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LaLa’s been here a YEAR already?

12 Nov

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LaLa of Webster, located at 38 East Main St., turns one year old this weekend, and owner Lisa Schonski is celebrating all day Saturday Nov. 16 with wine, cookies, special events, vendor visits, and raffle prizes. It’s her way of thanking the Village of Webster for welcoming her so warmly and supporting her shop all year.

I remember the first time I stopped into LaLa last November, shortly after it opened. I was immediately impressed by the friendly, smiling welcome I received, how the store sparkled from head to toe with gift items and jewelry, and how great it smelled.

In the blog I wrote after my visit, I said, “It was like walking into a cloud of beautiful aromas, emanating from the array of personal care products that line the walls, shelves and counters of this gorgeous new shop.” I knew right away that it was the kind of retail establishment Webster really needs to help revitalize the village, and I’m tickled pink that it’s been successful. 

One of the best things I like about LaLa is that every time I go in there, I see something new, and usually it’s something I’ve never seen anywhere else.

That was no different last Saturday when I popped in for some updated photos, and discovered a sort of Christmas wonderland in the lower level, with a tremendous array of creative and unique gift items that just made me smile.

A great number of Lisa’s products are created by local artisans, many of whom will be on hand at the open house to talk about — and demonstrate — their crafts. Visitors will enjoy wine and cookies, and perhaps even win some outstanding raffle prizes, including an huge LaLa gift basket.

Basically, this would be a great time to pop in and check out LaLa of Webster again, or for the first time.

The shop’s located at 38 E. Main St., and will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit LaLa’s Facebook page to see some of the raffle prizes that will be given away.

Here’s a selection of photos I took Saturday:

 

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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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“All roads lead to Barry’s”

10 Nov

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By all accounts, last night’s 8th anniversary party for Barry’s Old School Irish was the most memorable special event yet at our little pub.

As with every one of Barry’s special events, the place was packed to the rafters, and a good two dozen people were even braving the chilly weather on the patio. If you weren’t there, you missed a rockin’ set by Billy Herring, a bagpiper, Irish dancers, pub-wide singing, and Danny’s annual epic toast, which this year stretched to seven hand-written pages.

As one who’s been part of the Barry’s Pub family since it opened, I often look back and marvel at all the good friends I have made there. There was a time when pretty much any night of the week, I could look around and know most of the people who were sitting at the bar and tables.

That’s not the case any more, of course. Barry’s is no longer a well-kept secret, and I often whine (in jest) that Danny and Jess keep letting in new people that I don’t know.

But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Danny and Jess have created something unique and special. They have stayed true to their dream, and remain clearly focused on what’s most important when running a business: everyone — from the first-time visitor to one of the original “Friday night” regulars — is family, and family always comes first.

In Danny’s toast, he told the story about how when he and his family were driving around Dublin earlier this year, another car pulled up next to them and started honking the horn. The driver was wearing a Barry’s Old School Irish t-shirt.

All roads lead to Barry’s, and their loving influence is reaching around the world.

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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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Hiking and hot cocoa and bourbon!

1 Nov

As a cold, miserable November dawns, allow me to tell you about a few events that will definitely warm your whole body.

The first is the annual Hot Cocoa Hike sponsored by the Friends of Webster Trails. This year’s hike will take place at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve, 680 Vosburg Rd., on Saturday Nov. 9 beginning at 7 p.m.

hot chocolateThis is a fun, free, self-guided hike under the (almost) full moon! The route is approximately 1 mile (one way), up to two miles total and will be marked with lights for you to follow, starting at the parking lot. This will not be a guided event, so you are responsible for finding your way by following the marked path. When you arrive at the final destination you’ll be rewarded with free hot chocolate.

So that everyone can enjoy this event please leave your dog home and bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please also bring a flashlight and your own travel mug as cups will not be provided.

If you plan on attending, please sign up here and provide an email address so that you can be reached in case of changes. An email will be sent by 3 p.m. that day if there is extreme weather that requires the hike to be rescheduled.

