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Second Time Around is going out of business

21 Feb

Owner Pat Moss helps a customer at Second Time Around

I’ve been wanting to stop by Second Time Around consignment shop for a long time now; people have told me great things about it. When I finally got around to doing so, though, it was almost too late.

Next Thursday, February 28, Second Time Around will close its doors for good.  The little consignment shop has been an institution in Webster for 32 years, nestled in that little row of rear-facing shops on West Main across from the gazebo. Joan and Pat Moss have owned it for the last ten years. Lately, though, other life responsibilities have begun to take precedence, and they’ve decided to move on.

So through next Thursday, everything in the shop is 50% off, which means that the already rock-bottom prices are even rock-bottom…er.  What you’ll find there is a very eclectic collection of mostly clothes, but also books,  fashion accessories, jewelry, home decor items, shoes and boots, and more.  You’re pretty much guaranteed to find something you need.

Being such an integral part of the Webster community all these years has been “wonderful,” Pat told me. “We’ve had a tremendous amount of good customers and an even greater amount of good consigners. They’ve been very supportive.”

Second Time Around consignment shop is located at 5 West Main Street (in the rear). Call (585) 872-5810 for store hours.

 

Fantastic(ks)!

13 Feb

Webster’s own Working Class Theatre Company (WCTC) will be holding auditions for its upcoming summer 2013 production of The Fantasticks, to be performed July 31-August 4 at the gazebo in Veterans Memorial Park on North Avenue in Webster.

The Fantasticks is an American theater classic. Originally performed off-Broadway in 1960, the production ran a total of 42 years and 17,162 performances, making it the world’s longest-running musical.  As described on the WCTC website,

When two teens from opposing families get swept up in all the romantic notions of love and adventure, a merry cast of roving bandits sets out to teach them and the audience that there is more to love than just flowers and pretty metaphors!  Performed on a minimalist but charming set, using a variety of performing styles (including clowning, circus arts, mime, and acrobatics) and filled with catchy, memorable songs that have become American standards (“Try To Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” among them), The Fantasticks is a fun-filled, entertaining, and magical evening of theater for the whole family. 

Actors are needed for the roles of El Gallo, the narrator; Matt, the boy in love; Luisa, the girl in love; Hucklebee and Bellamy, the fathers; Henry and Mortimer, the old actors/clowns; and the mute.  Auditions will be held Sunday March 24 and Monday March 25. For details on what to prepare for the auditions, and to make an appointment, visit the Working Class Theatre Company website at workingclasstheatre.net.

This will be the WCTC’s first musical, and their third production at the gazebo.  Not only are these performances very well done and very entertaining, they are presented absolutely free.  We are incredibly fortunate that the Working Class Theatre Company calls Webster its home.

 

More local people helping others

12 Feb

I received some photos yesterday from a couple of other fundraisers last weekend which involved local people and local places.

Flaherty’s Three Flags Inn on Bay Road held an all-day fundraiser on Sunday, in which they donated a portion of everyone’s check to the West Webster Fire Department. Judging by the number of people who packed the place all afternoon and evening, they raised a ton of money. Organizers also had a 50-50 raffle going, there were dozens of raffle prizes, and entertainment by local musicians (who played for free). I had very nice late lunch with a dozen of my closest friends. It was just a terrific event all around.

Thanks to my friend Kristen North for these two photos, including the panoramic one of the bar, above.

Music by “My Dingo” inspired at least a few of the patrons to take to the dance floor.

You might also have heard about the 13th annual Polar Plunge on Sunday, when crazy people (many in costume) took a swim in frigid Lake Ontario to benefit the New York Special Olympics.  Among the brave souls to take the plunge were Webster Schroeder 11th grader Phillip LiPari, Spry Middle School seventh grader Sadie LiPari, and Klem Road South Elementary School teachers Doreen LiPari and Jennifer Forsey, all pictured below.  Between the four of them they raised more than $500 for the cause.

 

WWFD benefit events continue to raise money for families

25 Jan

It is truly heartwarming to see that, almost a month after the Christmas Eve ambush, local businesses and organizations are still hosting special events  to benefit the West Webster Fire Department.

