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Goodbye Zachary Bear :(

3 Jan

After 20 years, one of Webster’s most beloved shops is closing its doors.  The Zachary Bear Store, at 263 North Avenue, is going out of business.

This charming little store began back in 1982 with a character created by Lori DeLeonardis-Aman, which she named Zachary.  What began as a series of storybook characters soon expanded to occupations, sports and family events.  Lori’s husband Bill Aman started looking for ways to produce prints of the designs. Enter Ed Huehn and his small graphics company, a partnership was forged, and The Zachary Bear Store was born.

In the 20 years since, the Zachary Bear collection has grown to more than 350 titles and 700+ different designs; for example, you can find a Zachary Bear print for pretty much any occupation you can think of (I saw ones for a phlebotomist and colon/rectal surgeon when I was there). But the store has also become a popular stop for unique, personalized gifts, and is especially well known for items depicting local towns and schools. Unfortunately, big-box businesses can sell such items for a lot less money, and in today’s economy that makes it tough for a small business to stay afloat.

Ed Huehn and Bill Aman

The Zachary Bear Store’s last day of business will be January 15.  But take heart, all you Zachary Bear fans out there. Even though Ed and Bill aren’t planning to open another store, many Zachary Bear designs will be available through other companies which offer gift items, so keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, make your way down to the shop before the doors close for good, because everything is on sale (including a nice selection of Webster schools gifts — think ahead to Teacher Appreciation Day!)

The Zachary Bear Store is located at 263 North Avenue at Orchard Street, right next to Kittleberger Florist. For more information log onto zacharybear.com.

Wednesday mailbag

18 Dec

I received a few press releases within the last week from and about some local businesses and the good things they’re doing for our community. I am please to pass them along:

Webster Chamber Presents Fundraising Check to Comfort Care Home

The Webster Chamber of Commerce recently held an online auction enhanced with a live auction at its 80th Gala Celebration to raise funds for the Webster Comfort Care Home. The Chamber raised nearly $5,000 to be used by the Comfort Care Home to continue their commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to the terminally ill and their families, in a home-like atmosphere.

Pictured presenting the check from the Chamber are (l to r)  Barry Howard, Webster Chamber President; Ann Carmody, Webster Chamber Board Chair; Maisy Buckley, Comfort Care Volunteer Coordinator; Mary Barnhart, Primary Nurse; Laurie Klein, Chamber Gala Committee Chair and Alan Jones, Comfort Care Executive Director.

 Henderson Ford Fills Ford Escape with Hundreds of Toys

Back in November Henderson Ford challenged staff, customers, the community and neighboring businesses to help fill a 2013 Ford Escape with toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The response was staggering and hundreds of toys were collected in an overflowing Ford Escape. Sgt. Scott Brock from the Marine Corps Reserve stopped by the dealership on December 13 to collect the toys.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers, staff, business partners and the community,” said Randy Henderson President of Henderson Ford. “The Toys for Tots program does so much for local families and we hope these toys bring lots of smiles to children’s faces.”

The following local businesses also participated in Henderson Ford’s Fill a Ford Escape Toys for Tots campaign: A Different Point of View, Design Pool & Spa, Dixon Schwabl, Edge Advertising Group, JNCS and Omero’s Clothes.

 

Toys for Henderson Ford’s campaign for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program were piled into a 2013 Ford Escape.

Henderson Ford’s Aki Henderson and Greg Wright pose for a picture with Sgt. Scott Brock from the Marine Corps Reserve. This is the third consecutive year that Henderson Ford has participated in the Toys for Tots program.

 

 

My first visit to The Goodie Shoppe

16 Dec

This is going to be hard to believe to all you Webster Village folks out there, but yesterday was the first time I stepped foot inside The Goodie Shoppe.

I know, I know. The Goodie Shoppe has been a village staple since 1975, when the confectionery business moved from the city to North Avenue, down by the tracks. And it’s been at its current location at 83 North Avenue for almost 34 years.  But I’ve known Goodie Shoppe owner Mike Broikou for a while now — and have had a taste of his signature ice cream cakes — and have been wanting to see this shop I’d been hearing so much about. So I stopped in yesterday and finally had a look for myself at what all the excitement was about.

The truffles come spiked or un-spiked. (Watch the kids.)

For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure to visit The Goodie Shoppe, let me set the scene for you.  It’s a small shop which you might not even notice as you speed by on your way to Route 104. But when you walk in the door, it’s like entering a candy wonderland.  You’re immediately assaulted with an incredible aroma of pure chocolate, and surrounded by more hand-made truffles, chocolate creams, chocolate -dipped pretzels, Santas-on-a-stick and chocolate candy canes than you’ve ever seen in one place before.

Remember that scene in Willy Wonka when all the kids walked onto the factory floor? It’s exactly like that. Except I can’t picture Mike in a purple topcoat.