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The Village of Webster’s Bourbon Bash will return on Saturday Nov. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St.

Sample bourbons and whiskey from local distilleries and Webster Wine and Spirits, complemented by food samples from local restaurants.

Participants will be provided bottled water to enhance their sampling experience, and the opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket for a bourbon basket donated by Webster Rotary. proceeds of the event will benefit Webster Local Charities.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased online here or at websterbid.com. Cash sale tickets are also available at Hegedorns.

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Looking ahead, make sure to mark your calendars for White Christmas in the Village, this year on Saturday Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. An entire afternoon of holiday activities in the village concludes with the ever-popular Holiday Electric Parade. Check back on the BID website for more details.

electric parade

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Webster mailbag and BIKE RACK NEWS!

18 Sep
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Three Barry’s Runners — Mike Bodine, Don White and Jim Mossey — with the new bike rack, installed this week on West Main. 

The Village of Webster is finally getting its bike racks!

They’ve been more than a year in coming. It was last June that I approached the Village Board with a proposal to install some bike racks to make our village more cyclist-friendly. The idea came out of a discussion I was having with a running buddy at our weekly Barry’s Runners group. Many of the group members bring their bikes to the run and they usually end up crowded along the Barry’s Pub fence.

Not any more. Just this week, our village Public Works Department installed the first new bike rack on the sidewalk in front of Barry’s Pub/The Garage Sale Store on West Main. It’s the first of what will eventually be four racks. The other three will be placed at Veterans’ Park, Village Hall, and somewhere down in the Village Bakery parking lot (where exactly is yet to be determined).

Thank you to our Superintendent of Public Works Jake Swingly and his staff for getting this done. I truly believe that the new bike racks will make our already friendly and welcoming village even more so.

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Now on to a few mailbag notices:

The Webster Public Library will host a blood drive on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the library’s community room.

Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. The Red Cross is still trying to make up for summer shortages, so please consider taking an hour out of your day and help save some lives.

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motorThe Webster Museum and Historical Society invites the community to an open house on Saturday Sept. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.

If you have never visited our village museum before, this will be a great opportunity to check out all of the permanent and rotating exhibits.

The focus this weekend will me “motoring,” with exhibits inside and outside. There will be vintage cars and an antique tractor, and the big-wheeled penny farthing bicycle.  Ed Harding will show some of the Native American artifacts he’s found in his yard, you can learn about fossils, play some colonial games, make some butter and more.

Refreshments will be served.

It’s going to be great fun for the whole family, and (don’t tell the kids) educational, to boot. Plus it’s all free.

For more information visit the museum website or on Facebook.

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St. Rita School will be hosting a Sticky Lips fundraiser on Saturday Sept. 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the school, 1008 Maple Rd. in Webster.

On the menu that night will be BBQ chicken (leg and thigh), pulled pork, fresh cornbread, two homemade sides as well as a coupon for a free appetizer card when you visit the restaurant.

Tickets can be bought ahead of time through the school’s website (click on the online giving tab where you can place your order) or you can purchase tickets directly at the school. See that attached flyer for more details.

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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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Webster community mailbag

3 Sep

Drumming your way to good health

This looks really cool.

Folks at the Webster Public Library are introducing their new health and wellness series with a very interesting event.

Two african Djembe Drum on white background.Two Herons Drum Circle from Geneva will visit the library on Saturday Sept. 14 to present — well, a drum circle — from 3 to 4 p.m.

What the heck is a drum circle, you may ask. I did too, so I checked Two Herons’ Facebook page, where they describe a drum circle as a “unique, interactive community drumming experience.”

They go on to say that regular participation in drumming classes,

Reduces tension, anxiety and stress; Helps control chronic pain; Boosts the immune system; Creates a sense of connectedness with self and others; Helps us experience being in resonance with the natural rhythms of life; Releases negative feelings, blockages and emotional trauma; (and) Provides a medium for individual self-realization.

