This page contains the last three Village Focus Articles.
If you'd like to see others not included below, please email
amchampagne@villageofwebster.com
and include the date you wish to see.
Until then...see you in the papers!
August 18, 2010
Why does it take a minute to say hello and forever to say goodbye?
For the entire summer, friends of Karen Boughton Siegelman, have been trying to say good-bye as she and her husband Greg, embark on a new life in Dayton Ohio.
We have said good-bye at breakfasts, lunches and dinners… at picnics and at pubs. But last Tuesday night at an Irish pub in the heart of Webster Village we did it up right.
Tim Flynn, owner of the Irish Rover, knew far better than I how to assure everyone a good time. He threw into the party-pot Rochester’s favorite Irish entertainers, The Dady Brothers. The twosome, Joe and John have performed in clubs, pubs, and festivals all over the US and Canada. They were/are wonderfully witty and talented –fun – and they made the formal farewell for our good friend very personal and one she will always remember.
“It will be a night I will think about countless times and laugh and cry as I remember all of the different types of people gathered in one place!” Karen said the next day.
True, it was a wonderful array/assortment of many people. "What made the party really special was that it brought together so many of the different people who have been an important part of my 13 years in Webster,” she said.
Thirteen years…
I remember the first day Karen, the mother of two sons, walked into the Webster Post as the newly hired reporter.
I knew immediately it would be a great match.
She quickly became acquainted with the school community, the political arena, the police department, the charitable and fraternal organizations, the church congregations and well, the street people – those who would pop into our office with a story or two - and a sort of kinship developed with each. Through it all, she was a professional.
When the North Avenue office closed a number of years ago, we sadly bid our old jobs farewell – and tried our hand at a marketing/writing partnership. I drank a lot of coffee, she, a lot of cocoa, together of course - in area restaurants we called our office. In addition, she wrote a column for the D&C, wrote for Connecting Rochester, a now defunct area magazine, and went to work at Webster Parks and Recreation where a wonderful crew and visitors embraced her – as she is the “embraceable you”-type. “Karen was a great asset to Parks and Recreation as well as the community at large… always had a smiling face and great demeanor working with the public and fellow co-workers.” said Mark Yaeger, department head. He added that he too join the throngs who hate to see her leave.
She made friends where ever she went - her party was proof of that.I think she took scads of that friendship vitamin…you know - B1.
This week she drives her Honda southwest for seven hours and 29 minutes (according to Mapquest) to her new home. Karen said that it will be hard to call another place home…but she will look at it as a new adventure. “A place like Webster is hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget!” she said.
Yes, saying good-bye is hard to do and there will definitely be a gap in my social calendar, life and heart. I am looking for a patch to slap on my arm – a withdrawal patch like one of those nicotine patches. Any suggestions??
First Tuesday’s a date
With the Class of ‘48
Most of us have found that over the course of a lifetime you meet a lot of people. Some of them stick with you through thick and thin, some come stay for a while and one day disappear forever. But if you are lucky there are a treasured few who earn a permanent spot in your heart. – Each time you see them your friendship is renewed. Such is the case with a good number of the members of The Webster High School Class of 1948. Many of them have remained friends through thick and thin and they recently celebrated their 62nd reunion.
They love remembering the old days when The Old Webster High School was located in the village at the site of Spry Junior High School on South Avenue. A lot of water has crossed over the dam since graduation – they’ve seen good times- and sad times but they have seen them together.
Their annual picnic was held August 3rd at Webster Park – AGAIN.
Can you believe the class meets the first Tuesday of every month for breakfast?
The lowdown on Walter Scott, the new merchant in the village
Walter comes to us from northeast Pennsylvania and knows all about small towns having lived in a town so small there wasn’t a traffic light. He retired after spending 30 years in the food business - in either colleges, cafeterias, grocery stores or restaurants and after having served 23 years in the NAVY Reserves. “On my first date I made my wife dinner,” he said. (He thinks that perhaps his cooking was the attraction…hmmnnn) Presently this Cornell grad is pursuing the American dream of owning his own business.
So, it is not a surprise that this business, located on West Main Street a couple of doors from the old Netzman’s store, involves food…specialty items – “goodies for those who love to cook and want to go beyond the ordinary,” he said.
“If you are sick of the same old thing, I have some simple fixes,” he said pointing out a chicken sopping sauce. There is chipotle finishing sauce too and simple fixes to give your dull drab supper a lift whether you are cooking roast beef, chicken, seafood, or even veggies” –there is a way to dress them up he said.
