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!
April 6, 2011
The Goodie Shoppe - just another egg-scuse for chocolate.
Last Monday morning I surrendered to chocolate. I visited one of our most decadent village treasures, the Goodie Shoppe on North Avenue.
All I can say is - Nobody knows the truffles I’ve seen - unless they too recently hopped down the bunny trail to Mike Broikou’s chocolateria.
Saying no to the goodies around me – was akin to eating only one Lay’s potato chip.
Although chocolate knows no season, Easter is owner, Mike Broikou’s busiest time of the year. People flock to his chocolate shop that has sweetly passed the test of time for 32 years.
A little history:
The First Goodie Shoppe was started by his grandfather, Achilles Broikou in 1939. It was such a hit that before long there were two, one on the corner of Goodman and Clifford; the other on the corner of Portland and Clifford in the City of Rochester. (I heard the people in that area were rather sizable.)
When Mike’s dad, Peter B. Broikou, owned the popular Webster restaurant, The Hojack Yards in 1975, (later it became the Loose Caboose, now Toddler’s Workshop), The Goodie Shoppe moved into the caboose located next to the main entrance.
It was only natural that Mike inherited a love for chocolate; along with the talent for making just about the best chocolate in the old Greek tradition.
I guess we know how bunnies multiply but none faster obviously than on North Avenue south Route 104. There are hundreds – homemade – ready for Easter baskets everywhere.
You will also find loads of fruited crème eggs, butter crunches, sponge, clusters, caramel, peeps, jelly beans, and everything you associate with Easter baskets also chocolate cats, dogs, frogs, bugs, horses, elephants…everything…basketballs, footballs, CD’s, chocolate cell phones, decks of cards,- chocolates in every shape imaginable.
My visit was also a learning experience. I learned there are differences in chocolate… white chocolate, dark chocolate, intense chocolate “just as there are differences in coffee”, he said. And like the smell from coffee, the fragrance/ aroma of chocolate permeates the shop, especially as you enter.
The lovely chocolaty bouquet comes from the kitchen where both the chocolate and Mike’s famous ice-cream cakes are made by Mike or his mother Jean.
Although most customers know the family’s reputation for chocolate, Mike is equally famous on the ice-cream cake circuit – in fact he has the original recipe. The Broikou’s have been making them for 60 years. They're made of layers of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream with a layer of strawberries and another layer that combines pineapple, peach and banana. They're finished off with a rich ice cream icing.
Also: New on the Goodie Shoppe’s list of treats is the Frozen Crème Pops which I have heard are great for $2.00 each. My personal favorite is the very best, fresh, homemade ice-cream on a stick, dipped in real chocolate – thick, creamy…thinking about it, makes me drool…unlady-like, yes!
So when you are thinking goodies, like ice- cream and chocolate – Think The Goodie Shoppe, North Avenue, Webster Village.
Honoring Hilda Horath
No person or group of people, no association, no company, no alliance, and no society that I have ever known has been honored for what he or she received. Honor has been the reward for what he or she gave.
Last week Hilda Horath and the Horath family of Kittelberger Florist were significantly honored by their peers, – which is the highest form of praise.
Hilda, tearfully, graciously and gratefully accepted the award from Michael G. Miller, AAF, and president of the Associated Florists of Greater Rochester. (an award winning designer)
They were honored by the Flower City’s Founder’s Circle established in 2010 by the Associated Florists of Greater Rochester. The organization recognizes and honor families and individuals who currently and over the history of the association helped build and reinforce the floral industry in the Greater Rochester Area.
The honorees have done an exemplary job towards furthering the goals of the association of Florists of Greater Rochester and dedicating their lives to the promotion of floriculture, Michael Miller said.
A little background on Kittleberger Florist: In 1928 Wilhelm (William) Friedrich Kittelberger and his wife, the former Jennie Hallauer Kittleberger began the business and it has been operated by the late Willy Fuchs and his family since 1940.
Together with Willie’s late wife, Pauline, daughter and son-in-law, Hilda and Martin Horeth along with their five children and spouses, this amazing family business has grown and blossomed as the flowers they sell.
The awards the family has received are numerous starting with Willie who was listed in the Florist Club of Rochester in 1936 and took leading roles in the AFOGR, setting the bar pretty high for his family that followed.
