Local laxer Dick Baran inducted into Hall of Fame

5 Nov
dick baran

Dick Baran making his acceptance speech Friday night.

Dick Baran, Long-time Webster lacrosse player, coach and all-around cheerleader, was recognized for his dedication to the sport Friday night when he was inducted into the Greater Rochester Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Known affectionately as the “Box-Father,” Baran is the prime designer and fund-raiser  of the “box” for small-sided lacrosse at Ridgecrest Park in Webster, and one of the leading promoters of the Webster Lacrosse Club.

The induction ceremony was hosted by the Rochester Chapter of US Lacrosse at the Burgundy Basin Inn. The 2018 class includes five individuals and two teams.

The Boys’ Lacrosse Section V website has this to say about Baran:

Dick Baran is a long-time lacrosse proponent, having served the Webster community for many years. In the 1990s he helped to secure funds for “after school at the box.” He organized trips to see college games at Syracuse University, where his charges would meet with Roy Simmons Jr. and tour the locker room facilities. More recently he has served a director of the Webster Micro-lacrosse program and in 2001 was named Citizen of the Year.

Baran is be the seventh Webster laxer to be honored by the local chapter. Also inducted on Friday night were Andrew Copelan, a stand-out Pittsford high school player and award-winning college coach; Terry Cotten, life-long Victor resident and three-sport athlete who continues to play in adult leagues; Canandaigua Academy head lacrosse coach Ed Mulheron; Brighton player, college coach and Team USA member Danielle Spencer; The 2009 Canandaigua Boys’ Varsity Team; and the 2004 Penn Yan Girls’ Varsity Team.

box father

Dick Baran (in the orange shorts) on the lacrosse field with some of his young players.

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A night for the books at Barry’s

4 Nov

IMG_20181103_221830707

Danny and Jessica Barry — and several hundred of their closest friends — gathered last night at Barry’s Old School Irish in the village to celebrate the little pub’s seventh anniversary.

Pints were raised, music was played, there was conversation, laughter, old friends reconnected, and new friends were made.

So basically, it was just like any other night at Barry’s.

I can say that with certainty, as I was one of the very lucky few who can say I knew the pub when it was a baby. I still remember the sunny day when I met Danny and Jess. It was Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, the day before they officially planned to open, when the village was hosting a sidewalk sale they called the “Gazost Festival.” (Any wonder why you haven’t seen it return?) Jess and Danny were both there, and Jess’s mom Debbie reminded me last night that she was there, too, scrubbing the floors.

Their door was open, and I was excited to have a chance to finally meet the people who had refurbished the old living Plumber shop and cleaned up the unsightly corner. Mostly, thought, I needed to find out what the heck a “pub and bakery” was.

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We chatted for a while, and I took a photo of them holding the Barry’s sign. (I’m sure you’re familiar with it.) As I was visiting with them, I had no idea how much these kids would change our village for the better.

Not much of consequence has really changed since that day. There’s new furniture, a couch has come and gone, and the “fireplace” is a distant memory (remember that?). And those early Friday nights when only a half dozen people sat at the bar have become very crowded — as has pretty much every night — as more and more people discover what Webster has long known:

Barry’s Old School Irish is a treasure.

The fact that not much has changed since the pub’s opening day is a testament to Danny and Jessica. They had a vision to make their new place unlike any other. They saw how the pubs in Ireland are truly “public” houses, welcoming young and old, a place where the music never stops and new friendships are made every night. A pub where parents can feel comfortable bringing their children, and you don’t have to worry about leaving your purse hanging on a hook behind some stranger. Where you can come for coffee and a scone in the morning, and a quiet corner to work in the afternoon.

Even after seven years, that vision has not wavered, and that is why people keep discovering Barry’s Old School Irish.

So yes, the place is often shoulder-to-shoulder, especially on St. Patrick’s Day and for celebrations like this. I do miss those intimate Friday nights. But last night it was clear how happy Danny and Jess were, and how much fun they were having. And it just made me smile.

Click here to see some more photos from the evening.

The D&C has deleted the very first blog I wrote after meeting Danny and Jess, but here it is in text if you’re interested.

