St. Martin Church to host an Evening with Santa

24 Nov

One of my favorite events of the entire year — and not just the holidays — is coming up very soon.

It’s the annual St. Martin Lutheran Church Evening with Santa, on Friday Dec. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m., and I love it for so many reasons: there’s free pizza and cookies, crafts and games for the kids, and it’s my chance every year to get a photo with Santa.

But what’s really neat about this event is that the church puts it on not just for their parishioners, but for all their fund-raiser event patrons, their neighbors and their families, and for pretty much everyone in the community who’d like a fun evening out with the kids.

The highlight of the evening, of course, is Santa himself. And I mean, the REAL Santa, whom you might know from the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland festival and Parade of Lights. Every child will have an opportunity to talk with Santa and tell him their secret wishes (you can skip the mall lines). Bring your phone and take as many photos as you want, but St. Martin will also be taking photos for everyone, and they’re really good. It’s a great opportunity for a beautiful family photo.

Children can decorate their own Christmas cookies, listen to Santa himself read The Night Before Christmas, enjoy some games, write a letter to Santa and sing along with Santa. And everyone gets free pizza.

When the lights dim, Pastor Kory will read the Christmas Story to children of all ages. It’s all absolutely free, but participants are asked to bring a few non-perishable food items for the St. Martin Little Free Pantry food cupboard.

It all happens Friday Dec. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., Webster. Santa will arrive by fire truck just before the event, so make sure to be there early and bring your camera!

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(posted 11/24/2023)

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Santa is coming to the village on Small Business Saturday

24 Nov

Got a bonus blog for you all today, because I want to remind everyone that Santa himself will be strolling through the Village of Webster on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25.

Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to show our small business owners how much we appreciate them, and to find creative gift ideas it’s hard to find anywhere else. But this year, for the first time, the day’s going to be extra special, because Santa will be in town, walking up and down Main Street and North Ave., checking out some shopping bargains for himself. (I mean, he does have Mrs. Claus and the elves to shop for). He’ll even have one of his elves with him, handing out treats for the kids.

Santa’s plans are to be in the village from 10:30 a.m. to noon, then again from noon to 1:30. So bring the kids, take some photos, and get some Christmas shopping done!

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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 11/24/2023)

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Their chicken is already great. With beer, it’s even better!

23 Nov

I definitely remember the first time I walked into BC’s Chicken Coop. Owners Christina Wasson and Brandie Rauber had recently opened their restaurant on South Avenue, and I stopped in to try their chicken and write a blog about them.

I especially remember two things: how nice Chris and Brandie are, and how delicious their chicken is. I mean REALLY delicious. They sent me home with a few pieces they’d just plucked out of the fryer, and they smelled so good, they didn’t even make it back to my house.

I wrote about them again in 2017 when they moved to 159 West Main Street. The much larger location is a lot more visible, and there’s more parking, more storage space and a bigger kitchen. But the best part about the new restaurant is the spacious and comfortable dining area, something they didn’t have on South Ave.

In the several years since, the Coop has continued to serve their unbelievably delicious chicken, award-winning wings, soups, salads, sandwiches, pork rib dinners and a nice variety of sides, including a lot of gluten-free options. Plus, they’ve greatly expanded their catering operation. But recently they announced some big news.

BC’s Chicken Coop now serves beer.

Like their menu offerings, there’s pretty much something for everyone on the beer list. It leans towards Genny products and local and regional breweries like K2 and Young Lion, and includes some seasonal offerings, ciders and White Claws. PLUS there’s a variety of Finger Lakes wines.

Right now the liquor license is just temporary, but that will change before too long. In the meantime, head on down, get a great meal in a quiet, comfortable atmosphere, and enjoy a beer along with it.

BC’s Chicken Coop is at 159 West Main St. in Webster. Check out their menu here, and remember that everything is cooked to order, so you might want to call ahead … or grab a beer while you wait.