Martin and Hilda continued working in leadership roles- Martin received numerous awards including being named Florist of the Year in 1976 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Hilda worked diligently by his side - while raising five children, a feat for the brave of heart, to be sure. Awards continued to be bestowed on the family…Bill, Debbie, Jeanette, Cathy and Meg …and now 14 grandchildren have begun to follow in the Horath tradition. The fifth generation, four great -grandchildren (so far) will soon be taking their place at the florist and gift shop.
We congratulate Hilda and Martin and the Horath clan.
Musical Note from Carol Green
Oh say, would you like to see village resident and singer, Carol Green singing the National Anthem at the Red Wings vs. Buffalo game at Silver Stadium on April 27.
Yay! Well, you will!
Carol hopes her hometown comes out to cheer the Red Wings…and suggests we play a little hooky and take a long lunch. The game starts at 11:30 a.m.
Rotarians welcome home returning soldiers
Former Village Mayor and Rotarian, Bill Ruoff described March 27, aptly, as a “cold, blustery Sunday afternoon.”
The weather however did not put a damper on the excitement of those who gathered in the village at the Knights of Columbus Hall – “bundled, flag waving, yelling, excited,” he said painting a sort-of Norman Rockwell picture of Rotarians with spirit. Members of the Rotary came to welcome home the returning soldiers of the 10th mountain division, which they had come to know over the past year.
Impressive, emotional for all – “These soldiers had just arrived from Fort Drum, N.Y. and were being escorted from the Wayne County Line by members of the Webster Police and Fire Departments.”
Awesome.
“As they alighted from their vehicles, they were greeted by Rich Comins, the president of the Rotary Club,” Bill related. This welcome and the subsequent gathering, festivities and dinner were the culmination of a year’s efforts, called the “Adopt a Platoon” program.
Each year the program is undertaken by the Rotary to thank the men and women who leave Ft. Drum to serve about a year’s tour of duty in foreign lands. Boxes of essentials are sent out each week to their duty station overseas – items such as books, CD’s, DVD’s, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and cookies. Any other items like greeting cards are sent but “essentially it is the thought that counts,” said Bill.
Over and over the Rotarians hear how much they mean to our soldiers – how they look forward to receiving something – even a word from home
“Naturally a bond develops,” he said, “people can communicate over the internet.”
The idea of the annual dinner was formulated so that Rotarians could put faces and names together of those that met over the past year.
At the dinner the troopers are introduced, one by one, welcomes and thanked for their efforts. Gifts of gratitude are exchanged. A member of the unit speaks and this particular Sunday afternoon Major Christopher Thompson spoke about their overseas mission. Dinner and fellowship follow.
Bill Ruoff shared his feelings about the afternoon and the year that proceeded. “It is not only a memorable undertaking but also it underscores the human need for kindness, gratitude and appreciation for service above self.”
AT Zaz’s this week
This Wednesday Steve T ( also known as Frank Sinatra ) will be a-croonin starting at 7:30 p.m. Same night, the Webster Kiwanis will be holding their Honor Flight Benefit – so think about popping into the village for a change in routine.
Also Saturday April 16 Jeanne Klem Goonan celebrates her first anniversary starting at 7 p.m. with DJ Blaze --- door prizes and everything fun.
Whoops
I made an error by omission…..
My mistake was that in my last column I neglected to say WHEN the benefit for the Comfort Care Home at the Webster United Methodist Church, 16 East Main Street in the village was to take place.
Let it be known that - The awesome fun musical coffee house , starring the Barrigar Brothers and the Fiddlers of the Genesee will be held on April30, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Village Garden Tour lives on
I do not remember a year when spring was more anticipated. You will agree that sun is nature’s anti-depressant. We need sunshine. What’s that they say? A day without sunshine is like a day without orange juice…NO! That’s not it. “A day without sunshine is like…night”, said to Steve Martin
.
Speaking of sun, spring and summer- that brings up gardens.
A woman from Fairport called Maryjean Yengo coordinator of the last four Garden Tours, and asked when the Village Garden Tour would be held this year. “She just raved about it,” Maryjean said, “so that gave me the incentive to plan for yet another year.”
For your information – Maryjean Yengo said that the Village Garden Tour will live on in 2011; all I can say is “Hooray!” The date has been set- Saturday, July 16 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Yes, we need the sunshine, summer rain, flowers, grass that needs cutting, picnics, and we need the Garden Tour.