Okay. In any case, it sounds like a lot of fun.

The program is designed for adults and teens. Drums and other percussion equipment will be provided or you can bring your own. Registration is required at www.websterlibrary.org 

You’ll also want to check the library’s website for some other really neat programs they’ve got planned this month, including

  • A do-it-yourself Marbled Coaster Tiles craft project for teens and adults on Monday Sept. 16
  • A Love Your Library celebration in honor of National Library Card Sign-up Month with snacks, games, crafts, and a photo booth on Saturday Sept. 21.

Plus, the library is collecting new and gently used coats through October 6, which will be distributed at the Project Homeless Connect Rochester event, being held at the Blue Cross Arena on October 15.

Find out more details about all these upcoming Webster Public Library events on their website.

An update from the Village Quilt Shoppe

The Village Quilt Shoppe has settled in quite nicely at 21 East Main St. and is gearing up for its grand opening in just a few weeks.

It’s scheduled for Sept. 13 and 14, and owners Monique and Vanetta promise a “great party” with food, raffles and much more. Stay tuned for more details about that.quilt shoppe logo

In the meantime, Monique and Vanetta have all sorts of special events in the works, including their Embroidery Block of the month series beginning in September, and a bird cage quilt or table runner class. 

The first weekend of every month the shop will host a “Weekend Retreat” with a different project every month, and the monthly “Sunday Embroidery Tea” gives quilters a chance to learn new stitches and perfect those you already use. The second Saturday of the month is “Quilters Anonymous Night,” and “Open Sew Friday” is another chance to gather with friends old and new to work on your projects. 

Check the Village Quilt Shoppe calendar regularly to stay on top of all their classes and special events.

Electronics recycling opportunity

Got some old unused or broken electronics kicking around your garage that you don’t know what to do with? 

Take them over to the Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Xerox (take Phillips Rd. to Caracas Dr.).

Items which can be accepted include:

  • computers and accessories
  • TVs and monitors (limit of two per vehicle)
  • electronicstelephones and answering machines
  • microwaves
  • IT storage devices, cables and accessories
  • printers, scanners and accessories
  • gaming devices
  • routers and servers
  • office copiers and fax machines
  • stereo, video and audio equipment
  • other small electronics such as mobile devices
  • most small home appliances (no freon)

For a complete list of acceptable items, click here.

Eating good in the neighborhood

Breakfast and dinner are on the menu on Saturday Sept. 21.

If you really don’t feel much like cooking breakfast that morning, you can hop on over to the First Baptist Church of Penfield for their first Flapjack Saturday Fundraiser of the season.

From 8 to 10 a.m., enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, and more for just $6 per person. All proceeds will benefit Penfield Hope, an agency which offers emergency financial assistance, non-perishable food, diapers, children’s clothing, and more to Penfield neighbors in need.

The First Baptist Church of Penfield is located at 1862 Penfield Rd., at the four corners.

That evening, let St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd. in Webster, make dinner for you at their fall BBQ and FunFest.

From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. you can get a half chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw, roll, butter and beverage for $10 per person. Pie slices and other desserts will also be available for purchase. A hot dog dinner for kids is $2. Kids will also enjoy a bounce house, face painting and balloons.

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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 Irish Festival just days away

13 Aug

Irish festival

It’s almost time to get your Irish on at the Barry’s Irish Festival, coming up this Saturday.

Danny and Jessica Barry — owners of Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster and two of my favorit-est people ever — have been working for months, pulling together a thousand little details in preparation for what they expect to be the first of many Irish festivals to come.

And, Jessica told me in an email, they’ve been working on this idea for a long time.

This has been a goal/dream of ours since before opening the pub 8 years ago, having a fun-filled day celebrating our proud Irish heritage. A day where families can bond, kids can learn about Irish culture in an interactive setting, where friends can gather, where everyone can come away with new friends and make great memories together.

