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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.

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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.

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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

Photos from Webster’s White Christmas

3 Dec

Click the photo to go to a gallery of images from White Christmas

If you were in Webster on Saturday night for the village’s annual White Christmas and Holiday Parade of Lights, you might have noticed a photo elf wandering the streets snapping pictures left and right.

Many thanks to my friend Ken Corpus (of Computer Works Pro) for acting as my official blog photographer for the event, since I was out of town and couldn’t be there for the festivities myself.  His daughter was part of the Webster Thomas choir which performed at the gazebo and on Main Street, so of course he wanted to take pictures of that. But he didn’t stop with those; instead, he snapped 50 or so more, then yesterday handed them all over to me on a flash drive.

Most of them came out pretty great, and I am pleased to post them all in a gallery here.  If anyone else has some they’d like to send along, please do, and I’ll add them to the gallery.

 

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree…

29 Nov

Festival of TreesWhen you’re in town this weekend for White Christmas in the Village, make sure to stop by the Webster Museum on Lapham Park, where the museum’s annual Holiday Festival of Trees is in full swing.

Adorable little 4-foot tall trees are set up throughout the museum, each of which has been adopted and decorated by an individual, family or local organizations.  When I went over to the museum yesterday to see them for myself, I was delighted by the variety of themes and decorations.  There were already probably a dozen trees already completed, and some folks were there putting the touches on a few more while I was there.

Hard at work on the Troop 60502 tree are (l-r) Anna Langfitt, Margie Bowen and Linda Bowen. It’s called “Brownies Buggin’ Out.”

All the trees will be done and ready for viewing by Saturday afternoon just in time for the village’s White Christmas.  From 2:00-4:30 pm the public is invited to tour the museum and vote for a favorite tree. Voting will continue through December 29 and winners will be announced after the first of the year.

And by the way…. this year for the first time, the museum is also holding a holiday raffle with some terrific prizes. For your $5 entry fee, you can take a chance on some great prizes, all donated by local businesses, including:

* fresh Christmas trees from Bauman Farms, Wilbert’s Farm Market and Woody Acres;
* a holiday wreath from Kittleberger Florist & Gifts;
* a “kissing crystal” from Kunz’s Christmas Shoppe;
* a “kissing ball” from Harris Garden Center;
* handcrafted wood shelves from David Schoff Nursery & Woodworking; and
* a tabletop tree from Freckleton’s Tree Farm.

So make sure you get your name into that raffle when you stop by this weekend. Entries will be accepted through Tuesday December 4, and the drawing will be held on Wednesday December 5.  (But I’m going to win the Christmas tree. Just sayin’.)

 

This very red tree was one of my favorites, created by Diane Fahl-Slattery.

I also loved this one, by the Webster Quilt Guild.

 

 

The holidays begin in Webster this weekend

29 Nov

A float from last year’s Parade of Lights

The holiday season in Webster officially kicks off this Saturday December 1 with White Christmas in the Village and the Holiday Parade of Lights, two of my favorite events of the entire year. It’s the first of three special event weekends in the village, leading right up to Christmas.

This Saturday the festivities begin at 3 pm with horse wagon rides, a bounce house for the kids, and cookie decorating sponsored by Hegedorn’s.  And of course Santa will be there; he arrives at Village Hall at 4 pm.

The whole schedule looks like this:

Horse wagon rides, 3:00 – 6:00
Bounce house, 3:00 – 6:00
Storytelling, 4:00
Webster Thomas String Quartets at Kittlebergers, 3:30 – 5:00
Hegedorn’s Cookie Decorating, 4:00 ’til
Rochester Rhapsody, 4:30
The Magic Guy, 4:30
Church of the Good Shepherd Chime Choir 5:00 – 6:00
Thomas High School Carolers 5:00 – 6:00

The evening’s festivities end in spectacular fashion with the Electric Parade down Main Street beginning at 6:30 pm.

And don’t forget to stop into some of the village shops while you’re there, to finish up your Christmas shopping. I know that Barry’s will have entertainment by Ken Snyder and Trace Wilkins, and guaranteed there”ll be plenty of action at Coach and Hatter’s as well.

P.S.  I can’t be there Saturday for the parade. If you take any photos, can you send some along for the blog?

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If you’d like to do something a little bit different instead Saturday night, join the Friends of Webster Trails for a “Full Moon Hot Cocoa Hike” Saturday night at 7:00pm at the Whiting Road Nature Preserve.  It should be a beautiful night for a hike, and a great chance to make some new friends. Click here for complete details and to sign up for the event.

 

Black Friday in the village a pleasant experience

24 Nov

Remember a few days ago when I said that I never take to the roads on Black Friday? Well, that philosophy didn’t mesh very well with the fact that I’m providing a big chuck of my family’s Thanksgiving dinner this weekend in Greene. So yesterday morning I climbed into the car and prepared myself for the worst.

And I gotta tell you, it wasn’t that bad. At 10:30 in the morning, Ridge Road was busy, but not backed up like it always is at rush hour. Still, I kept off it as much as I could, and with some creative use of back roads, the 104 access road and parking lot drive-throughs, getting from one end of town to the other was fairly painless.  The main impediment, actually, were the garbage trucks, who also travel those back roads at that time of day and tend to take up an entire lane.

