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January 18, 2012
Home has gone to the dogs literally
Regardless of the weather, every day is a dog day at the Buckman home on Sherwood Avenue.
Susan Buckman’s life is pretty much all about dogs. She is concerned about them, cherishes them …just plain loves dogs and to prove it - is a volunteer dog rescuer. It doesn’t matter the breed of the dog - no requirements…just dogs. However she especially loves the forgotten dog, the disabled dog. She makes them better – she gives them love. Susan is the volunteer upstate area coordinator for Joyful Rescues, in Cuba, NY, a non-profit team of pet lovers that reaches out to help homeless, unwanted or neglected dogs. Susan helps them find loving forever homes.
It started about five years ago when she and her husband Lee, adopted Sheridan, a pitiful miniature pinscher who was less than a year old. He was adopted from Joyful Rescues. “People wondered how I could adopt such a dog,” she said. “He was skin and bones- ugly -but sat up so proud.” Susan said. “Now Sheridan is gorgeous and six years old.” Sheridan was the start of a love affair that has had no end. Little by little she became more and more involved with Joyful Rescue and now volunteers with enthusiasm – trying to place dogs in loving homes – keeping and caring for many in her own home. Along the way she and her husband have adopted many – ah yes, many of these doggies.
They have three miniature pinchers, one cocker spaniel, a Lhasa apso; another one who is part miniature pinscher and blue healer, a sheltie- shepherd mix, one blind white sheltie, one blond black lab and one yellow lab. Yes, and they are named: Azalia, Lily Jean, Vicious, Duncan, Bella, Bear, Cotton, Lorna and Bo. All have been adopted by the Buckmans.
I’d say Susan is sort of a Mother Teresa to the upstate canine world.
Every dog has a story. She tells the story of how she found Bo.
Bo was found stuck in the mud in the Allegany riverbank. The dog warden who dug him out quickly became aware that this 90 lb. black lab was in serious trouble, she said. “He was stuck to the point where he was paralyzed and to make matters worse, he was blind.” (His blindness was caused by a rod disease of the eyes, and he later developed cataracts.) They took Bo to Joyful Rescues that Friday. Joye, who operates Joyful Rescues, accepted him, “but feared come Monday she may need to have him put down since he couldn't move...although Joyful Rescues is a no-kill shelter,” Susan explained. Miraculously, he started moving a bit on Sunday and although it took time and special housing, Bo began walking again.
“Having fostered and adopted blind dogs before, we offered to foster Bo, and almost immediately told Joye we wished to adopt him.” Susan said. He learned in less than 24 hours how to navigate in and out our doggy door and is 100% housebroken. His senses of hearing and smell are very keen, and he easily finds us when he wants petting, a boost to relax with us on the couch, to the water dispensers when he's thirsty, the soft dog beds when he wants to nap and to the kitchen when it's time for a treat!”
Lucky Bo!
Susan continues to work tirelessly to find loving homes for dogs. As a foster parent she houses other dogs too - nursing them, loving them, training them until the perfect family comes along. Griffin, a darling little Pomeranian has been approved for adoption and will be moving soon to a loving family on Staten Island. Oblong (great name for a dachshund and Chihuahua mix) has been adopted by a Webster family and will remain here in Webster. Still looking for homes –are Joe Joe, a cute- as- -a button little black and white Shih Tzu, and Kierra, a little Schnauzer.
Her neighbors are fine with the dog family in their neighborhood. The dogs are well-behaved, not noisy and Susan keeps an immaculate house. The Buckman’s yard is fenced in and the dogs have their own doggie door that takes them outdoors for bathroom duties. Twice a day Susan goes out with her little shovel and bag. “We have no carpeting,” she said explaining that carpeting often holds undesirable odors with so many animals. “We have all hardwood and tile.” She keeps blankets on the couches as the dogs tend to become very comfortable.