The event is scheduled this coming Saturday August 17 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., on the Berry family farm out in Hilton, which they call the “Berry Patch.” Highlights include arts and crafts vendors, food and beer trucks, and live music all day long.

True to its family-friendly nature, there will also be a great kids’ area, with farm animals, something which Jess is really looking forward to.

We’re especially excited for the kids portion of the day- where Maley, Rory, and Patrick are going to lead the way with arts and for all the children. They’ve been talking non-stop about the visit from Liam the Leprechaun to the festival and are eager to learn a step or two from the Irish dancers set to perform.

“Our most important goal,” she added, “is to take the warmth and love of our little Irish Pub on 2 West Main Street and bring it to our farm/our home for the day.” 

Danny and Jess have been assisted by a small army of volunteers, but they could use some more hands. If you’d like to help out, email them at BarrysIrishPub@gmail.com.

The farm is located at 2668 Brick Schoolhouse Rd., Hilton. Tickets are available in advance for $12 at Barry’s Old School Irish, 2 West Main Street in Webster. They’ll be $15 at the gate, and are also available on Eventbrite.com. Children 12 and under are free.  (P.S. the pub will be CLOSED all day Saturday so everyone can enjoy the festival.)

Click here to visit the Facebook event page for lots more details, but here’s a quick summary of what you can expect this Saturday:

Special attractions:

  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kids’ activities and crafts
  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Craft vendors
  • 2:30 p.m.: Can Jam tournament
  • 3:30 p.m.: Corn Hole tournament

Food and beverages: 

  • 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Irish beer truck
  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Webster Hots food truck
  • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meat the Press food Truck
  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: The Chai Guy
  • 2 to 8 p.m.: Proper 12 Irish whiskey
  • 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Jameson sampling
  • 4 to 8 p.m.: Netson’s Ice Cream truck
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Tullamore Dew sampling
  • 6 to 11 p.m.: Rustic Taco food truck

Entertainment: 

  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Fox Hunters
  • Noon: Gates Keystone Pipe & Drums
  • 1 p.m.: Peg Dolan and Sharon McHargue
  • 2 p.m.: The Young School of Irish Dance
  • 2:30 to 4 p.m.: Kevin Reynolds
  • 4:30 to 7 p.m.: Everheart
  • 6:30 p.m.: Jamieson School of Irish Dance 
  • 7:30 p.m.: Caleb the Bagpiper
  • 7:45 to 9 p.m.: Celtic Cross
  • 9:15 to 11 p.m.: 1916

For more information, email Danny and Jess at BarrysIrishPub@gmail.com.

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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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Checking in with the Quilt Shoppe

12 Aug

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I had the opportunity to pop into the new Village Quilt Shoppe Saturday just to say hi to owners Monique Liberti and Vanetta Parshall and see how their first few days went.

Monique told me they have been warmly welcomed to the village. Since I stopped in a week ago, she and Vanetta have equipped their classroom space at the back of the store, added a few more decorations to the shop and a new sign out front.

If you haven’t yet, try to pop in this week and let them know how happy we are to have them in the village. (Even if you’re not a quilter.)

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

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.

 

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New Chandeliers Boutique helps continue East Main’s renaissance

19 Jul

Webster’s East Main Street is coming back to life, and that’s great news for the village.

For too long, East Main, especially the north side, seemed to be struggling, pock-marked with empty storefronts. Aside from a restaurant or two and a few shops on the south side of the street, there really wasn’t much reason to be down there. A few art-themed shops tried to make a go of it, but didn’t last very long.

The only good thing about the situation was that it was really easy to find a parking spot.

But all that seems to be a thing of the past. Now under the ownership of Charlie Fitzsimmons, that once vacant stretch of East Main Street is seeing a renaissance. Several new businesses have moved in in the past year, including the Village Bakery, ROC & Soul Fitness, Suzanne Neace Photography, The Pickled Paintbrush, Lala of Webster and an expanded rSalon & Spa.