Personally I love cooking but like everyone can get into a rut. Checking through the shelves of condiments, vinegars, mustards, salad dressings, teas, salsas, seasonings, spices…I was in my glory. My interest in preparing dinner was renewed. What a turn-on!
Then came a few samples… apple pecan preserves, then a special peach salsa, Texas salsa, green chili …ooohhh, good.
There is something there for everyone who likes to cook, or simply is fond of eating.
You may be interested in yummy goodies you can prepare for a winter or autumn breakfast or brunch. The list includes apple quick-bread mixes, apple and pecan preserves, cherry pecan pancake mix, real maple syrup and coffee. Put it in a basket and give it as a gift.
Walter said that he would love to put together a gift basket for your next tailgating or cocktail party, or a basket of condiments to dress up a salad or outdoor cooking basket… the ideas are endless.
It would be fun to experiment with some seasonings - special exotic spices of India, or onion, lemon dill, sun dried tomato horseradish seasonings…lots. Walter will help you wow your dinner guests by giving you ideas for your next party.
Make it a point. Drop in, say hi and tell him what you are having for dinner. I bet he can take it up a notch…just like Emeril.
Village Days
Karen and Jay Palmer of Palmer Studios enjoyed sitting on Main Street during Village Days displaying many of their photographs of little kids, family reunions, family pets, weddings, engagements. People stopped to talk…browsed, oohed and ahh’d as they enjoyed the pictures.
The Palmers, like all of us who worked on Main Street on Saturday, enjoyed seeing old friends and catching up with the many they hadn’t seen in a while.
The Palmer’s especially enjoyed seeing a young couple whose wedding they photographed five years ago at the United Methodist Church in the Village. What a difference five years can make. …but then again, we learned in arithmetic as children that two and two make four…and that is exactly what happened in the Buzzelli family.Vince and Jenelle are now Vince, Jenelle, Alana and Luciano ( he/Luciano doesn’t sing YET).
August 4, 2010
Singing the praises of the Main Street based Chorus
For years I was a street walker – walking the streets of the village, briskly making each step count in an effort to get, or stay in shape, remove stress and lower blood pressure.
However I was ALWAYS distracted on Tuesday evenings as I walked by the Harmony House at the corner of Kircher Park and Main Street. I found myself sitting on the front steps, listening to the melodic strains of what I believe to be one of the best male choruses ever.
Recently I attended the Chorus of the Genesee’s guest night.
Men who can sing and who love singing were invited to come - take a look/listen and even sing with the group. I connived, conspired …and finally convinced my brother, Carl Manske, a shower singer, an in-the-car singer – a frustrated wannabe (I think) to come with me to this special night. We were not alone…there were about six other guests - all impressed.
For the first time, I got up close and personal with the chorus – I think I understand what makes them sooo great – they share a love for singing – and a love for performing. And they don’t sing just because they are happy. They are happy because they sing. The fraternity they share is also “note” worthy.
Al Weitz, Mike Morgan and Scott Ventura shared with the chorus and guests a number of secrets to their success…basic performance techniques.
For our enjoyment they sang God Bless America, Old Folks at Home, even a few Christmas songs to make us feel cooler on a hot summer night. Then the exuberant, enthusiastic conductor Jason Weitz took the group into the 80’s and me into a dreamy state of euphoria when they crooned, “Put your head on my Shoulder” and
“The Way You Look Tonight,” …swoon, swoon. These guys are into romance.
After prospective members shook hands (baseball team style) with every member of the chorus, my brother said that he never felt more welcomed in his life. I agreed. It was fun. I would have joined in a minute, but - wrong gender. The night ended too soon…
Hmmmnnn …just thinking that very often when praises are sung we sing them too high, but NOT THIS TIME.
They will be performing for your enjoyment during Village Days at the corner of Lapham Park and Main Street at 2 p.m. According to my friend, Jack Thomas, “we welcome visitors any Tuesday night.”
Also, if you would like more information on the group feel free to stop by their Main Street booth during the festival.
Another season and another reason to come to the village.
Village Days traditionally has been a time of celebration, shopping, great food, contests, music, and this year will be no different. It starts Friday evening Aug. 13 with a super food court and a night of music starring Brass Taxi at 6 p.m. Great music – a total concert experience is promised for all ages, from the 50’s and 60s big band sounds , the Beetles, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, 70’s ad 80’s dance favorites, and music up to and including the music of today.