But as wonderful as all these chocolate delights are, Mike’s specialty by far is his famous seven-layer ice cream cake, which the shop has been making the same way for 60 years.  It’s made with layers of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, with a layer of strawberries and yet another layer that combines pineapple, peach and banana. Then it’s all topped with an ice cream frosting. Basically, it’s Heaven on a plate.

I met Mike’s ice cream cake before I even met Mike, when he brought one to Jessica Barry’s baby shower back in May.  And then he brought another huge one to baby Maley’s christening in November.  Because that’s just the kind of guy Mike is. I mean, this is a guy who, on a very busy night at Barry’s Pub, has been known to step behind the counter without being asked, and start washing dishes. Pretty much one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

So if haven’t been to The Goodie Shoppe yet, make a plan to do so this week. It’s the perfect place to find a gift for that hard-to-shop-for person, and a pretty nice spot for stocking stuffers, too. And while you’re there, order one of those spectacular ice cream cakes (give him a few days to make it special for you, though). You’ll be the most adored person in your family for a long time if you present one of those for dessert after your holiday dinner.

The Goodie Shoppe is located at 83 North Main Street, across from Dunkin’ Donuts. Call Mike at (585) 872-6460.

 

Owner Mike Broikou with one of his famous ice cream cakes

 

 

 

 

 

It’s CHRISTMAS TREE WEEKEND!

6 Dec

Ever since I’ve been a teenager, this has been one of my favorite weekends of the entire year. “This” being the weekend including — or closest to — the date of December 11.  That date has been near and dear to my heart for more than 40 years, because of one very special December 11 from my youth.

I think it was 1971, and at 13 years old, I was a cool-cat teenager, but still young enough to be very excited that Christmas was just around the corner.  It was an ordinary Saturday, nothing much going on, when out of the blue my mother came into the family room and asked a simple question, which I still remember clearly to this day:

“Do you want to go out and get our Christmas tree?”

I can still feel the pure joy I felt when I heard those words.  Strangely, I don’t remember actually getting the tree, putting it up or decorating it. I just remember that it felt like Christmas had finally, officially, begun.

I don’t think I’ve ever told my family that story, so they probably have no idea why I start getting itchy for a Christmas tree about this time of the month. But I’m sure I’m not the only one. With only three weekends to go before Christmas, the crowds will be thick at our local tree-sellers these next few days. Good thing we have several options very close by, most offering both pre-cut and cut-your own varieties:

* Bauman’s Farm Market, 1340 Five Mile Line Road (corner of Plank)
* Freckleton’s Tree Farm, 1651 Harris Road, Penfield
* Wilbert’s Christmas Tree Farm, 1321 Salt Road
* Kunz’s Tree Farm, 959 Five Mile Line Road (across from Lowes)
* Woody Acres, 1530 Harris Road, Penfield

And don’t forget about our faithful Boy Scouts. St. Rita Troop #163 is braving the cold again this year at their stand next to Bill Gray’s Restaurant on Hard Road (in the K-Mart/BJ’s plaza).  Their trees start at $40. They’re open 6:30-8:30 weekdays, 9-7 on Saturday and 10-5 Sunday.

Ironically, I won’t be joining you out there this weekend. I already have my tree. Do you remember the blog I wrote last week about the Festival of Trees at the Webster Museum and the raffle they were holding? At the end of that blog I encouraged everyone to go to the museum and enter the raffle, but added, “I’m going to win the Christmas tree. Just sayin’.”

I was only kidding. But I did. It’s a Bauman’s tree, and it’s beautiful, probably nicer than I could have picked out for myself.  So now go out this weekend and make yourself a memory.

Thursday Mailbag

5 Dec

The second of Webster’s three Fabulous Festive Fridays (I just made that up) is tomorrow, when the Village Band presents its annual Holiday Concert.  It’s the band’s annual holiday gift to the community, thanks for all the support they’ve received this year.

The concert begins at 2 pm at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road. There is no admission charge. Click here for more information and to see some photos from last year’s concert.

Looking ahead, next Friday the village continues to welcome the holiday season with the Lighting of the Lights from 4-8 pm, at Hank’s Ice Cream and Taylor Rental on North Avenue.  More details to come, but click here if you can’t wait.

* * *

The folks at Henderson Ford are partnering with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, and challenging their staff, customers and the Webster community to help fill a 2013 Ford Escape with toys

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off through December 10 at Henderson Ford, 810 Ridge Rd., Webster, or at any of the following participating locations:

A Different Point of View, 2920 Monroe Ave, Pittsford
Design Pool & Spa, 7244 Palmyra Rd., Fairport
Dixon Schwabl, 1595 Moseley Road, Victor
Edge Advertising Group, 6 North Main St. Suite 220, Fairport
JNCS, 1387 Fairport Rd Suite 900J, Fairport
Omero’s Clothes, call 585-392-2939 to schedule a drop off

* * *

On Sunday December 16, Music at Immanuel will present A Service of Lessons and Carols beginning at 7 pm.  The event is free and open to the public.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 131 West Main Street in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Daniel Drive. Parking is available behind the church accessed from Daniel Drive. More information at http://www.immanuelwebster.org or through the church office 585-872-5180 ext. 12.