Since I knew I was going to be out of town today, Small Business Saturday, I also made yesterday my Small Business Friday, and did some Christmas shopping in the village.  I had a nice conversation with the folks at Nest Things, a cup of tea with Walter Scott at Webster Gourmet, and followed that up with a hot chocolate, a scone and an unexpected visit with my friends Chris and Julie at Barry’s Old School Irish. It was a very no-stress shopping experience, and as I strolled from store to store I wondered whether all those people fighting the crowds at the big box stores were enjoying themselves as much.

The only thing that could have gotten me more into the holiday spirit was a little snow.  And what do you know — here we have some, just in time for Small Business Saturday.

So check out the village yourself today, and I guarantee with the variety of shops we have in town, you can polish off your entire Christmas shopping list. The parking is plentiful and just steps from the shops, and the people are friendly. And if you go into Webster Gourmet, have a cup of Snickerdoodle tea with Walter, and tell him Missy sent you.

Webster’s wonderful Christmas

20 Nov

Driving through town last night, I noticed the snowflakes have been put up on the light poles. They reminded me how much I love Christmastime in Webster.  It’s a time when our cute little town becomes even more charming. The trees twinkle, the shopkeepers’ windows glow with holiday displays, the gazebo comes alive with colorful Christmas lights.  Add a gently falling snow and we’ve got our own little Bedford Falls.

The village offers several opportunities to envelop yourself in this holiday feeling. Aside from the great shopping, of course.  I’ll come back atcha with more details about these soon, but mark your calendars now for:

Saturday, December 1: White Christmas in the Village and the Parade of Lights, 3-7:30 pm, all along Main Street

Saturday December 8: The 2012 Webster Village Band Holiday Concert,  Schroeder High School

Saturday December 15: Lighting of the Lights, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Hanks Ice Cream235 North Avenue & Taylor Rental, 205 North Avenue

You can check out the Village website for more information or just check back here in the coming days to find out more about these terrific events.

Thursday mailbag

15 Nov

Today’s mailbag features three very neat events happening today and tonight, so I hope you didn’t have many plans.

The Maplewood’s annual Holiday Bazaar takes place today and tomorrow from 10 am to 5 pm both days. This is always a very popular event which is open to the public and features crafts, a bake sale and a raffle. Vendors will set up their booths in The Maplewood’s Eastman Lounge.  There should be plenty of on-site parking thanks to The Maplewood’s new West Main Street entrance and parking area.

Funds raised during the bazaar will benefit two local charities, Webster Comfort Care Home and Webster Hope House.

A look at last year’s Holiday Bazaar at The Maplewood.

The Maplewood Nursing Home is located at 100 Daniel Drive in the village of Webster.

* * *

Fans of American Idol will like this very special event happening this afternoon at Henderson Ford, 810 Ridge Road.  It’s called the Go Further With Ford Night; customers who stop by Henderson Ford from 4:30 to 7:30 today will have a chance to test their judging skills with American Idol and get a chance to win a unique VIP experience during the show’s 12th season.

A computer with a webcam will be set up in the dealership to allow consumers to view a special message from Ryan Seacrest and test their judging skills on camera, in true American Idol style. Contest entries will be sent back to Ford’s program headquarters, where a team of experts will evaluate and select one winner to receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hollywood and a unique VIP experience with American Idol.

For each person who attends Go Further with Ford Night today, Ford Motor Company will donate $10, up to $500, to Moose Charities, and Henderson Ford will match that offer.

Anyone 18 years and older who’s interested in participating in Go Further with Ford Night may preregister for the event at www.gofurtherwithfordnight.com and be entered for a chance to win tickets to a live taping of American Idol.

* * *

Finally, don’t miss the Third Annual GIRLS NIGHT OUT…HOLIDAY BAZAAR at Hatter’s Pub this evening from 7-9 pm.

It’s a special night for the ladies, featuring Lia Sophia Jewelry, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Dove Chocolates, Party Lite Gifts, uuthor Sharon Grace, Webster Gourmet and more. Plus,  Ellie’s Gluten-Free Bakery will be there will samples, and Budweiser will be offering samples of their new Gluten-Free beer.

This year for the first time, the event has partnered with the Webster Food Cupboard. Guests are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items or $5 gift certificates from area grocery stores.

What a great event for a great cause. C’mon ladies … check it out!  Hatter’s Pub is located at 5 West Main Street in Webster.

 

 

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)

Photos from Halloween in the Village

30 Oct

 

Click here to see a gallery of photos from Halloween in the Village

The worst of yesterday’s weather held off until the afternoon, allowing hundreds — perhaps thousands — of children and their parents to enjoy Webster’s annual Halloween in the Village event. When things got started around 11:30, there were so many people it was hard to even walk down the sidewalks.  Even the spitting rain which began around 1 pm didn’t keep kids from their candy rounds.

What’s so great about this event is not only that it’s a great thing for the kids, but it’s also a great reason for people to come into town, see what the village has to offer and meet some of the business owners.  It’s too bad the weather wasn’t better, but I was pleased to see that it was a success nonetheless.

I’ve posted a few photos here. Click on any one of them or the link above to redirect to a Facebook gallery of many more.

 

 

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.

 

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