This page contains the last three Village Focus Articles.
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The Streppa’s celebrate 25 years of good-old food
Inside the back door at Streppa’s Bistro is a poster with many proverbs that caught my eye.
My favorite was “ Amicizie e maccheroni, sono meglio caldi.” It means, “Friendship and macaroni are best served warm.”
The Steppa family has been serving up healthy servings of both, friendship and pasta for a whopping 25 years … and has served generations of Webster families over the past two and a half decades. Located downstairs at 30 East Main Street they are almost hidden from view. But they have proven that once you develop a reputation for good food and lots of it …all you have to do is serve it up. Jim Streppa took a chance when he opened Webster’s only “underground restaurant”. Previously he had worked for successful restaurants in the city but, in 1987, when he decided to give it a go on his own, he was smart - he chose Webster Village.
I stopped by Wednesday afternoon when most restaurant workers are relaxing just before the dinner preparation. They were busy as bees - had a catering gig so I quietly faded away…and returned the next day. When I arrived at 3 p.m. on Thursday, the banquet room was set for a feast - with wine glasses and goblets. I thought – aha, royalty...but it was aha! Rotary. (I was close)
James Streppa is 76 and retirement is not in his vocabulary. “You rest – you rust” is his philosophy. He is the team manager….and the team is his family. Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.
He, along with his wife, Toni and daughters, Debbie and Linda do what they love and what they know best. They do old-fashioned cooking, but not just Italian… classic American…down home, comfort food - enough for the biggest appetite. They work good 70-hours a week and they love their jobs because they love their customers. ‘That’s the best part of the job,” said Jim. Seventy-five percent of the people who come in the restaurant, the Streppa family know. Webster Chamber CIO, Barry Howard and his crew are regulars as well as Lynn and Bob Barton….and so many. It is almost a guarantee that you will meet your next-door neighbor, a relative or two or an acquaintance there.
Almost everyone knows about their great lunches. Homemade soups, salads, big rolls have always been my favorite. When I asked what dinner dish was the “People’s Choice”, it was unanimous – a resounding “chicken parm”. However ask anyone who loves liver (not moi) -they will tell you that Streppa’s is the best. Their extensive menu includes many appetizers (personal favorite is baked French onion soup served in a crock, au gratin). All dinners, which include salad, relish tray and bread and butter, start at $11.95.
They have a full bar and I can vouch for the Manhattans. Another plus is the restaurant boasts the town’s largest table in their dining room. ”It’s like the last supper,” Linda says. Only it’s round and perfect for a crowd of 16 or so. “And it has a leaf,” she said.
The Streppa's are tickled to be in the village for 25 years… their restaurant has passed the test of time. “We give great thanks to the Webster community,” Linda said. “We appreciate the kindnesses of our landlords over the years – “the Utz’s and the Bauman’s and everyone in between,” Linda said.
“We have 25 years of memories stored in our hearts,” Linda said. “We give thanks to the Webster community – it is truly Where Life is Worth Living, and we are having a darn good time at it.”
Garage Sale Store serves up memories
Funny… about the Garage Sale Store. It’s canned nostalgia – it’s a walk down memory lane … back to the days of the Future Farmers of America, Ag classes, square dances and sodality meetings, Studebakers and Nash Ramblers. Take a stroll through yesterday. Twenty-five cent knick knacks, dishes, jewelry, a bureau hand made in Buffalo, dated 1804 inside a drawer with handmade wooden knobs peeked my curiosity.
Made me wonder why anybody buys new furniture when we know it isn’t the solid cherry, hard rock maple, or golden oak of years ago.
A huge office desk attracted my attention. It had come from a judge’s office, Darlene D’Amico said. She can tell you about every piece in the store.
Darlene and Ron own the old Netzman’s building and opened the store a couple of years ago as a fluke – a way of having their own Garage sale at an opportune time, during Village Days. It never closed. Just grew bigger.
I chuckled remembering one of their kitchen tables of the 1950’s … (a Happy Days table without the Cunninghams and the Fonz) – I oohed over a lovely neo-classic bookcase from 1814, an 1890 stained glass window, and many many dining and kitchen tables and chairs. Prices are amazing – affordable. For example an antique marble-top chest (commode) had a price tag of $125.
Darlene has a knack for making people feel comfortable and loved. Customers show up every week to make sure they don’t miss anything,” she said. “Some people are looking to furnish their cottages, others are newlyweds…then there are college kids and antique collectors.” Both Darlene and Ron work with their customers and try to find them the perfect piece for the space they are seeking to fill.