And I’m talking A LOT of organizations and businesses, and not just here in town, but all across the state, from Niagara Falls to Syracuse. There are so many events that it’s hard to keep track of them all.  Fortunately, you’ll find many of them on the West Webster Fire Department’s website.  As of this writing, a dozen of them are listed, starting this weekend, so check it out if you’re still looking for a way to help.

here are a few others which are not yet listed on the WWFD website:

This Sunday January 27, the Rochester Lancers soccer team will host a “First Responder Appreciation Day” at the Blue Cross Arena at their 1:00 pm match against the Missouri Comets. Several in-game and pre-game tributes will be dedicated to first responders in our area.  Injured firefighter Joseph Hofstetter will be Honorary Captain for the game, and all local first responders will be invited onto the field for a special ceremony.  The Lancers will wear black tribute jerseys, which will be auctioned after the game, and there will be performances by the Fire Department Band and the Keystone Pipe and Drum Band.

In addition, the Lancers will be offering a limited edition t-shirt honoring the memory of the fallen firefighters and all first responders.   Each T-shirt purchase will also include one ticket to the game.  Local orders for t-shirts can be picked up with the free ticket at the Lancers’ ticket table in the main lobby of the Blue Cross Arena on game day.  Distance orders will have their t-shirts mailed to them FREE of charge, compliments of Spinning Webs Internet & PC Services.  All proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts will go directly to the WWFD and the families impacted by the Christmas Eve tragedy.

Click here to find out more information about the game and to order a t-shirt.

After the game, stop by Larijames Salon and Spa, 2038 Empire Blvd., where they’ll be holding a “cut-a-thon” this Sunday January 27 from 1 to 6 pm.  Haircuts are $25, cash or check only, including a shampoo and blow-dry. No appointments will be taken. Proceeds will benefit the West Webster Fire Department fund.

Proceeds from the “cut-athon” will be presented at a benefit raffle for the families of Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Koczowka from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, at the Webster Applebee’s, 1955 Empire Blvd.  Tickets for that raffle can be purchased for $5 each at Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness, 1150 University Ave. Winners do not need to be present at the drawing.

Don’t miss the Webster Thomas vs. Schroeder Faculty Basketball Game on Saturday, February 9 at 7 pm in the Schreoder gymnasium, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.  Tickets are $5 and all proceeds will benefit the families of Tomas Kaczowka and Michael Chiapperini.  The highlight of the evening will be at halftime, when Webster Thomas Assistant Principal Sue Clark, Librarian Trish Warren, and Schroeder AP Jeremy McBride will have their heads shaved — if they can raise $5,000 before the game.

Tickets are expected to sell out before the game, so it’s best to get yours early.  They’ll be available at both high schools the week before the game.

If you would like to donate directly to the “going bald challenge,”  you can send a check made out to the WTHS Student Council, Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road, Webster, 14580.

Finally, on Sunday February 10, plan to have lunch or dinner at Flaherty’s Three Flags Inn, 1200 Bay Road in Webster. From 11 am to closing, Flaherty’s will donate 20% of your tab (not including tax or tip) to be split between the West Webster Fire Department and the Webster Community Chest to aid the families from Lake Road who lost everything.

Memorial t-shirts and wrist bands will be offered for sale and there’ll be a 50/50 raffle. Organizations are also encouraged to sponsor a table.  Call Flaherty’s at 585-671-0816 for more information.

Webster Mailbag (weekend edition!)

18 Jan

Before I get to some news about upcoming events, here are a few other notes of interest:

Earlier this week I posted a blog announcing that the defunct Mobil gas station at the corner of Five Mile Line and Ridge has a new owner. An Express Mart is scheduled to move in, with construction possibly beginning as early as this spring.

I found out yesterday from Supervisor Nesbitt that the coffee shop it will include will be a Tim Horton’s.  I’m gonna like having one of those on the way to school.

* * *

Good news for book lovers: as of the first of the year, the Webster Public Library has resumed Sunday hours from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This service was terminated a year ago because funding was tight and cuts were needed to continue overall operations of the library. The Library Board of Trustees was able to find the needed revenue to reopen on Sundays from personnel changes that have taken place at the library in the past year.

Let’s keep this going — the library’s Spring Book Sale takes place in May, which is one of their best fund-raisers.  Keep an eye out for more details about that. In the meantime, drop your used books off during regular library hours (which include Sunday again!)

* * *

The new outdoor ice skating rink is up and running again at the Webster Recreation Center on Chiyoda Drive (off of Phillips). There’s no charge to use this facility, and it’s lit into the evening hours. Thanks to this winter’s capricious weather, you’ll want to call ahead to make sure the ice is frozen (585-872-2911). But wouldn’t this be a great family activity when the kids are off of school on Monday?