Most recently, another unique new shop has joined them, Chandeliers Boutique.

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Chandeliers opened its doors just a few weeks ago at 32 E. Main Street. I stopped in the other day, and was pleased to discover a large, spacious shop filled with dresses, tops, shoes, skirts, pants and jewelry. Staff member Karen McKissock came out to greet me personally, and we were soon joined by store manager Marlane McCue. Together, they tried to put the essence of the shop into words.

It’s “boutique shopping at affordable prices,” Marlane said, featuring “items you’re not

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Karen McKissock and Marlane McCue at Chandeliers.

going to find in the mall. You’re not going to see someone else walking around the street with it on.” 

Karen added that Chandeliers offers “a more personal shopping experience. There’s coffee, there’s help if you need it. If you try something on and you need advice, we’re here.”

The fashions, Karen said, are not really dressy, but rather “casual and comfortable.” Things that go from “business to casual easily,” Marlane added.

This is actually the third location for Chandeliers, which can also be found in Canandaigua and Pittsford. Marlane said that owner Darlyne Truax was looking at several possible spots in Webster but ultimately decided on 32 E. Main because she liked Fitzsimmons’ “goals” for the village.

“I think she really was very happy about … how ambitious he was about bringing people into the town. To make it a walking village.”

That dream is becoming a reality. Chandeliers, together with its neighbors The Pickled Paintbrush and Lala of Webster, combine to make a perfect trio of cute “let’s wander in here” shops, exactly the kind of stores we need here in Webster to bring people back into town.

If you’re headed into town for the Jazz Fest this Friday and Saturday, it’s a great chance to stop in and check them out. They’re right next door to each other on East Main Street.

Chandeliers is open seven days a week. If you’d like an especially personal shopping experience, ask them about their after-hours shopping get-togethers, when you can gather a bunch of friends for refreshments and a private shopping party.

Find out more about Chandeliers on their website, or call 585-622-1266.

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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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2019 Fireman’s Parade in photos

11 Jul

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It was nip and tuck for a while, but the rain did hold off long enough Thursday night for the almost 90-minute Fireman’s Parade to wind its way completely down Webster’s Main Street. It was a little warm, but that didn’t seem to keep many people away; as usual, the parade route was lined with children and families from start to finish.

For those of us who have seen it before, there wasn’t much new this year. There were LOTS of fire trucks and ambulances (it always amazes me how far away these rigs come from to participate), a lot of businesses, a few politicians, dance groups, and community agencies. Much candy was thrown and many children were able to fill their collection bags rather full with dum-dums and tootsie rolls.

As usual, I took a lot of photos, trying to highlight not only the parade participants, but also the children, families and pets who lined the street. It’s really a party atmosphere every year for the Fireman’s Parade — literally, as evidenced by the many house parties being held along the route.

Click here to see my photos. If you took any of your own which you would like me to add to my gallery, please feel free to email them to me!

The annual Kiddie Parade happens Saturday at noon, and I’ll be taking a lot of photos of that as well, so watch for those!

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

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.

 

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Got some gently loved children’s books?

10 Jul

HBM logoThe ninth annual Henderson Ford Toy Drive has begun!

The dealership is collecting books appropriate for grades pre-K through 8th grade (ages 5 to 14). They’ll be donated to Rochester School #50, Helen Barrett Montgomery, which educates children speaking more than 26 different languages.

You can drop off your donations at any of the following locations, through August 31.

  • Henderson Ford, 810 Ridge Road, Webster
  • Steinmiller Insurance, 1223 Bay Road, Webster
  • Neubert Financial Services, Inc., 599 Ridge Rd., Webster
  • The UPS Store, 1900 Empire Boulevard, Webster
  • Webster Chamber Health Insurance Service, 1110 Crosspoint Lane Suite C, Webster
  • A Different Point of View, 2920 Monroe Ave., Pittsford
  • Edge Advertising Group, 6 North Main Street, Suite 220, Fairport

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

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.

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