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!
May 7, 2008
Helen Miller’s art draws attention at Village Board meeting
Famed artist, Howard Ikemoto’s seven-year-old daughter asked him one day what he did when he went to work. “I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw,” he answered. She stared at him incredulously, and said, "You mean they forget?"
There was a day when we were all budding artists…at least we thought we were. Our art and our children’s art has been hanging proudly on refrigerators for generations.
Helen Miller wasn’t like the rest of us though. She honed her skill…painting, until her talent as an artist became well known in both the art and her hometown community.
“This was something that I was born wanting to do,” she said. As a little girl she loved to color and that love just grew into other directions.
Helen was honored at a recent village board meeting.
Recently the beautiful village mural that Helen painted in 1974 from photos given to her by our former historian, Dick Batzing, was given a new frame and a position of honor in the community room at the Village Hall. The painting is the backdrop for all of the board meetings and reflects the Village of Webster circa 1900-1905. It took her three weeks to complete,” she said.
“She was so honored,” said Trustee Donna Rickard, who joined her, a few friends and family at a celebration at Zaz’s following the meeting. “Her work is beautiful,” she added.
“The new frame is hand-crafted and exquisite,” said Donna. We owe thanks to Jeff Commisso and his staff for doing such a great job, it gives dimension to the painting, she added.
Donna explained that the color of the community room was recently painted to coordinate with the colors Helen used in the paintings. She also added that the stained glass art work that Helen had created for the window was used as the palate for the drapery fabric. “She is thrilled,” Donna said.
Helen’s art can be found all over Webster and the Monroe County area. “I’m everyplace,” – she said mentioning the Webster arboretum and museums. She recently completed restoring all the stained glass in Judge Dave Corretore’s home.
“I’d rather be doing what I do more than anything else in the world,” she said. “I will never stop painting.” Helen exemplifies the well-known quote- “Find a job you love, find a purpose to fulfill, and you'll never work another day in your life." Best yet - we reap the benefits.
Besides, “How many villages that you know of have an artist in residence?” asked Donna Rickard.
The Site of the Month
There is something quaint and lovely about the building chosen by the Webster Village Historic Preservation Commission as their “site of the month.” It undoubtedly is a favorite site of many – the Tudor revival style building at 80 East Main Street currently occupied by Friday Brighton hair studio. The building has seen varied and diverse occupants over its lifetime of over 70 years.
According to Historian Lynn Barton, the building was constructed in 1936 as the Rochester Telephone Company Exchange and remained the property of the telephone company until 1962.
According to former Town Judge John Barrett, the building was “purchased by his mother, Hilda M. Barrett, “part of Gerald's estate planning technique, I think.” In addition to the law firm, Xerox Corporation and architect Myron Starks, leased the basement for several years from his mother. Lynn and John bought the building in 1986 and sold it in 2002 when he and Lynn moved to California.
The new owners made a number of improvements as the place was showing its age, John said. “I remember, probably around 1947, walking home from Holy Trinity School and watching the Rochester Tel employees, mostly women, on strike at the building.”
“The Village Preservation Commission has chosen wisely. It's a great place,”
John added.
The current owners of Friday Brighton are Bill Staats and Ron Farruggia. They are pleased that their building has been chosen as the site of the month. They recognize the beauty of the building that includes half timbered gables, wide bargeboards, finial, diamond paned windows and caste stone sills along with water table and entrance quoins.
A Little (ring-a ding-dingy) History
A lot is to be said today and being on the information highway. Being able to contact anyone anywhere, on ships, in the air, in foreign countries or next door within seconds without having to leave your chair is not too bad. Wouldn’t our ancestors be surprised if they could return to see this new world of communication?
According to Esther Dunn in her book, Webster Through the Years, the first telephones were used in 1887 for communication between the post office, a hardware store and the railroad station. The two telephones were connected by a double wire attached to poles and roofs of houses along North Avenue.
