Archive | Neighbors and neighborhoods RSS feed for this section

A heartwarming surprise for Pierson, CCO (Chief Collections Officer) of “Returns for a Reason”

18 Dec

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.)

Kudos to Wastequip/Toter and Casella Waste Systems for pulling this surprise together and making Pierson’s Christmas wish come true.

Here’s a bunch more photos:

Jamie Butler presents the Toter to Pierson
Pierson even got some Casella swag
Pierson at the controls
With Casella driver Anthony McQueen
Depositing 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.” 

* * *

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).

(posted 12/18/2025)

Tags: , ,

Playing Catch for Life: How 366 days of catch built community and connection

3 Dec

In March 2023, David Tinnes set a challenge for himself: to play catch with someone — friend, neighbor, family member or stranger — every day for 30 straight days. In the ensuing months, that challenge stretched to 100 days, then 300, and eventually, 366 days. More than one full year playing a simple game of catch with someone, every day.

It was an inspirational journey filled with amazing personal stories, human connections and teachable moments. And now, Dave has turned the story of that journey into a book, called Playing Catch for Life.

I first met Dave in late March of that year, only three weeks or so into his challenge. I can’t remember how I first heard about the story, but it intrigued me, and I decided there was no better way to find out more about it then to meet with Dave in person and have a game of catch.

We met at the library on a cold, windy day, and before heading outside, where we tossed the ball back and forth for about 15 minutes, I got the full story of how and why Dave embarked on his 30-day catch journey. (You can read the whole story here.)

In short, Dave was inspired by the story of Ethan Bryan, who had completed his own 365-day catch challenge. He wasn’t initially planning to do the same; it just turned out that way. Over the following year, he played more than 500 games of catch with more than 320 different people, managing to connect on a personal level with pretty much every one of them. It was a life-changing experience, which, he said, “taught and continues to teach me a lot, not only about myself, but about life.”

He wrote,

People want to connect and share their stories. Stories matter in life; good stories are interesting to others and connect us to one another.

Through my experiences I encountered authenticity through intentionality. When I committed to connect with others and really LISTEN to them, there were no distractions of screens obscuring our faces, or our compassions. There was sincere, open communication and connection. Playing catch with others was an invitation to be vulnerable and accept others for who they are, on any given day. I experienced good, bad, hard, easy, ugly and beautiful. I learned to honor and appreciate on a deeper level.

I found a better version of myself as I reflected on the conversations I was a part of. I considered things I hadn’t really paused to care about before. I became enlightened. I also shared light with people. I hugged and received hugs. I cried and sat with those that cried. We laughed together. We loved together. We embraced all of life together, in those sacred moments. I traveled to other cities, states and countries. I went to places within myself that I didn’t know existed. I found humanity, raw, real, open and accepting.

Throughout Dave’s journey, the plan to eventually write a book about the experience was always in the back of his mind. In early November, that dream became a reality with the publication of Playing Catch for Life. The 480-page paperback revisits the stories he heard and the connections he forged, ultimately showing how a simple game of catch can help us grow as human beings, strengthen our sense of community, become better listeners, and truly live every moment of our lives.

It’s available for purchase on Amazon.com for $20.

* * *

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).

(posted 12/3/2025)

Tags: ,

Thank you, Webster, from the WCC and Webster Hope

1 Dec

The Webster Community Chest (WCC) and Webster Hope joined forces this Thanksgiving to support families who are struggling more than ever to keep food on the table. Their combined efforts brought food and other household items to our neighbors who needed it most.

But these agencies could not do what they do without strong support from the Webster community. Recently they sent out a public thank you, which I am pleased to reprint here.

Thank you for your support of our recent Thanksgiving Grocery Bag distribution event. This event served 227 families and families received everything they need for a full Thanksgiving dinner in addition to baking items, cleaning products and other extra items. We filled 500 bags (because everything didn’t fit in just one bag)! We also gave out 51 turkeys to larger families thanks to a grant from West Herr Cares.

