The snow is gone and temperatures aren’t TOO bad, so it’s a great time to take a walk along the Hojack Trail. And when you do, you might just come across a wee bit of holiday cheer.
An ambitious trail elf has once again added some cheerful decorations along the Hojack Trail between Drumm and Vosburg roads. Margaret Supinski was kind enough to snap a few photos and share them. This is at least the second year the decorations have appeared; around this time last year, Margaret sent along photos from the Hojack as well, which I posted in this blog.
Whoever’s responsible, thank you for spreading happiness and brightening our days!
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I got an email recently from a reader, who asked an interesting question: Since he’s not on any social media platforms, is there any other way I could share my large photo galleries from special events other than posting them on Facebook?
It got me thinking that there are probably a lot of other people in the same boat. Even though I might take dozens of photos at certain events — like the recent Wreaths Across America Day and It’s a Wonderful Run 5K — I only put a few of them into the actual blog. It would be too cumbersome to post them all, so I dump them into a Facebook gallery. But not everyone can access Facebook, so they miss out on a lot.
So I pondered that problem a bit and came up with a solution: a shared Google file. Anybody who has the shared link can access it and see the photos.
So that’s what I’ve done, and I invite everyone to check out this link to make sure it works for you, especially if you’re not on Facebook. Right now it’s just one big file with sub-folders for individual events. But as I add more and more events, I’ll start offering links for just the sub-folders as well. And every time I put up a new gallery, I’ll include the link again.
Thanks for asking, Bruce!
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You remember Pierson Farina. He’s the Spry Middle School 6th grader who established his own fund-raising operation earlier this year which he calls “Returns for a Reason.” His goal is to collect returnables from family members, neighbors, schoolmates, strangers — anyone and everyone — and every time he raises $100, he donates it to some worthy organization.
I first wrote about Pierson in September when he donated his first $100 check to the Webster Volunteer Fire Department, and then again in October to report that he’d already raised and donated $200 more, to Lollypop Farm and Honor Flight Rochester.
But that’s only a small part of the Pierson Farina story, and not what today’s blog is about.
You see, Pierson loves all things about garbage and recycling. Or, more specifically (as he says on his “96 Gallons of Fun!” YouTube channel), he loves “garbage trucks, garbage cans, recycle bins, composting, you name it!” He owns at least two model garbage trucks, runs his own small business cleaning garbage cans for his neighbors, and the trash and recycling truck drivers who service his street have gotten to know him very well.
Pierson loves garbage trucks and garbage cans so much that back in October he wrote a letter to Toter, Inc., a waste container manufacturer based in Statesville, NC, asking for his “dream Christmas present,” an official Toter wheeled cart — specifically, a green one with an orange lid.
No one, not even his mother, Catherine, expected a response. So she was just as surprised as anyone when a Toter representative reached out about a month later to arrange a surprise special delivery and make Pierson’s Christmas wish come true.
That heartwarming event unfolded Wednesday afternoon when Toter Regional Sales Manager Jamie Butler pulled up in front of Pierson’s house and unloaded the Toter cart. Moments later, a Casella Waste Systems side-loader garbage truck rumbled up behind her and started blasting its horn.
At first, Pierson had no idea why a garbage truck was idling outside his house. But when he stepped and spotted the Toter — a green one with an orange lid — topped with a giant green bow and personalized with his name and “Returns for a Reason,” he was speechless.
After Pierson had a chance to thoroughly inspect his shiny new recycling cart, Casella truck driver Anthony McQueen invited him to sit in the truck and operate the side-loader, grabbing and “emptying” the can into the truck’s bay. Then Pierson placed his first full bag of returnables into the can — the first of many to come, for sure.
It was a day that he will not soon forget.
Channel 13 was there as well, and filmed the whole event for their Wednesday night “Bright Spot” segment, which you can see here. (He was also the featured Bright Spot when he presented his check to the WVFD.)