The history of the telephone in Webster is interesting and old timers enjoy telling tales of the gossip that passed through those four-party lines. They also recall knowing the telephone operators” by name. Let’s face it - It was a lot like Andy Griffith and Barney Fife’s Mayberry.
Imagine if you can, Webster circa 1901 when Webster Village homes were becoming wired to Alexander Graham Bell’s new fan dangled invention.
The Bell Telephone Company came to Webster with 38 subscribers and was located in the Jones and Scribner Building at 1-3 West Main Street. Since the first service was confined to the Village of Webster, townsfolk were out of the loop. The Webster Grange, an organization that achieved much for the early settlers, became interested in obtaining the extension of phone lines throughout the town the following year. During those early years telephone service greatly increased and in 1910, the New York Telephone Company took over the Bell Telephone Company. Their new exchange was located on the second floor of the former Jayne and Mason Bank Building at 11 East Main Street. (Nest Things) In 1921, the Rochester Telephone Company took over the New York Company, and the same exchange was maintained until the space became inadequate.
In 1962 On Aug. 31, 1936, this well equipped building at 80 East Main Street became the new exchange. At that time, there were 944 subscribers. Rochester Telephone Company owned the building until 1961 when they moved to a larger facility on Ridge Road.
NOTE: Moving to Webster and continuing at an all girls school in Rochester had few advantages for a high school senior in 1955. However – by far the worse, the most unfair to any teenaged girl was the TOLL CALL to call “the city.” Fifteen cents may not be a lot of money today but being allowed three calls a week made one a very shrewd and conscientious buyer.
Happy Birthday to you
Very special birthday wishes to Kaitlyn Moranz who turned “sweet 16” on the 16th. She is the lovely daughter of Carol and Bill Moranz of Christy Lane.
Notes to residents:
1. There seems to be some question about last fall’s leftover leaves. For the record:
There is no leaf pick-up in the spring. According to village authorities, the highway crew went out with pitchforks – made two passes through village streets and tried to get up everything they could. Now they are working on spring jobs.
2. Consider this a reminder to get your “Quality of Life in the Village Survey” filled out so the village can serve you better. It is for your own good. Please deliver it to the Village Hall or mail it to 28 West Main Street, Webster, N.Y. 14580
April 9, 2008
Kittelberger’s sponsors “Webster’s Favorite Mom” Contest
You and I know that Mother's Day is a time for honoring and thanking our own mothers for giving us life, raising us and being a source of emotional support and love.
It was meant to be that rare day mothers enjoyed breakfast in bed, cards and flowers from their children and husbands.
This year, because it is the 100th birthday of Mother’s Day, Kittelberger’s Florist and Gifts is searching for “Webster’s Favorite Mom”. All are invited to submit their entry to the shop on Route 250 and Orchard Street. Nominate your mom by submitting your story on paper or email kitflorist@aol.com (under 300 words – with a picture). Tell us why you love her and why you think she should be Webster’s Favorite Mom.
Okay, okay…
I used to dread Mother’s day, I admit it. (Sorry kids.) I had some crazy idea that I would wake up Mother’s Day morning to the adoring eyes of five little children and a doting husband serving eggs Benedict and fresh squeezed orange juice, in bed, and being waited on all day long. Instead I ‘d wake up to the smell of fire in the kitchen caused by burnt toast, dishes and pans overflowing in the sink, runny eggs and runny noses. No crown this year. Maybe next.
Contrary to popular belief, Mother's Day was not conceived and fine-tuned in the boardroom of Hallmark. It was conceived by a woman…, which comes as a surprise. Never did find out if she had children. Nevertheless, she did have a mother.
However, no matter how I jest, I have found motherhood to be the greatest miracle of all time – Not the conception or bearing a child… (We Webster women deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever) but – the miracle is this: we love those little 7-pound wonders who turned night into day, and at least my brain into a snarl. In all my years of raising children, my body was never on the same time cycle. At least when my clock was on housework -wash, iron, cook, shop, and garden, they were on perma-sleep and off. Even as the children got older when I crawled to bed, they were going out.