Food time sounds like fun at the Buckmans. Each dog gets fed individually according to each dog’s taste and dietary needs. “She calls out their name and each dog knows exactly where his or her dish is located – under the desk, by the back door, next to the coach, on the bed. “They all eat from stainless steel bowls except Cotton. Cotton, (whose full name is Cotton Royal) is a white sheltie and is special. She, like Bo is blind, and eats from Syracuse china.
I am tempted to say that they all live together happily in the Buckman home but Susan would correct me and say…“NO, we live with them.”
“Susan is one of the hardest working and most devoted people I know,” said Jan Cadregari, owner of Fletcher, an Italian Greyhound from St. Croix that she adopted from Joyful Rescues. “Everything she does, she does out of love for the animals, either her own or the ones looking for homes at Joyful Rescues,” she added. “Yes she is all about the dogs!!”
Why do the Buckman’s do this?
“Personal satisfaction,” she said. “This is my life. I love it.”
If you are interested in learning more about adopting a dog (or cat etc.) go to www.JoyfulResues.com. “You have to be approved,” Susan said, and you must pass the adoption test. Twenty-five percent of the dogs are purebred AKC pups; some come from puppy mills and many have a tale of woe. All are grateful for a loving home. They are all ages and usually cost between $200 and $400.
Susan will be at the Webster Pet Smart on Saturday, Jan. 28. You are invited to meet her and other volunteers and their doggies that are up for adoption.
Neighborhood tradition continues in Schantz Track
There is nothing much better in life than to live in a pretty terrific neighborhood and to enjoy great neighbors. Here in the village (on the whole, with few exceptions) we have amazing neighborhoods.
Okay it isn’t Mr. Rogers’s neighborhood but only because Lady Elaine and King Friday aren’t there but – just as good- the Callahans are the next best thing. They are great at keeping the neighborhood in touch and great at introducing newcomers.
The tradition continued Saturday, Jan. 7 on London Road when Chuck and Joan Callahan hosted their annual after-Christmas open house. For the past ten years or so, the Callahans have invited neighbors to their home after the hub bub of Christmas has past. Many come with goodies to share and “it’s a great way to start out the New Year,” Joan said. “We are blessed to have such wonderful neighbors,” she said.
Think gardens while coping with Snow Business
The first measurable snowfall fell last week on Friday the 13th. To some it was unlucky - typical of the January date – to others, like children and skiers, it was wonderful. To some of us eternal optimists the first snowfall is not only an event, it is a magical event. Another observance – Perhaps we should think of this snowfall as a gift. It gave everyone fodder for conversation. You must have noticed that nine-tenths of people can’t start a conversation if it wasn’t for the weather.
Isn’t this terrible?
How about this snow?
Staying warm?
I saw my garden and flower boxes covered with white…little lights, left over from Christmas made them even prettier. I thought about the blooms that would eventually overflow from those boxes once again and then wondered about the Annual Village Garden Tour. Chairperson Maryjean Yengo of Park Avenue answered my thoughts… “The Historic Preservation group (that sponsors the tour) did request that we have it another year. So it will be on in July - sometime – at a date to be determined.”
Seed catalogs are coming and God willing, so is Spring. Then the shovels we pull out will not be snow shovels.
“If anyone would like to volunteer, or recommend a garden for the tour” contact Maryjean at MJYengo@aol.com
New Exhibit at the Museum.
Ever notice how quickly kids become “bored” (hate that word) with their Christmas toys?
The museum staff has a suggestion for you. Bring your children and grandchildren to the museum to see the new exhibit of toys of long ago. “Many are interactive toys,” said Carol Saylor. Some are VERY old, in particular those made from the Arcade Company noted for iron toys made between 1922 and 1943. You will also find toys from 1980’s – all a lot different than those the kids have today.
Mark your calendars for the toy exhibit.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
I find myself bragging often when I consider our small town with 26 churches. It speaks volumes for us.
This week all Christians all over the world are called to a special event. The World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches are encouraging Christians to celebrate a "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity." We in Webster are invited to the United Church of Christ Congregational, 570 Klem Road, next Sunday, Jan. 22 AT 7 P.M. where a service will be led by Webster clergy and a combined choir will perform, under the direction of Ron Milliman, the director of music at UCC.
