly necessary. If you are able to sew the fabric portion without the filter we would be equally as grateful.

Monique adds,

They are inserting a Merv13 anti-viral filter that is typically used in furnaces. If you have any of those or want to purchase them from any local hardware and include them with the masks that would be much appreciated. This is a grass roots effort with zero funding.

I am also sending a link to the Hickey Freeman project working for Rochester General. They are not quite up and running yet but you can register at this email and they will also need sewists: workfromhome@robertjeffery.us

You can find directions on how to fashion a mask at this website.

Here also is a video tutorial of the kind of mask that The Quilt Shoppe volunteers will be working on.

Supplies also needed

For those of us (like me) who did not get the sewing gene, we can help by donating supplies. Here’s what’s needed:

1/4 “elastic (if you have wider we can cut it to size)
5” or larger metal twist ties
Cotton fabric (no stretch, tight weave)
MERV 13 air filter (these are optional)

The Village Quilt Shoppe is happy to collect the supplies and completed masks.  To connect with them, and for more information on exactly what supplies are needed, check out their website here.

Also, if you live or know someone who lives near Fairport, Sew Creative in Perinton is also looking for sewers and supplies.

THANK YOU EVERYONE! The Webster community is amazing.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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A Coronavirus update from local agencies and businesses

13 Mar

As the very real concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus continue to grow, I have been getting daily emails from organizations around town who want to reassure their clients that they’re taking it seriously, or who have announced cancellations.

Below are direct quotes from emails I have received so far, and I will continue to update this blog as I receive them. If your organization has information you would like me to share, please email me at missyblog@gmail.com.

Balance Webster 

As the coronavirus COVID-19 dominates the news and is affecting more and more people and communities, we thought it was appropriate to share our thoughts with you.

We’re staying up with keeping a clean studio like mad yogis! We’re regularly cleaning blocks, eye bags, blankets, and door knobs and have cleaners, soaps and sanitizers readily available for you. If you have your own props, we certainly encourage you to bring them.

If it makes more sense for you to practice from home look for some live streaming from Erica, perhaps very soon!

With love,

The Balance staff 💛

Webster Public Library 

Due to updated recommendations from the New York Commissioner of Health, we have decided to suspend all of our upcoming programs and events for the time being. This includes all daytime, evening, and weekend programs, but does not include individual bookings of our study rooms and Community Room. The reasoning behind this is that we would like to do our part in limiting the spread of the virus via large gatherings of people, a recent precaution by the New York Commissioner of Health.

If you are currently registered for one of the upcoming programs we have cancelled, we will be in touch with you in the coming weeks once we decide if and when we can reschedule. Once programs resume as normal, we will let everyone know immediately—stay tuned! We’ll be back!

The library will remain open its regular hours at this time, continuing our increased cleaning schedule. Don’t forget to utilize our Drive-Up, Pick-Up service—if there’s an item you want, let us know in advance and then call us when you’re here. You pull up out front and we’ll bring your items out to your car.

As always, if you have questions or concerns for us, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (585) 872-7075, or email webster.reference@libraryweb.org.

Webster Central PTSA

In accordance with guidance from Monroe County Department of Health, effective IMMEDIATELY, all PTSA events and meetings will be suspended until Sunday, April 12. We will continue to evaluate and update regarding the developing situation. Thank you for your patience.

(Missy’s note: so far that does NOT include Community Arts Day, which is scheduled for April 18. But stay tuned for any updates about that.)

Heritage Christian Stables

We have entered the third week of our Winter Classic Session of lessons. Registration for Spring Session has begun. If you have a rider who would like to be in the session, please contact us. The volunteer session for Spring will be on When to Help soon.

We have been assessing the COVID-19 situation, and taking measures to keep volunteers, riders and staff safe. As of now, with our small class sizes, lessons are proceeding as scheduled. If the decision is made to cancel, we will let everyone know as needed. PLEASE stay home if you are feeling unwell, and wash your hands before coming to the stable. We have hand sanitizer in the barn and the observation area as well.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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Barry’s Old School Irish gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day

4 Mar

barry's old school

Now that it’s finally March and Valentine’s Day is in the rear-view mirror, planning for St. Patrick’s Day here at our little corner Irish pub is in high gear. And of course, when Danny and Jessica Barry do the planning, the St. Patrick’s Day celebrating can no way be contained to just one day.

Starting Sunday March 8, Barry’s will host a series of events, one almost every day, building up to a full schedule of events on Parade Day and St. Patrick’s Day itself.