 

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Spaghetti dinner to benefit local child

2 Nov
Superman

Liam GogginsH

Here’s just a quick note about another community event coming up this Saturday which I just learned about.

The Goggins family of Ontario will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday Nov. 3 at the Webster/Fairport Elks Lodge to help defray medical-related costs for their son Liam.

On July 28, 2018, Liam Goggins was celebrating his first birthday when he suddenly stopped breathing. His mother administered CPR, and he was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he stopped breathing again.

Tests showed that Liam’s heart had not developed properly. He was diagnosed with narrowing of the heart’s mitral valve, which was blocking blood flow into the left ventricle. Just days later, he underwent open heart surgery to replace his mitral valve with a mechanical valve. That valve has to be replaced one or two more times as he grows.

This weekend’s spaghetti dinner will help Liam’s parents, Zach and Lindsay, offset the costs of existing and future medical bills. It’s being hosted by the Webster/ Fairport Elks Lodge, 1066 Jackson Road, Webster on Saturday November 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. The dinner will include pasta with sauce and meatballs, salad and bread. A cash bar will also be available.

Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12. For tickets contact Barb Tegas at btega06@gmail.com or Cindy Van Buren, mcvb03@gmail.com.

The Webster/Fairport Elks Lodge Elks Lodge #2396, located at 1066 Jackson Rd. in Webster, meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. throughout the autumn and winter months. They also serve a fish fry dinner every Friday from 6 to 8:00 p.m. For more information call 585-872-1847 or email rmurphyl@rochester.rr.com.

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Bygone Blog — A silly song for autumn

30 Oct

11122011 leavesThis is the seventh in my series of Bygone Blogs, in which I am re-posting some of my favorite blogs from the last eight years. This one was originally published on November 2, 2011.

Carol of the Leaves

(sung to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”)
(Really. It’s much more fun if you sing along with it.)

It’s the most back-breaking time of the year,
When winter is calling,
the leaves are a’falling
And bagging-the-leaves time is here,
11122011leafIt’s the most back-breaking time of the year.

Yes, the most colorful season is here.
From the leaves on the trees
To the frustrated screams
That fall on your ears,
Yes, the most colorful season is here.

I think shoveling is better
Though snow’s cold and wetter,
I just push it and that’s not so bad.
Then the plows come on by
And they sweep it aside.
And I don’t have to stuff it in bags.

It’s the most back-breaking time of the year.
Some day thanks to our pleas,
Penfield WILL pick up leaves.
They’ll finally get it in gear.
It’s the most back-breaking time,
Yes, the most back-breaking time,
It’s the most back-breaking time of the year.

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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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Great indoor fun at the library

30 Oct

November is going to be a great month to visit the Webster Public Library.

For starters, the Webster Art Club’s Fall Show is set up all month (Nov. 3-30), so you can stop in anytime during the library’s open hours to see some gorgeous fine art. Things will be set up by Saturday afternoon November 3 at 2:30 p.m.

Wegmans will be on hand next Tuesday November 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. for a flu shot clinic. All right — this is not necessarily fun, but it’s really important to get a shot every year to protect you from — or lessen the severity of — the many strains of the flu that are bopping around this winter. No registration is needed, but remember to bring your insurance card.

And check out these delicious programs the library is cooking up for later in November:

unnamedSushi 101: An instructional program on how to make this tasty Japanese treat. All of the materials will be provided to make a vegetarian California roll, plus a set of wooden chopsticks and a bamboo rolling mat to take home.

Friday, November 23, 2 to 4 p.m., for adults and teens grades 6 and up. Registration is required. Cost is $2 per person, and please bring cash the day of the program.

Holiday Cookie Decorating Class: Students will learn a variety of cookie decorating techniques and use a variety of holiday designs and colors. Friday November 23, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for all ages. (children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.) Registration is required, and please also check out the class supply list.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating: Teens and tweens are invited to the Teen Lounge after school on Tuesday November 27 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for videos, board games, craft supplies, activities, homework help and snacks. Registration is not required.

Build Your Own Gingerbread House –– Bring the whole family to make a gingerbread house together! Supplies will be provided.

Families must register prior to the program in person at the library. Cost is $3 per family. Register one person per family, but bring as many as you want.