“While all Christian-faith churches are welcome and encouraged, the Webster Council of Churches and Webster Ministerium is the momentum behind sponsoring this service,” said the Rev Karl Richter, pastor of the United Church of Christ. I know that The Webster Baptist, Webster United Methodist, West Webster United Methodist, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Webster Presbyterian, Immanuel Lutheran, Webster UCC, as well as several Catholic churches will be participating,” he said.
Any singers should call Webster UCC (671-3757) to pick up music. Otherwise singers should plan to arrive at Webster UCC at 6:00 on January 22.
The Congregational Life Team at Webster UCC will be hosting a reception following the service in the church's Fellowship Center. Plan to stay and enjoy some coffee and conversation with brothers and sisters in the Webster church community!
It is hoped the church is overflowing... to celebrate each other – to become aware of our diversity and similarities and to pray for church unity.
What a difference a day makes. Better yet….what a difference five years make.
Five years ago, just about now, I began writing this column for the village website and for the Webster Herald. Five years ago I met with Mayor Jack Judge and Webster Village trustee Patti Cataldi at Joe Bean, a popular little coffee shop that was on Main Street.
Five years later a lot has changed. Peter Elder is Mayor, Patti has moved on to the Town Board and Joe Bean has moved to University Avenue, Rochester. I’m still here though …and lovin’ it.
I was hired to write a column about the village people. My goal was to keep everyone in the loop about village happenings, merchants, events, comings and goings – not serious stuff – mainly just plain neighborly stuff.
So to those who have helped me with little tidbits regarding this and that and kept me posted on newsy notes about village folks, I thank you and hope you keep the news a-coming.
December 21, 2011
Yes, Virginia, the memories of Christmases past linger in the recesses of your mind and in your heart forever.
In the 1950s when Dick Prinzing was growing up, going to Holy Trinity Church for Midnight Mass played an important role in his Christmas. It was how the holiday/holy day began. Dick remembered being one of many altar boys, “probably 75 to 100,” he said, who met in the basement of the church. “We had to be really quiet because the choir had already begun singing.” Then we all processed into the church, the altar boys, the Holy Name Society and the priests for the Solemn High Mass. A child brought down a statue of the infant and placed it in the manger and the congregation stood singing, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.”
Years later, after he married his sweetheart Sheila Kelly, going to Mass was, and still is just as important as it was years ago.
Balancing Christmas festivities with the Kelly’s – and the Prinzing’s, sometimes was tricky – but like they say “Christmas comes just once a year” and the Prinzings graciously pulled it off. Yes, it is all about family and there were lots of that.
Now, a little older, Sheila and Dick play host to hosts of children and grandchildren. Would they change a thing? ”NO!”
“It is still a lot of fun,” Dick laughed.
Jamie Allman, treasurer for the village, will always remember her favorite Christmas. She was little and this one particular Christmas was different from all the others. She thinks that it was the best.
Jamie and her siblings ran downstairs, opened their presents. Then, unlike other Christmases, they jumped in the family car and “we went to Sanibel Island for the week. We brought all our toys in the car with us and had such fun.”
Glenn Smith who runs the NOCO station remembers the year he and his brothers spotted all of the wrapped presents in the back of a closet. They unwrapped everything, looked it over and wrapped it back up again.
On Christmas morning they shook each gift and pretended to guess what might be in the package… “and we guessed right!” “Mom figured it out and she was NOT happy.” He also remembers his dad, Leo, being pretty funny … telling stories and drinking eggnog. And Mom, Nancy, recycled the gift cards that were on the packages year after year. “To Glenn from Mom and Dad – same one, every year,” he laughed.
A couple of years ago Carol Moranz, administrative clerk at the village hall, surprised her family by buying them a Wii game. “It was meant to be a family gift,” she said, and it was. “We had so much fun. This game has become a fun tradition each Christmas day,” she said.
