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The sun was shining brightly (finally) and the temperatures were reasonable (finally) on Saturday, making it a perfect day for a celebration.

The occasion was the grand opening for Beyond Cuts Salon at 33 North Ave. The salon itself is well known in town — it’s been owned and operated in the village by Robyn Whittaker for ages. But after 15 years at a small location on West Main Street, Robyn finally was able to move up and out in January to her beautiful new location, directly across North Ave. from Gazebo Park and the Waffle Factory.

Dozens of well-wishers were on hand to take part in the official ribbon cutting, and afterwards enjoyed all sorts of snacks and beverages. Robin also had baskets of giveaways for both children and adults, and a raffle.

I had never been in the salon until Saturday, and I have to say it is a thing of beauty, and very sunny. It’s basically huge — at 1500 square feet, it’s five times bigger than the space she had before. All that extra space has allowed Robyn to add lots of services and amenities, including:

• a style station where people can try out curling irons and blow dryers while they wait
• a children’s play area
• a private body waxing room
• an expanded manicure area, and more
• and a huge bathroom (“the last one we had was about as large as this sink,” Robyn laughed.)

Even with all these new services and amenities, Robyn finds something else entirely most exciting: her on-site laundry room. “For 17 years I dragged the towels back and forth to  my house.” she said. “Now I can do them in the back room which is super exciting.”

Robyn also likes the history of the building, which used to be the old Webster Cleaners. .

“People come in here and say, ‘I used to bring my dry cleaning here.’ It’s kind of cool being in a building that people actually came to all the time.”

Check out the new Beyond Cuts Salon for yourself. You’ll find them online here and on Facebook here.

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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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My email box has been overflowing of late with good news from our Webster schools. Allow me to regurgitate some press releases for you.

There’s a new AP in town

Congratulations to Chris Callahan, who was named the new assistant principal at Webster Schroeder High School.

Chris is a Webster graduate who began his teaching career at Webster Thomas in 2010. At the same time he began his career, he was commuting to Canisius College to complete his Masters of Science degree in Special Education. He took a brief leave from his teaching assistant position to complete his student teaching assignments at Schroeder.

I had the pleasure of working with Chris for several years at Thomas, and can attest to his enthusiasm and dedication to students.

Chris is replacing current assistant principal Shawn Strege, who was recently named director of physical education and athletics for Webster Schroeder High School and Spry Middle School.

Webster’s music program is tops — AGAIN 

The Webster Central School District music program has once again been honored as a Best Community for Music Education from The NAMM Foundation, for its outstanding commitment to music education.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. This is the 13th time Webster CSD has achieved this honor. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the district answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

Give us your drugs

The Webster Health and Education Network: Drug Free Community Coalition (WHEN: DFCC) is partnering with the Webster Central School District, Town of Webster, and Webster Police Department to hold Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day, the public is invited to bring unused/expired over-the-counter and prescription medications to the Webster Wastewater Treatment Plant, 267 Phillips Road to be disposed of in a safe manner. Sharps/needles will NOT be accepted.

Domino’s Pizza will be sponsoring the local event, and each person dropping off medications will receive a coupon for a Domino’s item.

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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.

I think we’re all feeling grateful that the messy weather expected earlier in the day Saturday waited until the evening to arrive. That meant that Community Arts Day 2018 could proceed with nary a hitch.

As expected, I spent more than three hours there yesterday, doing lap after lap of the halls, seeing a new batch of friends, students and colleagues every time.

As expected, I took SO. MANY. PHOTOS. It’s hard to be in three places at once, which would have been required to see everything that goes on at Community Arts Day, but I tried to capture as many highlights as possible. I wish I could have taken photos of all the incredible artistic pieces on display, but I’ve tried to at least provide a nice representation of the incredible talent our students have. And it was fascinating to see the progression from elementary school to high school and see that talent blossom.

Click here to see a full Facebook gallery. (I apologize in advance for it being a little firefighter-heavy. Since my son and daughter-in-law are both firefighters, I’m kind of drawn to that table.)

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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.

I’ve seen this message now from a few of our east-side libraries, including Webster, and I think it’s important enough to pass along.

A library patron has reported receiving a phone call from a woman claiming she is from a collection agency working for the Monroe County Library System. The patron was told she owed several hundred dollars in fines and would face jail time and loss of employment if payment was not given immediately.

The Monroe County Library System employs an agency that uses a gentle nudge approach to collections and does not engage in harassment or threats. Customers with accounts in collection (over $35 in fines) will receive a series of letters before they get a phone call and at no time will our collection agents threaten action against them or request money. Customers are directed to visit their local library to settle the debt.

If you receive a harassing call regarding library fines and a request for immediate payment over the phone, do not give out personal account information. Please report these calls to the police.