BUT, we also need village gardeners who are willing to open their back yards to other gardeners and wannabee gardeners - to share their beautiful gardens their successes, and even their failures, to meet their neighbors, to discuss mulch, fertilizers, and their little secrets about what grows in their backyards. This is the motivation and the explanation behind the Garden Tour.
No matter what kind of garden you have or plan to have this summer- an annual or perennial garden, a rock, rose, bulb, shade, water garden - or an herb or Vegetable garden – think about adding yours to the tour.
If you have a neighbor who is to shy to speak up – and has a terrific garden, whisper her or his name to Maryjean.
If you have any questions call Maryjean at 265-9819.
For the record, this event is sponsored by the Webster Village Historical Preservation Commission and benefits the Webster Museum.
Sing with our favorite chorus
The Chorus of the Genesee is holding another Guest Night – a night for men who love singing harmony on April 26, at that famous landmark in Webster Village, the Harmony House. Jack Thomas says that once again it will be “a great night of a cappella “ringing a chord” in the barbershop style” – see what it is all about at 7 p.m. at the corner of Kircher Park and Main Street.
May 30, 2011
Karl Laurer to lead commission
Meet Karl Laurer the new chair of the Webster Village Historical Preservation Commission. He was unanimously approved by the Village Board at last Thursdays meeting.
Karl has had a keen interest in architecture and old homes with a history for decades. His late Uncle Robert who had taught architectural history whetted his appetite at a young age as they drove around the streets of Rochester where Karl learned various and interesting aspects of the older homes. He became hooked. A longtime member of the Landmark Society, about a year ago he decided to focus time, energy and expertise right here by getting involved in the village.
Karl understands preserving the old – while welcoming the new. Recently he and his wife, Jodie undertook a challenge by adding an addition to their own century old home on Dunning Avenue. They concentrated their efforts on preserving the character and period of their home, keeping in mind that they are part of Webster’s Historical District. They did a bang-up job. It is perfect for them and posterity.
Karl hopes to be able to help those who are considering an addition to their residences and businesses.
“He brings a fresh outlook and a new energy to the commission,” said Jude Lancy, a fellow member of the commission and a village trustee. He admits that he has some new ideas and he is anxious to present them to the commission and to the community.
So what kind of a guy is this Karl Laurer?
He is a “tell it like it is kind of guy” said Jude …straight forward- honest, forceful, focused and well-organized. He appears as a hippie-type person until recently when he cut off his pony-tail.
He has a baby-boomer mentality –not what you might expect to see on a commission such as this. He’s cool but when he speaks…you will listen.
His new challenges are many; first, to bring awareness to the community of the preservation commission, what they do, and why they are here. “We are already on track,” he said. “We would like to guide home and business owners as they think of rehabilitating their properties.” Century old homes and buildings cannot be duplicated. “What you cannot make you should not break.”
To be in the loop is another one of his top priorities. Karl plans on attending planning and zoning meetings. He is concerned about the railroad baggage depot that is to be demolished…hates to see it removed and would like to find a solution to demolition.
Another priority is to get people into the village and to get them into the museum; to bring back the walking tours. A proponent of art – he would like to see more in the village.
Karl is willing to share his knowledge and talk with anyone with a passion about history and older homes. I think we will be hearing more of him …and from him.
Thank-you
A thank-you to Joan Sassone , the first chair of the Village Historic Preservation Commission. Joan saw the committee through many projects and events since its inception in 2005. She will continue to work on the commission. And that is a good thing.
Something new at Kittelberger’s
It is obvious when you go into Kittelberger’s these days that it is not ALL about flowers. Although famous for its outrageously beautiful floral arrangements and plants- the Horath family has branched into a thriving gift business and that too is blossoming. There is very little that you can’t find at Webster’s most unique shop, for yourself or for someone else. Chocolates, Vera Bradley bags, Crabtree and Evelyn, jewelry to die for, scarves, dishes, one-of-a-kind items, gourmet foods, – just too name a few.
Now there is something new. Totally!
It’s magic. It’s personal.
It’s Kittelberger’s latest project, and it presents an opportunity to be – original, imaginative, inspired, artistic, inventive and resourceful. …Need more adjectives?
Jeannette (Horath) Benedict discovered this unique laser piece of equipment while on a family cruise. Her excitement knew no bounds when she realized its potential. It was like fate presented this to her, she said, and she had to get on board.
She and her son, Stephen, 23, spent two days in Ohio learning how to operate this computerized laser engraving machine.