* * *

Plans are in motion for the 2013 Schlegel Road Elementary School Artisan Craft Fair, scheduled for Saturday March 2 from 10 am to 4 pm.  Organizers are looking for artisans interested in having a table at the fair.  Email Nicole Noon at NNoon@Nothnagle.com. For more information, check the event’s Facebook page by clicking here.

* * *

Our friends at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church invite everyone to their annual Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative (EROI) recital on Friday, January 25 at 7 pm.  The EROI strives to share great organ music with the greater Rochester area. One way it does this is by having organists from the Eastman School of Music give community recitals at local churches. Free will donations will go towards the student travel fund for the organ students at Eastman.

The 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 www.immanuelwebster.org or through the church office at 585-872-5180.

* * *

A big raffle to benefit the West Webster Fire Department will be held on Tuesday January 29 at Applebee’s, 1955 Empire Blvd. The event will take place from 5-7:30 pm, and feature dozens of items donated by local artists and business owners.  Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at any firehouse in Webster and at the Webster Police Department, 1000 Ridge Road. All proceeds will go to the families of the shooting victims.

* * *

Hallie Barrett as Sebastian, rehearses “Kiss the Girl” with cast from Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr

Webster’s Willink Middle School is hard at work putting the final touches on their spring musical, Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr.

The energetic and enthusiastic cast of 113 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students have been diligently running their lines and practicing their dances since October.  Madison Fulton will play Ariel and Max Bucci will bring Prince Eric to life. Additional cast members include Kelly Barry as Ursula, Haley Barrett as Sebastian, Bridget Lasky as Flounder, Noah Swain as King Triton and Sarah Crumley as Scuttle.

Everyone already has seen the movie and loves the music, so you know that this will be a wonderful production for the whole family.

Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. will be performed on the Willink Middle School stage, 900 Publishers Parkway, Webster on Friday, February 1 at 7:30PM and Saturday, February 2 at 1PM and 7:30PM.  Tickets are $9.00 adult; $6.00 students and seniors and are available at the door.

* * *

The 3rd Annual Snowmobile Rides for Kids With Special Needs will take place on Saturday February 2 from 1-4 pm, at the Webster Recreation Center on Chiyoda Drive.

This special winter event is open to children with special needs and their families. Kids under18 will get the opportunity to be a passenger on a snowmobile and enjoy the thrill of a ride around the Webster Recreation Center winter wonderland. Bring along your ice skates and sleds and make it a day! Hot cocoa and snacks will be available.

The event will take place if there is at least 8 inches of snow. (Last year there was none.)  You can check the Webster Recreation Center website for updates.

Defunct gas station will come to life again

13 Jan

The long-vacant gas station at Five Mile Line and Ridge will finally come to life again.

A new Express Mart will be moving into that defunct Mobil gas station on Ridge Road at the corner of Five Mile Line. I was very excited to see the news in the local paper a few days ago, and I followed up with Webster Town Supervisor Ron Nesbitt to get some more details.

According to Nesbitt, the Express Mart will include a gas station and some sort of coffee house, like a Tim Horton’s or Starbucks, but exactly which one has not yet been finalized. The project has already received preliminary approval from the Planning Board and should get final authorization at this coming Tuesday night’s meeting. Construction could begin as early as this spring.

As what about all the traffic the new station will create on an already busy Ridge Road?  Nesbitt told me that Monroe County and the State of New York are planning some immediate improvements to that intersection, but most improvements to Ridge Road will not happen until at least 2014.

 

 

Wednesday Webster Mailbag

8 Jan

Time again for another riveting installment of the Webster Blog Mailbag, a potpourri of interesting items that find their way to me through my various email accounts.

A special Family Fun Night at the Bay View Family YMCA this Friday January 11 will benefit the West Webster Fire Department.

From 6-8:30 pm, the Y will have activities set up throughout the building for family members of all ages to enjoy, including the huge inflatable climbing thingy, swimming, crafts, games, snacks and more. Cost is $20 per family, and all proceeds will support the fallen and recovering firefighters of the West Webster Fire Department.  All active first responders, firefighters and their families will be given free admission.

The Bay View Family YMCA is located at 1209 Bay Road, Webster.

* * *

All this month, the Webster Museum is proud to host the Great Lakes Seaway Trail War of 1812 Traveling Exhibit.