Extraordinary things, restated….given new life, recycled, green and good for the environment.
That’s good enough for me.
A Prom Time Tan?
Maybe you think that Prom time only means a great dress, shoes, hair, manicure and pedicure, flowers, parties…and a date , of course. But wait, there is something else! Besides lots and lots of money, which is a given – many gals and guys will be looking at their winter white skin and considering going for a tan. It is good that many of these kids are realizing that tanning booths may not be the way to go…nor is intense sunbathing.
Lucky for us, that Katie S. Adkins of Spray in the village has the ideal solution for that blah look and can help you gals make your strapless or sweetheart necklines look smashing. In fact this time of year, the months of March through June months of March are her salon’s most intense, she said.
SPRAY Sunless Tanning Spa, is the most advanced sunless tanning spa in the Rochester area. Katie pays attention to detail – gets flawless results, and has been voted the best natural looking tan in Rochester! Even dermatologists and aestheticians recommend her to their clients who insist on a little tan.
While I popped in to see how she was doing, a friend popped out of the room behind Katie’s desk… looking extra-ordinary. Kathie Calcagno, a grandmother, was on her way south and wanted to bare a little leg…and maybe more. “People of all ages, teenagers to grandmothers, think of Spray when they want a little color. “I have sprayed an entire dance company of quite young dancers,” Katie said.
Katie is offering a student custom spray tan so girls and guys, get the works for $19. I would suggest that before you head to Spray you pop in and get information on preparing your skin for the very best results or call Katie at 585-872-3893.
Fashion Show Fundraiser for Comfort Care
The Webster Comfort Care Home is doing it again. They are spotlighting all the latest in fashion trends, treating us gals to a wonderful opportunity to kibitz over wine and lunch at their annual Spring Fling Fashion Show. It is important women!! See what the latest styles are thanks to SteinMart at Pittsford Plaza. They are presenting the show and you want to be there and up-to-date this summer, I know.
Equally important is finding what you can do to up-date last year’s outfits…remembering fashion changes a little, but style endures …and that’s where accessories come into the picture. I am sure you will take home some new tips so don’t miss out.
The date is May 18- the place, Penfield Country Club at 11:30 a.m. - the price is $27 and worth it… Village merchants have once again come through with donations for the silent auction and thanks to R Salon, Scott, Jeff and all their stylists will once again, be giving the do’s - giving complimentary hair styles to all the models. (Let’s hair it for them!)
Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling Mary Ann Kotary at 872-6568 or by going to webstercomfortcare.org.
The Past discussed at the museum
Gabe Pelligrino a genealogy expert with lots of experience, recently gave pointers and answered questions at the museum to persons interested in learning more about their ancestors. As a teaching resource the Webster Museum is a font of information and Gabe Pellegrino’s presentation proved it to be true. He was very informative helping people, showing them the way to take a step backwards in time …and by so doing making progress on their family tree.
For those who could not make the presentation he said that there are sites on the internet and in the area that are available to help with your research. Information is available at the museum, thanks to Gabe.
In keeping with our “roots” and Gabe Pellegrino’s talk and those that came to Webster before us, the Museum honored some of our pioneer families. In the front display case the Klem family is spotlighted as they have extremely large genealogical records in Webster and far beyond. When I moved to Webster decades ago, the old golden rule existed in spades: “If you can’t say anything nice about somebody, don’ say anything at all,”- giving credence to the fact that we are all related. And all of Webster seemed connected.
Along the north wall, which I refer to as the Wall of Fame, a number of portraits of our earlier movers and shakers are displayed. You will find George Schmidt Smith who settled on a farm on Maple Drive and came from Germany in the late 1800s.
Electra Russell who owned the Russell Hotel ; Gothlieb Kittelberger, owner of the largest basket factory in the world, the former Basket Factory; Oscar "Hap" Rieflin, a Salt Road farmer who turned his farm into Webster’s first golf club, Happy Acres; and more. You are invited to take a peek.
May all your family trees branch toward the stars!
Happy Birthday
When I heard that Thelma Vander Mallie was celebrating her 89th birthday this past week …I was shocked. I think she is a wonderful example of graceful aging. Could it be her wit? Her stories? Her delightful fashion sense?
Thelma has been an inspiration to everyone at the museum where she has been the first lady for many decades. Happy birthday Thelma!
Yay for the Girls!!!!!
We have to admire those gals who give back, who get out of the kitchen, who use their talents for a cause and who ultimately try to change lives.