Class times are Saturday, November 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon; Monday, November 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; or Tuesday, November 25 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Registration opens Monday, November 5th.

Visit the Webster Public Library website to register for these programs (except for the gingerbread house making; do that in person). If you have any questions about any of these programs, call the library at 585-872-7075.

The library is located at 980 Ridge Road, at the back of the plaza.

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Webster community mailbag

29 Oct

So Halloween is not yet in the books, but let’s start looking forward to November and the REAL holiday season.

Let the craft shows begin

The first craft show I’ve heard about this shopping season is schedule for this Saturday November 3 at Schlegel Elementary School, 1548 Schlegel Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This annual event features more than 60 vendors, sweet treats, raffles, concessions and lots more. There is, of course, no admission, and there’s plenty of parking.

Barry’s celebrates another anniversary

It’s a big weekend at Barry’s Old School Irish, as Danny and Jessica celebrate the little Irish pub’s 7th anniversary.

You all know how close to my heart I hold Danny and Jessica Barry and their pub. And clearly they feel the same about the people they have met in Webster. This from the Facebook event notice:

This Pub is special for so many reasons. A dream of ours to open after honeymooning in Ireland, which became a reality at 20 and 24 years old. We’ve brought three crazy kiddos into this world since the year we opened Barry’s- our kids quickly gained MANY aunts and uncles from our pub community. We are so thankful to all those who call Barry’s home and are blessed to have made so many wonderful friends that have become Family to us. We’ve shared a lot of lasting memories together in these 7 years, let’s make a few more on November 3rd during our Anniversary Party!

You can check the Facebook event for details, but briefly, the celebration runs from 7:30 to 11 p.m. this Saturday November 3; Dave North will provide live entertainment; there’s an official whiskey toast, Guinness giveaways, an appearance by Jack the Bagpiper, and more.

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

Hot cocoa is back

Next Saturday, November 10, the Friends of Webster Trails will host their annual Hot Cocoa Hike at Four Mile Creek, rescheduled from a few days ago when it was stinky rainy and cold.

Arrive anytime between 7 and 8 p.m. and hike your way to some free hot chocolate. This popular event is NOT guided, but it is easy to do and fun for all ages. You’ll find your way by following a lighted path, starting at the parking lot. The exact route will be selected that week based on trail conditions and marked that evening for you to follow. It may be up to a mile in length (one way).

The hot chocolate will be free, hopefully the moon will be out, and there will be a lot of new friends to meet.

Pre-registration is requested. For more information and to sign up, click here. You can also find information under the events section of the Friends of Webster Trails website.

Four Mile Creek is located at the corner of Phillips and Lake roads, and there’s plenty of parking.

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Also on November 10, the Village of Webster’s second annual Bourbon Bash returns to the Harmony House from 6 to 9 p.m.

Bourbon fans can sample several craft and commercially-produced bourbons, plus fine foods from local restaurants. Participants can also enter a raffle for $15 to win a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle!

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. Proceeds will benefit Webster Local Charities. (Remember to bring your ID.)

The Harmony House is located at 58 East Main Street in Webster.

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Does your organization have any special holiday events coming up? Make sure to tell me about them so I can publicize them in my blog. Email me at missyblog@gmail.com.

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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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Photos from a cold, wet Trick or Treat Trail

27 Oct

 

tot trail 2

So the weather turned out to be exactly as awful as was forecast during Webster’s annual Halloween in the Village celebration on Saturday. It was cold. It was windy. It was raining pretty much the entire time, sometimes pretty hard.

So turnout for the Trick or Treat Trail wasn’t anywhere near what it was last year when we enjoyed 60-plus degree temperatures. But hundreds did brave the elements, popping in and out of about 50 village businesses for treats, and visiting the fire house and Webster Museum for special events. And kudos for all those business owners who also braved the rain and cold, setting up tents, or just sitting in the vestibules outside their shops.

tot trail 1Of course I took lots of photos. Since turnout was a little lower, chances are goo I got one of you and your family. Click here to see the entire gallery.

And thank you Webster BID, for another great event. Next year, let’s hope for snow. It might actually be less miserable.