John Carnavale, from the village’s department of public works, didn’t take even a minute to think about his best Christmas ever. “It was my first Christmas with my wife, Kelly,” he said, raking up some bonus points for sure.
“My most cherished memories are when my boys were very young and my mother was still alive (Michael was only 2 when she passed away), said Mayor Peter Elder.
It was wonderful to see her joy with them and theirs with her. My mother passed along almost every Christmas tradition - huge decorations, big manger display and our Christmas Village - that we still do to this day. She loved buying really neat presents (she was an outstanding bargain hunter). She just knew what presents to get and you can imagine two little boys really loving that - and their grandma.
I supposed they don’t remember her much - but I suppose I carry enough of those memories to share over and over again.”
Linda O’Neil at Golden Boys said that the Christmas she remembers the most was the Christmas she was 5 years old when she got the neatest pair of cowboy/cowgirl boots.
She proudly wore them to her aunt’s house on Christmas Day, ran across the newly waxed floor, fell and bumped her head.
Nikki O’Neil, also at Golden Boys, is remembering her grandmother this Christmas season. Grandma Cassie Liapis died this year and so many Christmas memories are wrapped around this special grandmother. “She gave everybody socks,” Nikki said. “We never had to buy socks – we just waited for Christmas, knowing that we would get them and we would be OK. Our feet would be warm.”
Nikki, in memory of her grandmother, will carry on the tradition, she said. “I feel it is up to me – I’m buying everyone socks.”
There are many stories that we all can tell of Christmases past - our favorite or funniest memory.
Some time while scouring for gifts, decorating, lighting, and preparing food, I think of Christmases as a child, then as a young mom and now as the grandmother of a flock of kids. There have been times when I think it would be nice to return to a simpler Christmas. I have my moments when I think I’d like to celebrate it the old-fashioned way, with family sitting around stringing cranberries and exchanging humble, handmade gifts, like on The Waltons. (Second thought - I can’t do that. I don’t make anything … just beds.)
Whatever kind of Christmas you have - my Christmas wish is that this particular Christmas of 2011 will be one you will remember - a blessed one– filled with love and memories.
Herald editor Mike Sorenson tells us of the year he saw Santa, well almost.
Mike and his big brother Pat slept in bunk beds and Mike had the upper. One Christmas morning In South Buffalo, with his head near the window, he awoke to the sound of jingle bells and looked out the window and saw the bottom of Santa’s sleigh coming in for a landing.
Yelling to Pat to wake up, the boys jumped from bed and ran to the tree in the living room. In a twinkle, Santa had left their gifts, turned the tree lights on, and went back up the chimney.
Mike swears the story is true and each Christmas morning runs to the window to once again try to find the bottom of Santa’s sleigh passing overhead.
Harmony House Site of the Month
Finally the Webster Village Historic Preservation Commission recognized one of Webster’s most significant buildings, one that we, in this day and time, know as the Harmony House, the home to the well-known all male a cappella Chorus of the Genesee. Located on Main Street at the corner of Kircher Park, this building once played an enormous role in the lives of our early residents. It recently received the distinction as being chosen as Site of the Month by the Commission.
The 1880s were years of important changes in American businesses. Nationally and locally farmers had united in agricultural organizations they called “Granges.” During hard times, the Grange organized political action groups to help elect officials who were friendly to farmers.
“Webster Grange No. 436 had its beginning on May 6, 1880, when an organizational meeting was held in the basement of the Baptist Church,” said Lynn Barton. “Grange members would meet at various homes over the next few years. When more space was needed meeting above businesses became the norm. By 1893 membership was over a hundred and the decision was made to move to the second floor of Safford Mason’s building on East Main Street.
In December, 1898, a decision was made to build a hall. Property was purchased on East Main Street and by May, 1899 the corner stone was ceremoniously laid. By then the membership had grown to 322 members. The hall was built not only for the Grange but for public events as well. It measured 36x80 feet with a basement, dining room and kitchen on the main floor and a lodge room on the second floor. The building style, according to Karl Laurer is referred to as “vernacular architecture,” a design that was popular in the mid-1800s. It used locally available resources and traditions to address local needs and circumstances.