Here are a few of our village ladies who make it a point to do good…have fun, despite all odds, and keep on trekking.
Diane Bowers, 55, has had three heart attacks. Has it kept her down? Not by a long shot. In fact she participated once again in the American Heart Association's Heart Walk last Saturday, April 13. Her goal was to make $1500 for the AMA – as she is very grateful for her life and the amazing help from Dr. Curran and Rochester General Hospital.
She wouldn’t miss the walk – she has walked in the snow... she will walk in the rain, grateful that she can.
Another, Patti Cataldi of Dunning Avenue, former village trustee, current Town board member is again out there soliciting funds with her best friend, Lori Betlem Lytle for the 2013 Annual Pink Ribbon Run & Family Fitness Walk. The walk is on Mother’s Day,” May 12. This is “a great way to honor the women in your life,” Patti said. Both survivors, Patti and Lori are no slouches when it comes to fighting breast cancer - they think big. Their goal is to raise $2500.
Maybe you can help them; the BBF Team …walk with them or help sponsor them. http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/loribetlemlytle/2013-annual-pink-ribbon-run--family-fitness-walk?mid=c5kaAA2
One more, Robyn Whittaker is begging – imploring, beseeching sponsors and funds for Relay for Life which will take place June 1 and 2 starting at 6 p.m. at Webster Thomas High School. Relay for Life is an event which provides an opportunity to raise funds for cancer but also to remember both the survivors and the those loved ones who died of cancer. It is a wonderful tribute – yet, a lot of fun.
The last I heard nineteen teams have been formed, however Robyn is actively searching for more teams. She is a huge supporter of Relay and the captain of the Village Idiots team. Talk with her at her salon, Beyond Cuts on Main Street and you will get the rundown on one of the most fun yet worthy events that take place in Webster. For more information call Robyn at 872-5531.
A Horse is a Horse of Course
Usually I think I’m pretty good at keeping villagers up-to-date but, oh boy, I flubbed the dub. What could have been the greatest story - I missed. It’s about a horse, a special horse….and unlikely places you may find a horse.
For instance, none of us would be surprised to see a horse in a pasture, on racetrack, in a parade, on a farm BUT… not at a bar, not at a party …not having a beer.
But this was a special horse celebrating a special birthday. These are special friends of Danny and Jessica Barry. (Who incidentally are in Dingle, Ireland as I write this)
We are talking about a horse named Wiz.
It happened on St. Patrick’s Day and was known to happen only one other time in the history of the village when a horse visited Burke’s, also on St. Patrick’s Day. But this March 17, a horse celebrated its 25th birthday and came into the village from Wayne County to celebrate. Wiz the horse, and his owner, Mike Bellingham observed the occasion at Barry’s Old School Irish Bakery Café with a pint of Guinness. YES…the horse enjoyed the pint and the patrons enjoyed the horse.
“It was one of those great moments in time,” Danny said. “I loved it. Everybody did.”
Don’t be modest be showy… show us your garden this summer
I keep thinking that there must be a reason for all this rain…and then I remembered. “April showers bring May flowers”. Of course!!! That must be it. The more rain, the better the posies??? If so, we can expect an amazing growing season.
While you are planning to plant your gardens, think of joining the gardeners who enjoy showing off their gardens on the Webster Village Garden Tour. Sharing them with others; it’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood.
Once again Maryjean Yengo has offered to chair the affair that will be held on Saturday July 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.
From past experiences I have discovered that everybody falls in love with a different kind of garden…some the simplest, others the stately, and some the cottagey-type. If you are one of those wild women who grow wild flowers or if you grow herbs in pots … (not pot in pot, please….) join the gang who love the dirt……
Also, it is alright to be a tattle tale – nominate your neighbor, if he or she neighbor is secretly harboring a garden and is embarrassed to come forward. Give Maryjean a call at (265-0819) or E-mail (mjyengo@aol.com).
Repeat gardens are always welcomed, Maryjean said.
“There is a time for every purpose under heaven.”
God knows, it is hard to leave your home of many years. Recently a few of our treasured and beloved seniors have made that move.
Dick (historian emeritus) and his wife Ruth Batzing, formerly of Lapham Park are currently living at The Northfield, 4560 Nine Mile Point Road, in Fairport.
Peter Klem of Fuller Avenue who also has been a lifetime village resident has moved to Baywinde Senior Living Facility along with the lovely Ginny Freeman of Curtice Park.
Pay them a visit; send a note… wishes them well.