Now you may have your favorite quote or verse from a poet, writer, patriot, the Bible, engraved on a plaque, picture frame, clock, actually a huge variety of items, all available at the store. You may also consider an engraved welcome sign with someone’s name and address to hang at an entrance or door of a home or from a mail box. Think of it. What a great housewarming gift!
Remember, spring presents First Communions, Confirmations, graduations, wedding and baby showers…and they all call for a gift. Then there are always retirement or company recognition events and birthdays. Don’t buy anything until you take a look at the note pad holders, pens, baby blocks, baseball bats, tools, utility jack knives, plaques – and make it personal. It’s easy.
Be creative! Have fun. Be silly.
Let your next gift be inspirational – something only YOU would think of.
On a sad note
Family, friends and former patients of Dr. Robert E. Brennan were saddened by his death recently on March 12. The village optometrist, whose office was at 81 North Main Street retired a number of years ago – selling his practice to Sheri and Mike Gustin, now called Webster Eyecare Associates.
Dr. Brennan started his practice from scratch and retired after 30 years. Besides his skill as a doctor, most of us will remember his humor, the twinkle in his eye, and his gentle demeanor.
He was also a kind and loving husband, dad, and grandfather…and friend to many.
He will be missed.
Mark your calendars for up coming events
Pickin’, Grinnin’ and Fiddlin”
For a good cause
Treat yourself to a wonderful evening of music that will warm your heart and lift your spirit while it profits the Webster Comfort care Home. This special ‘coffeehouse’ benefit will be held at the United Methodist Church, 169 East Main Street in the village.
Starring attractions are the Fiddlers of the Genesee, a non-profit corporation devoted to preserving and promoting the tradition of "old-time fiddling" in the Genesee River area of New York State.
And the Barrigar brothers who will present a potpourri of country, pop and jazz music to keep your toes tappin’ and your fingers snappin’.
You cannot ask for more or better entertainment in one evening. But the best reason to come is because proceeds go the Webster Comfort Care Home, the house that love built.
So come to the church for some sinfully delectable desserts (hmnnn, can I say that?) and entertainment.
There is no admission charge but a free will offering will be taken.
Theater at the Irish Rover
It has been the dream of many that the village be a center for the arts. We have often fallen short…you must agree.
However anytime one person brings, theater, culture, or music to our village they are doing all of us a service.
Enter Sandy Nagar.
Sandy Nagar of Shakespeare in the Park fame – currently school teacher and director of the Working Class Theatre Company is inviting all to a staged reading of a play by a local playwright, Robert Barone to be held in the village at the Irish Rover, 7 West Main Street, on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday May 1. Both performances will start at 3 p.m.
This will be the regional premier of Robert Barone’s Remember the Good Old Days When We Used to Sit Around Talking about the Good Old Days?
In other words, can an old man stuck in the past, a baby-boomer stuck in a dead-end job, and a waitress down on her luck, find a way to come to terms with the realities of a changing world?
Is there enough beer on tap?
Join WCTC at the IRISH ROVER PUB for a pint or two, as the Working Class Theatre Company presents a staged-reading performance of a play that explores changing times in a small town, and the lives affected by those changes.
Put the dates on your calendar…it will be fun.
We will keep you updated here.
Save the Date
On Tuesday, May 3, Architectural Research Coordinator for the Landmark Society of Western New York, the knowledgeable Cynthia Howk will be here to talk with all interested in preservation, and the history of architecture.
More to come…
March 16, 2011
It was just an ordinary day…NOT!
I started out early, Tuesday, March 8, for an 8 a.m. Business Improvement District (BID) meeting at Hatter’s Pub on Main Street in the village. Dick and Ruth Batzing drove by as I was walking into the pub. They gave a long “Toot! Toot! Toot!” – probably wondering if I was beginning the Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday celebration a tad early. I made a mental note to call them to set the record straight and to protect my reputation.
The meeting drew a larger than normal group of merchants and business people. It was held to announce the results of the votes to elect new officers for the BID. When all was said and done, and all the votes counted, the present officers were given the highest form of praise by being reelected to their former posts.
We congratulate Tom Spoonhower of Metro Sports as he begins his third year as BID president. Also reelected were Tom McCoy of Performance Hobbies, Fritz Sierk of the Coach Bar and Fred Suter, of Suter, Levitt, Zugner.