Some mothers coped differently…beautifully through these times. Me? Not so well.
Would I have sold any one of those kids for a million dollars? Nope!
Would I have given a nickel for another? No sireee.
That is the miracle…unconditional love.
“This being the centennial anniversary of Mother’s Day”, according to Jeanette Guenther of the shop everyone loves, the staff of Kittelberger’s is on a mission to honor that special lady, Webster’s Favorite Mom.
Who is she? “We need everyone’s help,” Jeanette said.
Submit the name of that wonderful mom (maybe it’s your neighbor) that goes above the line of duty - smiles through thick and thin and has the right attitude. She needn’t be the most automated appliance in a household who could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease – but she’s gotta have heart…miles and miles and miles of heart.
Let’s get this straight. She can be any age…a mother, a grandmother, even a great-grandmother…she can be a foster mother or a stepmother.
Again, send a picture and the reasons why she should be honored in 300 words or less to Kittelberger’s Florist, 263 North Ave. Webster, N.Y. kitflorist@aol.com
Wonderful things are planned to honor this special lady. Kittelberger’s will treat her to gorgeous flowers – of course- and she will be recognized in the papers, and by the Town Board. She will be an overnight sensation.
She will be the stand-in, the model, for all Webster Mothers. Her name will also be submitted for the National Contest sponsored by Teleflora - and fame will be the name of the game. Through the national contest she will have the chance to win a score of terrific prizes.
I’ll bet you know her. Look around.
Almost all wonderful things come in twos or threes or dozens, or hundreds..Like daisies, stars, rainbows, siblings, cousins, friends, but we have only one mother.
You may live with her.
For more information on this contest, call Kittelberger’s at 872-1823
The Changing Scene on Railroad Street
In the very near future a longtime village street will be abandoned by the village. In other words, it is being forsaken – like an odd shoe. It was at one time a lively industrial- type avenue where people worked and manufacturing happened. Larry Frumusa, the developer of Scenic Village that borders North Ponds Park has plans for this location…big plans. It is part of his strategy for the northwest corridor of the village. It will be exciting to see his plan unfold. As is said, “Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations. “ That’s the way it is. A portion of the village is being altered...for the better.
Most of us do not know much about Railroad Street. According to trustee Peter Elder it is a short street that ends in a gravely area. An old railroad depot or storage area is adjacent to the tracks. Peter says that there is a movement afoot to remove the historic tracks.
This short road just south of the Railroad tracks was known at one time as both Railroad Street and Railroad Avenue.
Before we say good-bye let us look at what has happened there and the history that area will play in the books of yesteryear.
According to our retired historian, Dick Batzing, this area located on both sides of the tracks and on both sides of North Avenue, (Route250) played a very important part in the industrial history of Webster.
The following information was compiled by Dick Batzing.
By 1900, the railroad freight yards were expanded and there were vast changes in the buildings and their uses. On the southwest corner of Railroad and North Avenue there was a hotel operated by Matthew Schroeder for railroad passengers and also a restaurant for them as well as for the workers in the freight yards.
Just to the west of the hotel was the home of Esther Abbott who rented rooms and later rented apartments in her home.
The Monroe Casket Co. began the manufacturing of caskets in a small building west of Esther’s.
By the 1920’s E. L. Baker had a warehouse in this area where he began his business of installing lightning rods.
In 1902 Eaton Ebner had a building plus a railroad siding south of the present freight station and the Martin Brothers also had a railroad siding in this area as well as 2 separate sidings north of the tracks.
By the 1930’s and early 40’s, the Monroe Casket Company had become one of the largest industries in the Village of Webster. The story of the company, the manufacturing of the caskets and the men who ran the business is well explained in Esther Dunn’s book, ”Webster Through the Years.”
The old freight station plus a small warehouse once owned by F. M. Wooster is all that will remain when the area is developed.
“The Webster Village Historical Commission and I hope that if and when the street is abandoned, the street sign will be left in place as a reminder of the past.” Batzing said.