The first meeting was held on Jan. 6, 1900 and The Webster Grange quickly became the center of the community.
Members held all kinds of programs there - including minstrel shows, square dances, plays, Harvest Festivals and community dinners. People of all ages enjoyed silent movies accompanied by live piano players.
The Grange was also instrumental in ensuring a better life for farm families. In 1896 Webster Grange No. 436 petitioned Congress to provide Rural Free Mail Delivery for Webster which began on May 1, 1900. In the same year it also provided a community nurse, complete with a horse and buggy to visit new mothers in Webster. Yes, it was a different time.
According to Joe Bradbury, president of the Chorus of the Genesee, the award winning, purchased the building in August, 1974 and since, it is known as the Harmony House. It remains a place for parties, concerts and local gatherings for the community. The Chorus of the Genesee , Rochester Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society SPEBSQSA, Inc. a part of the largest all male a cappella singing group in the world. The charm and historical significance of the building continues to be maintained by the chorus.
Today a group of about 12 Webster Grange members continue to meet every third Saturday at 10 a.m. in one of the rooms and the Grange still welcomes anyone who wishes to join their organization.
All are invited to enjoy listening to the Chorus as they practice every Tuesday evening.
Putting my money on Rubino’s
Mark Vinci, owner of the new and improved and incredibly larger Rubino’s Sub (and now) Sports Bar is looking to a promising future in his new location. This month he moved his popular sub shop from Main Street in the village to the level just below - in the beautiful new complex owned by Eric and Neil Bauman. The new restaurant and bar adjoin the, also new, OTB Center and Mark is pretty certain he is betting on a sure thing.
The new restaurant is bright, clean and boasts seating for 100 people.
Sure to please is the beautiful new full service bar where one can order a mixed drink or a nice Chianti or Moscato to pair with a meatball sub or Italian pasta dinner.
Ah yes! Rubino’s has made a few changes in their menu. They are serving a variety of yummy Italian dinners along with their well-known deli fare. Their menu is extensive. I counted 18 different salads along with a variety of subs, including garlic subs, and condiments (23 varieties) that will bowl you over. Soups, chili’s, pizzas, calzones, wraps, Panini’s, box lunches, appetizers, chicken … you name it. There is something there for everyone.
Lisa Joy has been working for Mark for six years. “Everybody I work with is like family,” she said … and added that most of her family has worked here too, like her mom and brothers. Lisa’s favorite food is a garlic meatball sub, she said. I promised to come back and try one.
I have never seen an OTB Center before and expected it to be … well, somewhat shady where shifty looking people hung out but I was pleasantly surprised. NOT AT ALL! “It’s fine … It is great,” said Mark. “So far I have seen older retired people.”
The entrance is on North Avenue – there appears to be lots of parking and I’m betting this will be a popular place in 2012.
Things to do before Christmas
Being a “village pusher” I suggest you visit our little shops in Webster village for last minute Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers and restaurant gift certificates. For instance, run in Webster Gourmet and Walter will fix you up with some exotic dip for your Xmas or New Year’s parties – all the jewelry shops – Chip Arnolds (our silversmith) or Furnari Jewelers, both on Main Street and Carrie’s Handmade Jewelry on North Avenue, where she is running a wonderful sale. There is no need to fight your way through the mall – when you think you can buy a computer, a laptop, and all kinds of toys from video games to electric trains - model airplane kits, to T-shirts. For the chic gal on your list, hop into 2 Lovely…
I’d suggest you spend a day in the village, A Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday is best as that is when the Museum is open. Vote for your favorite Christmas Tree and see the famous Burkhardt crèche.
December 7, 2011
Before my brother was born, my grandfather had a Christmas gift ready and waiting for his first grandson. I guess he had to be patient as I came first …and obviously I wasn’t worthy for of this gift. It was a time when girls got dolls and boys got…yes, trains.
