Tag Archives: Local business

Dark Arts Muay Thai & Jiu Jitsu is area’s newest martial arts school

30 May

As a martial artist myself, I am well versed in the many benefits the martial arts offer for adults, and especially children: self-confidence, flexibility, coordination, aerobic workout and self-defense skills to name a few. Which is why I’m always happy to let people know when a new dojo moves into town.

One of the most recent additions to the Webster/Penfield martial arts scene is Dark Arts Muay Thai & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which officially opened on April 1 in Bay Centre Plaza, 1217 Bay Rd. (next door to Bert’s Bikes). I stopped in a few weeks ago to meet co-owner Juan Hernandez, check out the new space, find out what kinds of classes are offered, and — most importantly — find out what the heck “Muay Thai” is.

The space is beautiful, and much improved over its formal iteration as the Goodwill redemption center. “This was a skeleton” when they signed the lease, Juan said. “We built everything from scratch.” And by everything, he means plumbing, lighting, building a new wall, adding huge ceiling fans, painting everything, and adding new bathrooms and showers to accommodate students who need early-morning classes.

The heavily-matted training area takes up most of the 1800+ square-foot studio, leaving plenty of room for equipment storage, cubbies for students’ needs, and an area for spectators. Classes are offered every day but Sunday, sometimes beginning as early as 6 a.m. They run the gamut from kids’ jiu jitsu and Muay Thai (beginning at 4 years old) to classes for adults and a weapons class.

Plus, Juan said, “We’re big into empowering women,” so Dark Arts also offers a ladies-only jiu jitsu class, and a monthly self-defense class.

And while Dark Arts is new to the area’s martial arts community, Juan Hernandez is not new to martial arts or to teaching. He was only three and a half years old when he started training, and of course he continues to do so today, almost 40 years later. He’s been teaching for 22 years, at various dojos around the Rochester area. His reputation has preceded him, both as a teacher and proprietor of a safe, respectful and friendly environment.

And what exactly is Muay Thai? I’m told it’s a Thailand-based martial art also known as the “art of eight limbs” because practitioners use fists, elbows, knees and shins. I’m not at all familiar with it, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but I really liked what I saw when I popped in to watch the end of a class. The people are friendly, the teaching staff very supportive and positive, and the workout challenging.

Anyone who’d like to check out the facility and try a class for themselves is welcome to stop by any Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for open mat time; there’s no drop-in fee and you don’t need a GI.

Visit the Dark Arts website or Facebook page to see the whole schedule, and find out more about our area’s newest martial arts dojo.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/29/2024)

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Deborah MacKay School of Dance celebrates 40 years

29 May

It’s been 40 years since Debbie Tiffany opened Deborah MacKay School of Dance, tucked into a one-room dance studio in Baytowne Plaza. She, and her school, have come a long way since.

Anyone who knows even a little about Debbie’s early years isn’t the least bit surprised that she became a successful dance teacher. She started dancing herself when she was just 5 years old, under the tutelage of Donna Throumoulos. She went on to get professional training in Toronto, New York City and Miami under mentors Judy Bassing and Brian and Faye Foley. It was then that she realized her passion was not just performance.

“One day in a dance class I was so intrigued with the choreography that I realized I wanted to teach and pass on my knowledge more than perform it,” she wrote. “That decided my future of opening my own school.”

When she opened that small studio in 1984, she had only 54 students and a limited number of classes in ballet, tap and jazz. It didn’t take long, however, before she outgrew that space, and Deborah MacKay Dance moved to the Village of Webster, where it would remain for 26 years. As more classes were added and more students signed up, it became clear that more parking and classrooms were desperately needed. So in 2015 Debbie purchased the old Webster Inn building at 1695 Ridge Rd. (just east of Salt), where the studio now boasts three classrooms and lots more private parking. The classes, too, have expanded, and now include pointe, contemporary, theater, hip hop, conditioning, and kindergarten development.

