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Holt Road construction news

18 Jul

I’ve had a couple of people ask me recently if I knew anything about the huge construction project in progress on Holt Road just north of 104.  After a little bit of digging through Planning Board minutes (thank you Dave) I found out what it’s all about.

What’s going on there is a project called North Ponds Village. According to the Planning Board minutes, it’s a senior housing complex that will include one 66-unit, three-story building and two 24-unit, three-story buildings. Plus offices in a smaller building at the front of the property.

No word on a completion date.

And since we’re on the subject of Holt Road, a few of my readers also mentioned the construction going on right now at the Holt Road Wegmans store.  I popped inside yesterday to get the skinny. The lady at the service desk told me they were simply enclosing the vestibule,  but couldn’t provide any more details.  Sounds like when they’re done they’ll have an entrance-way resembling the one at the Eastway Wegmans. I hope they relocate the bottle return out there when they’re done.

 

It’s a girl!

13 Jul

I am tickled pink to announce to the greater Webster community that there’s — finally — a new baby Barry!

Jessica and Danny Barry, owners of Barry’s Old School Irish, are proud new parents.  Maley Barry was born by C-section at 7:48 pm Thursday night, weighing a healthy 8 lbs. 1 oz and measuring 20.25 inches.

And despite the excitement reflected in the headline of this blog, we’ve known for a while that the baby was going to be a girl. Actually, we’ve even known the baby’s name for months. It was just a matter of WHEN we were going to get to meet her.  Maley was officially due on Monday, July 2. But apparently she wasn’t quite ready to show her face on that particular day.  A week later she was still being stubborn. Finally, ten days after her official due date, Jessica’s doctor decided to induce labor. Nineteen hours later,  after some rather, well, forcible convincing, Maley was born.

And the happy news arrived none too soon. Since Danny and Jessica arrived in town, they have developed a very large, very loving group of friends — more like an extended family — who have been anxiously awaiting Maley’s arrival. Facebook messages and regular text messages from Maura at the pub kept everyone up to date on Jessica’s progress over the last few days.  We all feel like we’ve gained a new family member.

Congratulations to Danny and Jessica. We cannot wait to meet little Maley.

Webster Hots goes cold

2 Jul

Folks in and around the village of Webster now have another option when they get a craving for a cone. Webster Hots has just started offering ice cream at their East Main Street restaurant.

I actually found out about it on Sunday evening when owners Debbie and Pat Bush posted a notice on the Webster Hots Facebook page. I knew this was big news for the village and for all us ice cream fans. So I headed down there yesterday after dinner with my husband and daughter to check it out for myself. Purely for the sake of the blog, of course. (It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.)

Sure enough, when we walked into the restaurant we came upon a brand new ice cream counter and a pretty extensive Turkey Hill ice cream menu. Right now they have 17 different flavors which they plan to change up every once in a while. But Pat said they’d always have at least one frozen yogurt and one no-sugar added flavor.

It took us a little while to figure out what we wanted (I settled on the Junior Mints) and they were quick to offer free samples (and free sprinkles if we wanted them).  They also have milkshakes and sundaes with a variety of toppings, and the prices are very reasonable.  My small cone for $2.60 was plenty big. We sat out at the picnic tables on the patio and watched the town roll by while we ate.

What’s really neat about this new development is that later this summer Debbie and Pat hope to have a walk-up window installed on the west side of the building so ice cream cones and shakes and sundaes will be even that much easier to buy and enjoy.

Which,  on second thought, might not be such a good thing after all…..

My husband got Moose Tracks, rainbow sherbet for my daughter, and I went for the Junior Mints. Yum.

Thumbs down to arsonists

30 Jun

The D&C Saturday morning posted a “thumbs down” in their opinion section to the mindless fools who torched the Bay View YMCA climbing tower a week ago.

It reads:

THUMBS DOWN for the mindless arsonist(s) who Monroe County Fire Bureau say brought on the destruction of a beloved 40-foot climbing tower at the Bay View Family YMCA on Bay Road. Before being reduced to ashes and rubble, this structure was integral to the Bay View Y’s fun, character-building summer camps. The YMCA is trying to raise $100,000 to replace the tower. If you are willing to contribute, please visit rochesterymca.org/donate or call (585) 341-4084.