Advertise in village’s Summer Event brochure- “I Did It in the Village!”
I may have had a tiny problem with the village’s slogan for their summer activities but BID President, Tom Spoonhower convinced me that, “I Did It! In the Village” is one heck of a great slogan.
Of course he means, we went to concerts, movies, Jazz Fest, theater, Village Days, Firemen’s carnival, etc….a myriad of events and had a great time.
One of the marketing tools, a 2013 Summer Event program (brochure) with the title/ slogan, “I did IT in the Village!” will be made available at all who attend these events. It is a great opportunity to advertise your business as 5,000 brochures will be distributed around the Webster Community, in full color. Ads are very reasonable …so call Tom at Metro Sports at 872-3843 during business hours or email contact@WebsterBID.com.
Just a little bit Like Cheers
It has been a while since I went To Golden Boys for Breakfast but I was happy to see that very little changes there. It is still the crossroads of Webster Village, the kind of place you might expect to see on the old now defunct show, “On the Road with Charles Kuralt.” It is here you meet everyone from all walks of life, enjoying their morning coffee with a friend or friends. It’s the spot where the elite meet to eat and the not so elite- a good cross section of humanity enjoy breakfast here daily. Everybody seems happy and it is not all about the food. (Don’t get me wrong…the food is great but it’s about the people you eat with)
I was reminded of the song Petulla Clark made popular decades ago - “When you're alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go “- ---yep, to Golden Boys.
So come to the village and have breakfast at the oldest diner, Golden Boys.
Speaking of Golden Boys…
I was at Golden Boys enjoying breakfast with Karl Laurer, president of the Webster Village Historical Preservation Commission to discuss the changes in the village – all in compliance with the preservation code. Anyone driving through Main Street can see the reconstruction of store fronts. And surely all are anxious to learn what is happening.
Karl of Dunning Avenue and his committee are on top of things and very happy with the plans being presented. Bob Lindsey owner of the building that the Kirby Store and The Trophy Shop occupy is doing an amazing job of restoration, Karl said. The plans involve cedar clapboard siding with replica roof supports. “It is wonderful that Bob has agreed to restore the building to its original look,” Karl said.
Meanwhile across the street they are putting finishing touches on that old building and it is looking great.
(There will be more to report on North Avenue and the baggage depot next column)
Send a card
Don’t want to forget that a certain Dunning Avenue gal who never seems to change (except her jewelry) is still getting older. Happy birthday to Jodie Klem Laurer who turns a new decade on May 5. Hard to believe that she will be the new 40……. (60) and heading to the Kentucky Derby.
At The museum _ talk on genealogy
“Searching For Your Family History” – Head to the Webster Museum on Sunday, April 21st from 2 -4pm Webster Museum 18 Lapham Pk.
This Open House gives you a chance to hear Gabriel Pellegrino discuss using resources in the Public Library as well as the internet, church records and newspapers to find your family history. You can bring your questions and he may be able to point you in the right direction.
For more information call 265-3308. www.webstermuseum.org
April 3, 2012
The lilies are blooming – the jelly beans and chocolate bunnies have been devoured – all’s right with the world – a spirit of spring, new birth, rebirth resulted as of Sunday…Easter Sunday.
And in the village a new majority gains control. The Open Party appears on the village board - comes on the scene with hopes of change and great plans for the future.
The BID (Business Improvement District) Is looking for merchants and business people who will assume leadership roles for the coming years, while planning a season of “music, movies, festival and theater”, said President Tom Spoonhower – “the best any town around can offer. No other town can compete with us,” he said.
We are movin’ on up…just like the Jefferson’s. Life is good.
Last Wednesday, Bill Horath of Kittelberger’s escorted me into the overflowing greenhouse, the heart and soul of the Easter flower business. The sun shone brightly on the colorful spring flowering plants. Times have changed in that industry regarding Easter, he said. He drew attention to the generation before him, his parents’ era and mine. Easter meant church, corsages, lilies, and Easter bonnets. “It doesn’t happen anymore,” he said. Not the way it used to and that’s too bad.
However over 600 Easter lily plants from Kittelberger’s were earmarked for homes and churches this year. All were programmed perfectly to bloom on Easter Sunday morning. I hope you have one - both a lovely Easter Sunday AND a lily - it is a mark of purity and grace throughout the ages, and a fitting symbol of the greater meaning of Easter.
NOTE: When your plant ceases to flower, allow it to wither in the pot, watering now and then, because once a lily has finished blooming, it stores all its nutrients from its leaves and stem and flowers. Find a sunny part of your garden and plant. Each summer you will have a reminder of Easter 2013.