In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening
Tuesday night presented a dilemma. Being in two places at one time is tough to say the least even for the best of men or women. First stop was a meeting at the Webster Village Community Room. Harold Krieger of Clover Street thought I would enjoy a talk given on campaign reform by Sam Fedele, a passionate member of Metro Justice of Rochester’s “Clean Money, Clean Elections.” Harold was right…it was quite enlightening, but sadly I had little time and sadder still - Harold was ill. On the plus side I had the chance to talk with old friends like Nancy Theis and to meet the new head of the Webster Democratic Party, Carl (Butch) Fitzsimmons.
(Making new friends but keeping the old is always tough in a political arena and that is why I am, and always will be, a staunch supporter of the Cocktail Party)
After that meeting I was free to meet with our fine women from the Webster Fireman’s Auxiliary.
BUSY Giving Caring Women
A sizable group of women from the Webster Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary met at the Fire Hall in the village.
They had their regular business meeting …I was there to snap a picture and sat QUIETLY in the back (Yes, I did) listening attentively to the litany of letters of thanks from an array of people whom our ladies have helped in one way or the other.
Then they decided it was time to break for THE picture – a happy picture, a proud picture - a picture that would verify the good that they do.
The ladies of the auxiliary received a certificate of appreciation recently from the 618th Engineer Support Company (Airborne) for their “unyielding support” - for their “commitment, dedication and positive attitude towards our soldiers,” the certificate says. It also stated that their efforts are “in accordance with the highest standards of selfless service” (absolutely) and reflect great credit upon themselves, the 618th Engineer Support Company and the US Army. It is signed by First Sergeant Chad C. Blansett and Captain Steven C. Holmberg.
It is a sign of recognition and thanks to the women of the auxiliary and to show that their benevolence and generosity is noted and gratefully recognized.
For decades, the ladies of the FD Auxiliary have been shopping, packing and shipping anywhere from 10 to 16 packages a month to servicemen and women who hail from Webster, West Webster or Union Hill to their place of deployment – usually, or in recent years, to Iraq or Afghanistan. It is their pet project. They purchase items such as tooth brushes and paste, floss and mouth wash, deodorant and shampoo, socks, small boxes of cereal, individual drink mixes, small snacks like gum, hard candy, granola bars, soup and hot chocolate mixes, even beanie babies etc.
This ends up being a huge project and rather costly. Auxiliary members buy items out of their personal grocery budgets, their auxiliary budget and from a generous gift from the fire department. Whenever they see something interesting that one of our servicemen or women might appreciate they purchase it.
Others besides auxiliary members have contributed to the caring package project and quite often members haven’t an idea who is responsible for packages received. Martha Styles of Judson Street has come home to find bags hanging from her doorknob. There are two or three groups of knitters who make hats to wear under helmets,” she said.
I spotted a few bags at the meeting that would be going home with Freda Larner for packing. Freda is the chief – the Packer General.
She has her own method of packing and has it down to a science.
“I do it while watching Jeopardy,” she said and her family room is set up for an efficient job of packing. Freda does not toot her own horn but everyone knows the good that she does…she needn’t say a word.
However Freda admits that she couldn’t do it without her husband, Bill, who helps her in many ways but mainly by helping her deliver the packages to the post office.
Freda and all the Ladies of the Auxiliary welcome all to contribute to this project.
As an added note: The Ladies Auxiliary would appreciate having the name of EVERY service person from Webster, West Webster or Union Hill who is serving currently in Iraq or Afghanistan.
If there is someone you know who should be added to their list please call Freda Larner at 265-3028.
Joe Bean Finds a New Home in Rochester
I have had a longtime love affair with coffee.
I have found it to be a social binder, a soberer of minds, a stimulant of wit, a foiler of sleep if you want/ need it to be – and the perfect antidote for boredom or depression when accompanied with a friend.
It is sad to see one of our most favorite coffee houses, Joe Bean, leave Webster Village after seven years. This past fall Kathy Turiano and Dena Jones of Joe Bean received word that their building changed ownership and that the new owner had other plans for their space.
“Out we went to hunt for a new home for Joe Bean,” said Kathy. After an extensive search, they found a wonderful place and it has everything they want including brick walls.
According to Kathy, “This space will allow us to do many of things we have wanted to do for a while. We will be expanding our retail area and building a full bar, complete with our gorgeous espresso machine, Hario pour-over stations, and bar seating. In addition, we will be opening a training room where we will be able to hold coffee classes.”