These large collaborative events cannot happen without the support of the community. We would like to thank Wegmans for their large grant to support this event as well as a gift card so we could purchase the reusable Wegmans shopping bags for all families, West Herr Ford of Webster for supplying butter to all of our families (West Herr Butter is Better), Kuk Sool Won of Ontario for collecting cleaning products, Gathering Place Webster for collecting gravy, A Foley of the NYS Police Academy for collecting food and cleaning items, Thomas High School for dedicating two days of their Spirit Week to collecting for our Thanksgiving event, Village at Unity for collecting a truckload of cookie mix packets, Immanuel Lutheran Church for collecting enough macaroni and cheese to double up in every bag, McAlpin Industries for providing much of the coffee and DiPaolo Bakery for giving us a discount on freshly baked delicious dinner rolls with free delivery and including three trays of delicious treats for our hard-working volunteers.

Also a huge thank you to our individual donors who donated grocery items and/or made a cash donation to support the purchase of grocery items for this event.

The Holiday Meal Collaboration was a response to the increase of food insecurity in our community. Our collaboration has now held six events and we have given out food and other needed items to almost 900 families! Our plan is to have three events per year: Easter/Spring, Summer and Thanksgiving. Webster is truly a community that comes together in times of need and what a better reason to come together than to feed our neighbors.

Thank you for being a part of the solution and thank you for your support of our collaborative efforts.

* * *

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).

(posted 12/1/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Two ways you can help families in need right now

7 Nov

Our neighbors in Webster are currently facing significant hardship due to the delay in SNAP benefits caused by the ongoing government shutdown. This is a critical time when many families who rely on this aid are struggling to meet their basic needs.

Several days ago, I posted a blog detailing various locations across Webster and Rochester where families can access immediate food, clothing, and financial support. If you know anyone in need, please direct them to that resource immediately.

In addition to sharing those links, here are a few direct, actionable ways for individuals and families to help provide direct assistance to those who are most vulnerable right now.

Webster Hope and Webster Community Chest are partnering to distribute all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner. Months ago when they started planning the effort, they expected only about 175 families to sign up. As of today, there are 275 families requesting meals.

The Webster Community Chest is taking the point in collecting most of the food, and you can find out what they need here on the WCC website (scroll to the bottom of the page for the list). Webster Hope, however, is collecting ground coffee, and they’re in desperate need and are asking for donations from the community.

Any coffee dropped of at Webster Hope (1450 Ridge Rd.) through Nov. 17 will be used for the Thanksgiving distribution. It can be dropped off during Hope’s regular open hours:

  • Monday 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday 3 to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday 5 to 7 p.m.

Webster Hope also accepts donations of food and hygiene items and gently used clothing for their regular weekly distributions. The organization regular updates their critical needs on their website. Here’s the October/November list:

  • Coffee and tea
  • Crackers
  • Tuna, albacore preferred
  • Canned chicken
  • Macaroni and cheese, boxed
  • Pasta, all types except spaghetti
  • Canned beets, pineapple
  • Applesauce
  • Oatmeal, instant or regular type

Toiletries

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Dish soap and hand soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Baby wipes *HIGH NEED*

This reference here also lists ongoing needs. Items can be dropped off at Webster Hope, 1450 Rdge Rd. (east of Phillips) anytime during their normal open hours.

***

I was reminded today of a few more ways you can directly help those in need in our community: food pantries.

Anyone at any time can donate food to the residents of the 500-unit Phillips Village community off Phillips Road. Any shelf-stable food is welcome. The Phillips Village pantry is located outside the office, accessible from the office parking lot at 100 Krieger Road between Ridge and State Roads. 

St. Martin Food Pantry — 813 Bay Rd., Webster. Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7. Call 585-671-1899, or email stmartinwebster@gmail.com.

Webster Baptist Church Food Pantry — 59 South Ave., Webster. Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7. Call 585-265-9480 or email office@wcbus.org.

Webster Public Library Food Pantry — 980 Ridge Rd., Webster. Self-serve, inside library entryway. (Includes hygiene items.)

Webster United Church of Christ Food Pantry — 570 Klem Rd., Webster Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7. Call 585-671-3757.

* * *

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).

(posted 11/7/2025)

Tags: , , ,

They’re at it again

5 Nov

The whimsical skeletons perched at the corner of Holt and Klem roads are delighting passersby once again with their new Christmas-themed display.

You might remember how in the weeks before Halloween, George Baker and his family created a silly skeletons display depicting a bike race. But the skeletons weren’t taking the race very seriously; one was perched upside down on his handlebars, one was standing on the handlebars, two were riding piggyback, another had chosen to compete on a unicycle, and yet another on a scooter. To the side, two other skeletons appeared to have had a bike accident. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about that display.)