By the way, that blog I wrote back in 2010 seems to have disappeared into the void. But if you’re REALLY interested in reading it, Chris and Brandie still have a framed copy hanging on their wall.

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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 11/23/2023)

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends

22 Nov

This Thanksgiving, like most of us, I’m thinking about all of the things and people I’m thankful for in my life.

Of course, my husband and three children top the list. And I could add a lot of other, smaller, things that are making my life enjoyable, like my friends, Tiny Titans kids, the kittens I’m fostering, the ability to travel, and my continued good health.

But definitely in the top 10? My blog and all of my blog readers, whom I have come to consider my extended family. Your continued support, your kind comments and emails, have given me a real purpose in life.

So thank you, my blog readers and friends, for helping keep me busy and happy. (And special thanks to Lydia and Emmie McKibbon for the artwork which briefly greeted walkers along Dunning Ave. before the rain washed them away.)

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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 11/22/2023)

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Check out this shop on Small Business Saturday

21 Nov

In honor of Small Business Saturday this weekend, I’d like to highlight a small business in the Village of Webster which I haven’t written about recently: Yesterday’s Muse Books.

I first wrote about Yesterday’s Muse in December 2008, shortly after owner Jonathan Smalter opened his bookshop at 32 W. Main St. I remember being thoroughly charmed and impressed by the variety of books and how well organized they were.

If you do some quick math, you’ll notice that Yesterday’s Muse is about to celebrate its 15th anniversary. I thought it was a great reason to revisit this delightful village shop.

Not familiar with Yesterday’s Muse? Jonathan wrote this description:

We carry a wide selection of interesting material in most categories, with particular strength in literature, history and local interest. We also focus as much as possible on visually stunning or unique editions, whether that means attractive bindings, great illustrations, or unusual formats. Our stock is primarily used and antiquarian … but we also carry new stock, especially around the holidays, or when sourced from local authors (e.g., Blair Kenny’s books about the Rochester mob are always in stock, and we are currently the exclusive online seller for all of those).

Jonathan is a member of three prestigious national bookseller organizations — the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America, the Independent Online Booksellers Association and the American Booksellers Association — which all have strict qualifications and codes of ethics. He’s incorporated new technologies into his day-to-day operations, allowing customers to shop online or in-store seamlessly. The store is carefully organized and cataloged for easy browsing, which creates a more relaxed shopping experience. And there’s something for everybody, from the bargain hunter to the seasoned collector.

If you’ve been a regular Yesterday’s Muse customer, you’ve probably noticed that the quality of Jonathan’s offerings has increased steadily, especially in the last few years as he’s acquired some impressive collections.

He continually finds ways to keep his customers happy and well-read. He recommends books all the time, and makes sure those recommendations are always in stock, which sometimes means ordering new books directly from publishers. He works with colleagues around the country to track down quality, affordable copies of his most popular titles. For the holidays, he’ll soon be releasing a holiday catalog, which will some fun non-book items like totes, socks, and advent calendars. And next time you’re in, look for his specials:

  • buy two, get one free for all fiction and children’s books
  • buy three, get one free for all nonfiction titles (equal or lesser value)
  • the $10 and under and $5 and under shelves
  • discounted book bundles that share a common theme

And look for the Yesterday’s Muse table at Roc Holiday Village this year — the first time Jonathan is participating.

After 15 years, Jonathan isn’t planning to go anywhere anytime soon.

I like having a shop in Webster. I grew up here. My wife grew up here… I remember the bookstore that used to be on Main Street during my childhood. I worked in the bookstore that shared a parking lot with Coach in the ’90s and 2000s, and I feel like Webster Village should always have a book shop. … I hope that those who live in and around Webster consider us part of the community, and I certainly appreciate all the support we’ve received over the years, which has come in all sorts of forms.

Yesterday’s Muse Books is located at 32 W. Main Street in the Village of Webster. You’ll want to stop by on Small Business Saturday, because Jonathan will be celebrating his anniversary with cake (first-come, first-served!), 15% off everything all day AND a $15 gift certificate for the first 15 customers (with purchase — one per customer).

