Barry’s Old School Irish gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day

4 Mar

barry's old school

Now that it’s finally March and Valentine’s Day is in the rear-view mirror, planning for St. Patrick’s Day here at our little corner Irish pub is in high gear. And of course, when Danny and Jessica Barry do the planning, the St. Patrick’s Day celebrating can no way be contained to just one day.

Starting Sunday March 8, Barry’s will host a series of events, one almost every day, building up to a full schedule of events on Parade Day and St. Patrick’s Day itself.

You can check the Barry’s Old School Irish Facebook page for more details, and I’ll post more soon, but here are some highlights:

  • Sunday March 8: Whiskey tasting from 2 to 4 p.m.  Cost is $20 per person and registration is required.
  • Tuesday March 10: Our weekly Barry’s Run/Walk,  and free etched pint glasses on the house, courtesy Guinness. 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday March 11: Trivia Night, beginning at 7:15 p.m. Gotta register for this one, too, since table space is limited.
  • Thursday March 12: Open Mic Night at 7 p.m.
  • Friday March 13: Irish Music Sing Along with Kevin Reynolds
  • Saturday March 14 (Parade Day): Music, dance and food all day beginning at 8 a.m. including, for the first time in several years, a return engagement by Barry’s Crossing.
  • Tuesday March 17: More music, dancing, food, great drink, bagpiper, all day.

Check the Barry’s Old School Irish Facebook page for details.

* * *

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.

Spry Middle School to present Fiddler on the Roof this weekend

3 Mar

posterA theatrical classic will be presented this weekend by Spry Middle School when the drama club performs Fiddler on the Roof Jr. at Willink Middle School on Friday and Saturday.

You read that right. It’s this year’s Spry Middle School spring musical, but it’s being staged at Willink thanks to some rather intense renovations and construction going on right now at Spry. Among other things, the school’s cafetorium is being gutted and rebuilt, which means the musical was completely uprooted.

That by itself should be reason enough for people to want to come out and support these kids. For several months they’ve been trying to pull together the production while faced with some fairly significant hurdles. For a long time, for example, they didn’t even have a stage to rehearse on. Once the Willink stage opened up, they still had to share it with other groups, and had to be bused over there every day, a trip which took up valuable rehearsal time.

None of those difficulties will be evident,  however, when the curtain rises opening night. Audience members will just see an amazing performance presented by some amazing young actors and actresses.

Shows will take place at Willink Middle School, 900 Publisher’s Parkway, this Friday March 6 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday March 7 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 available online at this link. There might be some available at the door, but Spry shows usually sell out, so you might not want to take that chance.

* * *

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.

We’d like your opinion about our village parks

1 Mar

Are you a regular visitor to our Village of Webster parks? Even an only occasional visitor? Do you like taking your kids to the playgrounds or your dog to run around? Do you enjoy the Friday night concerts at the gazebo every summer? Do you even know that the village has FIVE parks?

These are some of the questions that the Village of Webster Parks Committee would like to ask you, to get a better handle on who uses our parks, how they’re used, and how they might be improved.

So the committee is asking both village and non-village residents to fill out a short survey to help guide future park planning. The survey can be found by clicking here, and should only take a few minutes to complete.

The survey is the first of several initiatives the committee will be implementing in the coming months to bring more awareness to our village parks which will include a “discover your parks” scavenger hunt this spring.

The survey will be available for a while, but please consider taking a few minutes to fill it out right now. Just click here: Village of Webster Parks Survey.

* * *

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.

Webster Library to host Irish cultural event

25 Feb

Siamsa Logo March 2020

On March 6, for the 5th year in a row, the City of Rochester and County of Monroe will declare March Irish American Heritage Month, in recognition of all the contributions by Irish descendants in our community both past and present.

The declaration will be made at a joint press conference with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee at City Hall at 10 a.m. on the 6th, officially kicking off a month-long celebration of Irish culture which includes parade — of course — on Saturday March 14, and lots of Irish-themed events all over the county.

The Webster Public Library joins the celebration on Wed. March 11 when they host a Siamsa (pronounced “shEEm-suh”), an evening of Irish culture and entertainment from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The 90-minute program will include traditional music, dancing and historical stories, presented by five local Irish organizations.