Classes are offered for children as young as 3 years old, and most students continue to train at the school through their high school graduation. Many have been awarded college scholarships for dance, and several have turned professional, dancing for companies including the Carolina Ballet Theater, Paul Taylor II and the Rochester City Ballet.

A few photos from a recent rehearsal

Deborah MacKay School of Dance’s continued success can be attributed in large part to Debbie’s philosophy.

“Every student counts, whether they dance one day a week or five,” she wrote. What we do at the studio goes far beyond dance education and technique; we strive to inspire students to be successful and the best people they can be. Teamwork, dedication and perseverance are qualities we hope to pass on as students graduate from our school.

And while there’s been a lot of dancing and a lot of performances in the last 40 years, for Debbie, the best part about teaching dance is — and always has been — the people.

The relationships you develop over the years are the backbone of the business. My teachers are all alumni and we have many second-generation students. Parents of graduated students still help out in the office, making props, or volunteering at our yearly show. Several of our alumni are still friends to this day, and I hope most people hold onto good memories of their time at the school.

A good example of how committed Debbie is to sharing her passion for dance came from Michelle Gibbs, a parent whose two daughters, Maren and Hollis, have been dancing for seven years. Her son Parker, however, “can’t dance, just like me,” she laughed. “My son has never taken a dance class,” she said, “but he fell in love with theater in school. I asked Debbie if there was a class he could take.”

So Debbie created a brand new theater dance class for Parker and a bunch of other kids who don’t want, or need, the traditional dance class experience.

Community members are invited to help celebrate the Deborah MacKay Dance School’s 40th anniversary by attending this weekend’s show, Encore ’24! It will feature some of the school’s favorite performances, more than 30 different dances representing the entire gamut of styles. It will be held Saturday June 1 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday June 2 at 3 p.m., at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $16 if purchased before Saturday, when the process goes up to $18. Click here to reserve your seats.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/29/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

25 May

The Chorus of the Genesee invites YOU

Are you a guy who loves to sing, or do you know a guy who loves to sing? Webster’s very own Chorus of the Genesee is hosting a Guest Night on Tuesday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Learn more about the Chorus, who they are and what they do. There’ll be singing, snacking and socializing. Click here to find out more.

Yoga at the Gazebo

Molly Flaherty, owner of M/Body Webster, is hosting FREE outdoor community yoga classes in Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave. every Sunday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. through Sept. 8.

While there’s no charge, registration is required. Click here to register. This event is being held in conjunction with the Webster BID and Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Day of Caring at The Webster Arboretum

Thursday May 23 was the annual Day of Caring, and the Webster Arboretum sent along this report on what their volunteers got accomplished:

“The Day of Caring, sponsored by United Way, is the community’s single largest volunteer effort, helping local nonprofits with projects, or ‘needs’, that they may not otherwise have resources for. We would like to thank Carestream Health, TRSS, Rockwell Automation, Hillside Children Center, Excellus, Paychex and Bond, Schoennay & King for supporting the Webster Arboretum. (Thursday) these groups came out in force to weed, mulch and beautify the Webster Arboretum. Thanks to their hard work we look better than ever. Stop by and enjoy the benefits of their labor.”

And don’t forget about these upcoming June Events at the Arboretum:

  • Composting workshops, Wednesday June 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. or Tuesday June 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The presenter will be Barbara Cummings from the Wayne County Master Gardener Program. No registration is required.
  • Program about peonies, the “queen of flowers,” Sunday June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Arboretum board member George Riehle will give a tour and present the program, focusing on the care and cultivation of peonies and tree peonies. Please register at the Webster Arboretum website. 
  • The Music at the Arb series continues this summer when Jazz Generation performs at the Arboretum gazebo on Thursday June 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The performance is weather-dependent. Bring your chairs, blankets, snacks and beverages. There’s no cost and registration is not necessary.

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Miracle Field announces inaugural golf tournament

This is exciting news from our friends at Challenger Miracle Field. They’ve just announced they’ll be hosting their first-ever golf tournament on Monday Sept. 9 at Irondequoit Country Club.