Saturday, Aug. 14 is for everybody.
For kids, Village Days is a time to create good memories of summer in the village that will last throughout the year – possibly a lifetime. Kids will love the newest adventure, the 50 foot, rock climbing wall, along with face painting, the bounce house, model airplane contests, ice-cream eating contests, Karate demonstrations and more.
For everyone, the Chorus of the Genesee will perform at the corner of Lapham Park and Main Street at 2 p.m.
Once again Regina Neri, a former Main Street merchant (now Schoen Place, Pittsford - ) is heading our crafters and ARTISTS BOOTHS. Regina, who is back at Nazareth College working towards a master in art education, knows the artists as she features a number of them at her gallery. She is also familiar with the art world as well, if not better, than anyone else we know.
Great food will be everywhere…the House of Costanza, Greg Cody of Brimont Catering will be serving grilled salmon and clams and all things wonderful. Many of the vendors that have been at this event in the past will return.
( If I may make a suggestion though…it would be that you head to Hatter’s Pub at least once this week-end ( or anytime) and ask Jeannie to make her fabulous turkey club sandwich for you. I dare you to find a better one.)
Also expect to see and hear Brass Taxi, the Fabulous Bull Heads, and Guy Smiley.
Evening/suppertime – For the enjoyment of all The Fabulous Bullheads will play, perform, and entertain. You know them well…they are - Doug Pucci, Bob Schreiber, Marty Strenczewilk, Mike George, Jr., Joe Monachino, Scott Warburton, Brian Peet and Tony Romano.
This band is great fun. It’s classic platinum rock that works the crowd - a terrific party band that will entertain with your favorites from the 60s through the 80s including hits by Bruce Springsteen, The Beetles, Huey Lewis, The Young Rascals, (and my favorite) Neil Diamond and more.
Following the Fabulous Bullheads another popular band that boasts thee Webster musicians/entertainers, Guy Smiley will be playing at the Gazebo. Mike Shoaf, drummer, grew up in Webster; as did bass player, Mike Cellura and electric and acoustic guitar player, Bill Roback.
Since January of 1996, BRASS TAXI has been performing at clubs, festivals, weddings, private parties and fund raisers throughout the Upstate NY area. Playing favorites from 1970 to today. Brass Taxi is another high energy band performing a unique combination of top 40, rock and funk and more!
Get ready for a marvelous week-end of fun in the Village – where the action is and where life keeps getting better! For more information go to websterbid.com or to the villageofwebster.com
There will be more information in next week’s Herald.
Village garden chosen as Garden of the Month
Sue and Mario Gianforte’s garden on the corner of Phillips and Champion Avenue boisterously bursts with blooms and colors. All of us who travel along the northern extension of Phillips Road have watched their garden grow and at long last they were noticed by the Country Gardeners of Webster – members of the Seventh District Federated Garden Clubs of New York - as their Garden of the Month.
Every section of the garden (and there are many) holds at least one small wonder. Sue and Mario were on the Village Garden tour last year so I have had the great pleasure to visit the garden and the gardeners twice.
It is a shame that people can’t live together in such peaceful harmony as the vegetables and flowers in Sue’s garden. A rhubarb plant grows happily along with the crocosmia (or Magic Lucifer), bee balm and blue mountain blullet. Cactus and Indian sage living in colorful harmony with the marigolds and black-eyed Susan’s, Hot peppers, daisies, Rosemary, honeysuckle, and Basil cohabitat with Paula Burney’s Italian tomato plant. It is a salad of color and fragrance.
The only other place I have seen a gardens such as the Gianforte’s is in Cape Cod where bean and corn stalks grow among the posies. It was endearing then and is still today.
For Sue, gardening is almost a spiritual experience. A statue of Mary is near her front door and being a member of the 3rd Order of Franciscans, her garden is akin to her church, Holy Trinity. She finds peace and fulfillment there.
Mario, the flower box assembler, does as he is told happily, singing her praises and is Sue’s greatest booster.
I couldn’t find a flower that was absent from the garden. AND I did find surprises hidden among the iris, coneflowers, and cosmos. Bright red strawberries, , curry, over 5 ft. high tomatoes, a LOT of eggplant, avocado, strawberries, fennel, even Italian oregano from Italy are thriving among the blooms. Amazing! If it grows, it grows in Sue’s garden.