Jamie Butler presents the Toter to PiersonPierson even got some Casella swagPierson at the controlsWith Casella driver Anthony McQueenDepositing his first bag of returnables
More about Toter, from their corporate office:
Toter has been a leader in waste and recycling solutions for more than 50 years, providing durable, innovative containers that help keep neighborhoods clean and sustainable. As a national company, we proudly serve haulers, cities, and towns across the country (in Webster they work with Casella Waste Systems) including communities like Webster—with products designed to make waste collection easier, safer, and more efficient. Our commitment to quality and sustainability continues to set the standard in the industry, and we’re excited to share stories that inspire creativity and community pride.
Marty Bryant, Toter CEO, wrote, “Pierson’s enthusiasm for our products is a great reminder of how creativity starts young. We’re proud to bring his vision to life and hope this Toter container inspires even more content on his (YouTube) channel.”
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We have two very successful high school athletic programs, multiple public and youth sports clubs, and high-quality sports facilities like the Webster Athletic Center, Webster Thomas Field House, Lakefront Soccer Club and several lighted stadiums, which draw athletes from all over the region for swimming and diving, softball, hockey, soccer and Special Olympics competitions.
Because of the Webster community’s strong commitment to sports, our programs have produced dozens of respected coaches and athletes who made a lasting impact here and have gone on to accomplish remarkable things.
On Friday, Jan. 2, the achievements of 23 of these men and women will be recognized when the Webster Central School District announces the inaugural class of the Webster Athletic Hall of Fame.
The entire community is invited to join the festivities. They begin with a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. The celebration then moves that evening to Schroeder gymnasium, where the varsity girls basketball team will play at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the action will pause for the public introduction and honoring of the inaugural Webster Athletic Hall of Fame class. The celebration concludes with the varsity boys basketball game immediately afterward.
These coaches and athletes, representing decades of Webster athletics, will be honored:
Kevin Akins, athlete – track, class of 1978;
Chris Barnes, coach – girls lacrosse, class of 1984;
Brian Bliss, athlete – soccer, class of 1983;
Dave “Boots” Boutillier, athlete – cross country, track and field, class of 1988;
Marc Carlton, athlete – swimming and diving, class of 2000;
Jim Cripps, athlete – basketball, football, track, class of 1961;
Carl Garritano, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2003;
Gregor Gillespie, athlete – wrestling, class of 2005;
William J. “Bill” Guerrera, coach – boys lacrosse, football
Colleen C. Kelly, athlete – basketball, soccer, softball, class of 2002;
Patrick J. Kelly II, athlete – basketball, football, lacrosse, class of 1983;
Brian Kozlowski, athlete – football, class of 1988;
Jim Kruze, coach – cross country, girls soccer, track and field, class of 1967;
Rachel Kruze, athlete – soccer, class of 1999;
Brenna Mason, athlete – soccer, class of 2012;
Linda McCoy, coach – basketball, field hockey, softball;
Bill O’Rourke Jr., coach and athlete – basketball, class of 1968;
Bill O’Rourke Sr., coach – basketball;
Thomas O’Rourke, athlete – basketball, class of 1970;
Emily Resnick, athlete – lacrosse, class of 2015;
Carrie Santore, athlete – gymnastics, class of 2000;
Nina Scalzo, athlete – soccer, class of 2000; and
Joseph Zaccardo, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2005.
The Webster Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the rich athletic heritage of Webster’s public high schools. It recognizes the exceptional achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have shaped their winning traditions, be they Ridgemen, Lakers, Warriors, Titans, or Lions.
Plans have not yet been finalized for a permanent display of all of the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, so stay tuned for details about that.
Nominations are ongoing. The selection criteria include:
The candidate must have excelled in one or more sports while a student at any Webster public high school.
Former students must have graduated from Webster at least 10 years ago.
Coaches must be retired from the position at which they served, or been actively coaching at a Webster public high school for a minimum of 10 years before being considered for induction.
