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)

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(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)

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(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)

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(posted 11/16/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

15 Nov

Here’s a great way to spend a cold almost-winter evening: take in a Webster Thomas High School drama production!

The WTHS Drama Club will present John Buchan’s spy thriller The 39 Steps on the Thomas stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nov. 16, 17 and 18, at 7:30 p.m. each night.

The story goes like this: Richard Hannay is a desperate man on the run. The police want him for murder and a web of spies want him dead. It’s a hilarious tale of international intrigue, murder, and mayhem, often described as “Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python.”

Cast members include Jaina Brien, Jack Dayton, Evelyn Fellows, Mia Fellows, Brook Hoffer, Veronica Leistman, Bobby LoFaso, Jamie McCarthy, Abigail McNett, Logan Penza, Makayla Richardson, Katie Steele, Ella Vernacotola, and Adriana Zodarecky. They’re supported by crew members Ananya Bobbala, Abigail DeLallo, Sara Gesner, Jocelyn Herrle, Zoey Hryhorenko, Kilian Klawitter, Catherine Magaw, Yogapreetha Pramothkumar, Savannah Riggs, Amelia Snell, Ava Vernacotola, and Riley Weller. 

The show runs November 16, 17, and 18 in the Webster Thomas Auditorium, 800 Five Mile Line Road, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $10, and can be purchased in advance at from HomeTown Ticketing.

Webster NY HOPE has published their November/December wish list, which includes:

  • sugar
  • flour
  • coffee
  • ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard
  • canned beets
  • diapers (size 6)
  • toiletries (soap, shampoo, deoderant, etc.)
  • laundry detergent
  • gently used toddler clothing

Items can be dropped off during regular operating hours, Monday 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursday 5 to 7 p.m. The offices will be closed Thanksgiving week.

Webster NY HOPE is located at 1450 Ridge Rd.

Next time you’re at the Webster Public Library, make sure to browse the beautiful art on display in the main lobby.

The Webster Art Club’s Fall Show is up and running through Nov. 29. This is also a good chance to think about if you’d like to join this great group of artists. The club is always looking for new members. They meet for Open Art every Wednesday at the Webster Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to noon and have meetings with guest artists and demos on the second Wednesday of each month.

For more information, click here.

The West Webster Fire Department invites community members to help clean up the Lake Rd. memorial honoring fallen WWFD firefighters Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka, on Saturday Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.

Please bring gloves, weed trimmers, takes and trash bags. The memorial is located on Lake Rd. just past Sandbar Park.

Bernardi & Co. CPA, at 40 Barrett Drive, is hosting two free financial seminars in the coming weeks, designed for individuals and small businesses who could use a little advice.

The first, focusing on Tax Strategies and Managing Debt, will be held on Wednesday November 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. The second, on Saving and Investing, is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Both seminars will be held at the Bernardi & Co. offices, and there’s no cost. But please RSVP as space is limited. Email Elena@bernardiCPA.com to reserve your spot. If you have any questions, call 585-217-9393.

A couple of Village events in the coming weeks to tell you about.

The first is a free shredding event on Friday Nov. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. behind Village Hall at 28 West Main.

This event will be accepting paper only, and paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no totes or bags). Staples do not need to be removed. Limit is five boxes per vehicle.

This is a drive-through event; just drive up behind Village Hall and volunteers will unload the papers from your car.

And here’s your first notice about the annual Webster Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights celebration!

This year’s holiday fun will take place on Saturday Dec. 2 beginning at 3:30 p.m. On tap this year, are horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, caroling, and more. The North Pole will return to Gazebo Park with arts and crafts, story hour from the Webster Public Library and hot cocoa. Santa will visit with children in the Village Hall community meeting room so everyone can stay warm.

Then, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Parade of Lights heads down Main Street, brought to you by the Webster Volunteer Fire Department.

More details to come, but to stay on top of it all, visit the Webster BID website regularly. (Or better yet, sign up for the newsletter!)

And since we’re talking about White Christmas and Santa, here’s a teaser for something very exciting coming up on Small Business Saturday: rumor has it that Santa will be in town, shopping along Main Street and North Ave. Stay tuned for details about when he’ll be out and about!

