Tag Archives: Village of Webster

BC’s Chicken Coop has new, bigger location

17 Jul

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After six and a half years on South Avenue, Brandie Rauber and Christina Wasson have finally found a bigger and better location for their popular village restaurant, BC’s Chicken Coop, now at 159 West Main Street.

Brandie and Chris opened The Coop in November 2010, jumping on the chance to take over the old pizza shop at 9 South Avenue shortly after it closed. Since then they’ve been cooking up the tastiest fried chicken and ribs this side of the Mississippi. (That’s not just my opinion. Their wings have won awards.)

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Chris Wasson and Brandie Rauber at the new Coop

In the years since, they became strong Webster supporters, building the kind of rock-solid, community-focused business that Webster desperately needs.

But they also struggled at times with health and financial issues, and the small space they had to work with didn’t make things any easier.

Their perseverance was finally rewarded at the end of June when they moved into their beautiful new, bigger and more visible restaurant on West Main.

There’s a lot to love about the new place. For starters, it’s about twice the size of the South Avenue location, which means a much bigger kitchen and more than four times the seating capacity. That’s plenty of room for people to stretch out and relax with a soda or water while their dinner is being cooked up fresh.

There’s also a public bathroom and plenty of parking right outside the front door, two things they didn’t have at all before.

Chris and Brandie have had to make some adjustments as they settle inIMG_5169. For example, on South Ave., everything was packaged for take-out, but now orders might need to be put in baskets to be served at a table. On the plus side, thanks to more storage space, now they have room to prepare some things ahead and don’t have to worry about running out of food.

What’s remained the same is the Coop’s outstanding menu. I’m a huge fan of their cornbread and juicy fried chicken, with a coating so flavorful I could eat all by itself.  But their ribs and wings are also highly rated. And they cook everything to order, using locally-sourced products.

It’s been a tough road, but Brandie and Chris have finally found themselves — and the Coop — in a pretty good place right now.

Judging from the constant stream of customers in and out of the Coop before and after the Firemen’s Parade last Thursday, it’s clear lots of people are excited about the move. Some were perhaps discovering the Coop for the first time, now that it’s so much more visible and accessible.

It’s been a dream come true for Brandie and Chris, and they’re grateful to Webster for helping them get there.

“This was the end goal, to do something like this,” Brandie said.

“I think that all of Webster from the get-go has pulled for us,” Chris said. “They kept us alive so that we could do this and we were determined not to leave Webster because of it.”

“I think it’s going to be like this forever,” she added.  I certainly hope so.

BC’s Chicken Coop is located at 159 West Main Street in Webster.  Click here to visit their Facebook page, or call 585-265-1185.

 

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Photos from the Firemen’s Parade

14 Jul

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For the first time in my memory, rain threatened to dampen the annual Webster Firemen’s Parade on Thursday night. Fortunately it never came, but it the threat of nasty weather might have shortened it. At a little less than 90 minutes long, I swear there were fewer marching groups this year (everyone missed the Shriners and their little cars) and the crowds also seemed to be smaller.

But it was a terrific event, and the cooler, overcast skies were a lot more comfortable than the stifling heat we sometimes get.

Here’s a gallery of photos from the event. Towards the end of the parade we were having a little fun with the marching firefighters, so make sure to check out all the pictures for a couple that might make you smile. Plus, if you were there, you and your kids might be in one as well.

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Big week for food and fun in Webster

10 Jul

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Let’s hope the weather holds this week, because there are a lot of fun events coming up.

This week, of course, is when the Webster Firemen’s Carnival returns to town, kicked off with the huge Firemen’s Parade which will take over Main Street in the village on Thursday evening.

You can find all the details here about the Kiddie Parade, the Firemen’s Parade, and the carnival, but here are a few highlights:

  • Wednesday: Carnival opens at 6 pm at Firemen’s Field on Main Street. Featured attraction is a Craft Beer Night.
  • Thursday: The Firemen’s Parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. , starting at Phillips Road and continuing down Main Street to Firemen’s Field. The carnival is open from 6 pm till late.
  • Friday: Carnival opens at 6 p.m., featuring live entertainment in the beer pavilion.
  • Saturday: The Kiddie Parade will be held beginning at 12 noon (this appears to be a change from previous years when it was held Wednesday night). Registration begins at 11 a.m. at Spry Middle School. The carnival runs through midnight with live entertainment, rides, games, food and drink, a bike raffle, and fireworks to end the night.