As important as the brick walls is the fact that they will be part of an active arts and social culture scene – something Kathy has always wanted. Their new location, starting April 1, is 1344 University Ave, Rochester.
Their last day at 182 North Avenue is Friday, Mach 25. All are invited to join them that day to say goodbye and to wish them well.
Shop till you drop -
I know shopping is a woman thing. The late Erma Bombeck says that “it's a contact sport like football. Women enjoy the scrimmage,” she said. “The noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase” - it is all part of the sport.
If you love bargain shopping make a beeline to see (or call) Joan Moss at The Second Time Around Consignment Shop behind West Main Street by the Veterans Memorial Park. She is taking reservations for a bus tour on Saturday, April 9, to consignment shops all over the county – to Spencerport, Henrietta, a new one in Brighton, two new ones in Webster, plus her own. And there are snacks. The price is $20. Call to reserve a spot on the bus or see Joan at her shop soon. She can take a credit card reservation by calling 872-5810. Store hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“All of our stores are bursting with happy spring and summer fashions, “she said.
Bargain Tickets to Gardenscape
Tickets for our favorite rite of Spring, Gardenscape, to be held this week-end at the Dome, starting St. Patrick Day, Thursday, March 17, are available at our favorite store, Kittelberger’s, for a great price. At the door you will pay $12 BUT, at Kittelberger’s tickets are available for $10. (Sorry - cash or checks only.)
Don't miss the daily "floral design fanfare" on the dome stage. View fantastic floral presentations by area florists as commentated by the ever-popular and humorous Michael Miller and Jimmy Catalano, both of Kittelberger’s and the Associated Florists of Greater Rochester.
And when you stop for your bargain ticket give yourself a little extra time so you can look around Kittelberger’s and ooh and ahhh.
Reflections
On the busy treadmill of life, sometime we don’t take time to reflect spiritually. That is why I am grateful for Lent. . I see it as an opportunity, a gift — a time to stop this merry go round and re-evaluate my spiritual life.
My friends have given up coffee, chocolate, alcohol, morning talk shows, “eating out of packages,” some pretty weird things. For the record I am giving up wine on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays…But in my book, it is equally important to add something positive to our regular routines, such as a performing a daily act of kindness or being nice to a “pain in the neck”.
I suggest we all contribute something –a can of shaving cream, Q-tips, instant coffee or tea bags, microwave popcorn – whatever, to the Ladies Auxiliary to be shipped to our servicemen and women overseas. When grocery shopping this week, keep a soldier in mind.
March 2, 2011
Last Thursday, mid-afternoon, I needed a fix
A good jolt of caffeine would give me that added boost for a few hours and if a chuckle and some warm conversation were part of the fix, I would be forever grateful. I headed to North Avenue for the ultimate cup of brew.
The moment I stepped out of my car, outside, in the cold, I smelled coffee. The aroma became stronger as I entered the rustic world of Joe Bean Coffee Roasters on North Avenue. Kathy Turiano admits that she, yes, she too, “smells like a walking coffee bean.” She said that often when she is just hanging around, people sniff and say, “what is that smell?” She laughed. “I know it’s me!” she said.
A few minutes later I was enjoying the Joe Bean experience.
Hang out with the effervescent Kathy Turiano for a cup of joe and joy. Enjoy one of her coffees using the artisan brewing methods - using a hario (the king of glass coffee brewers) for the ultimate cup of coffee. Give her time though to grind the Sumatra beans from Indonesia. Each cup is measured by weight with love. This is indeed a “process” and she gives each cup her personal attention. She refers to herself and her son Ben, who works with her, and attends RIT School of Hospitality and Service Management, as artistic coffee geeks. Ben shares his mother’s love for Joe Bean and is considered a marvelous Barista – in other words a fiercely passionate – slightly neurotic coffee geek who prepares and serves espresso-based coffee drinks. “Brewing espresso, unlike other methods of brewing coffee, IS rocket science,” Kathy said.
Kathy explained that all coffee beans are different…just as apples are different …yet we certainly enjoy each apple for its different taste. We also enjoy a distinctive flavor with each special blend of beans.
Anyway, the end result was exactly what I needed. A goodly dose of caffeine, fun conversation and a delicious treat with Kathy was exactly what the doctor ordered. Man does not live by coffee alone so we enjoyed a coconut chocolate chip biscotti. The treat was made by her friend, another entrepreneur Caroline Ravine who makes the popular, “Biscotti for Everybotti”.