Thanks so much to the editorial staff for recognizing what a blow this was to the Bay View campers.   I’m still hoping that someone hears something said by somebody, and the jerks who did this will be brought to justice.  So please keep your ears open.

The good news is, donations are coming in and plans are in the works for fund-raisers.  Stay tuned for more details.

* * *

On a different note, I’ve been a little out of commission these last few days as I try to pull together a graduation party on Sunday for my three children.  My eldest daughter just graduated with her Master’s degree from UB, my son with a music degree from Nazareth College and my youngest daughter from Schroeder High School. We figured one big graduation party would be easier and cheaper.

I wasn’t, however, counting on the stress.

So if I don’t post anything tomorrow morning, that means I’m knee-deep in party prep.  Have a wonderful, safe summer weekend.

Somewhat happier news from Webster’s weekend

25 Jun

I really did plan to blog about happier things yesterday, but they went by the wayside when I found out the awful news about the Bay View YMCA climbing wall.  So today let’s get back to some more uplifting news.

The happy graduate

Both Webster high schools graduated on Sunday. Webster Schroeder had the early shift at the RIT Field House, and Webster Thomas followed that afternoon. I was there with my family in the morning to watch my youngest graduate. I have to say I was very impressed with the venue; it was very easy to get in and out, there was plenty of good seating, and the shuttle buses and golf carts that ran from the parking lots for elderly family members (and anyone else who didn’t want to bother walking) were very efficient.  The only thing I heard people griping about was about how cold it was in the field house. The place is overly air conditioned, to the point where people were going outside just to get warm.

The Schroeder ceremony was very nice, and the students’ speeches quite entertaining. (I’ll take the fifth in regards to the administrators’ speeches.)  I’m sure the Thomas graduation was equally enjoyable.  Congratulations to all the graduates this year, and be sure to remember the sage advice from the speeches you heard: Shoot for the stars while you journey to pursue your dreams, guided by strong values that will take you in positive directions, as long as you take the path less traveled, because as the the next generation of leaders you have incredible potential to change the world, because O the places you’ll go.

Or something like that.

* * *

There was a unique event Saturday afternoon at Barry’s Old School Irish that brought several fledgling fiddle players into the little pub/bakery.

It was a fiddle workshop hosted by Barry’s house band, Barry’s Crossing.  Beginning and intermediate fiddle players were invited to attend the free workshop and learn some basic fiddle techniques and a tune.  The event drew five young fiddle players, who in just a half hour, learned to play an entire fiddle tune from start to finish, to the delight of all the parents who stayed to watch.

Not having any musical talent myself, I found it amazing how these young musicians could just hear notes being played, remember what they were, play them back, and step-by-step put a whole tune together. But I guess that’s why they’re musicians and I’m not.

If you’re interested in seeing a bit of the workshop, click on the photo below to see a short video. It’s about 3 minutes long and takes you from the first notes to the final performance.

Click on the photo for a video from the fiddle workshop.

Fire claims Bay View YMCA climbing wall

25 Jun

D&C photo by Justin Murphy. Click to see the D&C article

I don’t know if you’ve heard the news yet out of the Bay View Family YMCA, but someone torched their climbing wall early Sunday morning. Oh, they’re not officially calling it arson yet, but it’s got to be arson; there was no electrical equipment in or around the tower that could have caused a fire.

When I heard the news Sunday afternoon, I just felt sick. I’ve worked at Camp Bay View for years, and I have seen the pure joy of achievement on campers’ faces when, after weeks of trying and trying again, they were finally able to scale that 40-foot wall.  It’s impossible to put a value on the self-confidence and pride that climbing wall has given countless kids.

And now it’s gone.

It also makes me angry to know that whoever did this is going to get away with it.  According to the D&C article I read about it, security cameras are no help, and no one saw anything.

So if we’re not going to be able to see anyone go to jail for this, the next best thing to do is thumb our noses at them and get that rock wall rebuilt as soon as possible. Apparently insurance won’t cover the cost of replacement, so it’s up to the Bay View YMCA community. And if I know anything about Webster, I know this is a community that pulls together when something needs to be done.

There are already rumblings about different fund-raising efforts in the works. As plans come together, I’ll let you all know the details. In the meantime, if you’re interested in making a donation to Bay View to get the ball rolling, you can click here.