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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 11/15/2023)

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More happy anniversary village business news

14 Nov

Recently I wrote about how My Roommates Closet and Ploty’s Hometown Tavern have just celebrated first anniversaries. Today I add to that happy news with two other Village of Webster businesses which are celebrating their five years in business.

The first is Lala of Webster, celebrating its fifth anniversary on Nov. 16.

Lala of Webster, located at 38 E. Main St., is packed with unique and creative gifts. There’s jewelry and home decor items, baby and pet products, lots of self-care items like soaps, candles, lotions and bath products, and unique inspirational items. This is a must-see shop for anyone shopping in the village. 

Owner Lisa Schlonski is putting together some amazing raffle prizes in honor of her anniversary, including a gift basket valued at $1,000, and lots of other great prizes. Patrons can enter the raffles on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Keep an eye on the Lala Facebook page, because Lisa’s planning a live Facebook event to show off all of the prizes.

The second is The North Bee, located at 27 North Ave. As the name implies, The North Bee is all about honey and beeswax-related products. Owner Amy Stringer has been a beekeeper for about three years and loves pretty much everything about bees. Her shop has all sorts of honeys (like, more than two dozen varieties), of course, plus lots of creative products made from beeswax.

The North Bee opened five years ago on Small Business Saturday, so Amy is timing her celebration for that week and weekend, Nov. 21 through 25. She’s also put together five awesome gift baskets, each valued at over $200 each. Patrons can enter all week, and the winners will be chosen at close of business Saturday (3 p.m.).

Also, on the 25th, patrons will enjoy “sweets and treats” in the kids’ room — cookies from Nina’s Sugar Cookies and chocolates from Laughing Gull Chocolates (but you don’t have to be a kid to partake).

Regular North Bee shoppers will be happy to know that beginning Friday Nov. 24, Amy will be open until 4 p.m. on Fridays, and open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Sunday Nov. 26th.  Here’s a look inside the shop:

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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 11/14/2023)

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The kitten saga continues

13 Nov

Many of you have been following my Lollypop kitten foster journey, especially since I posted last week about my first four fosters (pictured above) and what an adorable challenge they were. What most of you don’t know is the day I posted that blog, I had to take the kittens back to Lollypop for a check-up, especially since one of them was still diarrhea-ing up a storm.

Every day after they left, I anxiously awaited an email from the foster folks saying that the kittens’ spa day at the clinic was over and I could come back to get them. That email never came.

After five days, I finally came to terms with the idea that I would not be seeing my babies again. I decided to focus on getting a new bunch of furbabies to love. So I made sure my email notification sounder was on full blast so that the next time a foster plea went out, I’d be the first to respond (in the past, I discovered that if I was even a half hour delayed in answering, I’d miss out).

My plan worked. The foster plea email came early Monday morning, and a minute later — maybe less — I’d written back, not even taking the time to include a salutation or closing signature. And my email began, “Please, me!”

So by Monday afternoon, my husband and I were watching two three-week old kittens exploring our living room. In homage to the Teletubbies, their names are Dipsy and Po (I did not come up with those). They do not have diarrhea, and appear to be perfectly healthy little fuzzballs. Not sure yet if they’ve learned to use the litter box, so that adventure awaits.

I did, by the way, find out the status of my first batch of babies. They were just finishing up another round of medication, and will soon be scheduled for their spaying and neutering surgeries, so they’ll be put up for adoption soon. Just an FYI in case you fell in love with one of them through my blog 🙂

Dipsy and Po … or maybe Po and Dipsy?

And now a PSA for Lollypop Farm and their foster program. Even though I’ve only been doing this for two weeks, I can already tell you that it is one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. I highly recommend to anyone and everyone to sign on, especially if you’re retired and need some new friends to help you pass the time (and we’re talking cats, dogs, rabbits, even horses). But I’m certain that even if you’re working, Lollypop would work with you to find a foster that would be perfect for your situation. Doesn’t cost you a thing; Lollypop provides everything you need.

Interested? Click here for more information.

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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 11/13/2023)

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Library volunteer Marge Gascon honored with the Casey Award

12 Nov

Strong and effective community organizations rely on enthusiastic and skilled volunteers. Thousands of selfless men and women work behind the scenes every day to make sure these organizations run smoothly.