Something to cluck about
“I am not a glutton - I am an explorer of food”
? Erma Bombeck
In November, 2010, the smallest little village restaurant entered the scene – hardly to be seen – but one to be reckoned with. I know ….perhaps because it was so little and so hidden from view- I had never been there. There isn’t much more than a door with their name on it – “BC’s - The Chicken Coup”
It is located at 9 South Avenue – next door to Burke’s Bar and Grill and the Webster Shoe Repair Shop. Chicken, in every way, shape and form is their specialty. I missed out until now and it was my loss. I could have been enjoying great chicken all this time.
I popped in Tuesday evening to meet the chicks (?) No, let’s say, the gals who run the establishment. The coup is owned by Brandie Rauber and Christina Wasson’s and this is their second job but a very, very important one. They hope this restaurant – although small, is the start of something big. I can tell you – the taste is big… very big and finger lickin’ good…to rob another chicken’s slogan.
I came unannounced. Christine and Brandie know how to make an old gal feel welcome. It was as though I was a kid again and could eat all I wanted at my grandmother’s kitchen table, with no thought of fat, carbs or calories. I was the food sampler at the Chicken Coup tasting chicken to die for…chicken chili, chicken salad, southern baked, southern fried - and everything chicken. (Even chicken gravy) It was unbelievable. I can’t imagine how good it would have been had I been hungry! I loved it all BUT the hands down winner in my book were the homemade potato chips. I was hooked after the first bite. No one can eat just one. (Whoops, sorry, Lays)
“We opened to great reviews,” Brandie said. Everybody who came through- every food critic who surprised them with an appearance at their little eatery loved their food, she said. “Some guy came in from “Chicken Wing Lovers” and gave us a No. 12 out of 184 rating for our wings. That’s between here and Pennsylvania,” she added.
While Brandie and I were chatting, (and eating) Christine was packing me the nicest take-home pack of goodies for the next day’s lunch. When home, I ran inside yelling in my big girl voice (and it is big!) …”Gene, you have to try these chips.” Needless to say the two of us packed away the entire assortment of foods, even the corn muffin.
Give them a try. Run in… take a look at their menu and take some home this week. The restaurant is mainly a take-out service although there are a few tables in the front. And they deliver. I don’t know how they do it! To make the offer more appealing the gals are inviting everyone to try their $5 lunch special that is being offered for a short time. This lunch is of the healthier variety -like baked chicken sliders, pulled chicken sliders or homemade chicken salad and a side. Call 265-1185.
Museum receives gift of art
A beautiful painting has found a home at the Webster Museum.
A lovely watercolor painting depicting a barn, silo, and typical farm landscape you might find in Webster years ago, named “Fading Scene” has found a new home at the Webster Museum. Some year’s back well-known Webster artist, Charles Andolsek of London Road donated a copy of one of his paintings to the Webster Arboretum for their annual auction. Carol and Bud Saylor won the bid and went home that night proud owners of this beautiful scene.
Time passed as time does - and it happens that the Museum is getting ready to feature farms of the past and present, and is also about to release a book about our old-time farms and the families that ran them. The Saylor’s, devoted benefactors and volunteers at the museum, took another look at their lovely painting and decided that it belonged in the museum.
Not knowing the history, but seeing a Webster address on the write up on the back of the copy they called Charles. He wanted to know what they were doing with the copy and was told they were donating it to the Museum. Several days later he called them to say that he would like to donate the original to the Museum. The Saylor’s and Charles shared the cost of the framing.
Now 86 years young, Charles still paints in his basement studio. He enjoys talking about his art, – how he really enjoys watercolor and what is involved in each painting. It is a process. First he takes a photo – then he paints it mentally and the rest is “Quick…quite fast,” he said. There is a set-up time – so he has everything he needs as the painting is already in his head. At first he has a “mental painting,” he said. It takes a short time to put on canvas- sometime only an hour and a half.
Charles took art in high school, studied at RIT and even took a few painting courses while stationed at Ft. Belvoir with the Army. Now he is well-known in art circles. His paintings have been exhibited at the Community Center on South Avenue, Rochester and he currently has a painting at the Art Walk on University Avenue. You can view his paintings at Brimont Bistro and the Art Stop at Four Corners….and now, the museum.
The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
BID elections forthcoming
Welcoming spring …the Webster Business Improvement District will be holding an important meeting in April, Chairman Tom Spoonhower announced last week.