But not much later Carl came along and at six months old he was the recipient of his first electric train set, a Lionel. Little did he know decades ago that this gift would begin a love affair with trains that would last a lifetime.
I don’t believe this is unusual. …many little boys grow up to be grown men and still love electric trains.
Tim Smith’s grandfather, Warren Erle (Bing) Rogers who served as mayor of Geneva, bought him his first electric train when he was five years old. Now he and his wife, Beth own and operate the new wonderful train shop on Main Street in Webster Village, Empire Train and Hobby.
It is a train department store…loaded with trains of every size and description from Thomas the Train to The Polar Express – HO and N Scale for those who don’t have space. They have Lionel’s like my brother’s first train along with Conrail Locomotives and every type of railroad paraphernalia any kid or collector could hope for. They have buildings, kits, pre-built, bridges, houses – churches, general stores – everything to make your train choo-choo through your own little community, possibly under your own Christmas tree. These are not just everyday toys…they are lifetime toys that spur a child’s imagination and it is a chance to be creative.
Train puzzles, books, signs, videos, scenery needs – all scenery needs are in abundance.
“Everything is discounted all the time,” said Beth. Anyone looking for a kid’s gift can pick up an engineer’s kit for $15.00. The kit has an authentic engineer’s cap (pink for girls), a bandana and a train whistle. An engineer’s hat is $6.75 .
A complete HO train set costs about $125 or $130 so when your child’s brain needs a rest from television and computer games, think old fashioned fun. Surely you will be on the right track ..possibly starting a lifelong interest.
Christmas in the Village is not over yet!!
No, not by a long shot, thanks to Matt Frank and his band of merry and capable helpers, Dave Bardusch, owner of Taylor Rental and Dave Galeazzo, former superintendent of Public Works for the Village of Webster.
The third Annual Holiday Lighting of the Lights will be held this weekend, on Saturday, December 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hank’s Ice Cream and Roast Beef Sandwiches, 235 North Avenue in the village.
The lights are in place, the corner is decked out –Everyone is ready for this outrageously fun and festive event.
Matt, the man behind the effort, has been putting up lights for 35 years, he said, beginning at his home on Salt Road, then Shoemaker Road. For years people with droves of wide-eyed children drove through his winding driveway on Shoemaker Road to see the sights. One day he decided to make the lighting of the lights an EVENT, inviting everyone he knew to his spectacular light show, then, on Shoemaker Road.
A few years later he realized he could make this an event for the community. If the lighting were to happen at a more accessible location, more people could come, he thought. It was then that he decided to move everything to Hank’s. As his display grew larger and larger, his desire “to make a difference” did too.
Now as we celebrate the third annual Lighting of the Lights we all know the spirit of Christmas comes in “giving” – the more you give – the greater the spirit. Consequently all proceeds from the day will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home, the Webster Food Cupboard and the Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association.
There will be food in abundance, Matt said, so kids can fill their tummies with all good things from hotdogs to ice-cream as the restaurant will be open.
From 4 to 6 p.m., expect the usual delicious Chili for Charity at Taylor Rental ($3 per person, $5 per couple or a canned good per person to go to the Webster Food Cupboard). Two horse drawn carriages will give wagon rides; raffles to die for thanks to the generosity of merchants and friends; and at 6 p.m. Hank’s will light up the northern sky and the hearts of even the gloomiest of Grinch’s. Oh! That makes me think. The Grinch has been invited…and so has Santa Claus. You knew that!
The evening will close with fireworks…can you believe it? You do not want to miss this.
Added note: In the real spirit of Christmas, Matt has a Nativity Scene on the premises reminding us of the first Christmas so long ago.
However, don’t know how this happened ….but he happens to have a spare Joseph in his 24 by 8 foot traveling trailer he made to store all his Christmas paraphernalia…just in case your Joseph ran off… you’re welcome to borrow his extra.. He said so.
White Christmas Past
White Christmas Past (Saturday night) was jubilant. No white, but bright with light…and smiles.