The schedule looks like this:

  • 7 to to 7:15 p.m.: soda bread-making demonstration by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
  • 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.: traditional Irish music session by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
  • 7:45 to 8:15 historical presentation by the Irish American Cultural Institute president Michael McCarthy, featuring an overview of Col. Patrick O’Rorke’s life, death and legacy.
  • 8:15 to 8:30 p.m.: Irish step dance by Jamieson Irish Dance and Creative Arts
  • 8:30 p.m.: conclusion of the program and soda bread tasting 

Registration is not required, but seating is limited and when I went last year, it was pretty crowded, so get there early.

* * *

Also coming up at the library, an Irish Genealogy workshop on Monday March 16, at 7 p.m.

Topics will include U.S.-research tips with emphasis on the immigrant ancestor and how to find their siblings and parents; a process to use the results of your research to mine Irish records, and an overview of all other Irish resources.

Registration is required. For more information and to register call the library at (585) 872-7075 and choose 3 for the Reference Desk.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

* * *

P.S. If you can’t make it to the Siamsa presentation at the Webster Public Library, the same program will be hosted by the Penfield Public Library on Wednesday March 25 at 7 p.m. Registration for this program is required. Call the Penfield Public Library at (585) 340-8720 for more information.

* * *

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.

 

The Webster Community Ice Rink warming shed is officially open

23 Feb

 

IMG_1383

Last Saturday Feb. 15 was a sunny, yet very cold, 14 degree day in Webster. But the chill temperatures did not stop several hardy souls from officially dedicating the brand new warming hut at the Webster Community Ice Rink, located at the Webster Recreation Center.

The ribbon-cutting was conducted by Webster Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty, supported by members of the Webster Parks and Recreation staff and employees as well as several members of the Webster Rotary.

In October 2018 the Webster Rotary Club donated the funds for the Parks and Rec to purchase the liner and walls for the rink, and procured additional funding in 2019 to build the changing hut for the skaters. The new shelter measures 16 ft. by 10 ft., has two benches and thick rubber flooring to prevent damage to skates. It’s enclosed on three sides and open to the ice.

The shelter was designed by Rotarian Rich Comins and constructed by the Parks and Recreation employees.

The community ice rink is located in front of the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, off of Phillips Rd. just north of the village. It’s a nice size, 52 ft. by 104 ft., and is totally FREE for anyone to use. You don’t even have to be a member of the Rec Center. As far as I know, it’s the only outdoor public ice surface in town, and thanks to the new warming shed, it’s even better than ever.

For updated ice conditions, call 872-7103, option 3.

IMG_0399

* * *

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.

What’s up with the old Webster Automotive?

22 Feb

IMG_20200219_163807360

I’ve gotten a few questions over the last few weeks about what’s going on at the old Webster Automotive building, at 109 West Main. Renovations have been taking place inside and out and the rumors are flying about what might be going in there. The one I’ve heard most often is that it’s going to be a brewpub.

Several people approached me to see if I knew anything, and I had to admit that I did not. But I have ways of finding out. 

I started asking around, and a few people suggested I email Webster Building Inspector Will Barham. They assured me that, given his position in the village,  he would have all the answers.

He didn’t.

“I don’t know,” he wrote, when I asked what was going into the old automotive shop.

The owner, Greg Chambery (owner of The Maplewood on Daniel Drive), felt the building needed to be updated (new framing, making it accessible, insulation, HVAC, etc.) to make it marketable. So for now, he has a “general remodeling permit.”

So there’s our answer. Right now we don’t know what it’s going to be, and Chambery is being rather tight-lipped about his plans for it, if he has any. Maybe it will be a brewery after all, but maybe not. In any case, it will be a welcome and exciting addition to our village, to be sure.

Stay tuned!

* * *

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.

Harmony House event celebrates women’s right to vote

20 Feb
Victoria-Woodhull

Victoria Woodhull

Now here’s something I’ll bet you didn’t know: the first woman to run for President of the United States actually did it in way back in 1872.

Her name was Victoria Woodhull, and not only does she hold that honor, she can also claim a familial connection with Webster. She was the daughter-in-law of Byron Woodhull, the Town of Webster’s first supervisor.

Those are just a few of the fascinating facts you’ll learn when the Webster Museum hosts Women Beyond Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the Harmony House on Sunday Feb. 23 at 2 p.m., presented by Jack Kowiak.

The program is being held in honor of the 200th anniversary of women winning the right to vote. Most of know of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and how they championed the cause of women’s rights in the late 1800s. But many other women of that era — like Victoria Woodhull — made their mark as well, and you’ll learn about them at this presentation.

The program is free and no registration is required. For more information about this and other Webster Museum programs, click here to visit their website.

* * *

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.

Webster Library fun and trains

19 Feb

strike backThree cool events coming up in the next few days at the Webster Public Library that I want to let you know about.

