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)

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(posted 3/23/2024)

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Veterans remembered again on Wreath Retirement Day

22 Mar

Do you remember National Wreaths Across America Day last Dec. 16? On that day, about 1,000 community volunteers placed 1,350 Veteran Wreaths in three Webster cemeteries: Webster Union Cemetery, Webster Rural Cemetery, and Union Hill Cemetery. It was an incredible outpouring of support from the Webster community, a truly touching ceremony and a moving tribute to our veterans. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about that day.)

For three months the wreaths rested among the grave markers, reminding every visitor of the great number of Webster residents who have fought for our country.

Unfortunately, however, the wreaths couldn’t stay there forever. So last Saturday March 16, a much smaller, but no less dedicated, group of community members collected the wreaths from all three cemeteries and gathered them together in a huge pile at Webster Union Cemetery, where members of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department set them ablaze in a controlled burn. As the wreaths burned, volunteers said a final thank you for honoring and remembering our heroes.

It was a sad day in some respects, as months of nonstop planning and effort went up in flames. But it was comforting to know that, just like on the day they were placed, each time a wreath was removed from a headstone, a veteran was remembered once again.

A total of 55 adults and children participated in the retirement effort. Many thanks to the following groups and businesses who volunteered their time that day: KeyBank in Webster; L3Harris Technologies;  Military Vets Usmvmc NY6 – Finger Lakes; Webster VFW Post 9483; 209th Regiment of Cadets; and Webster Union Cemetery staff members.

Special thanks to MISSION BBQ in Henrietta, Jersey Mike’s Subs in Webster and Mayer’s Cider Mill  in Webster for providing lunch to all the volunteers. (And many thanks to Cherie Wood for the photos.)  

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National Wreaths Across America Day 2024 will be held on December 14, and this year Holy Trinity will be joining the list of Webster cemeteries who will honor and remember our veterans.

This year’s goal for Webster is 2,110 veteran wreaths, one for every hero resting in Webster Union Cemetery, Union Hill Cemetery, Webster Rural Cemetery, and Holy Trinity. Please mark your calendars now and plan to bring your family out to help place the wreaths.

Clearly, lots of wreaths will be needed. In the past, most of them have been sponsored one at a time by community members. Wreath sponsorships for this year’s ceremony are now being taken. Cost is $17, and right now, for every two wreaths sponsored, Webster will receive one free. Click here to find out more.

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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 3/22/2024)

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Thomas Landscape named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

20 Mar

Congratulations to Thomas Landscape and Design on being named the Webster Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for March 2024.

Thomas Landscape and Design, at 775 Ridge Rd. Webster, has served the greater Webster community for 46 years with full-service landscape, lawn, tree and shrub selection; design, planting and maintenance; and garden center and nursery services. Led by owner Richard Thomas, the business employs 46 full- and part-time employees, with 18 trucks.

Upon presenting the award, Chamber President & CEO Barry Howard stated,

Second-generation businesses send a strong message. Some characteristics of this business stand out to me as success factors: Richard’s vision of this service starting as a high school student, outdoor passion, strong work ethic, customization, visual attraction, steady business building over time, including bricks and mortar, and a commitment to the community. They are a solid example of success for our community.

In addition to their landscape work for community members and businesses, the talented Thomas Landscape staff members have for more than 35 years maintained the WEBSTER bushes that greet visitors on Rt. 104 east of the Bay Bridge, and are working hard to bring them back to their full beauty following the vandalism many years ago. (Click here to read more about that.)

Owner Richard Thomas and his wife Pam have started the transition toward retirement, and Richard’s daughter Heather and her fiancé Tony will be stepping into leadership roles. But you’ll still see Richard and his wife at work. Their retirement will progress in stages to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities, while maintaining and building upon their 46 years of success. 

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 March 22, 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: (L-R) Tony Zucco, Heather Thomas, Pam Thomas and Richard Thomas accepting the award from Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro.

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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 3/20/2024)

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Thomas brings ogre-sized family fun to the stage with Shrek the Musical

19 Mar

I have a new favorite fairy tale: Shrek.

I never thought about Shrek as a fairy tale, but it really is, complete with a princess, a dragon, a villain, castles and lots of adventure. It’s a touching love-found-then-lost-then-found-again story that just happens to include all of our favorite fairy tale characters, led by Shrek the ogre, an unlikely (and very ugly) hero.

In 2008, the very popular DreamWorks film was turned into an award-winning Broadway musical, and you can see it this weekend, when Webster Thomas High School presents Shrek the Musical in four shows, Thursday through Saturday March 21 to 23.

I had the pleasure to sit in on Monday night’s dress rehearsal. At this particular rehearsal, none of the cast members was wearing full makeup, but that detracted little from the pure fun that these young actors brought to the stage.

Shrek the Musical is not a word-for-word rehash of the film, but that’s one of the things I found so delightful about the production. You’ll recognize much of the dialogue, and the story line is the same. But all of the songs are new, except for one at the very end which you will most certainly recognize, during a curtain call you will not want to miss.

And of course, all of the characters you’ve come to know and love were there: Shrek (Marcello Serventi), who just wants to be left alone to enjoy his swamp in peace; wisecracking Donkey (Matteo Serventi), who just wants to be Shrek’s BFF; the beautiful and feisty Fiona (Alyssa Walsh) and despicable Farquaad (Jamie McCarthy). They’re supported by 50 more cast, crew and pit orchestra members. Together, they transport the audience into a fairy tale world where, ultimately, love conquers all.

If you don’t know Shrek the movie, you need to see this wonderful production. If you DO know Shrek the movie, you definitely need to see this fresh take on the beloved story. The whole family will love it.