The Early Bird Golf Package will go for $1,000 a team if purchased before June 30, when the price will go up to $1,100. Packages include a round of golf for four people, golf carts, lunch and dinner.

Sponsorships are available for individuals and businesses beginning at $200.

Click here to register for the tournament and click here for more information about sponsorships.

Special Olympics Returns to Schroeder Campus

This notice from the Webster CSD:

Webster Central School District will once again host the Northeast Monroe County Special Olympics Track and Field Day.

Student athletes from nine area schools will compete throughout the day on Wednesday, May 29 at the Webster Schroeder High School track. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:45 a.m. with the New York State Police Torch Relay slated to arrive around 10:15 a.m. Competitions will begin immediately following. Webster Schroeder, Webster Thomas, East Irondequoit, West Irondequoit, Penfield, Creekside, Mary Cariola, Greece Athena, and Fairport high schools will all be represented, competing in a variety of track, field, and adaptive events.

New this year will be several unified events. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability.

Additionally, Special Olympics NY will again offer more opportunity for age-appropriate sport activities for younger children. Their Young Athletes program, for ages 2-7, offers a variety of motor learning stations that introduces athletes to play and develops skills that lead to sport-specific movements and activities. Developmental Sports, for ages 8-11, is a step up from Young Athletes and focuses on skill development in sport activities. Both of these Special Olympics programs are designed to prepare younger athletes for authentic Special Olympics competition.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/25/2024)

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Grand opening this Friday will celebrate new village hair salon

18 Apr

The community is invited this Friday evening to welcome the village’s newest salon, Shear Inspiration, to 33 North Ave.

Jessica Warren, who has worked for Robyn Whittaker at Beyond Cuts Salon for five years, will be introducing her new salon to the community at her grand opening celebration, Friday April 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event will have food, drinks, a photo booth, door prize raffles, giant Jenga, giant connect four, tabletop cornhole, goodie bags (first-come, first-served) and more. If the weather’s nice, look for some of the games outside. There will also be some ASL interpreters from RIT there to bridge the communication gap for deaf visitors if needed. The door will be open, so stop in anytime between 5 and 8 p.m., and stay as long as you want.

Don’t fear!!! This does not mean that Robyn is leaving the business. This is more of an administrative move. Even though the Beyond Cuts name is no longer over the door, rest assured that Robyn will still be there to serve her own faithful clients under the Shear Inspiration roof. So stop by and say hi to both Jessica and Robyn Friday night.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/18/2024)

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Webster Chamber Names Turner Auto Care April Business of the Month

15 Apr

Congratulations to Turner Auto Care on being named the Webster Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for April 2024. The award was presented at the Chamber’s Breakfast Before Business meeting on March 22.

Turner Auto Care is well known for being one of Webster/Penfield’s finest import specialty repair shops. Located at 1411 Empire Blvd. since 1972, Turner is celebrating its 55th year in business this year.

The Turner business was founded by three Turner brothers. In 2011, Scott Bartlett joined Turner Auto Care, working with Robert Turner, who retired in 2014. Scott’s wife Vicki Bartlett joined the team in 2016, continuing a family-owned business structure.

Upon presenting the award, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry Howard said of Turner, “they believe (that) priorities of education, trust, and exceeding expectations develop customer feelings of being welcomed, safe, and valued.” In addition to being a Chamber member, Turner Auto Care supports several community non-profit agencies including the Webster Girl Scouts, Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets, GirlRock! and Webster Thomas Titan Service Scholars.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is this Friday April 26, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro (far left) presents the April 2024 Business of the Month award to Scott and Vicki Bartlett of Turner Auto Care.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/15/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Apr

There are several new events in today’s mailbag, plus reminders about a few things I’ve mentioned in previous mail bags, so let’s dig in …

WCSD absentee and early voter ballots available

Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are now available.

