Dear friends—
It’s not the best of times for the world, but here in the (585) the snowdrops and crocuses are blooming, the birds are out there chirping, and the days are getting warmer. So good news item #1—spring isn’t cancelled! In fact, at this time, horticulture-related businesses are still allowed to operate, which means that when the time comes to plant our gardens, we will have access to plants and supplies, even if it means curbside pickup.
Caroline and I asked some of our advertisers and other friends what they’re up to in the GOOD NEWS department, and we got some great responses!
- You have already heard that Black Button is making sanitizer instead of booze right now, but there are other beverage makers getting in on the action, now, too, including Rootstock Ciderworks.
- While it’s closed, Seneca Park Zoo is offering Zoo Projects at home, daily content to help families and adults stay connected to nature and animals while they are isolated at home. They will publish a new one every day at 11am on Facebook. You can find them all at senecaparkzoo.org/zooprojects.
- Iron Smoke Distillery set up this super fun website where you can watch your favorite bartender make a drink (some of them quite unusual) and then tip him or her via venmo. SmokeOutCovid19.com
- Hickey Freeman Tailored Clothing announced that it will begin production of protective face masks for the medical staff at Rochester General Hospital.
- Nosh is back up and running, and its menu is … adorable? Like many places, it’s offering signature cocktails by the batch. I’d like a “Keep your Distance,” please.
- In more drinking news, a trio of bartenders you many be familiar with have started a new Instagram account called @cocktambulance. Each night one takes a shift driving all around the city delivering cocktails—safely—on Instagram Live. It’s actually a lot to explain, so if you are interested, read the instructions in the account’s stories.
- Like many businesses seeking to educate customers, The Establishmenthas moved its lessons online.
- The folks at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery have some specials:
Free shipping on 6+ bottles, plus quantity discounts:
4-5 bottles- 5% off
6-11 bottles- 10% off
12-23 bottles- 15% off
24+ bottles- 20% off
Also, “Every few days we are doing ‘staff stories’ where a staff member tells a bit about themselves, picks their favorite wine, comforting recipe and favorite ‘stuck at home’ activity. Customers receive 20% off that particular wine for that period as well,” writes employee Brandon Thomas. - Wyoming County Chamber built a “living” list of what its restaurants are doing.
- Billsboro Winery is still open for sales only. Customers can call the winery at (315) 789-9538, or use the website to order. Wine ships for a $10 flat rate fee, or you can arrange for curbside pick up by reservation.
- Advantage Federal Credit Union has an auto loan refinance sale going on now.
- Pane Vino is still offering family-style meals, but only out of its Monroe Ave. location at this time.
- And finally, the Playhouse // Swillburger is back up and running for takeout!
And don’t forget, you can read the entire March-April (585) online free of charge. To those of you who have subscribed in the past week or two, thank you so much for your support. We greatly appreciate it!
—Jane Milliman, publisher