Sometimes one of these volunteers stands out from all the rest. For the Friends of the Webster Public Library, that volunteer was Marge Gascon.

As a member of the Friends, Marge Gascon was an active supporter and advocate for Webster Public Library (WPL) resources and programs for more than 14 years. She held several key positions with the Friends. Among her many accomplishments, she revamped the membership process, revised the financial reporting system, created policies for gifts, honorariums and reimbursement expenditures, introduced the use of PayPal and credit cards for purchases made by patrons, and worked with library administrators on grant writing.

Marge passed away unexpectedly in April, leaving a huge hole in the hearts of everyone at the Webster Public Library. Those who worked alongside her immediately started discussing how to honor her commitment and service. Ultimately, they decided the best way to do that was to nominate her for the Daniel W. Casey Library Advocacy Award.

Given annually since 1993, the Casey Award is presented by the New York Library Association (NYLA), honoring one volunteer member or a group from the New York State library community each year whose efforts have contributed to the growth of libraries or Friends of the Library organizations.

NYLA representative Lisa Wemett said that NYLA generally receives a half dozen or more nominations every year, which are referred to a committee whose members thoroughly review each one. This year, their decision was unanimous: Marjorie L. Gascon would be the 2023 Daniel Casey Award winner.

On Saturday Nov. 11, at a ceremony held at the Webster Public Library, Wemett presented the posthumous award to Marge’s daughter Renee. Accepting the plaque, Renee said of her mother,

My mom certainly was not one to ever want an award. In fact she always said, “don’t take my picture, don’t look at me. I’m in the background!” She was truly a support person. She looked at every one one of you on the board and in the Friends group as part of her family.

(Working with the Friends) was her life blood. She really really loved helping and being a part of this organization. We are so thankful that you considered her for this, and that she actually won the award unanimously — that’s just unbelievably amazing.

Almost 40 people attended the ceremony, including family members, WPL staff members, Friends of Webster Library volunteers, and several local political officials. Library Director Adam Traub, trustee Peg Ehmann, and Mary Alice Moore from the Friends all spoke, adding personal insights into Marge’s never-say-never attitude, infectious spirit, and unwavering commitment to making the Friends of the Webster Public Library the invaluable asset that it is.

Here a few photos from the event:

  • Renee Gascon Basset (L) accepts the award from NYLA representative Lisa Wemett
  • The Friends also had a bench made in honor of Marge. Look for it in the library’s foyer
  • Marge’s friends from the Friends

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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 11/12/2023)

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November’s historic Site of the Month: the “Schroeder House”

11 Nov

As we walk or drive through the Village of Webster, we often — well, usually — fail to notice and appreciate the history that surrounds us.

The Village of Webster’s Historic Preservation Commission has made it their goal to shine a spotlight on some of these historical treasures. One way they’re doing that is with their recognition of Historic Sites of the Month. In November, that distinction was awarded to the home at 27 Lapham Park, fondly known as the “Schroeder House.”

The home is owned by Karen Sullivan, who lives there with her son Shane Callahan. The 2-1/2 story Victorian home was built in 1900 by Anthony Smith, and stands out thanks in large part to its prominent wrap-around porch. The porch originally featured ornate gingerbread trim (which can be seen in the historical photos below), and sided with wooden clapboard, which has been preserved under the current siding.

The house has changed hands several times over the years, and at one time was owned by Herbert W. Schroeder, who served as Webster schools superintendent from 1959 to 1969, and after whom Webster Schroeder High School was named. The house fell into disrepair in the early 2000s, but was lovingly rescued by Karen Sullivan in 2003. Sullivan has worked tirelessly over the past two decades to bring the house back to its former glory.

photos show the house c. 1905-1910

The house features the original oak hardwood floors, much of the original trim, dual staircases and butler’s pantry. Major improvements include total restoration of the front and back porches, with which Karen had a lot of help from her father, Ray. Karen’s son Shane also restored the summer porch several years ago. A recent full kitchen remodel gives the house a signature modern look while keeping the original character.

Sullivan’s hard work is evident in every corner of the house. Her goal of preserving the history of the “Schroeder House” has always been foremost in her mind while making any changes to the century-old Victorian.