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And don’t forget about the Webster Marching Band Boosters’ second annual Food Truck Rodeo, scheduled for this Friday July 21 from 5 to 9 pm in Webster Schroeder High School’s front parking lot.

The Marching Band Boosters sponsor various fundraising events throughout the year to help pay for the Webster Marching Band’s equipment, show productions, and competition-related trip expenses.

At least 11 food trucks will be on hand, including Macarollin, Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza, Rob’s Kabobs, The Meatball Truck Co., Midnight Smokin’ BBQ, Meat the Press, Le Petit Poutine, WingNutz, Abbott’s Frozen Custard, Kona Ice, and Smoothies Plus.

There will also be face painting for the kids, a visit by a West Webster Fire Department truck, and live music provided by the Aaron Rizzo Trio. Admittance to the rodeo is FREE, and all proceeds from the food trucks will benefit the Marching Band Boosters and Webster Marching Band members.

Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge Road.

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Webster celebrates summer today

24 Jun

fireworks-mdIt’s officially summer, and the town will welcome the season today (Saturday) with a grand celebration.

The Town of Webster’s annual summer party will be held at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, beginning at 4 p.m., and will feature food trucks, games, and inflatables for the kids.

The band Stateline kicks off the entertainment from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m, followed by Brass Taxi from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. A huge fireworks display caps off the evening’s festivities at 10 p.m.

There’s plenty of free parking in the Rec Center lot or across Chiyoda Drive at Xerox, and a shuttle will be provided all night long.

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An image from last year’s Waterfront Arts Festival

You’ll also want to mark your calendars right now for the third annual Waterfront Arts Festival, scheduled this year for July 29 and 30 at North Ponds Park.

The third annual Webster Waterfront Arts Festival will take place this year on Saturday, July 29th and Sunday, July 30th at North Ponds Park.

Artists from all over Monroe County will line North Ponds’ walkways, displaying an incredible variety of high quality craft items. There are food trucks, entertainment, a wine tasting booth and other exhibits.

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It’s summer in the village

17 Jun

 

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The Webster Schroeder Jazz Ensemble was one of three bands to play Friday night. 

It shouldn’t have come as any surprise to me that the Friday night concert series in Gazebo Park was starting up last night, but it did.

My husband and I were trying out the fish fry at the “new” Webster Hots Friday night (it was great) and while we were chatting with the owner, he told us about the concert, which featured three high school jazz bands. So after dinner we strolled to the park to check it out.

It was an incredibly perfect evening to sit outside and listen to music. After the Webster Thomas Jazz Band finished, we even went home quickly to grab our quad chairs, returning just in time to enjoy some of the Penfield Jazz Band’s set, and then the entire performance by the Webster Schroeder Jazz Ensemble.

As we always do at these concerts, we saw lots of our friends and neighbors there, which made the evening even more enjoyable.

The concert was the first in the village’s Friday Night Concerts series. The rest of the schedule looks like this:

  • June 30: Claudia Hoyser Acoustic Duo (country)
  • July 7: Burnt Cane (tropical)
  • July 28: The Ryan Johnson Project (fusion)
  • August 4: Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
  • August 11: Rochester Brass & Electric

All concerts begin at 7 pm in Gazebo Park on North Avenue.

Also coming up this summer in the village are the Movies in the Park (kids’ movies on Tuesdays and two “date night” movies on Saturdays), the annual two-day Webster Jazz Fest on July 21 and 22, and the next Wine Walk on August 12. Stay tuned for more details about them in the coming weeks. More details about them all can be found at http://websterbid.com/.

Let the summer begin!!!!!

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Crowds for the first Friday Night Concert were pretty good thanks in part to the gorgeous weather

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Webster Hots has new owners

14 Jun
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Webster Hots’ new owners Kelly and Bill Mutschler, with their son Aidan.

Have you driven down Webster’s East Main Street lately?

Lately it’s been looking like a ghost town, with more “For Rent” signs than “Open for Business” signs in the storefront windows. Aside from the fact there’s usually a lot of good parking spaces available, there seem to be fewer reasons every day to head down there.

Bill and Kelly Mutschler, the new owners of Webster Hots, want to change that.

The Webster residents took ownership of the restaurant just a few weeks ago. For Bill, who was looking for a career change, it was the culmination of a long-time dream to open his own small business in Webster. When he and Kelly, found out that Webster Hots was for sale, they jumped on the opportunity.