This is a beautiful exhibit of 26 quilts newly-made, but true to 1812-period quilting patterns, fabrics and colors.  It includes 20 American-made “cot-to-coffin” quilts from 11 states and six Canadian-made quilts from three provinces. The 30-inch-wide by 70-inch-long sizing represents the average height of a man during the war.  Story cards with each quilt share the factual history represented by the quilt or the imagined tale of a family sending a loved one off to the war.

The exhibit is traveling to quilt shows, museums and historic venues all along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, which follows the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie in New York and Pennsylvania. Much of the War of 1812 was fought along this strategic freshwater shoreline.

Check out the exhibit yourself from January 6-20 at the Webster Museum. They’re open from 12-4 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you’d like to see the exhibit at some other time, call (585) 265-3308 to arrange a tour. There is no admission cost, but donations will be gratefully accepted, a portion of which will be donated to the West Webster Firefighter Fund of the Webster Community Chest.

* * *

The Webster Thomas Titans Hockey Team is hosting its first “Honor our Heroes” game on Friday Jan. 11 against division rival Victor. Thomas players will wear unique camouflage jerseys as a part of the team’s effort to honor all service members (including women and men in the military, first responders including firefighters, police officers, and EMTs).

The action starts at 5:30 pm at the Webster Ice Arena, 865 Publisher’s Parkway, Webster. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and students. Current military and veterans, as well as first responders will be admitted free of charge with ID. The team will also be running a 50/50 raffle, selling the team’s camouflage jerseys and collecting donations. All proceeds will benefit the CDS Monarch Warrior Salute program.

* * *

Finally, I wanted to pass along my personal congratulations on the engagement of one Webster’s nicest young couples, Jonathan Smalter and Kristine Rinebold of Yesterday’s Muse Books.  They officially announced the happy news in the shop’s most recent e-newsletter.

I’d like to sign off with the following, which Jonathan also wrote in that newsletter in response to the terrible events of Christmas Eve. I thought it was poignant and beautiful and perfect; words we should all live by.

Objectively, one might think that tragedies like these leave one feeling empty, in doubt of humanity, or frightened of the future. That’s certainly understandable. But having gone through this as part of the Webster community, I must say that I don’t feel that way at all. This has shown me how strong we are as a society. We show our greatest strength in the times of greatest adversity. Each time we are knocked down, we pick ourselves up and stand taller. With loss comes a greater understanding of what we have, and what is truly important.

Loss also helps us realize how lucky we are. … I gave several toasts during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations with family, acknowledging how fortunate we were to be together for the holidays, and to have these happy moments to look forward to. I’m not generally one for New Year’s resolutions, but this year I think I’ll resolve to alter my perspective a bit, whether that means realizing my problems are small in the grand scheme of things, or that the simple pleasures which sometimes seem small are actually among our greatest possessions.

 

Goodbye Zachary Bear :(

3 Jan

After 20 years, one of Webster’s most beloved shops is closing its doors.  The Zachary Bear Store, at 263 North Avenue, is going out of business.

This charming little store began back in 1982 with a character created by Lori DeLeonardis-Aman, which she named Zachary.  What began as a series of storybook characters soon expanded to occupations, sports and family events.  Lori’s husband Bill Aman started looking for ways to produce prints of the designs. Enter Ed Huehn and his small graphics company, a partnership was forged, and The Zachary Bear Store was born.

In the 20 years since, the Zachary Bear collection has grown to more than 350 titles and 700+ different designs; for example, you can find a Zachary Bear print for pretty much any occupation you can think of (I saw ones for a phlebotomist and colon/rectal surgeon when I was there). But the store has also become a popular stop for unique, personalized gifts, and is especially well known for items depicting local towns and schools. Unfortunately, big-box businesses can sell such items for a lot less money, and in today’s economy that makes it tough for a small business to stay afloat.

Ed Huehn and Bill Aman

The Zachary Bear Store’s last day of business will be January 15.  But take heart, all you Zachary Bear fans out there. Even though Ed and Bill aren’t planning to open another store, many Zachary Bear designs will be available through other companies which offer gift items, so keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, make your way down to the shop before the doors close for good, because everything is on sale (including a nice selection of Webster schools gifts — think ahead to Teacher Appreciation Day!)

The Zachary Bear Store is located at 263 North Avenue at Orchard Street, right next to Kittleberger Florist. For more information log onto zacharybear.com.