Even when I spoke with him in late September, George hinted they’d already come up with an idea for a Christmas display. On Sunday, just two days after Halloween, it was revealed.

This time, the eight smaller skeletons are posing as Rockettes, lined up in a kick line with their right legs raised in perfect, shoulder-high unison. And of course the two ever-present 12-foot and 10-foot tall skeletons which stand in the front of the yard are dressed in their holiday Santa and Mrs. Claus suits, which are a bit snug on their monstrous frames.

Check out the display for yourself. It’s at the corner of Holt and Klem (you can’t miss it) and you’re more than welcome to stop and take a selfie!

* * *

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).

(posted 11/5/2025)

Tags: ,

Girl Scouts make holiday cards for our troops to send smiles from home

3 Nov

Thanks to some very dedicated Girl Scouts, our deployed service members will be getting a little happiness from home this holiday season.

A few weeks ago, nine Girl Scouts from Webster Troop #60344 and their two leaders met at the Webster Presbyterian Church on Webster Rd. to make greeting cards for the troops. They worked for more than an hour and ended up making 35 individualized cards, which will now be sent to soldiers serving overseas.

The card-making activity was facilitated by Mary Ann O’Mara, who was more than happy to provide most of the supplies. This is the fourth time the young ladies have worked with Mary Ann to make cards, and everyone always has a fun time. PLUS, before they even headed to the church to make the cards, the Scouts had already spent an hour and a half at the Gathering Place Webster, where they were running kids’ games during the organization’s Spooky Shenanigans event. PLUS, while they were making the cards, the girls were also discussing what other community service projects they wanted to work on next.

Told you they were dedicated.

* * *

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).

(posted 11/3/2025)

Tags: , ,

An update on Returns for a Reason

21 Oct

When last we heard from young Pierson Farina — Webster Village resident and world-changer — he was presenting a $100 donation to the Webster Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD). Pierson had raised the money through his “Returns for a Reason” fundraising initiative, in which he is collecting and redeeming returnable bottles and cans to benefit local agencies.

His plan is to make a donation every time he collects $100. He began the project earlier this summer, and it only took him three months to raise his first $100. He chose the WVFD by random as the first beneficiary. In just one more month, thanks to great support from the Webster community, Pierson raised $200 more, donating the funds to Lollypop Farm and Honor Flight Rochester.

Now Pierson is well on his way to raising another $100 for his fourth cause: Spry Middle School, where he attends school. The principal there, Dr. Chris Callahan, has agreed to allow Pierson to put a can in the cafeteria to collect the students’ returnables. Apparently Spry is in need of a bike rack since so many kids ride their bikes to school, and Pierson wants to help raise money for that.

If you’d like to help Pierson continue his charitable efforts, stash your returnables in your car, and the next time you’re in the village, drive down Dunning Ave. and look for the bin with the Returns for a Reason flyer attached to the front!

* * *

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).

(posted 10/21/2025)

Tags: , ,

WSPS hosts appreciation luncheon for its drivers

11 Oct

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) hosted its Volunteer Driver Appreciation Luncheon at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park on Thursday afternoon.

Based at the Webster Recreation Center, WSPS is a group of volunteers who, for 15 years now, have provided transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District. They help residents get to and from medical and dental appointments, and provide rides to pharmacies, banks, barbers, hairdressers, tax preparation services, and the Webster Public Library. The organization currently has 65 volunteer drivers, five dispatchers and 12 board members.

WSPS is one of those volunteer organizations here in Webster that don’t get a whole lot of press or attention, but are making a huge difference in our community. Last year, WSPS volunteers drove over 49,000 miles, volunteered over 3500 hours and provided over 3800 rides. The rides are an affordable alternative to more expensive ride options, and allow many seniors the ability to live independently. The drivers are a meaningful part of the lives of its many riders who rely on them to get them to their appointments.

Almost 70 drives, dispatchers, board members and special guests attended the buffet luncheon, catered by Proietti’s, with a celebratory cake donated by BJ’s. Every driver received a gift bag stuffed with gift certificates and won a raffle prize, all donated by generous local business owners.

65 drivers might seem like a lot, but with the number of seniors and disabled folks in the Webster School District increasing, they’re always in need of more volunteers. For more information on how you can join the team, call 585-216-7829 or visit the group’s website. Monetary contributions are also more than welcome, and go to support the WSPS operating budget.