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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 11/21/2023)

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Karen Buck joins Village of Webster office staff

20 Nov

A huge Village welcome to Karen Buck, who joined the Village of Webster staff last week as the new Deputy Village Clerk.

Karen is taking over for current Deputy Clerk Jo O’Neill, who’s retiring at the end of December to spend more time with her family and new grandchild.

Karen joins the Village team after working for 19 years with the Town of Webster as Cable Director. Her duties in that position have recently encompassed all sorts of communication programming, including creating a weekly newsletter and maintaining the Town’s website and social media platforms.

It was in that capacity that I’ve gotten to know Karen, as our paths would cross occasionally at different events around town. But I’ve especially appreciated the weekly Town newsletter she’d send out, packed with special event flyers and other important Town information. It was well crafted, extremely informative, and always a valuable resource for me as I was putting together my mailbag blogs.

So now Karen has brought those talents to the Village of Webster, and the Town’s loss is definitely the Village’s gain. In addition to her deputy clerk duties including payroll, passports and other administrative odds and ends, Karen will work with the Village Board and Webster Business Improvement District to develop new ways to communicate with Village residents, including creating a regular Village newsletter, and expanding the Village’s social media platforms.

So, welcome to the village, Karen. We’re lucky to have you here working for us, and I look forward to working with you.

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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 11/20/2023)

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Wreaths Across America Day needs you

19 Nov

We’re less than four weeks away from Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday Dec. 16, when the Webster community will come together to place wreaths on more than 1,200 veterans’ graves.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization which began 30 years ago, its mission to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. Last December, more than two million volunteers placed over 2.7 million wreaths at 3700 cemeteries across the U.S. and abroad.

Webster was a big part of that effort, joining Wreaths Across America for the first time. Last December, more than 300 adults and children, including first responders, veterans and active service members, gathered at Webster Union Cemetery to lay 650 wreaths. (Click here to read the blog about that incredible day.) It was an incredible outpouring of support from the Webster community.

Local organizers hope the community will show that commitment again next month as Webster joins Wreaths Across America for the second straight year. This year, even more support is needed, because Webster’s Wreaths Across America effort will be expanding to THREE cemeteries.

On December 16, 2023, volunteers will be placing more than 1,220 veteran wreaths in Webster Union, Union Hill and Webster Rural cemeteries. A group of military veterans will take care of Union Hill, but community volunteers are needed to lay wreaths at Webster Union and Webster Rural.

The plan is to meet at noon at Webster Union Cemetery (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull) for a brief Wreath Day ceremony, and the laying of 663 wreaths. Volunteers will then travel to Webster Rural Cemetery (1087 Ridge Rd.) to lay another 500 wreaths there.

Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to take part in this very moving ceremony. Start a new holiday tradition for your family; it’s a great way to teach your children about how important it is to remember and recognize our nation’s veterans. Mark your calendar now and stay tuned for more details. You can also follow the Wreaths Across America Facebook page to keep up on all the latest news.  

Right now, you can help by sponsoring a wreath (or several). Click here to do so. Individual wreath sponsorships are just $17, and $5 from each will go directly to the Blue Star Mothers, who will use the funds to prepare and ship care packages to deployed servicemen and women (every dollar you donate stays in Webster).

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/19/2023)

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Santa is coming to the village on Small Business Saturday

18 Nov

Even Santa has to shop for Christmas gifts (I mean, think about all those elves, and Mrs. Claus!). And the news I just received from the North Pole is pretty exciting … Santa has chosen to come to the Village of Webster to do his shopping.

On Saturday Nov. 25 — Small Business Saturday — Santa himself will be visiting the Village of Webster, strolling up and down Main Street and North Ave., popping into shops and visiting with business owners and everyone else he passes by on the street. Kids and adults alike are welcome to stop and visit with Santa, chat with him, deliver their wish lists, and of course take lots of photos. Rumor has it he’ll have one of his elves with him handing out treats for the children as they shop.