I would suggest you stop by Joe Bean soon, as plans are in the works for a move…but we will keep you posted as to the future of this great little company when all is said and done and the future becomes reality.
What your Tee-shirt says tells the story
I guess it would be pretty hard to find a wardrobe that doesn’t contain a few Tee shirts. Go through your drawers and closets and I am sure you will find the fundamental plain old comfortable white Fruit of the Loom tee shirt, maybe a fancy boutique-type girly Tee or a couple of those that say a little ( or a lot) about yourself, your philosophy, your business, your favorite flower…anything. Yes, anything! Tee shirts are a thriving business these days.
Now, smack dab in the village you can run into Daily Tees at 32 East Main Street and order you’re special Tee-shirt. The shop is operated by Mike Power, owned by our Webster entrepreneur, Eric Bauman and manned by many little elves who love making tee-shirts. It is located at the former, Utz Bakery.
There are hundreds of shirts in the store; ready for purchase, but what they are noted for primarily are personalized shirts.
“Come up with your own idea and we can copy it on a shirt,” said Mike. He explained that digital copy is best if you would like to transpose a picture of your pet, or your grandson in his hockey uniform, a family photo, or your new baby. Photo shirts run $11.99. Whatever you put on a shirt, Mike explained, you can also put on a mouse pad. Personalized mouse pads are 7.99 and make a great gift.
Most of the business done at 32 East Main is mail order and is done over the internet on any one of three websites; www.betterthanpants.com : www.dailytees.com or www.90stshirts.com.
They do custom team shirts, school shirts, and birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party shirts. Having a family reunion this summer? Have a shirt name with the family name across the front and back.
For more information on Daily Tees call 265-1021.
Whoops.
The beautiful Sophia Loren said that “Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life”.
Why does it sound better coming from her than me??
Okay, so I made an error by omission.
Two weeks ago I related my story about putting myself out there, baring my inhibitions and trying out the new spray tanning spa on Main Street.
It attracted some attention from pasty white people who were heading south and found it an alternative to sun tan booths. However in my excitement and humiliation of barring my skin, I neglected to tell everyone the address of SPRAY. So let it be known that this Spry tanning spa is located at 14 West Main Street, across from the Irish Rover. Phone 872-3893 for an appointment or questions about the process.
Poor Charlie Styles
A few weeks ago Charlie fell out of his house. Seriously, with great, but painful flair it was just one of those things…an accident. It was one of those moments that one never wants to relive. “As always, I did it in a spectacular way,” he announced in an email to his email contacts.
The result was grim. After a series of tests, unanswered questions, and obvious frustration it was determined that he ripped apart his rotor cuff and shredded the tendon seriously.
Monday, Feb. 28 he had surgery, just before deadline so we have no results. But we are hoping he comes out of all this with flying colors and good health.
Someone New at the Dry Cleaners
Wow! Joe Guinta, owner of Webster Cleaners on North Avenue has a new customer service rep. Pam Elder….yes, the mayor’s wife, is one of the gals behind the counter. If she says, “drop your pants here,” she doesn’t mean that literally.
I am sure it will not be long before she learns how to harass me thanks to her cohort, Paula Scalzo.
It is such fun going there, I intentionally drool on my sweaters, etc. and am amazed at the work they do on some nicer things like silk and cashmere. It will be nice to see more of Pam.
Passports
Planning a trip – a cruise?
Taking the kids??
There is nothing like it. “It provides you with experiences that will remain locked forever in the scar tissue of your mind,” said one of my favorite columnists, Dave Barry.
So if a vacation out of the country is in your future, the village will be able to help you. They are holding a passport night at the aquatic center. It’s on Ash Wednesday, March 9...at the Aquatic Center – from 6 to 8 p.m. Be prepared. Bring $135 if you are an adult, $115 if you are under 16 (and BOTH of your parents.) Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins will be taken on a first-come, first served basis. Your best bet is to check the village website at www.villageofwebster.com to get all the particulars. Photos will be taken for $5.
The gals at the Village Hall, Kathy Vendel, Dorothea Ciccarelli, AnnMarie Champagne, Carol Moranz and Norma Fitzpatrick will be processing the passports and have a great time helping you. It will be a positive experience. If March 9 is not convenient, the village office is open every Thursday evening until 7 p.m.