Athlete/coach must have been in good standing while participating on, or coaching an athletic team. and have conducted his or herself in such a way as to reflect honor on the school.
For more information and the nomination form, click here.
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Back in September I posted a blog about the Webster Knight of Columbus‘ 14th annual Coats for Kids initiative. Its purpose is to raise funds to purchase and distribute new winter coats to children in need throughout Monroe and Wayne counties. Over the last 13 years, our local KofC Trinity Council #4618 raised enough money to provide more than 4,100 coats AND 288 pairs of sneakers.
This year, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Webster community and business owners, the Knights were able to purchase an amazing 552 new winter coats for distribution to children in need. The coats were distributed earlier this month to 32 charitable organizations, school districts and churches throughout the Rochester area. In Webster, organizations which received coats included Webster Hope, Webster Community Chest and the Webster Central School District.
J. Stewart Coon, Chairman of “Coats for Kids,” wrote,
Every year I am amazed at the generosity from our membership, various organizations, and the general public who answered our call for donations. The Knights of Columbus, Trinity Council #4618, wishes to THANK all who contributed in any way. A special thanks to Cottreall-Warner Sons of the American Legion, Cottreall-Warner American Legion Auxiliary, Tubridy Financial Advisors, Town & Country Landscape Enterprise, John R. Robb, MD, Rich Marlin Financial Advisor, & Spoletta Construction for their most generous donations.
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Neither snow, nor rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night, nor biting cold will keep the Webster Village Runners from enjoying a fun wintry run together, and Saturday afternoon was no exception.
Once again this year, the Webster Village Runners were extremely well represented at the 2025 It’s a Wonderful Run 5K held in Seneca Falls Saturday evening. It matched the largest group we’ve ever had participate (at least four cars and a packed van made the hour-long trip), and a few had never experienced this race before — so that made it even more fun. It always draws thousands of runners (this year the total was almost 4,400), and almost everyone dresses up in holiday attire, including bells, Santa hats, elf costumes and Christmas lights. I saw people dressed as Christmas trees and snowmen, the Grinch and a Yeti, and lots of tutus. Everyone is in a jolly mood.
This is a must-do run for any fan of the Jimmy Stewart classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s generally accepted that Frank Capra based his movie on the charming little village. There’s an It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, and the race begins adjacent to the bridge believed to be the inspiration for the one in the movie — plus, 85-year old Karolyn Grimes herself (who played Zuzu) starts the race by announcing the famous line, “Every time a bell rings, a angel gets his wings.”
The run is the culminating event of Seneca Falls’ annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, three days of activities and events including an art show, films, a breakfast, a parade and autograph sessions with three of the original actors: Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy) and Don Collins (young Pete Bailey).
True to its name, the It’s a Wonderful Run is more a run (or walk) than a race. For sure there are many runners who wiggle to the front of the pack to do their 4-minute miles, but many more thousands of us are content to walk most of the route, to experience everything there is to see and do along the way.
Seneca Falls village residents come out in force for this event. They set up fire pits and ring cow bells and give high-fives to all the runners. They hand out Fireball shots, vodka shots, whiskey shots, mudslide shots, pudding and Jello shots. At one house, they were grilling hot dogs and handing them to the runners. And all through the beautiful little village, the houses are ablaze with Christmas lights and Christmas music blares from the porches.
So there’s not a whole lot of running involved; there is a lot of stopping and sampling the treats and taking photos of the beautifully decorated homes along the route. But this is not a race for time. This is a run for fun. And doing it every year with my Village Runners buddies makes it even more enjoyable.
If you’re interested in seeing more photos from the event, click here for a Facebook gallery. (Or if you don’t have Facebook, click here.) I tried to capture some of the more outlandish costumes, and the sense of community generated by Seneca Falls as we all celebrate one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time.
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Despite cold temperatures, snowy grounds and a pretty heavy snowfall which arrived during the event, Webster’s 2025 Wreaths Across America Day was once again a success.