Absentee ballots are for qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available at the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

Qualified voters of the district who may wish to use an early voter ballot May download one from the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

All absentee and early voter ballot applications must be RECEIVED by the district clerk at least seven business days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be picked up personally by the voter.

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 21, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.

Got stuff to shred?

The Webster Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with Kinecta Federal Credit Union on Saturday April 20 for a Drive-up Shred Fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Safely dispose of sensitive and unwanted documents for free.

The event will take place at the Kinecta’s Webster Main Branch, 189 West Main St. Limit is 10 boxes per person, and while you can drop them off for free, a $1 donation per box is suggested to benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Click here for more details.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce would also like to invite any and all business owners to the next Monthly breakfast meeting, Friday April 26.

Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Click here for more details about this month’s program and to register.

Fashion and fun, courtesy the Women’s Club of Webster

Fabulous food, fashions, fun, friendship, raffles and door prizes are on the menu for the 2024 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, Sunday May 19, sponsored by The Women’s Club of Webster.

In addition to the beautiful fashions on display, participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, with choices of a crisp apple salad with shrimp, cheese, candied nuts, craisins and dressing; or chicken French with lemon sauce, linguine and green beans. Both choices include coffee and dessert.

The donation is $37.00 per person. Please mail your choice of entree, names of people you wish to sit with, and check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Laura Fawcett, 28 Wheatstone Circle, Fairport, NY 14450. Reservations are due by May 8. Net proceeds are donated to local charities.

The luncheon and fashion show will be held on Sunday May 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Fashions will be presented by Chico’s. Questions can be directed to Laura at (585) 329-5317 or Bonnie Travis at (585) 671- 2345.

Also, this news from the Women’s Club of Webster: the ladies will be providing their famous cookies for the cookie table at the Red Cross blood drive, Saturday April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

Appointments for the blood drive are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

It’s all about the bees

The Webster Arboretum will present a fascinating program on Tuesday April 23 when longtime Webster beekeeper Mike Kopeki will answer the question, “The Queen Must Die and Drones Too …WHY? ”  

Mike will be joined by Kevin Gorman, who raises queen honeybees, and Amy Stringer, beekeeper and owner of the North Bee honey shop in the Village of Webster. The three presenters will discuss a variety of topics all about bees and beekeeping.  

No registration or fee is required. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Meet at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

WHEN will host spring Drug Take-Back event

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. More than 50 agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

If you’re an organization that would like to participate, please email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org.

Books, books books (and all really cheap!)

The Friends of the Webster Public Library‘s spring book sale is happening April 24 to 27, with all books priced 50 cents (paperbacks) or $1 (hardcovers).

The Friends Members Night will be April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., with the general public sale from Thursday through Saturday. Bring your own bag on Friday or Saturday and fill it for just $5,

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.  

Chicken BBQ for dinner

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold a Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 4 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

Whew. That is all. For now.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/12/2024)

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Serving up burgers your way for almost 40 years

23 Mar

It’s not at all unusual to hear about people who’ve been working for the same company for 20, 30 or more years, especially when we talk about Kodak and Xerox. But working for 40 years at Burger King?

That’s the case for one longtime and very loyal employee at the Burger King on Hard Rd. in Webster. If you’re a regular customer there, you most certainly know Gail, or at least would recognize her, because she’s been serving up Whoppers there — and at Burger King’s previous location on Main Street in the village — for almost 40 years.

Gail began her Burger King career in 1977, shortly after she moved from the city to North Penfield with her husband and three children. It was that year her youngest began kindergarten, and she decided she wanted to get a part-time job to fill the time when her kids were in school.

But why Burger King? Simply because “it was available,” she said. “They had a sign out.” Gail was hired as a cashier, and worked there for 23 years, welcoming customers every morning with a smile and a friendly face.

Clearly, the job was a perfect fit. “I love people,” Gail said. “I like the camaraderie, the customers and the great crew.”