You can check the Barry’s Old School Irish Facebook page for more details, and I’ll post more soon, but here are some highlights:

  • Sunday March 8: Whiskey tasting from 2 to 4 p.m.  Cost is $20 per person and registration is required.
  • Tuesday March 10: Our weekly Barry’s Run/Walk,  and free etched pint glasses on the house, courtesy Guinness. 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday March 11: Trivia Night, beginning at 7:15 p.m. Gotta register for this one, too, since table space is limited.
  • Thursday March 12: Open Mic Night at 7 p.m.
  • Friday March 13: Irish Music Sing Along with Kevin Reynolds
  • Saturday March 14 (Parade Day): Music, dance and food all day beginning at 8 a.m. including, for the first time in several years, a return engagement by Barry’s Crossing.
  • Tuesday March 17: More music, dancing, food, great drink, bagpiper, all day.

Check the Barry’s Old School Irish Facebook page for details.

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Diane McClure is Webster’s 2020 Business Person of the Year

14 Feb
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Diane McClure receives her award from Barry Howard, President/CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to Diane McClure, a partner at Edge Advertising Group, who was just named Webster’s 2020 Business Person of the Year by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

The Business Person of the Year is someone who is recognized as having set a standard of accomplishment in both business and the community. Nominations come from the Chamber’s business members who have made a significant impact on the role of business in the community.

A nominee must be an active member of the Chamber who is always willing to go above and beyond, be a leader who motivates others, and show a commitment to community building by participating their time, talent or money to our community via projects, clubs, churches, and not-for-profits.

McClure is a founding partner in the Edge Advertising Group, based in Fairport. In their press release, the Chamber describes her as

a very active Chamber member, a wife, a mother, a business partner, an Angel Mom, a passionate mentor, full of energy and digitally charged. She is a familiar face at Chamber breakfast, active in the Webster business community.

The presentation was made at the Chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting. Diane was presented with a plaque, and a contribution was made in her name to a charitable organization of her choice.

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Officers + autism community = awareness

11 Feb
peak

Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy Mike Ottley and his K9 companion Peak.

An adorable and oh, so droopy and cuddly bloodhound puppy recently paid a visit to the Jujitsu Buddies class at Strike Back Martial Arts in the Village of Webster.

Accompanied by his handler, Deputy Mike Ottley of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the four-month old bundle of floppy skin and monstrous paws happily played with a crocheted dragon and endured much petting while Ottley chatted with the students about his role as a deputy.

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Sheriff’s Office SCUBA Commander Lt. Chris Fay helps Colton Sprague into a SCUBA suit at a recent No Gi Jujitsu class. 

It was a fun event for the students in class that day, but it had a serious purpose. It was one of a series of visits by law enforcement officers organized by Strike Back Martial Arts owners Dave Nicchitta and Mike Palmer.

Over the past several weeks, Nicchitta and Palmer have invited local law enforcement officers to visit the studio’s jujitsu classes for special needs children and adults. Officers visited three of the studio’s classes: Strike Back Fitness for kids and teens with Down syndrome, No Gi Jujitsu for teenagers with autism, and most recently, Jujitsu Buddies for younger children with autism.

The goal of the visits has been to give both students — especially those with autism — and officers a chance to ask questions get to know each other a little better.

“Autism is one of the fastest growing disabilities in America,” said Nicchitta, who is himself a Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy. “The way it presents itself can be misinterpreted as inappropriate or criminal behavior.”

“Data tells us that one in five teens with autism will be stopped and questioned by police before age 21, and people with disabilities, including autism, are five times more likely to be jailed than those without disabilities.”

Those with autism in particular often have a hard time looking people in the eyes or following multi-step directions. They can also become extremely agitated in the presence of flashing lights, sirens and loud radios, and may not like being touched. In a high-pressure situation, an officer might misinterpret such behaviors as combative or non-compliant.

Nicchitta hopes that through programs like these, and through additional opportunities he’s offering to the Rochester-area law enforcement community, he can help raise awareness.

“When an officer encounters someone who is acting unusually, we hope we can get the officer to just take a moment and think, is there something else going on here?”

The class visits are as beneficial for the students as they are for the officers.

“I wanted to create a non-stressful environment where our students can interact with law enforcement in a positive way,” Nicchitta said. “That way the students can keep that experience in the back of their heads if a situation occurs where they have to interact with officers.”

Strike Back Martial Arts is located at 55 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. The studio offers offers adaptive jujitsu classes designed for children and adults with autism, Down syndrome and other physical and emotional disabilities, as well as non-adaptive jujitsu classes.

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Students in Strike Back Martial Arts’ Jujitsu Buddies class listen — and watch Peak — as Deputy Ottley talks about his job.  

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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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