Bill and Kelly decided to keep the name Webster Hots because that’s what people have come to know. But they readily admit they’re fighting against the negative reputation hots places can sometimes have of being small, and dark and catering to the young, late-night crowd who only want plates.

They want to be known for more than just plates. But don’t get them wrong. “I think our plates are really good,” Bill said, made better in that they make their hot sauce and mac salad on site. But he points out that their menu features so much more.

There are burgers and dogs, of course. But there are also plenty of sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, and even a beer-battered fish fry. Plus, they’re already planning to expand that menu, adding more options for kids, among other things.  And it’s all served in a bright, spacious environment.

Then there’s the ice cream. “The village has been missing ice cream since Hank’s left,” Bill noted, so the Mutschlers know how important it was to bring it back. They’re especially proud to have been able to contract with Purity Ice Cream, a very well-known and highly respected shop in Ithaca. (And if the sea salt caramel is any indication, it’s pretty fantastic.)

As Webster residents, Bill and Kelly are already involved with the village, but now they want to make sure that community connection also extends to their new business. They’re hoping especially to build stronger ties with the high schools, and start hanging photos of local sports teams and businesses. You can also expect to see them getting involved with village events like the Wine Walks and the Jazz Fest.

So when you walk into the new Webster Hots, you actually won’t see many differences … yet. But rest assured that now that Bill and Kelly Mutschler are at the helm, Webster Hots is stronger than ever, a great family spot for lunch or dinner, and will definitely help revitalize East Main Street.

Webster Hots is located at 55 East Main Street in the village of Webster. Connect with them on Facebook and call (585) 265-0824. 

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insideWH storefront

 

 

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You are being watched…

11 Jun

There seems to be a new movement afoot, and I like to think that I was in on it from the beginning.

If you know me fairly well — or have read my blog for a while — you may remember that I have broken two bones in recent years, one in my finger in 2010, and my arm last spring. I had a series of casts each time, each one smaller than the next. Just for fun, I decided to personalize each one with googly eyes.

And I named them, of course, usually after Muppets like Kermit and Oscar and Cookie Monster.

I got a lot of weird looks, of course, and a lot of giggles from children. And I was pretty much certain that I stood apart from all others in my silliness.

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But I was wrong. There are a lot of silly googly-eye people out there who were just waiting for the right time to pounce.

I think I noticed it first from my friend Kristen, whose “bonus daughter” keeps putting miniature googly-eyes on items around their home, from coffee canisters to spray bottles.

But then, just a few days ago, I discovered a new Twitter feed dedicated to the googly-eye cause.

It’s called Googly Eyes of ROC (@rocgooglyeyes), and the organizers (who prefer to stay anonymous) simply want to spread some happiness. As they explained:

The idea came to me after seeing so much negative and unhappy news about our city. $5 for a pack of googly eyes, a camera, and a dream to spread smiles is what we’re all about. We want people to love our city, and we want to show it off. All of it. From its highest highs to its lowest lows, all in good humor. Right now we’re focusing on the city, there’s so much going on it’s an endless opportunity to show off so many wonderful gems Rochester has to offer. Who doesn’t love a pair of googly eyes? 🙂

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A recent placement by Googly Eyes of ROC

So the group’s googly eyes haven’t spread as far east as Webster yet. But I still have a lot left over from my cast days, so don’t be surprised if you find a tree — or sign post or ugly village planter — looking back at you next time you’re out and about.

And please feel free to help spread the happiness. Follow @rocgooglyeyes on Twitter, get out with some googly eyes and a camera, and post your photos with the hashtag #rocgooglyeyes.

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A shout out to our Special Police

30 May

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Do you know those Special Police officers you always see working crowd control at parades, helping us cross the street during the carnival, and helping out at accident scenes?

Did you realize they’re all volunteers? Not only that, they have to go through a lot of training just to even become a volunteer.

Here’s a more detailed description from the Town of Webster website:

The Webster Special Police are a group of volunteers, appointed by the Town Board of Webster, whose mission is to assist the Webster Police Department during emergencies and special events. As certified NYS Peace Officers, our goal is to provide citizens with a professional organization that stands ready to fulfill this mission whenever activated. Our vision is to maintain the highest standards of organization, training, and professionalism in order to aid the police department in upholding the laws of the State of New York, County of Monroe, and Town and Village of Webster.