The first is Thursday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m., when Strike Back Martial Arts, a jujitsu dojo located in the Village of Webster, will be on hand for the weekly Family Night to present a workshop. Participants will learn proper striking and kicking technique, some simple self-defense drills especially suited for children, and throwing skills.

This will be a very hands-on workshop, and parents will be able to participate as well in several of the lessons.

I am especially excited about the evening because I’ll be there, helping to present the workshop. So if you’d like to (literally) throw me around, be there at Family Night Thursday night in the library’s storytime room.

* * *

I’ll be back at the library on Friday from noon to 3:30 p.m. for my very first “Office Hours” event. I’ll be parked in a comfortable chair in the main lobby, computer in hand, working on blogs if you’d like to come by and say hi.

As I said a few days ago when I first told you about this event, I know that a lot of people read my blog, but I’ve met relatively few of you. This is a great opportunity to change that. It’s a chance for you to ask me any burning questions you might have, let me know about upcoming events, or just talk about Webster things.

You won’t be able to miss me; I’m going to have a poster and everything.

steam-train

And while you’re at the library visiting me on Friday, stop by the N-Scale Model Railroading Exhibit, which will be taking place in the community room from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It continues on Saturday as well, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the completion of first U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. To commemorate that, the library will have two full days of N-scale model railroading featuring T-track modules designed by the Genesee & Ontario Model N-Gineers. The entire community room will be filled with railroad tracks. Adults and kids both will want to see it.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza. For more information about these and other library programs, click here.

* * *

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.

 

Webster community mailbag

18 Feb

Some good food and good news from our Webster athletes in today’s mailbag.

St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., invites community members to attend their annual FREE Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday Feb. 25 (which just happens to be Mardi Gras!)

Dinner will include sausages, applesauce, and unlimited pancakes, served from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church. In honor of Mardi Gras, there’ll be beads and make-your-own mask crafts for the kids (and fun-loving adults). Feel free to come dressed in your best Mardi Gras finery!

All are welcome, so bring your whole family, and invite your friends. Call the church at 671-1899 with questions or to reserve seats .

The folks at St. Martin’s are holding this event in appreciation to the Webster community for its continuing support of all of its programs and missions. While the dinner if free, a free-will offering to support the church’s Little Free Pantry will be gratefully accepted.

* * *

IMG_1057

Now this notice about our Webster high school athletes doing great things for our community:

On Tuesday February 11, 2020, Webster Schroeder’s Hockey program organized and executed a successful community service even to address a very important topic: mental health.

Two hockey teams. One Webster. One fight. So many reasons. Beneath their armor of pads and skates, there are kind, caring individuals on our hockey teams who came together to raise awareness of NAMI Rochester (the Rochester chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness) in support of mental health.

The WCSD varsity hockey teams shared an important moment on the ice…where everyone was leveled by a single sheet of paper that signified a reason they fight. For someone, or a principle. Stopping and thinking about mental health and someone or a group of someones who are fighting a battle no one knows about. The boys filled out a sign and held it at the start of the game, both lineups facing the flag and recognizing the fight that may be in us all, even if we don’t know it.

Proceeds from the event — which included a raffle, Chuck-A-Puck contest and wristband sales — will be donated to NAMI Rochester.

 

* * *

Webster Youth Sports Council PosterThe Webster Youth Sports Council will host sport psychologist Craig Cypher and a panel of local and regional health professionals for a discussion about “The Purpose of Youth Sports” on Thursday March 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The evening is billed as a “can’t-miss night of valuable sports-related information for parents, coaches and students.”

The panel will be held in the Webster Schroeder auditorium, 875 Ridge Rd. Child care will be available for children ages 3+.

For more information about the panel members, click on the poster.

* * *

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.

A great chance to learn about our museum!

17 Feb

museum

This is a quick notice about a great program coming up TOMORROW, Tuesday Feb. 18, that’s perfect for the whole family.

It’s a tour of our very own Webster Museum. If you’ve never been here, this is a great chance to immerse yourself in Webster history and see what a terrific resource the museum is for our town and village.

Museum docents will be on hand to guide you through Webster’s past as depicted in exhibits, displays, maps, a schoolroom, signs, and notebooks. Whether you’re a Webster native or not, there will be plenty to see and learn.

The our will take place Tuesday Feb. 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the village.

Registration is required and spots are limited, but there are a few left. The program is being offered through the Webster Public Library, so click here to register ASAP.

* * *

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.