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Updates on Trick or Treat Trail, Hot Cocoa Hike

26 Oct

blue-hot-chocolate-cup-mdSo it looks like Mother Nature is brewing up some wet weather for Saturday. Hopefully it will hold off enough so that families can enjoy the Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail.

The forecast has, however, caused the Friends of Webster Trails to reschedule the Hot Cocoa Hike, originally planned for Saturday night.

FWT President Shari Gnolek explained in the email I got this morning:

The weather forecast showed up to 3/4 of an inch of rain, 15 – 20mph winds, and a high of 42 degrees. Even if you were somehow excited about hiking in those conditions, the mud created by all of the hikers would generate a lot of damage to the trails after an already rainy fall season.

  • If you ARE signed up and CAN make it on November 10th – There is NOTHING you need to do.
  • If you ARE signed up and CAN’T make this new date – Please follow the link and CHANGE your RSVP to ‘No’.
  • If you AREN’T signed up, but you want to come on the new date – Please use the link to RSVP.

Click here to sign up.

It’s the first time in eight years that the Friends have had to reschedule the hike.

pumpkin border

The Trick or Treat Trail, on the other hand, is still happening!  And I have some more details about that.

Since I first blogged about this year’s event, I’ve found out there’s going to be a pet parade and costume contest in addition to the kids’ costume contest. You can click on the poster below to see the details, but here they are anyway:

2018_Special_Flier

The kids’ costume contest begins at 11 a.m. at the Community Meeting Room, 29 South Ave. To participate, remember to arrive between 11 and 11:30. Prizes will be awarded at 11:30.

The Trick-or-Treat Trail runs from noon to 3 p.m. Look for the pumpkins in the windows of the participating businesses.

The Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest and Parade is at 12:30 p.m. Participants should gather near Village Hall on West Main, and everyone will parade to the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park for judging.

And this news also recently in: My daughter Erin — who writes the bi-weekly Village Beat column for the Webster Herald — and I will be among the judges this year for the pet costume contest! So come on out and meet us!

The BID Festival Wagon will be giving free wagon rides through the village, and make sure to stop by the fire department (on South Ave.) and the museum (on Lapham Park) for their open house activities.

The latest weather report doesn’t look promising — so bring an umbrella and let’s have some fun anyway!

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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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The Garlic Festival is coming back!

24 Oct

garlic

I am excited to share some very happy news with you today: The very popular Webster Garlic Festival will be returning in 2019.

Just three years old when the Garlic Fest took a hiatus in 2018, the young festival had quickly become a draw for anyone who loved all things garlic. The event featured garlic vendors and cooking demonstrations, and lots of other community agencies and general vendors selling everything from cheese, honey and jams to hand-made jewelry and greeting cards. Plus, there was live entertainment and food trucks.

In its three years, the event raised $43,500, and a good chunk of those proceeds benefited Challenger Miracle Field.

It was a very big event, which naturally takes a lot of people to pull together. A small but very dedicated core group of volunteers was able to pull it off for the first three years, but decided to take a break for 2018.

Next year, though, the festival will return, and the folks at Miracle Field themselves will be leading the way. The dates are set — September 14 and 15, 2019 — at the Webster Recreation Center.

So mark your calendars now, the the Webster Garlic Festival is BACK!

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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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Two things to do with the family this Saturday

23 Oct

Two fun events happening this Saturday October 27. You already know about the Trick-or-Treat Trail in the Village, of Webster. Let’s hope for reasonable weather for this amazing family-friendly event.

You can read details about that event in  my previous blog here.

That evening, help the kids walk off some of those extra calories at the annual Friends of Webster Trails Hot Cocoa Hike at Four Mile Creek Preserve, at the corner of Phillips and Lake roads.

blue-hot-chocolate-cup-mdArrive anytime between 7 and 8 p.m. and hike your way to some free hot chocolate. This popular event is NOT guided, but it is easy to do and fun for all ages. You’ll find your way by following a lighted path, starting at the parking lot. The exact route will be selected that week based on trail conditions and marked that evening for you to follow. It may be up to a mile in length (one way).

The hot chocolate will be free, hopefully the moon will be out, and there will be a lot of new friends to meet.

friends

Pre-registration is requested. For more information and to sign up, click here. You can also find information under the events section of the Friends of Webster Trails website.

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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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