 

Webster mailbag

6 Jun

Lots of neat stuff coming across my computer screen these days, starting with these three don’t-miss events this weekend:

Webster Museum’s Annual Barn Sale takes place today through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. This sale is so big the museum can’t fit everything, so it will be held at 394 Phillips Road, one of Webster’s most beautiful and historic properties.

The sale features art work, books, fancy dishes, dolls, tools, comics, and pottery. There will be items for collectors, and kids of all ages. Garage sale patrons can also take a tour of the Victorian home (built in 1856) for a $5 donation.  All money raised from the sale and tours raised supports the museum’s education programs, speakers’ programs, and the Historic Homes Project.

* * *

Webster’s TWO farm markets open for business this Saturday June 9. The Joe Obbie Market will be moving to Webster Towne Plaza (where Target is) and set up near the gazebo. Plus, Main Street in the village will host a brand new market on the same day, stretching down both East and West Main. I think they’ll be setting up in the parking spaces, so please drive carefully when you make your way through the village this Saturday.

Both markets open at 8 am.

* * *

The Webster Marching Band holds its semi-annual Bottle and Can Drive this Saturday from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Simply collect all your returnables, stick them in a garbage bag and put them out by the curb. If they happen to miss you, you can call to arrange a pickup. Click on the flyer to the right for more details.

* * *

Now, in true mailbag fashion, here are some odds and ends that people have emailed me recently:

My friend Jamie Buss sends me this shout-out to the students at Klem South Elementary:

Just wanted to brag about the kids at Klem South a little.  I ran a fundraiser at school for the Dream Factory, called Dollars for Dreams, in which kids donated their spare change for a two-week period.  Each class had their own milk jug to fill and we made a friendly contest out of it.  The top fundraising class from each grade would get to pick a theme-day of their choice (hat day, toy day, silly clothes day, etc.).  The fundraiser ran the last two weeks in May and the kids raised a grand total of $862.83 (one 3rd grade class raised over $120 alone)!  This is enough money for a dream recipient’s family (of five) to stay at a resort in Orlando, FL for an entire week, which would include mini golf, horseback riding, swimming, all the ice cream they can eat, PLUS tickets to the Disney theme parks, Sea World and Universal Studios AND spending money for their trip.  A little effort goes a LONG way in this case!

Great job, kids!!!

Congratulations to Rising Earth Massage Therapy as the Webster Chamber’s Business of the Month for June 2012. The Chamber recognizes Webster businesses that demonstrate outstanding community service as well as their exemplary business character and reputation. Rising Earth Massage Therapy is located at 1130 Crosspointe Lane Suite 2B in the Ridgewood Office Park.

And by the way, today’s the second day of Webster’s Community Blood drive, the one where they give you coupons from local businesses just for showing up. I got denied today because of low iron, but I got my coupons anyway (I love these people), and sure enough, there are three coupons for free ice cream alone  (and the Bruster’s coupon is for  FREE PINT).

Today’s drive is at the West Webster Fire Hall from noon to 7 pm. Please donate and help save lives.

email me at missyblog@gmail.com

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Pub full of new Webster friends help the Barrys celebrate

22 May

Hubby and and I had a terrific time Sunday afternoon at a surprise baby shower for Jessica Barry of Barry’s Old School Irish at Webster’s four corners. She and her husband Danny are expecting their first child in July, so naturally, friends and family had to throw her a shower.

Jessica was taken completely by surprise, which made the event a whole lot more fun. She thought she was going out to dinner at Sticky Lips with Danny and some other family members. But first, they stopped by the pub. It’s normally closed at that time of day, so she was a bit confused by the balloons and patio table decorations. She caught on pretty fast, though, when they pulled up in front and she saw family and friends spilling out the door to greet her.

Jessica and Danny Barry with a few of their gifts.

Baby showers are always fun affairs, but this one was particularly neat for one main reason: It was less than a year ago that Danny and Jessica Barry came to town to open up their new business.  Nobody knew who they were, just a couple of kids trying to start up another bar. One with a bakery attached, no less. (Go figure.)

Now, a mere nine months later, their little place was overflowing with Webster people who have come to know and love them.

Just a small sampling of the Barrys’ new friends who came out to celebrate.

The Wednesday afternoon gang was there, the Friday night regulars, and the Saturday night crowd. Debbie and Pat Bush from Webster Hots brought a whole tray of Jessica’s favorite chocolate chip brownies, and Mike Broikou from the Goodie Shop brought one of his incredible five-layer ice cream cakes.