If you have questions about your library account call the Circulation Department at the Central Library, 428-8180.

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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.

St. Patrick’s Day, the High Holy Day of the Irish year, is just around the corner, and plans to celebrate in the village are beginning to kick into high gear.

Webster’s newest pub, Ploty’s Hometown Tavern, will be joining the fun this year in a big way.

Owner Eric Plotzker has renaimed his establishment “McPloty’s” in honor of the holiday, and has rolled out some extra special t-shirts and beer cozies, plus LOTS of great drink specials to commemorate the pub’s new (albeit temporary) Irish-ness.

He’s hoping for good weather so patrons will also be able to enjoy his patio.

Ploty’s is located at 27 West Main Street, on the lower level (where the Vino Lounge used to be).

Webster’s very own, nationally-ranked Irish pub, Barry’s Old School Irish is also planning a big splash, of course, kicking off St. Patrick’s Day week on Tuesday March 13, when the pub welcomes its friendly Barry’s Runners group at 6:30 p.m. Runners and walkers of all abilities are invited to join in for a wee bit of exercise and a lot of socializing. Participants will receive Guinness give-aways and free tastings after the run.  Plus, the Foxhunters will be hosting a traditional Irish music session, and the Rochester Academy of Irish Dance will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday March 14 is Trivia Night, sponsored by Guinness with prizes for first, second and third places, and best doodle. This is always a fun time and always packed with teams, so reserve your table by e-mailing barrysirishpub@gmail.com.

Thursday March 15 will feature a special menu, paired with selected Irish brews and whiskeys. At 7 p.m., a Jameson rep will be in the house, and from 7 to 10 p.m., the always entertaining Kenny Snyder and Bob Grocki will play some live acoustic rock.

Barry’s Crossing will provide entertainment on Friday March 16, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.  Dancers from the Jamieson Irish Dance school will perform at 8:30 p.m., and there will be Guinness and Jameson giveaways all night.

Finally, on St. Patrick’s Day proper, Barry’s will be opening the doors at 8 a.m. and have a non-stop day of entertainment, good food and drink until 2 a.m. To accommodate the expected crowds, they’ve arranged to have the sidewalks barricaded so people can spill out into the (hopefully) warm weather.

Entertainment will be provided all day by The Foxhunters, Barry’s Crossing and Everheart; two Irish dance schools will perform, whiskey reps will be handing out samples, Bagpiper Jack will walk through sometime, and of course there’s going to be some great food and drink.

There’s so much going on that day that you have to check out the Facebook page for details.

Barry’s Old School Irish is at 2 West Main Street, at the village of Webster’s four corners.

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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.

It’s a sure sign of spring when I get an email from the Webster Village Band.

The band will officially begin the 2018 season — its 51st year — on March 15 when they hold their first rehearsal at Willink Middle School.

The group is made up of more than 50 musicians of all ages, led by Director Tom Indiano and Associate Director Sue Siegmund. New members are always welcome to join. For more information, contact Harvey Cohen at (585) 738-6980, email hcohen@rochester.rr.com, or perhaps just pop in on one of the rehearsals to meet everyone!

The band’s regular Thursday night summer concert series will begin in June and run through September. Concerts are held in the band shell at Harmony Park on Phillips Road.

You’ll be reading more about this tremendous village resource in my blog as the concert season nears, but in the meantime, find out more details on the band’s Facebook page here, and the village website, here.

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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.

I have said this before, but it bears repeating.  I don’t like Peeps.

You know, I’m talking about those yellow marshmallow chicks and every other iteration of Peepdom that has since been introduced. I kind of put them in the same category as those faux-orange circus peanuts. They squeak when you bite on them.

That being said, I definitely will be attending the third annual Greater Rochester Peep Show scheduled for March 17 and 18 at the Webster Recreation Center. It’s a fundraiser for the Webster Community Chest, and 20 other local nonprofit agencies, and it is the CUTEST THING EVER.

The show will feature more than individual works of art and dioramas made with multi-colored Peeps or based on the a Peeps theme. Some of my favorite creations at last year’s event were the train station created by the Heritage Square Museum and the baseball field, entry from Rochester Miracle Field. (Click here for a small photo gallery from last here.)

Organizers are still soliciting entries for this year’s event. Prizes will be awarded in several categories. Plus, there’s a brand new “Spring Bonnet Parade” category, in which  participants are encouraged to decorate a hat with at least one Peeps candy on it. Make it funny, silly, gorgeous — whatever you like!  This is a great project for families and community groups.

There’s no charge to enter and your artwork will be returned after the show if you want it back.

So check out the photos for ideas and START YOUR PEEPS! You can get a lot more information and details on the Greater Rochester Peep Show website.

The show will be held at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, on Saturday March 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday March 18, noon to 4 p.m. Admission to the show is free.

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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.