Santa will be in the village from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 2:30. So mark your calendars, and watch for Santa in the Village of Webster!

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/18/2023)

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Raking leaves, tossing kids, making memories

17 Nov

They say when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. Webster residents George Baker and his wife Melissa have a different take: when life gives you leaves, make a huge leaf pile and throw people into it.

That’s exactly what took place last Saturday, and has every year for almost 20 years, at the Baker home on the corner of Klem and Holt roads. In a column I wrote about the event for the D&C back in 2014, Melissa recalled how the Leaf Party tradition began:

In 2004, our little great nephew Trevor was born. That fall he came to play in the leaves at our house, since we have numerous trees and many leaves. He came the next year and the next year after that, until this year we had our 11th annual “Leaf Party.” As other nieces and nephews were born and then our own grandchildren (Ryan, Brendan & Nolan Moorman), they added to the fun.

The idea is to start with a monster pile of leaves, add a bunch of fearless children and two strong people who can toss them, one by one, into a thick bed of leaves. After “one, two, THREE!” and huge wind-up swings, each child is launched into the soft leaf pile. Adults are not immune to the tossing ritual, either, especially those (like me) who say “I want to be tossed!” (Check out the photo below.)

The celebration has grown every year and now includes not only family members, but neighbors and lots of other friends. Everyone enjoys hot chocolate and a variety of baked treats, and drivers who go by the house wave and honk their horns.

Simply put, the annual Leaf Party is a celebration of family, friends, laughter and life’s simpler pleasures.

“The things I enjoy about these parties is all the smiles from the kids of all ages,” George wrote.

It’s kinda like the unofficial end of the season get together in our neighborhood. Having a yard full of people enjoying their time with each other and having fun, what more could we ask for? Over the years it has also helped bring our neighborhood a little closer together. We feel good about sharing snacks and hot chocolate with everyone and watching them make great memories for each of us.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/17/2023)

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News from the Webster Museum

16 Nov

Before I get into details about a couple of interesting new exhibits at the Webster Museum this month, I want to let you all know about a special event honoring veterans, being held Sunday Nov. 19.

It’s called Vietnam, A Time to Listen, A Chat with Ron Gentle. At 2 p.m. Sunday, the museum will welcome US Air Force veteran and Webster resident Ron Gentle, who will share some of his experiences from his time serving in the Vietnam War, a pivotal time in American history. When you’re there, you’ll see Ron’s uniform, along with two others from World War II in a display case right off the main lobby.

Just around the corner from that case is a fascinating new exhibit honoring Webster resident Gary Morgan, who passed away recently leaving many friends, family members and memories.

Gary had collected many of his memories in several binders which he filled with stories about his life and what Webster was like back when he was growing up during World War II. Among them are the time when he and his friends used to ride their bikes down to the old canning factory to interact with the German POWs who had been transported there to provide labor. And the time when a huge four-engine plane buzzed the town repeatedly, flying so low that “you could see the guns sticking out and the airmen inside.” Later he would learn that the pilot was Lt. Alan Hermance, a young Webster man who was just saying goodbye before heading overseas. (Hermance never came home from the war; he went down in the very same B-17 that he flew over the town.)

The museum folks hope that Gary’s friends will visit and take time to read his memories, of going to school, of building cars with his father and his real passion, race car driving.

Alongside the binders are a collection of replicas of Webster buildings and houses that his sister Morgan Retzel had made. They’re incredibly detailed and interesting.

Another new exhibit explores the history of Sawyer’s Hall, which provided a wide variety of entertainment to Webster residents from 1909-1952.

Finally, remember to visit the Museum during Webster’s Winter Wonderland, and vote for your favorite mini Christmas tree during the museum’s annual Festival of Trees. It begins Saturday Dec. 2 and voting runs through Dec. 31. More details to come about this!

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30. For more information, visit the website, and like them on Facebook.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/16/2023)

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