When her husband passed away in 1997, life took a turn and she had to leave her beloved position at Burger King for a full-time job as a housekeeping manager at the Fairfield Inn. She worked there for eight years, then spent some time babysitting her grandchildren, until they, also, were all enrolled in school.

It was time to find a part-time job again. Naturally, her first stop was her old home, Burger King. The restaurant had since moved from its Main Street location to Hard Road, but Jen, the manager who had originally hired her, was still there.

“I told her I wanted to come back,” Gail said. “I asked her, would you hire me part-time? That was 15 years ago and here I am again.”

You’ll see Gail behind the front counter 20 to 25 hours a week, mostly in the mornings. “I like the front counter because there’s more interaction with the customers,” she said. “I have my customers and I know what they want. … I like the customers and I love the crew I work with. … It’s fun.”

I asked Gail if she was planning to hang around for a while. She didn’t even have a chance to answer before her manager yelled from across the dining room, “She’s not going anywhere!”

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It’s worth noting that Gail is not the only staff member at our Webster Burger King who’s been there pretty much forever.

Nicolle Barnhart got her first job at the Main St. restaurant in 1987, right out of high school. She began in the kitchen, moved up to cash register and ultimately became restaurant manager for the Webster store. Aside from being moved around to other locations a few times, in 37 years she’s never left Burger King.

“I never thought I was going to do this for a living,” Nicole said. But, she added, working there is like having “another family.”

Sounds like a pretty cool place to work.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/23/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

17 Mar

Couple of events coming up at the Webster Arboretum on Schlegel Rd. in the coming weeks. The first is a special event for Eclipse Day, April 8.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the Arboretum is planning a day-long event when the Curry building will be open with complimentary hot and cold beverages. There’ll be a poetry reading at noon, featuring Jennifer Maloney and Jonathan Everitt, who will share some of their original works. Afterwards, community members will be invited to present some of their own poetry. (In the case of inclement weather, the readings will be moved to the Curry building.)

The eclipse itself will begin at about 2:07 p.m., and community members are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and solar eclipse glasses to relax and enjoy the event surrounded by the beautifully landscaped park, away from noise and light pollution.

Also at the Webster Arboretum, on Tuesday April 23 at 7 p.m., longtime Webster beekeeper Mike Kopeki will answer the question, “The Queen Must Die and Drones Too …WHY? ”  

Mike will be joined by Kevin Gorman, who raises queen honeybees, and Amy Stringer, beekeeper and owner of the North Bee honey shop in the Village of Webster. The three presenters will discuss a variety of topics all about bees and beekeeping.  

No registration or fee is required.  Meet at the Curry Building in the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

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The spring musical season concludes this coming weekend when Webster Thomas Theater presents Shrek the Musical in four performances, Thursday March 21 through Saturday March 23.

The cast is led by Marcello Serventi as Shrek, Alyssa Walsh as Fiona, Matteo Serventi as Donkey, and Jamie McCarthy as Farquaad, joined by a cast, crew and pit orchestra totaling 55 Titans.

The award-winning Broadway musical — based on the wildly popular DreamWorks film — is perfect for the entire family. It will take the Webster Thomas stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 21-23 at 7 p.m., and a matinee performance on Saturday at 1 p.m. Reserve-seat tickets are $14 and can be purchased here (search for “Webster Thomas Theater”).

Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.

I’ll be posting much more about this show in the next few days, so stay tuned.

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Attention all Swifties!

LaLa of Webster is planning a Taylor Swift event with music, merchandise, crafts and raffles on Saturday April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a great way to get ready for Taylor’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department on April 19. Participants are asked to bring a can of cat food to donate to a local cat shelter/rescue.

Details are still coming together, but you can stay on top of the latest by visiting the Facebook event page here.

Here’s something I’m working on for a longer blog, but you’ll want to know about now to mark your calendars.

Ruff Day Pet Resort has settled into their brand new digs on Gravel Rd. and will be celebrating with a Grand Reopening “Spring Fling” Party and fundraiser for homeless pets.