There is no question……..to quote the song…
“It's the most wonderful time of the year.
With the kids jingle belling,
and everyone telling you,
"Be of good cheer,"
It's the most wonderful time of the year.”
Lucky children stood in a long line at the Village Hall to see the “man of the hour” Santa Claus. I dare you to say that this long bearded, spectacled, round rosy cheeked gentleman was not the true SC from the North Pole. And it was verified by all the children I talked with. This was the real McCoy. And here he was in Webster, with his wife.
Unbelievable!
Santa is more abreast on today’s hottest gifts than I am. No more Erector sets, not a lot of Lincoln Logs… maybe a few pair of skates. Santa said that he would try to bring an I Pad for Connor Thomas who really wants one of those. . His brother Aidan asked for Hex Bugs and Fat Heads; Michael Price wanted a DS Game; Landon Meli, a remote controlled tank and Samuel Killian, remote controlled jet skis.
All the kiddies enjoyed cider and Christmas cookies, courtesy of the village.
A big thank-you is in order to Robyn Whittaker who chaired this event for the Business Improvement District, the Webster Firemen, the Village of Webster, to all who took part and to those, who by their presence welcomed the Christmas with the rest of us.
Congratulations
It’s no surprise to me, and I am sure that it is no surprise to you either. Kittelberger’s Florist has been awarded the Rochester Choice Florist distinction again – now for the fifth year in a row.
Congratulations to all the Horath’s and everyone associated with this really great operation. Pop in and see Christmas at Kittelberger’s this Christmas season.
Fundraiser at Hatters
When Janice Hyde was growing up and had some bad days, she found her love for horses helped her make everything better. Her young girl problems disappeared when she was riding or hanging around the stable.
When she grew up she bought a little farm complete with animals, a stable and horses. She named it, “Never Say Never Stables” and it has become a not-for profit refuge for kids – a place for many to overcome medical and personal issues. The animals also were obtained from shelters and most likely saved by her loving care. She provides life-enriching horse related activities to children and teens living with cancer and serious challenges.
“She touched my heart,” said Jeanne Klem Goonan who met Janice at a Kiwanis meeting.
Those who know Jeanne know her heart is big…and obviously so is the popular band, Eggman’s Traveling Carnival, as they are joining together - throwing a fundraiser for the Never Say Never Stables of Webster on Tuesday December 13th from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is free but there is a $10 donation for the cause which includes an hors d oeuvres’ buffet.
And incidentally, at the same affair, all will “Hail the Ale” as Hatter’s celebrates the return of 12 Horse Ale. Bring your gal – or a pal.
Another Hatter’s celebration past
Main Street Hatter’s hosted a …well, let’s say a “Back in Business” party for Webster Democrats who, although losing the last election celebrated a sort of victory. “We are back in the business of politics,” said Harold Krieger, village resident and longtime Democratic booster. “We are united,” he said, “and “we have a lot to celebrate.”
And celebrate they did! “”Jeannie put on a great buffet,” Harold said, praising the cook
…one of the first rules in diplomacy.
A special award was given to Russell Harrison, the young son of Jim Harrison, Town Judge nominee. Although Jim lost to Judge Dave Corretore, Russell was undoubtedly his dad’s biggest booster probably the youngest volunteer door-bell ringer in this last election.
“Russell is nine years old,” said Harold, “and it was one of those really good things that comes out of a political campaign in the good old USA.” He added.
Festival of Trees
I hear there are some “goings on” at the Museum and is the annual and traditional Festival of Trees. Everyone is asked to stop by, look at the beautiful assortment of Christmas trees that are decorated by various organizations and vote for your favorite.
Rather amusing to me is that this year the Village DPW has decorated a tree. I haven’t seen it yet…but must admit that I can’t wait.
Also, as is the custom at this time of year, the Burkhardt Creche comes out of storage and once again is on display. Learn the story of its arrival in this country from Germany many years ago.
Shop in their little shop and learn some “holiday thoughts” from old Webster diaries.