Wednesday mailbag

18 Dec

I received a few press releases within the last week from and about some local businesses and the good things they’re doing for our community. I am please to pass them along:

Webster Chamber Presents Fundraising Check to Comfort Care Home

The Webster Chamber of Commerce recently held an online auction enhanced with a live auction at its 80th Gala Celebration to raise funds for the Webster Comfort Care Home. The Chamber raised nearly $5,000 to be used by the Comfort Care Home to continue their commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to the terminally ill and their families, in a home-like atmosphere.

Pictured presenting the check from the Chamber are (l to r)  Barry Howard, Webster Chamber President; Ann Carmody, Webster Chamber Board Chair; Maisy Buckley, Comfort Care Volunteer Coordinator; Mary Barnhart, Primary Nurse; Laurie Klein, Chamber Gala Committee Chair and Alan Jones, Comfort Care Executive Director.

 Henderson Ford Fills Ford Escape with Hundreds of Toys

Back in November Henderson Ford challenged staff, customers, the community and neighboring businesses to help fill a 2013 Ford Escape with toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The response was staggering and hundreds of toys were collected in an overflowing Ford Escape. Sgt. Scott Brock from the Marine Corps Reserve stopped by the dealership on December 13 to collect the toys.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers, staff, business partners and the community,” said Randy Henderson President of Henderson Ford. “The Toys for Tots program does so much for local families and we hope these toys bring lots of smiles to children’s faces.”

The following local businesses also participated in Henderson Ford’s Fill a Ford Escape Toys for Tots campaign: A Different Point of View, Design Pool & Spa, Dixon Schwabl, Edge Advertising Group, JNCS and Omero’s Clothes.

 

Toys for Henderson Ford’s campaign for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program were piled into a 2013 Ford Escape.

Henderson Ford’s Aki Henderson and Greg Wright pose for a picture with Sgt. Scott Brock from the Marine Corps Reserve. This is the third consecutive year that Henderson Ford has participated in the Toys for Tots program.

 

 

My first visit to The Goodie Shoppe

16 Dec

This is going to be hard to believe to all you Webster Village folks out there, but yesterday was the first time I stepped foot inside The Goodie Shoppe.

I know, I know. The Goodie Shoppe has been a village staple since 1975, when the confectionery business moved from the city to North Avenue, down by the tracks. And it’s been at its current location at 83 North Avenue for almost 34 years.  But I’ve known Goodie Shoppe owner Mike Broikou for a while now — and have had a taste of his signature ice cream cakes — and have been wanting to see this shop I’d been hearing so much about. So I stopped in yesterday and finally had a look for myself at what all the excitement was about.

The truffles come spiked or un-spiked. (Watch the kids.)

For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure to visit The Goodie Shoppe, let me set the scene for you.  It’s a small shop which you might not even notice as you speed by on your way to Route 104. But when you walk in the door, it’s like entering a candy wonderland.  You’re immediately assaulted with an incredible aroma of pure chocolate, and surrounded by more hand-made truffles, chocolate creams, chocolate -dipped pretzels, Santas-on-a-stick and chocolate candy canes than you’ve ever seen in one place before.

Remember that scene in Willy Wonka when all the kids walked onto the factory floor? It’s exactly like that. Except I can’t picture Mike in a purple topcoat.

But as wonderful as all these chocolate delights are, Mike’s specialty by far is his famous seven-layer ice cream cake, which the shop has been making the same way for 60 years.  It’s made with layers of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, with a layer of strawberries and yet another layer that combines pineapple, peach and banana. Then it’s all topped with an ice cream frosting. Basically, it’s Heaven on a plate.

I met Mike’s ice cream cake before I even met Mike, when he brought one to Jessica Barry’s baby shower back in May.  And then he brought another huge one to baby Maley’s christening in November.  Because that’s just the kind of guy Mike is. I mean, this is a guy who, on a very busy night at Barry’s Pub, has been known to step behind the counter without being asked, and start washing dishes. Pretty much one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

So if haven’t been to The Goodie Shoppe yet, make a plan to do so this week. It’s the perfect place to find a gift for that hard-to-shop-for person, and a pretty nice spot for stocking stuffers, too. And while you’re there, order one of those spectacular ice cream cakes (give him a few days to make it special for you, though). You’ll be the most adored person in your family for a long time if you present one of those for dessert after your holiday dinner.

The Goodie Shoppe is located at 83 North Main Street, across from Dunkin’ Donuts. Call Mike at (585) 872-6460.

 

Owner Mike Broikou with one of his famous ice cream cakes

 

 

 

 

 

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