Karen writes, “Over the last twenty years, the journey to restore this beautiful home has been a privilege. I am grateful the Historic Preservation Commission has recognized this property as Site of the Month.”

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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 11/11/2023)

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Bygone Blog — A silly song for autumn

10 Nov
11122011 leaves

I’ve actually posted this Bygone Blog before, but it’s one of my favorites, and I can’t help but break out into song as I am raking every year. Maybe after reading this, you will too. (And, well, kittens. I need easy blog posts!) 

I wrote this when I was still living in Penfield and had to stuff hundreds (literally) bags of leaves each year for my trash hauler to pick up. Not having to do that anymore is another reason I love living in the village.   

Carol of the Leaves

(sung to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”)

(Really. It’s much more fun if you sing along with it.)

It’s the most back-breaking time of the year,
When winter is calling,
the leaves are a’falling
And bagging-the-leaves time is here,
It’s the most back-breaking time of the year.

11122011leaf

Yes, the most colorful season is here.
From the leaves on the trees
To the frustrated screams
That fall on your ears,
Yes, the most colorful season is here.

I think shoveling is better
Though snow’s cold and wetter,
I just push it and that’s not so bad.
Then the plows come on by
And they sweep it aside.
And I don’t have to stuff it in bags.

It’s the most back-breaking time of the year.
Some day thanks to our pleas,
Penfield WILL pick up leaves.
They’ll finally get it in gear.
It’s the most back-breaking time,
Yes, the most back-breaking time,
It’s the most back-breaking time of the year.

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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 11/10/2023)

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A new owner and a new look for Ploty’s

9 Nov

There’s a new bar in town … sort of. It’s actually been around for almost six years, but celebrating its first anniversary this weekend.

I’m talking about Ploty’s Hometown Tavern, and everything I said above is accurate, if not confusing. Located at 27 West Main St., in the lower level behind Mozzeroni’s Pizza, Ploty’s originally opened in December 2017, owned by Eric Plotzker and his wife Kourtney. For a long time, the bar was one of my favorite hangouts. My friends and I would often meet there, especially on evenings when there was live music.

But over the years, the bar’s hometown atmosphere seemed to change from homey to … unpleasant. I can’t speak for everyone, but I became uncomfortable with the kind of patrons the bar was attracting, the conversations I was hearing around me, and the confrontational political statements hanging throughout the bar. After a while, I just stopped going.

Then I heard that last November, Eric had sold the bar to Charlene Napoletano, one of his bartenders. Curious to see if things had changed under the new ownership, I stopped in to check it out, and was very pleased with what I saw.

The “new” Ploty’s has still got the dart boards, digital jukebox and the large-screen TVs featuring sports most of the day. But the changes that Charlene HAS introduced have brought the vibe back to what Eric had originally envisioned: a comfortable, welcoming local tavern.

Charlene calls her pub a “boujie dive bar.” The “boujie” part comes from how she’s dressed it up with a brighter paint job, cozy lounge area, framed photos of entertainers, more pleasant restrooms, much nicer patio space and mixed drink specials. The “dive bar” part? Well, Ploty’s is still in a basement.

But even the drink selections have been upgraded. Charlene has doubled the number of beers on the menu, added some hard seltzers, a lot more liquors, and seven different wines.

On my recommendation, our Barry’s Runners settled there several weeks ago after our very first post-Barry’s-pub run. Since Barry’s has closed, we begin our runs at the gazebo on North Ave., and need a spot to socialize and raise a pint afterwards. Ploty’s is just steps away from the gazebo, so that was our first choice. The runners all loved the atmosphere, the outdoor patio, the cheap beer prices, and especially the free pizza Charlene had ordered from Mozzeroni’s. It’s become one of our favorite post-run spots.

So if you haven’t checked out Ploty’s recently, I recommend you stop in. This weekend would be a good time to do that. To celebrate the anniversary, from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday Nov. 10 and Saturday Nov. 11, Charlene is offering a ONE-year anniversary special: buy ONE domestic draft or well cocktail, and get ONE free.

And by the way, don’t be worried if the name soon changes. Sometime in the near future, Charlene hopes to rechristen the bar “Charzbar,” to really put her stamp on it. But the same welcoming atmosphere will not be changing.

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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 11/9/2023)

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