She spends a good 14 hours a week tending to her gardens. “I have four front yards,” she said pointing out that living on the corner gives passers- by a visual advantage, but there is much more of her yard to see when you tour. Rows and rows of healthy hostas, Annabelle hydrangeas that she roots herself, pink weigla - “this is my passion,” she said.
Windows with pretty curtains and flower boxes adorn a little garden shed that hides tools in a most fashionable way. An arbor constructed by the late Bruce Gadsby adds dimension while holding climbing clematis, and a small dining area sits separately engulfed in flowers and greenery, separate from the beautiful patio.
This is the best kind of overdose.
When you drive by their house you will know it. Give a couple of toots…think of it as a hand of applause.
Happy Anniversary
Belated anniversary wishes to Joan and Pat Moss who celebrated their 20th anniversary Saturday, July 31. Joan runs the Second Time Around, a consignment shop behind Main Street.
Pat jokingly said that he never would have believed that a one-night stand would end up a 20 year commitment.
However…love is love…nothing like it …and that’s the truth!
Congratulations!
Museum packs it all in on Village days
The Museum (on Lapham Park) will be open Saturday during Village Days from 10 to 4 p.m.
You may take part/ or enjoy watching pioneer games from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Raffle tickets for the Lion King, which will be playing during the show season at the Auditorium will be for sale. Also copies of the new picture book depicting Images of Webster through its early years and museum T-shirts for kids will be available.
A special group of donated items will be available for sale. Lastly…if you are interested in history up close and person you are invited to take an historic walk around the village. Maps for this adventure are available inside the museum.
What’s Up Doc?
Thursday, Aug. 5, - Webster Village bad will play at the Phillips Road Band Shell at Harmony Park.
Friday, Aug. 6 - Come to the Gazebo at Veterans memorial Park on Friday evening Aug. 6 and enjoy the one AND ONLY Johnny Matt Band. Music begins at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 8 - at Hatter’s Pub on Main Street, Paradigm Shift and The Joe Beard Band will be playing: a Frank Sinatra dub will be performing Sunday, July 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Friday night, a personal favorite of mine, Marty Roberts will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 10 - A fun filled family movie, “Planet 51” will be showing at Veterans Memorial Park starting at dusk Tuesday night, Aug. 10. All movies run approximately 90 minutes. Bring your chairs, blankets, sleeping bags, coolers. Movies are free and so is the popcorn thanks to Hegedorn’s.
Aug. 23 and 24: The Working Class Theatre Company is holding Auditions for Back of the Throat by Yusseff El Gundi at the Webster Public Library from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. For more information please call 585-643-0836.
July 21, 2010
WATER! Charley Duffy has been all about water for 30 years. He knows everything from thirst to baths, laundry – knows its importance to village residents and those who use Webster Village Water. He knows hard water, soft water, evaporation, condensation, precipitation, puddles, lakes and water cycles.
Charley, after 30 years working with the water department, has called it a day. This announcement could only mean that it was time for a celebration as he took the plunge - dove into retirement, so to speak, and his new life of leisure began
.
(Surely the fact that he knows when he should retire proves he is no drip).
Someone said that “nothing is work unless you would rather be doing something else.” It is obvious that Charley would rather be doing something else at this point in his life. He would much rather be on a golf course in Ocala, Florida swinging a golf club. . The focus for his future - centers mainly on golf and family. By moving with his wife, Deb, they will be closer to their family; their daughter, Laura who is a teacher in Virginia and Patrick who lives in Savannah.
Charley hopes to be playing golf on Christmas Day.
A luncheon was held on Thursday to honor and thank him for his years of service and to wish him the best in retirement. His wife and daughter were on hand as were those who retired before him – all looking noticeably happy and rested.
AnnMarie Champagne, administrator of the water department said that Charley (and many of the old-time staff members) have been through a lot of changes in both technology and in the size of the water district.
He will miss and be missed by his co-workers, customers, contractors and those from other water departments.
He enjoyed his job, he said, especially because it was never the same every day.
Well, the water department will not be the same either without Charley.
Welcoming a new face
Jenna Battaglia feels “blessed” – happy that she landed an internship with the Village of Webster, helping out and learning the workings of a village. Jenna is an attractive personable senior at SUNY Brockport working towards a public administration degree. In fact she is taking the same program that Village Clerk Kathy Vendel took. Mayor Peter Elder said that Jenna “is a huge help in the office and is quickly learning the essential duties. She has a keen interest in what we do.”