It’s not often you see this kind of affection shown to pub owners by their patrons and fellow business owners. But that’s the kind of place Barry’s is, and that’s the kind of people the Barrys are. These kids aren’t just pub owners — they’re family.

P.S.  It seems like ages ago, but do you remember how ugly and embarrassing that southwest village corner was for years? Then Barry’s Old School Irish moved in and immediately improved it with a nice iron fence and patio seating. This summer Danny and Jessica have added some very nice gardens. Now it’s a corner Webster can be proud of.

Before. Ugly.

And now. Beautiful.

Webster odds ‘n’ ends

21 May

Every once in a while, several little blog ideas pile up, none of which seems appropriate for a whole posting unto itself. And so you have this edition of Odds ‘n’ Ends:

A Channel 8 cameraman catches the action as Webster Thomas counselor Sue Stacy chats with a student.

Congratulations to Webster Thomas School High School counselor Susan Stacy, who was awarded the Golden Apple Award last week from WROC Channel 8. The station presents the award about once a week to recognize the positive things teachers (and in this case, counselors) do for students. Mrs. Stacy was nominated by 2010 graduate Antonio Garzone, who credits Mrs. Stacy’s guidance and encouragement with making it possible for him to go to college.

Channel 8 sent a reporter and cameraman to film the award presentation. The piece will air tomorrow, May 22 at 5:30 pm on Channel 8 and at 10 pm on Fox.

* * *

I had the real pleasure of meeting Pat and Debbie Bush a few weeks ago, the new owners of Webster Hots on East Main Street. I’d heard that the restaurant had changed ownership in January, but never followed up on the news, so I took the opportunity to pump Pat and Debbie for information, and invite them to email me anything else they wanted to let people know.

What I got from Debbie does a nice job of summing up the new and old, so allow me to quote from the email:

We have made a few changes to the place, things like changing the staff, cleaning things up and really focusing on customer service. The menu has stayed, for the most part, the same other than a few things. We are now serving a Guinness Beer Battered Fish Fry on Fridays. I started it last week and the customer have all said that it is fantastic.

Some other things that we have that is not the “norm” would be the Zinnger Plate, mmmmm…it is soooo good (the former owner came up with it). It is phili steak, chicken fingers, peppers, onions and Mozzs cheese all slathered in buffalo wing sauce and placed on two sides (usually mac and home fries) We also do a battered deep fried hot dog that many customers have become addicted to. For those with a sweet tooth we have deep fried apple pies, brownies and fresh baked cookies. The hot sauce and mac salad are homemade. With the nice weather people have been taking advantage of the outside deck to eat.

I am having fun and have really enjoyed getting to know the village and our customers.

* * *

Back in February I wrote that the Maplewood Nursing Home’s website was up for an award from the Rochester Business Journal. Well, turns out they didn’t get that award. But the folks there recently informed me that their website designers DID just win a different award – or to be more accurate, two awards.

The occasion was the 2012 Summit Creative Award® competition, and Maplewood’s website designers Bob Wright Creative were recognized with a Gold Award in the Consumer Service Website category, and a Silver Award in the Health/Medicine Website category.

All entries were judged in 23 major categories, in which judges look for innovative and creative concepts, strong executions and the ability to communicate and persuade.

Check out The Maplewood’s award-winning website for yourself by clicking on the picture above.

New Ridge Road shop not for everyone

17 May

Last week a friend of mine fed me some local news.  She told me it looked like another business was moving into the old Play it Again Sports storefront in that little strip plaza across from Towne Center (the Target plaza). She had looked in the window and saw what appeared to be some very fancy lamps. Perhaps it was a lamp store? So I stopped by there yesterday and checked it out for myself.

Those weren’t lamps. They were hookahs.

For those of you unfamiliar with the word (like I was):

 hook·ah/ˈho͝okə/   Noun: An oriental tobacco pipe with a long, flexible tube that draws the smoke through water contained in a bowl. 

The new store is called “Look Ah Hookah Smoke Shop.”  The signs in the window advertise cigars, water pipes and pipes.  They exhort patrons to “Honk if you hookah.” Their tag line is “We’ll smoke you up.”

Not a place I’ll be visiting very often, that’s for sure.

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