What we truly need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring us to this very moment. This is the moment obviously to renew. Right now.
And hopefully preserve that street sign.
Art Show in the Village
On occasion, you hit the jackpot by running into someone with a bit of news I wouldn’t ordinarily know.
From a favorite artist, Jeanette Bossert, I learned that there will be an opening of a new show of works by T. E. Siegel on Friday, April 11, 6-9 P.M. at the new art gallery in the village, named Gallery 821.
How nice it would be if we welcomed this new artist warmly.
Also, let’s give Regina Neri, the owner of Gallery 821, a big pat on the back for volunteering to chair Webster Village Days in August.
Hope to have more information for you on that subject soon.
Webster Village band is seeking musicians
The Webster Village band has had a difficult year, losing four of its longtime members. That means that the community also has lost good friends who made beautiful music. However, through our sorrow,” the band plays on.”
Therefore, they are currently seeking new members. Anyone who loves to play music is invited and warmly welcomed to learn more about this amazing group of musicians at Schroeder High School every Thursday night during April at 7 p.m.
Any one with any instrument is welcome. Use what talents you have, enjoy them and share them You need not be the best flutist or trombonist - The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.
It’ s never to early to plan for the future
The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor. ~Hubert H. Humphrey
The Webster Comfort Care Home is again planning its annual fundraising race that starts and ends at Spry School. This year’s race is July 26.
Get involved. Many hands make light work and make work much more fun.
According to Dave Whitlock volunteers are needed for a few hours that morning. The race begins at 8 a.m. and training for volunteers begins at 6:30 a.m. and comes complete with coffee and donuts.
“Those who have helped out before have had a great morning helping raise
some necessary funding for the Webster Comfort Care Home, a
place where those with a terminal illness can live a quality life as
they complete their journey,” Dave said.
“We need many flag people again at intersections helping runners
stay safe. And the water and Gatorade stations for the runners are, oh!
so important. For those who don’t like to be or can’t be outdoors much,
we have registration and food preparation and finish line jobs too. All
are fun as you get to see those fine specimens of athletes do what they
do best.”
For more information call the Webster Comfort Care Home at 872-5290. wcch@webstercomfortcare.org
March 26, 2008
A Passion for Fashion? Then listen-up!
It is hard to believe that downtown Webster Village has an up-to-the-minute boutique for the uptown girl.
To introduce women to the newest and trendiest fashions, owners of “2 Lovely”, Jennifer Vachetto and Kim DeBoll, both of Webster, are having a Grand Opening reception on Friday evening, March 28 from 7 to 9 p.m.
What can you look forward to besides the wine and light appetizers?
Check out the perfect jeans for the imperfect body. The Number I jean, a high-rise pant, found while shopping at the shows in New York City, is a little glitz…fun, funky and available at 2 Lovely. “Jeans are what it’s all about,” Jen said. “We help women choose the jeans that are best for their body type.”
It won’t be long before bare legs are in season and so those who are getting their wardrobe ready for spring must check out the jean capris.
“Everybody can look nice,” Jen said as she pointed out the tank tops and the two-piece gray valor tracksuit that sells for $85.
Older women who are concerned about showing too much arm may not go for some of the trendier tops. However, the owners remembered them while browsing in New York and found some beautiful tops with capped or three-quarter-length sleeves. One that caught my eye was a soft and sheer, three-quarter length sleeved, white top with a jewel neckline. A matching camisole was also available to wear underneath. You will find tops that are lady-like, for church - also tops for eveningwear, daywear and work-wear.
My personal favorite – the little black dress that you can’t miss as you walk into the great room in the back of the store. The knee-length somewhat sheer dress with a matching slip is perfect for a special night out. Love it!
Ahhh, the perfumes and jewelry, belts to die for…up scale accessories - all the way - are now available in Webster Village and to boot, high end designer clothing.