* * *

This note is from Plank North Elementary, which is hosting its Share the Season night tomorrow night.  The email I received about it yesterday said there are so many kids in the Plank North chorus now that they can’t all safely squeeze onto the stage for their annual performance.  So instead, they’re planning a family sing-along. “Ms. King will play piano,” the email said, “accompanied by a special guest mandolin player.”

It made me giggle. The “special guest mandolin player” is my son Sean, Plank North Class of 2001.

* * *

Finally, the school district has sent out notice about their Emergency Preparedness Early Release Drill, which they do every year to test the district’s plan for early dismissal of students. (I never have understood how letting students go 15 minutes early tests that plan, but hey.)  I seem to recall that in previous years they’ve done this on the day before Thanksgiving Break. This year, it’s happening on Friday December 21, officially kicking everyone out of school for Christmas Break.

All Webster schools will dismiss early that day.  Here are the times:

Schroeder and Thomas High Schools: 2:10
Spry Middle School: 2:15
Willink Middle School: 2:25
Klem North and Plank South: 3:05
Dewitt, State, Plank North, Schlegel and Klem South: 3:15

New Van Ingen Drive an improvement

18 Nov

When I was out and about today I noticed that the Van Ingen Drive project has been completed.  Last month the town ripped up the old Van Ingen Drive behind the library and rerouted it, as part of a deal with the Webster Plaza owners, who wanted to expand their parking.  (See the blog I wrote about the project here.)

It’s really pretty nice. The road is wider and smoother. They took out some parkland, but there’s still plenty of green space there and the park entrance has remained unchanged. But the best thing I like about it is the road’s exit point onto Hard Road.  The old road did not allow a left-hand turn onto Hard Road, which was a real pain in the butt. If you wanted to go south on Hard, you had to exit at the traffic light at Kmart Plaza.  And that’s a long wait.

But not only can you turn left from Van Ingen Drive now, there’s even a left turn lane.  It’s a definite improvement. (And makes an already great secret Christmas-shopping shortcut even better.)

Neighbors helping neighbors

1 Nov

I’ve been meaning for a while now to give a Webster Blog shout-out to one of our community’s greatest assets.

The Webster Community Chest is in the middle of its annual fund-raising drive. You probably received a solicitation in the mail not long ago, and I hope you didn’t toss it in the garbage, because this is an organization which really needs and deserves our support.  And that’s because every penny we put into it comes back to our local community, in so many ways.

Last year, for example, the Webster Community Chest provided emergency food 132 times for families in crisis; distributed 221 holiday food baskets to families who would otherwise have had little to eat; provided 60 children with Christmas gifts; sent 32 children to summer camp; assisted families with rent, RG&E bills, medication and car repairs; and more.

It’s hard to imagine how important these services are if you don’t need them yourself. But needless to say, the Webster Community Chest is a critical lifeline for so many families in our community who have fallen on hard times.

There are several ways you can help.  Slip a check into that envelope you received and give a generous monetary donation. Designate the Community Chest (agency #1469) as a recipient for your United Way contribution, donate new clothes or toys for Christmas gifts, or volunteer you time.

If you tossed that envelope, here’s the address:

Webster Community Chest
1000 Ridge Road
Webster, NY 14580

For more information about how you can help, call (585) 671-2060. Neighbors helping neighbors. That’s what community is all about.

 

An anniversary party to remember

30 Oct

The Barry’s gang, all dressed up for the occasion.

The Village of Webster came together in a big way Saturday night to congratulate Danny and Jessica Barry on a very successful first year of business for Barry’s Old School Irish.

The little pub on the village’s four corners was standing-room only all evening as friends old and new came to lift a pint and help celebrate. Several special guests were also in the crowd, including Mayor Elder and his wife Pam, board member Jude Lancy and “Village Focus” writer Carol Klem.

The reason everyone wanted to be there was simple: Barry’s Old School Irish has done wonders to revitalize this village. Danny and Jessica Barry are not only two of the nicest people I’ve ever met, they have created a place where anyone who comes through the door feels like family. My friend Chris summed it up perfectly when he said, “Coming here has always felt like coming to somebody’s house; somebody’s living room, kitchen.”

Halfway through the evening, several patrons accepted the invitation to come up and tell the Danny and Jessica – and the assembled crowd – what Barry’s has meant to them. After that, the entire pub serenaded the young couple with a song written especially for them.