Members of the BID have the opportunity to step up, if they are interested in becoming an officer of the BID or a member of its board. Simply submit your name to Tom Spoonhower by calling Metro Sports Brokers or emailing him at tom@metrosportbrokers.com.
The more merchants and business people who attend the meeting – the better the vote and the better for the village. So, BID members, stay tuned and keep checking your emails.
Already making plans for Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer
Events do not automatically happen in the village…..you know that! Everything from elections to concerts, movies, jazz fest, etc. takes months of planning by dedicated individuals. Members of the BID are busy setting up a blueprint for the Village’s Summer Program.
A chat with Tom Spoonhower uncovered the scoop on summer in the Village. During the summer months there is always a good reason to come to the village. We don’t have a canal passing through it or pastel painted buildings with shutters (kinda wish we did) but we do have a great history of the past at the museum, interesting little shops for browsing or buying - but best of all, we have more activities for everyone than anyplace – anywhere.
Summer in the Village starts June 14 with the first Friday night band concert starring the popular Keys to the Caddy at the Gazebo at Webster Veterans Memorial Park. This is Webster’s Tony Infantino's (WARM 101.3) classic rock band. They're will start our season off with a bang.
From then on you can count on the village being the hub of activities. Kids and family nights continue on Tuesday evenings when Movies in the Park begin at dusk.
The Village has gained a reputation for having just about the best and most popular Jazz Festivals around…besides Rochester’s, of course. Ours is July 20. (We couldn’t afford Willie Nelson, I heard)
Village days in August are taking on a new appearance. Two week-ends are involved; the first being Aug. 9 and 10 when the week-end will be dedicated to music. On Aug. 16, the 22-piece Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra (with singer) will be paying us a visit while the following day (Aug. 17) Main Street will close down for a well-planned, community-wide energy-filled Village Days. …( Day?) “Everything, including food vendors will be on the street,” Tom Spoonhower said.
Finally to end the summer season, Sandy Nagar and his theater group, the Working Class Theater Company, will present “The Fantastics” in the Park …for the last five nights in August.
Any business, individual, or group of businesses or individuals who may be interested in sponsoring one or more of these events will find that this is great advertising and will be welcomed like the flowers in May.
It’s a wonderful program – one to make Webster proud.
RELAY For Life
According to our friend… (Whoops, everybody’s friend), Robyn Whittaker, “”Relay for Life is “really in dire need of teams this year.” This year's Webster event is scheduled to take place June 1, at Thomas High School. It begins at 6 p.m. with a ceremony to honor survivors of cancer and caregivers. BUT plans have to be made now for teams to form, etc.
The theme is Super Heroes so the teams are encouraged to dress up as costumed crime fighters or masked vigilantes such as Wonder Woman, Batman and Green Arrow and may be as creative as they want.
“At 10 p.m. the Luminaire ceremony will commence as everyone remembers the friends and family they have lost to cancer. It is a beautiful time to honor those who lost the battle,” she said.
More fun ensues after that and finishes with a Fight Back Ceremony at midnight to learn how people can fight back against getting cancer with healthy lifestyle choices. Some people will choose to leave after that but many teams will stay the rest of the night until 6 am walking the track and enjoying our fun laps and prizes.
Please consider signing up your team of friends or family and come out and join our Webster Relay for Life. You can sign up by going to www.relayforlife.org/websterny or call Laurie Stevens at 506-8480 or Robyn Whittaker at 424-0859
Time to say good-byes
It is what it is. You win some. You lose some. It’s the name of the game. It’s politics.
We owe former trustees, Christine Reynolds and Steve Kildal our sincere gratitude for serving these past years. I found them helpful, devoted to the village – always willing to share information and I personally am grateful for their kindnesses.
As for Peter Elder, agree with him or not, it is no secret that he raised the bar, working tirelessly long hours – never missing an event, a meeting, volunteering above and beyond the call of duty. He was knee-deep in politics and loved the village that was his home since birth.
I could call him day or night and he was patient with me and some of my silly questions. He had the answers I needed or found them for me. So for that I am grateful.
The media and politics do not usually make good bed fellows. I am not sure who’s fault that is but this is the village it’s “small-town America” and I rarely meet anyone in Webster I do not like….( oh a few!)
It’s time to move on. I, and, I am sure most of you, wish Peter, Christine and Steve the best.
I look forward to a new future - broadening my horizons and forming good relationships with our newest team, John Cahill, Darrell Byerts and Jerry Ippolito.