On Saturday afternoon, several hundred adults, children, veterans, active military and first responders gathered at Webster Union Cemetery to honor our veterans, proving once again what a generous and caring community Webster is.
The ceremony began promptly at noon. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem and a moment of prayer, local Wreaths Across America coordinator Cherie Wood explained how Wreath Day is not just a local occurrence, but was happening at the exact same time at almost 5,000 cemeteries across the country and in foreign battlefields.
She said,
Today, more than 4 million people will be meeting at noon, just as we are, to place wreaths. At this moment wreaths are being placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Almost five million wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves today, including here in Webster.
We have a big job ahead of us today. Because of the amazing heart of the Webster community, today we will be placing 2,100 veteran wreaths in four Webster cemeteries. … This should give us amazing pride as a community.
You should also know that the Town of Webster has caught national attention, In 2024, Webster ranked second in the country for the number of veteran wreaths placed in one town.
Following Wood’s remarks, representatives from each of our nation’s armed services placed ceremonial wreaths in memory of those who served, and those who are still listed as Prisoners of War or MIA.
Family members of veterans who are resting at Webster Union Cemetery were invited to enter the grounds first to place wreaths on their loved one’s graves, followed a few minutes later by the rest of the volunteers. Wood encouraged each participant to say the veteran’s name out loud before placing the wreath, and take a moment to thank him or her for their service.
She explained,
It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive. Wreaths Across America has a saying: A person dies twice. Once when they take their last breath, then again when their name is said for the very last time. Many of our veterans no longer have family to remember them. Today, we, the Webster community, will become their family. They will not be forgotten. Not on our watch.
After placing the wreaths at Webster Union, volunteers were invited to drive to Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries to help place those wreaths.
Wood added that this year’s ceremony was dedicated to Private William McFarland, “a Revolutionary War patriot who has never been honored for his service to our country.”
In 1772, 16-year old William McFarland told his parents he couldn’t just watch others fight for independence. He had to do his part. So William joined the Continental Army and fought with General George Washington. After serving for six years, William was discharged from West Point with high distinction. In thanks, he was given farmland in what would become Webster, NY. His children and grandchildren carried on his legacy by starting our town government. Webster is the amazing town it is because of him. Private McFarland was one of our first veterans, and until today, 253 years later, has never been thanked for his service.
Private McFarland’s headstone is located in the oldest part of Webster Union cemetery.
Thank you to everyone who helped organize this moving event, and to all of the community who came out to lay wreaths. I especially loved seeing entire families participate. What a great way to teach children about how important it is to remember and recognize our nation’s veterans.
Click here to see an entire Facebook gallery of photos from the day. (Or if you don’t have Facebook, click here.)
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I LOVE cemeteries. I love to just wander through them, enjoy the solitude, look at the epitaphs, and think about the lives they’re trying to sum up in just a few words. They’re so peaceful, the perfect place for silent reflection.
Buried Rochester takes a closer look at Webster’s very own, very old cemeteries, but also explores the wonderful variety of cemeteries located within an hour of Rochester, from large ones like Mt. Hope Cemetery to more intimate burial grounds that started as family plots. Packed with photographs, the book explores an intriguing variety of monument and headstone styles ranging from hand-carved marble to modern designs in granite and sandstone. Along the way, readers will enjoy beautiful scenery, connect with history, and perhaps learn even a little about local geology. Each cemetery presents its own little treasure hunt.
This coming Sunday Dec. 14, you can check out the book yourself and meet Jane when he holds a book signing at the Webster Barnes and Noble, 1070 Ridge Rd. (in the Kohl’s/Target Plaza) beginning at 2 p.m. Jane will also be selling copies of her first book, Cemetery Reflections. Published three years ago, Cemetery Reflections is different in that its focus is more on the design of monuments, and — according to Jane — “looking at death in a friendly way.” Buried Rochester, in contrast, focuses on the different cemeteries’ histories and how they have changed over time.