You can check out videos from both events by clicking on the images below.

Jess and Danny Barry listen as pub patrons tell them exactly what they think of their little pub. (Click on the photo for a video)

Barry’s Crossing performs “The Ballad of Barry’s.” (Click on the photo for a video)

Barry’s Old School Irish celebrates a year of good food, good drink and great friends

27 Oct

My friends Tom and Jill were among the big Friday crowd at Barry’s last night.

This evening, Barry’s Old School Irish Pub and Bakery on Webster’s 4-corners will celebrate its one year anniversary. In anticipation of that happy event, I sat at my computer last night, poised to craft the perfect blog about what has become my very favorite Webster hangout.

Fingers at the ready, I started to think. What exactly IS it about Barry’s that makes the place so special? The beer?  The to-die-for Guinness chocolate cake?  The live music?  There are just so many things about Barry’s that make it a pleasant place to be. But what is it that makes Barry’s unique?

It took me a little while, but finally it dawned on me. I realized why I go back there every Friday night. And some Saturdays and Wednesdays. And the occasional Sunday afternoon. It’s Mary Jane and Mike. Tim, Jerry and Robyn. Debbie, Sarah, Chris and Julie. Ken and Kim, Mac and Maura, Brendan and Gordon. These are the people of Barry’s, and every single one of them has become part of my extended family.

Funny thing about these extended family members, though, is that I couldn’t tell your most of their last names. Plus, I didn’t know ANY of them a year ago. But thanks to Barry’s, I’m now closer to these people than to most of my “regular” extended family members.

You see, any Irish pub can serve a Guinness. Any restaurant/bakery can serve up great dinners and desserts. But there aren’t many places where you can walk in and immediately feel like family.

Danny and Jessica Barry on the weekend they opened.

But that’s the way it is at Barry’s. The feeling in this little place is just … different. It’s like everyone there is only a stranger because you haven’t met them yet — but by the end of the night you probably will.  I’ve heard people refer to it as a “family bar,” which is a really weird phrase, but sums up the atmosphere perfectly. Just like the pubs in ol’ Ireland, Barry’s Old school Irish has become a community gathering place, in the mornings for coffee, scones or breakfast buffet (bring the kids!), lunchtime for some incredible Shepherd’s Pie, and evening for a pint and some live music.

Which is why I’m going to be there tonight, and I’ll probably get there early for dinner and to get a good seat for the performance by Barry’s Crossing** (featuring my son on fiddle, just so you know).  There’s going to be some good food, good drink, and great friends, plus a few surprises Danny and Jessica don’t even know about yet.

Oh, yeah, totally forgot to mention the momma and papa of this extended family of mine. Danny and Jessica Barry own this little slice of Ireland in the middle of the village. If you ask me, when they moved in and transformed what used to be a very ugly and embarrassing “Living Waters” property, they transformed the village of Webster as well. I am blessed to be able to call them friends. Tonight I will not be toasting their success as much as thanking them for being a part of our lives.

**Sarah and Sean of Barry’s Crossing got their start in the pub, so when they officially formed their duo, they named it after Barry’s Old School Irish. It’s kind of an interesting story. You can read it on their website here.

 

Climbing wall fundraising update (Have you bought your bracelet yet?)

22 Oct

I know a lot of my readers have been closely following the story about Bay View YMCA’s efforts to raise funds to replace the climbing tower which was destroyed by arson at the beginning of the summer.  Today I’d like to share an update on those efforts.

The news is very good.  The original fund-raising goal was $100,000. Thanks in part to some very generous anonymous gifts — including two recent donations of $40,000 and $5,000 — Bay View is only $1,000 away from that goal.

Joey Gerrard with his bracelets at the Food Truck Rodeo in September.

The YMCA expects to hold an official press conference soon to announce the overall status of the campaign and present more details about the rebuilding plans.  But we already know that what will rise from the ashes will be more than just a climbing wall, but a much larger, handicap-accessible climbing complex, including a bouldering wall and dual zip line.  And most exciting of all, it will all be ready when the kids return to Camp Bay View next June.

And do you remember Joey Gerrard, the young man who has almost single-handedly raised thousands of dollars by selling bracelets? (See an earlier blog about Joey by clicking here.)  Joey has about 400 bracelets left and is committed to selling them all. Here’s how you can help him do that, and help chip away at that last $1,000.

This Saturday, Joey will have a table at the annual Courage Bowl, which begins at 2 pm at Webster Thomas Varsity football stadium. This is the final game for the YMCA’s All Star Flag Football program, designed for children with special needs. At the Courage Bowl, these kids get a chance to play in the spotlight on a real varsity football field in front of hundreds of fans.

So come by the game, pick up one of Joey’s bracelets for $5, and support both a great cause and some great kids.

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