Jewelry designs by Cynthia Gail are straight from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Jen said. Belts are of the softest leather, gorgeous, some with enormous buckles…all having that certain flair to match the jeans.
This is the first of the new tenants in the former Utz block of Main Street. The new owners, Eric and Neil Bauman of Ebaum's Webster Venture LLC, are very excited, Jen said.
“When we met with Neil Bauman we felt that he had such a great vision for the Village of Webster. Our little Main Street has such potential,” she said. They hope to be the first in the block of upscale shops.
“It is time someone took on the challenge,” Jen added.
Fashion Shows for good causes to be spotlighted
Maybe you need a little style rehab. If so, here are some good reasons to head to your nearest fashion show:
- get the scoop on the newest spring fashions
- enjoy wonderful food and drink
- enjoy the camaraderie
- and most importantly, contribute to worthy causes
First On April 30, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus fashion show Wednesday, puts on the first show of the season. Featuring clothes form the Fashion Bug, this show and dinner will be held at the Webster Columbus Center, 70 Barrett Drive, in the Village of Webster.
Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. - dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $20.
Then sit back and enjoy the show.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hope House.
For more information, call Ronnie Zawacki at 265-0258.
Comfort Care Home sponsors fashion show
If you have a passion for fashion and a desire to help others you will be glad to hear that - back again – by popular demand is the Spring Fling Fashion Show to benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.
Spring Fashions by Coldwater Creek at Eastview Mall will be previewed at Cherry Ridge on Saturday May 17. The event begins at 11:30 a.m.
A choice of stuffed chicken breast, poached Atlantic salmon or grilled vegetable strudel, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle, with all proceeds going to the home, is available with your $25 ticket.
Reservations are required. For tickets or questions call Shirley Humphrey, 872-0447 or Ginny Nuygen at 216-1075 or visit her website at GinnyNuygen.com for information.
Picture this…a mystery at the Webster Cleaners
For years, employees of the Webster Cleaners have wondered about the woman who has been hanging around. “She is quite a mystery,” Marge said. Sam Guinta, Marge’s late husband bought her at an estate sale over 40 years ago. She is a beauty, everyone agrees, with her olive complexion, red lips, dark hair and a rather low-cut deep blue dress; she has had Marge in a quandary.
Painted in oil, one person was so impressed with the painting he came back with a beautiful antique frame.
“I’ve always wondered about her,” Marge said. She wondered who she was, where she lived, and if she had a family. If so, wouldn’t they like to have this painting?
Recently Marge noticed an obituary in the paper of a man who shared the last name of the painter of the picture. She wondered if there was a link to that picture. The painter’s name was W. Sherwood. If anyone has any information about Mr. Sherwood or the nameless woman, Marge would love this mystery solved. However until they do – the woman in the deep blue dress “has a place of honor here,” Marge said.
Planning a trip? Let the Village help
“Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.” said the late Charles Kuralt, the host of the former TV show, On the Road with Charles Kuralt.
Ain’t that the truth!
However, the one thing we see is tollbooths and at times the lines of traffic are maddening. To make travel simpler the village is selling EZ Passes so you can glide through tollbooths without the pain of a wait, and stumbling for change.
Cost is $25 – then visit www.ezpassNY.com Register your pass within 48 hours of your first trip.
However, the village offices can’t help much when it comes to the price of gas…
This little poem says it all.
“That money talks
I'll not deny,
I heard it once:
It said, "Goodbye."
~Richard Armour
Passport Day - Saturday
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine
Kathy Vendel, village clerk reminds us that another Passport Day will take place at the Webster Public Library this Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Adults pay $100; children, $85. (Both parents must be present to sign for a child.)
In addition, for your convenience, photos may be taken on site for $10 – or you may bring your own 2” x 2” photo.
Appointments are encouraged although walk-ins will be taken on a first--come, first- serve bases.
Bring with you your original birth certificate (no copies); New York State Drivers License; and proof of a name change (marriage certificate) – lastly if you have one, your expired passport.
The Village accepts checks or money orders only.