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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The Wreaths Across America truck came through the Village of Webster Tuesday morning, escorted by the Webster Police Department, carrying more 2,100 wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries this coming Saturday Dec. 13.
(My regular blog readers know the story about how Webster is participating in Wreaths Across America again this year, but in case you need some background, click here.)
WPD officers Kyle Arseneau and Erik Rynders met the truck at the Roseland Fire Station on Salt Rd. in Penfield and escorted it up Rt. 250, through the village, and all the way to Webster Union Cemetery, where the wreaths were unloaded, separated and distributed to the participating cemeteries in preparation for Saturday’s ceremony. The truck is part of the Wreaths Across America “Honor Fleet,” made up of hundreds of trucking companies who volunteer their drivers, equipment and time to deliver more than three million wreaths every year to every corner of the country.
Our volunteer driver this year — again — was Pat Benson, from JR Kays trucking in Clarendon, PA. Pat has driven this Wreaths Across America route for three of the last four years.
The event was a nice kick-off to what will be a very moving ceremony when the Webster community comes together to remember and honor our nation’s veterans this Saturday Dec. 13. I hope you can join us. Everything begins at noon at Webster Union Cemetery, then continues afterwards at Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity. Find out more details at the Webster Wreaths Across America Facebook page.
Here are some photos from when the wreaths were offloaded:
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Here are some bonus photos also from last Saturday, when 50 volunteers flagged 2,100 veteran graves in the four cemeteries so participants know where to lay the wreaths. Mission BBQ (a huge Wreaths Across America supporter!) catered lunch for the volunteers, and the Red Cross kept everyone thawed with hot cocoa.
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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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I am NOT a golfer. But I know enough of them to know that golfers are a passionate breed; most of them would choose to be out on the links every day if it weren’t for annoyances like full-time jobs, caring for a home, or, like, six inches of snow. So the fact that a brand new indoor golf simulator is opening up just west of the village is happy news for Webster golfers, especially at this time of year.
The new Eagle’s Nest Golf Lounge, owned and operated by Kurt Johnson, is located in the Jackson Square plaza at 1170 Ridge Rd. (next door to Heart to Heart Bride). It provides immersive, state-of-the-art sports and gaming simulators for enthusiasts, families, friends, office mates and clients. It features high-end Trackman simulators which use advanced radar and camera technology to present a surprisingly realistic golfing experience. In addition to ball trajectory and distance, it measures club and ball speed, launch angle, smash factor, spin rate, attack angle, club path and more, and offers players more than 500 different courses from all around the world.
Eagle’s Nest has two separate 15 x 20-foot bays, and a lounge area where you can relax while you wait for your tee time or chat with your friends during an office gathering or football watch party. Its two private, sectioned-off bays make the facility stand out from some other golf simulators in the area. Once you close the door, the space is yours. You have a quiet, more personal area for your foursome — or you and your instructor — without distractions from other players next to you or in the hallway.
Kurt is well known in and around Webster, in large part through his lawn and garden business and extended stint as a bartender at Flaherty’s on Bay Rd. He’s also a long-time Webster resident, so establishing his new business somewhere in Webster was a priority for him. The former Rochester Speech and Hearing location turned out to be perfect. It took a lot of work to transform the office and clinical space into a state-of-the-art golf simulator, but it’s just about ready, and Kurt hopes to open within the next several days.
The first few days, Kurt will probably be personally welcoming patrons, but once the lounge is up and running, it will become a completely automated, self-service facility. Golfers can book tee times from 5 a.m. through midnight every day and pay for them through the Eagle’s Nest website or the Trackman Golf app. Then you’ll get an email and text with a code for the front door and a second one to get into the computers. When your allotted time is about to expire, a warning will pop up on the screen.
I’m guessing the Eagle’s Nest Sports Lounge is going to be a hot spot for golfers this winter, especially with the cold and snow already settling in. And if you’re not a golfer yourself but have one on your gift list, Kurt’s got you covered with gift certificates.
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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