They were out in force during the Memorial Day Parade. I always make it a point to thank them for being there, and this time around I also snapped photos of as many of them as I could to single out this great organization for their service.

So take a look at these faces and when you see them at the Firemen’s Parade, make sure to give them a smile and a “Thanks for being here!” Because they don’t have to be.

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Photos from Webster’s parade

29 May

 

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So the weather could have been a little bit better for Monday’s Memorial Day Parade, but it also could have been a whole lot worse.

This is the first year I can remember that we’ve had any kind of rain for the parade. But even this year it wasn’t too bad; a few sprinkles during the marching, and a shower during the ceremony at Webster Rural Cemetery. The crowds lining Main Street and Ridge Road were noticeably thinner this year, probably thanks to the threatening weather, but there were still plenty of onlookers. Many of them came prepared with umbrellas and pop-ups, or found space under some of the large trees that lined the route.

Despite the dampness, I didn’t hear any grumbling. I think we all realized that the men and women we were honoring had suffered much worse.

The only disappointing thing about the day was seeing how many people forgot to stand when the flag came by.

I’ve posted a few photos here, but there are plenty of more here in my gallery, including some from where everyone was lining up, through to the ceremony.

P. S., if you got any great photos which I can add to my gallery, please email them to missyblog@gmail.com.


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Webster Village Band: 50 years and still going strong

30 Apr
2016 Christmas concert

The Webster Village Band at their 2016 Webster Schroeder Christmas Concert

Fifty years ago this summer, Webster Village Council member Gerry Barrett proposed that the village create a band that would provide free summer concerts to village residents. The Village Board agreed, and asked Stan Maruszak to lead the new musical group.

A half century later, the Webster Village Band is still going strong, and still providing beautiful music every summer.

Several years after the band started, Sue Siegmund began assisting Stan as Associate Director and Marcia Naukum helped out with band administration. When Stan passed away in late 2004, a group of band members worked together to continue band operations, and establish a solid relationship with the Webster Village Board.

Since then, a music scholarship was created by Stan’s widow, Frances, who has since passed in 2010 at the age 83. This scholarship has been awarded annually to students in the Webster Central School District.

Currently, the Webster Village Band is under the direction of Tom Indiano, Musical Director, and Associate Director Sue Siegmund.

Indiano, now in his 13th year with the band, is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Nazareth College, with a concentration in saxophone. Sue Siegmund, a graduate of Fredonia majoring in the French horn, brings a variety of musical experiences to the band, having worked with the Webster musical co-op, Webster Central School District, and as organist for many years at Durand United Church of Christ.

Original members and long-time members with 40+ years with the band, who are still playing, include Mary Crockett, Skip Mayo, Marcia Naukam, Bobbi Przybylowicz, and Sue Siegmund.

The Webster Village Band plays a variety of musical genres, including marches, classical band selections, swing, show tunes and pops.

The band performs outdoors most Thursday evenings at 7 pm from mid June through August at the Harmony Station Band Shell, located off Phillips Road and Foster Drive, just south of Ridge Road. In case of inclement weather, the concerts are moved to Cherry Ridge at St. Ann’s Community, 900 Ridge Road, across from Webster Schroeder High School.

Concerts are always free and there’s plenty of lawn space. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic basket of munchies and relax and enjoy the music. The large lawn area is family friendly and perfect for youngsters who may find it difficult to sit still. Young audience members have been known to dance, run, play and even conduct the band on an occasion or two.

Other venues the band has played in years past include the Webster Arboretum and Genesee Country Museum.

The 50th anniversary season will kick off with a special event on Tuesday May 16 at 7:30 pm with, a “Side-by-Side” performance with students at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road.

The summer season begins on Thursday, June 15, with additional concerts scheduled every Thursday night through August 31, except for June 29, July 13 and August 17. Weather permitting, they’ll also play their annual Christmas in July concert at the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market on Saturday July 22 at 10 am. Stay tuned for more information about that.

New members are always welcome. Until the performance season begins, rehearsals are held Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm at various Webster schools. New members are encouraged to dust off those instruments and join this vibrant ensemble.

For more information, check out the Webster Village Band website. You can also follow the band on Facebook. Pocket calendars of the upcoming season are available at the Village Hall at 28 West Main Street.

Here’s a slideshow highlighting the great people and directors of our Webster Village Band:

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