Ruff Day offers standard and luxury lodging options for pups to spend a weekend or a day to play. They offer training, boarding, daycare and spa services. 

On Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can meet the staff, take a tour of the new facility, enjoy refreshments, meet adoptable puppies from local rescues, and more.

Ruff Day is located at 1085 Gravel Rd., Webster. More to come about this great event.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/17/2024)

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Thank you Jersey Mike’s!

10 Mar

Jersey Mike’s Subs continues to do great things for our community. Most recently, our Webster Jersey Mike’s shop presented a check to Wreaths Across America-Webster for $450, which represented the proceeds from a week-long fundraiser held last November.

Wreaths Across America (WWA) local coordinator Cherie Wood said the funds will be used to sponsor 26 veteran wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day 2024 on Dec. 14. And for each sponsored wreath, WWA will give $5 back — or $130 — to the American Gold Star Mothers of Rochester, an organization of American mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of the United States. Rochester chapter president Dorothy Reid said those funds will be used to purchase tickets, food and shopping vouchers for an Amerks game for Eagle Star Housing veterans in Rochester and Batavia.

The check presentation was just a small part of Jersey Mike’s ongoing commitment to give back to their local communities. Last year, for example, our Rochester-area Jersey Mike’s shops donated $64,000 to Special Olympics, and this March — their Month of Giving — they hope to top $100,000. You can help by visiting any Jersey Mike’s shop on Wednesday March 27, when 100% of their proceeds will be donated to Special Olympics. All month long they’ll also be offering their customers the chance to round up their purchases, or purchase coupon cards for discounts on future orders:

  • donate $1 and get a $1 coupon
  • donate $3 and get a coupon for a free chip and drink
  • donate $5 and get a coupon for a free sub when you buy another

Our Webster Jersey Mike’s is located at 975 Ridge Rd., in the small plaza across from the former Hegedorn’s. (Pictured above: Webster Union Cemetery president George Baker, Wreath Across America local coordinator Cherie Wood, Gold Star Mothers president Dorothy Reid, Jersey Mike’s manager Andrew Brink and staff member Josh Chatmon.)

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 3/10/2024)

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It’s official: another Irish pub is moving into 2 West Main

8 Mar

Perfectly timed for the St. Patrick’s Day season, here’s some great news about 2 West Main St. in Webster Village, the former Barry’s Old School Irish:

Another great Irish pub is moving in.

Before the end of this year, Mark and Kelly Petzing, members of the Shamrock Jack’s family, will be opening a wee Irish pub of their own.

I spoke to Mark recently, who sounded very excited to be fulfilling what he said has been a longtime dream. Having worked in the restaurant business since he was 10 years old, he said that having “a tiny pub of my own” is something he’s always wanted to do.

He’s well acquainted with that corner, too. Webster residents themselves, he and Kelly often visited Barry’s, and Mark even bartended at Burke’s many years ago.

“Danny and Jess Barry did a great job,” he said. “I don’t want to compete with that,” adding that his pub will look different, however. The design will feature a lot of brickwork, there’ll be a longer bar, and the bathrooms will be moved a bit. They’ll be taking out the gardens to expand seating on the patio, and Mark’s even considering putting in some garage doors which can be opened in the summer.

They haven’t decided on a name yet, but some of the ideas reflect that it will have a “wee bit of everything” — a little music, a small menu, several Irish beers and local brews, and whiskeys and bourbons.

The remodeling process has only just begun. The place has been gutted to the studs and tape on the floor indicates where the new bar will be located. How long all of the renovations will take is still a question, but Mark estimates perhaps four to six months.

So there won’t be dancers and bagpipers and Irish fiddlers at the village’s four corners for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. But rest assured, next year the Guinness will be flowing at our new Irish pub.

“We’re very excited to be in the village,” Mark said. “We can’t wait to be part of the neighborhood.”  

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/8/2024)

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