Jenna learned on- the- job training recently about crowds as the village hall was swamped with last minute passport sales. “Passports were nuts,” said Kathy. Eighty-five passports were processed one day and 75 the next. That’s a lot of passports and “it worked”, said Kathy proudly thanks to great organization and a wonderful office staff that included Jenna.
She is the daughter of Robert and Cheri Battaglia of Webster.
You can run but you can’t hide –and I have proof.
Don’t you sometime just try to get away? Let your hair down, Lucy... so to speak?
So you find a friendly town or spot - south, east, west of Webster (not north or you’ll drown) where nobody knows your name. We do that sometimes…and on purpose.
However, no matter where we go, a certain foursome appears to think like us.
Seriously if we are in Fairport, East Rochester, Ellicottville or Port Bay …they are there.
At least they are fun!
They are Bill and Joan Southwell and Jim and Jane Hoffman .
So the moral of the story is simply…and the lesson to be learned is - don’t think you can get away with anything anywhere if you are from Webster because someone, besides God, is watching.
Men, get singing with the Chorus of the Genesee
MEN! Do not remain a closet or a shower singer. It is time to come out of the closet…to join other men who love to sing.
The Chorus of the Genesee meets every Tuesday evening at the Harmony House, Main Street in the village. On July 27, starting at 7 p.m. they are holding a special “Guest Night” hoping that some of you might be interested in joining this wonderful organization. The Chorus is a non-profit, educational organization devoted to preserving the original American art form of Barbershop Harmony. The Chorus rehearses in our village, but performs all over Rochester. A portion of their proceeds support both local and national service projects.
You know if you have a good voice…you know if you love to sing… try it – you may like it.
Gone Fishin' has been reeled in to play at the Gazebo Friday night, July 23.
Gone Fishin' is not just a sign on the door when you need to step away from the hustle and bustle of every day work and stress. To many of us Websterites, it’s a genre of local music created by 6 great friends, some brothers, who have been entertaining in the Webster and surrounding area for 30 years!
This 6-piece Bluegrass band will be playing at the Gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park this Friday night starting at 7 p.m.
Webster natives Don Hauza (guitar) and Danny Beh (banjo) joined Dick Cataldi (fiddle) in the late 70's as they took a vacation in the western Adirondacks, an area familiar to Dick who attended nearby Clarkson University. Brothers Tony (bass) and Steve Cataldi (mandolin/vocals) quickly joined the group as Steve also attended Clarkson. Soon thereafter, Mark Manzoni (lead guitar/vocals) helped step the band into high gear with strong musical talent and an injection of great new songs.
Bluegrass music has attracted a diverse and extremely loyal following worldwide. Bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe characterized the genre: “It’s plain music that tells a good story. It's played from my heart to your heart, and it will touch you. Bluegrass is music that matters."
Whatever it is …everyone loves it.
These musicians have made many friends after playing for 30 years and they love playing for the joy of it – whether in front of a crowd, whether a coffee house, pub but most especially here in Webster.
Dedication to Veterans at Hatters
An event …unusual as it may seem to be held in a village pub, will take place Thursday, July 22.
Jeanne Klem-Goonan, in lasting gratitude for veterans and in order to honor her family members who have served in the armed forces, has created a wall in her establishment dedicated to all American veterans.
A dedication ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. – officiated /blessed by Jeanne’s uncle,
Fr. Bob Klem, CSB of Sugarland, Texas. Jeanne is thrilled that Fr. Bob will be on hand for the dedication as “his father, brother, and niece are in the display,” she said.
She is also hoping that others may want to honor their veteran for a small fee ($20) that will be directed to our troops oversees.
For more information contact Jeanne.
Lion King Raffle to benefit the Arboretum
Good News! The Lion King is coming to the Rochester Auditorium Theatre again in March, 2011…and the arboretum is selling chances on four tickets thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Saucke.
Everyone who loves the best in Broadway musicals and our wonderful resource – the Webster Arboretum on Schlegel Road is asked to support the Webster Arboretum. Send in your donation/check now. This package is worth $600…wow! Tickets are $5 per ticket; 3 for $10.
Include your name, address, telephone number – email address and please, make your check payable to the Webster Arboretum, Inc. PO Box 782, Webster, N.Y. 14580-0782.
(Hear the birds and the plants? Listen. They are saying “thank-you!)