Webster Thomas High School will present Shrek the Musical on Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 21-23 at 7 p.m. each evening, with a matinee performance on Saturday at 1 p.m. The show (including intermission) runs about two and a half hours. Reserve-seat tickets are $14 and can be purchased here. Tickets are still available, but this show will likely sell out, so reserve yours soon.

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

Check out this slideshow of photos from the rehearsal:

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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 3/5/2024)

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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.

***

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)

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(posted 3/17/2024)

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Memories of chalking and rainbows

15 Mar

Four years ago this week, the world as we knew it shut down.

It was this week — specifically March 13, 2020 — that a national emergency was declared due to the rapidly spreading COVID pandemic. Schools started closing. Businesses closed. Community events were cancelled, one after another. For months, we were forced back into our homes, physically and emotionally distanced from the people and places that make our lives whole. It was a dark time.

But it was also a time when some of the best things about our Webster community shined brightly.

I was thinking about that as I was taking my morning walk a few days ago, remembering how, during shutdown, it would be common to see inspirational chalk drawings on the sidewalks and driveways. Chalk messages and artwork could be found all around town, little messages of encouragement popping up everywhere, an acknowledgement that we were all in this together. It was a great way for kids to stay busy when they couldn’t attend school, and a great way to help spread positivity during those dark days.

Rainbows started popping up as well, and not only on sidewalks. You’d see them hanging in front windows and on front doors. It was fun to watch for them and each one I discovered lifted my spirits just a little bit.

It was a time when we reconnected with our neighbors. Everyone said hi to each other when you went out for a walk and passed on the street. We were all overjoyed to see other faces, even if you did have to move out into the street to pass by.

We supported local businesses and restaurants, buying gift cards and ordering take-out to help our small business owners weather the pandemic. We dropped off care packages to neighbors in need, checking in on older neighbors and family members. We really started to look after one another.

So, something positive actually did come out of shutdown: we rediscovered our sense of community. And while the memory of those terrible days is fading into history — those days when we really needed to rely on one another — I hope that at least a little of that sense of community still remains.

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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 3/15/2024)

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March History Bit: Happy Birthday Bay Bridge!

14 Mar

The Irondequoit Bay Bridge celebrated a birthday last month.

On Feb. 3, 2024, the Bay Bridge turned 54 years old. Stretching almost a half mile long, the bridge was christened on a snowy day in 1970, which was reportedly so cold that the celebratory wine froze in the glasses before it could be raised. 

Seven months later, on a much sunnier and warmer late August day, the bridge was officially dedicated with not one, but three ribbon cutting ceremonies; one held at the Irondequoit end, a second in the middle and a third at the Webster end.

The project took about two years to build, and apparently much of the discussion during the process centered around what to name the new span. Many ideas were suggested, including naming it after Donald Holleder or even calling it the Hiawatha Bridge. But state regulations didn’t allow any project using state money to be named after a person, so ultimately it became known only as the Irondequoit Bay Bridge.  

Interestingly, the plows waiting on that icy February morning to spread some salt across the newly opened bridge were not the first vehicles to cross. 

As reported Sept. 9, 1970 in the Webster Herald, 

The first “man” across the bridge made it on Feb. 3 at 4:28 a.m. via Union Hill Ambulance. He was then one-year old Kevin Lohse of Greensboro Drive who had stopped breathing. The ambulance was conducted by a police car driven by Sgt. Gil Kunzer whose idea it was to remove the bridge barriers, thus saving needed time and perhaps the youngster’s life. 

Young Kevin, healthy and happy, attended the ribbon cutting ceremonies in August.

Discover more fascinating bits of local history at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Visit the website at webstermuseum.org.

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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 3/14/2024)

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30 years of beautiful music and counting

13 Mar

In March of every year — Music in Our Schools Month — we can always count on our incredibly talented Webster musicians to pull together some outstanding performances. This weekend’s concert by the Willink Student-Parent Band is a great example.

The band is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend, three decades of inter-generational musical collaboration by middle school students, alumni and their parents.

For this very special occasion, conductors Matt Osika and Tiffany DiPiazza are planning a very special evening of vibrant music featuring harmonies of past and present generations. This year’s band even has  three generations in one family performing together, when three Willink Middle School/Webster Thomas High School students will be playing with their mother and their grandfather.

This is truly a heartwarming evening of community music which the whole family will enjoy.

The concert will be held on Saturday March 16 at 7 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Tickets are $4 at the door.

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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 3/13/2024)

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Happy 100th birthday, Frank!

11 Mar

The Webster Recreation Center held a very special birthday party last Thursday afternoon.

Long-time Thursday Webster Rec euchre player Frank Amering celebrated his 100th birthday on March 1, and last Thursday his senior center fellow euchre players and Rec Center staff members threw him a party, complete with balloons, cake and official proclamations.

Frank was born in Rochester on March 1, 1924. He attended Aquinas, where he played football, and then enlisted in the Navy, serving as an engineer on the Catalinas in WWII. He was married to his wife Mary Louis for 71 years before she pssed away six years ago. He worked as an electrician until he was 80 years old, still lives on his own and still drives.

And of course, he joins about 40 to 50 friends to play euchre at the Webster Recreation Center every Thursday.

Webster Supervisor Tom Flaherty and Nick Stefanovic, Director of Monroe County Veteran Services, each presented Frank with a proclamation honoring his life and WWII service. Several servicemen also attended the party, to honor Frank and show their appreciation.

I didn’t chat with Frank for very long — he had a pretty long line of admirers — but as a euchre player myself, I did have to ask him one question: how often does he steal the deal?

He grinned slightly and paused, then politely declined to answer.

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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 3/11/2024)

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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)

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 3/10/2024)

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