Here are a few more photos from the afternoon, courtesy Dave Norton:

Here’s an easy and fun way to help!

WSPS is hosting an indoor craft sale on Saturday Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. They’re expecting more than 40 vendors, so make sure to add this one to your holiday shopping calendar.

 * *

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).

(posted 10/11/2025)

Tags: , , ,

A local Scout is collecting items for Blue Star Mothers — and you can help

11 Oct

Eagle Scout candidate Michael Gallina, from Webster Boy Scout Troop 262, has teamed up with the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester (BSM) to help our deployed service members get a taste of home.

Michael is holding a donation drive to collect items for the BSM’s next care package shipment, scheduled in November. The fliers below have a complete list of the items the Blue Star Mothers are looking for, and where your donations can be dropped off. Everything needs to be collected by November 1 to have enough time to pack the care packages and send them off.

Michael, a senior at McQuaid Jesuit High School, told me that he chose this project because it reminded him of when he was younger and participated in the annual Scouting for Food drive.

He wrote,  

As young Scouts, we would collect donated items and as older Scouts, we would prepare the items to be taken to local food pantries. We did this in order to help our unknown neighbors. As I myself get older, I have friends who are considering joining the military and I think about supporting them if they’re far from home. This project gives me the opportunity support an organization that brings a bit of home to those who are far away.

Every year in June and November, the Blue Star Mothers send care packages to our local service members who are deployed overseas. Something simple as a pack of cards or some socks lets them know that their service is appreciated and we haven’t forgotten about them.

So please check out the lists and drop off some donations. You’ll be helping our service members AND Michael.

* * *

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).

(posted 10/11/2025)

Tags: , ,

Holt Rd. skeletons welcome the Halloween season

24 Sep

When the skeletons show up on Holt Rd., you know it’s almost Halloween.

Anyone who regularly travels down Holt Rd. is almost certainly familiar with the imaginative skeleton display erected every year at the corner of Holt and Klem roads. They’re the work of George Baker and his family, and for the last three years they’ve been bringing smiles to the faces of children and adults alike.

George started erecting monstrous skeletons in his front yard two years ago. At first, it was just one really big one, the big daddy of them all, standing a full 12 feet tall. That humongous skeleton alone, with its glowing eyes, drew a lot of comments and happy honking from the drivers passing by.

So of course, he couldn’t stop there.

Last year, George gave the big daddy a slightly smaller (10-foot tall) companion. And since that wasn’t nearly enough, he and his family also created a playground scene to accompany them, with a half dozen smaller skeletons swinging on swings, hanging upside down on a bar, and testing the waters in a kiddie pool (that skeleton had to have a mask and snorkel, just in case).

That was pretty cool, but this year, I dare say, they’ve gone one better.

This season, the silly skeletons (and there are at least three more of them) appear to be competing in a bike race. But they’re not taking the race very seriously; one is perched upside down on his handlebars, one is standing on the handlebars, two are riding piggyback, another has chosen to compete on a unicycle, and yet another on a scooter (he appears to be winning the race).

Plus, off to the left side of the scene, two other skeletons apparently had a bike accident. One is flying through the air after being catapulted over his handlebars. And if you think this is all spooky and bizarre during the day, you got to see it at night.

The annual skeleton spectacle is truly a family effort. George credits his wife Melissa for coming up with the creative ideas, his grandson Ryan is a master at manipulating the arms of the monster skeletons, and grandson Brendan came up with the idea to have the bike accident.

It took about five hours (and countless zip ties), and a team of five (including Rich Moorman and Chad Baker) to create this year’s display. It was hard work, but all of the smiles and comments the finished tableau elicits make it all worth it.

“I love it,” George said. “The whole time we’re doing it, someone is driving by, honking their horn…. People holler ‘Keep doing it for the kids!'”

“I do it simply to get smiles,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”

The spooky bike race will be entertaining the neighbors and passersby through Halloween, but come November, it will be replaced by a Christmas-themed scene. Melissa already has an idea for that, but isn’t letting on what that might be. Last year the holiday scene featured Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus (wearing a tree skirt).

By the way, anyone who’d like to is welcome to stop by to take photos of the skeletons, or photos WITH them!

* * *

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).

(posted 9/24/2025)

Tags: ,

← Older Entries