Tag Archives: Missy Rosenberry

Returns for a Reason makes every bottle and can count

12 Sep

A young Village of Webster boy is making the world a better place, one returnable at a time.

Pierson Farina — not quite 11 years old — has been collecting returnable bottles and cans for a long time, often snagging them out of his neighbors’ recycle bins. At first it was just a way to get a little spending cash and maybe build up his savings. But about three months ago, he decided to double down on his efforts and start putting those nickels to better use.

He established Returns for a Reason, which he describes as “a weekly returnable drop-off and pick-up.” He first decided what organizations he wanted to support: St. Rita School, Spry Middle School, G.R.A.S.P. Animal Rescue, Lollypop Farm, Webster NY Hope and the Webster Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD). Then he made up some flyers and started distributing them to all of his neighbors.

His plan is to make a donation every time he collects $100. In the first three months since he began Returns for a Reason, he’d already reached his first $100 goal. He chose the WVFD by random as the first beneficiary; “I put my finger on (the list) and it landed on the fire department,” he said.

Pierson with Chief Smith and
President Ientilucci

Last Monday, Pierson was invited to the fire station, where he was greeted by Chief Brian Smith, who accepted the donation check. He told Pierson, “That is awesome. That work is truly inspiring. You share the same commitment for the community that the fellow firefighters do, so we definitely appreciate it.”

Justin Ientilucci, president of the Firemen’s Association, was also on hand. As a thank-you, Ientilucci presented Pierson with some “swag” — t-shirts and a cap — telling him, “The world should be filled with a lot more people like you, because a lot of people wouldn’t do things like this, especially at 11 years old.”  

Pierson was also rewarded with a front-row seat on a fire truck for a ride through the village. (You might have heard him sounding the horn.)  

Returns for a Reason is just the most recent example of Pierson’s entrepreneurial spirit. He was only 6 or 7 years old when he started a garbage can toting and cleaning service for his neighbors, a business he’s still running.

“We’ve had discussions about money,” his mother Cathy said. “How it’s good to make money, good to save money and good to help others, too. I think he’s kind of got that mindset that people need help.”

Pierson is well on his way to raising his second $100, which he’s planning to donate to Lollypop Farm. “I’m pretty sure I’m halfway there,” he said. If you want to help out, 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 Returnables 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 9/10/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Knights of Columbus launch 2025 Coats for Kids campaign

11 Sep

Summer’s not quite over, and we don’t REALLY want to think about the cold winter ahead yet, but it’ll be here before we know it. And right now is definitely the time to start thinking about helping the families — and especially the children — who can’t afford enough warm clothes. The Webster Knights of Columbus Trinity Council #4618 is already doing that, as they gear up for their 14th annual “Coats for Kids” fund raiser.

The annual drive runs through September, October and the first week of November. Over the past 13 years, through Coats for Kids, the Webster KofC has raised enough money to purchase and distribute more than 4,100 NEW winter coats to children in Monroe and Wayne counties, distributed through more than 25 charitable organizations, schools and churches throughout Webster and Greater Rochester. PLUS, in the last two years they’ve also handed out 288 pairs of sneakers.

Those incredible numbers have been made possible by generous donations from individuals, businesses and community organizations. This year, once again, they’re hoping the greater Webster community will step up and help them spread their reach even further.

Each new coat costs $25 and each new pair of sneakers $21. If you can help by making a donation, please make a check payable to Knights of Columbus #4618 and send it to:

“Coats for Kids”
c/o J. Stewart Coon, Chairman
230 Champion Ave.
Webster, New York 14580-3464

* * *

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 9/11/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Good news from the Arboretum and the Hojack

10 Sep

I got some email updates recently about two beloved Webster attractions that are back in action after undergoing some much-needed repairs.

First, the newly reconstructed Robert and Carroll Manning Bridge at the Webster Arboretum was officially welcomed back Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It took several months to complete the work, and strong support from the Webster community helped make it happen. Back in July the Arboretum set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the estimated $12,000 needed to reconstruct it. That effort collected more than $6,000 alone, and the donations are still coming in. The folks at the Arboretum are incredibly grateful for that support.

Wendy Mendola from the Arboretum wrote,

Constructed in 2017, the Carol Manning bridge has become an essential part of the community landscape. In addition to its aesthetic value, the bridge holds significant symbolic importance to the arboretum, having been funded by community contributions and named to honor two long-term benefactors. For the volunteers who maintain the arboretum, the bridge is regarded as a key emblem of Webster, extending beyond its function as a physical structure.

The bridge holds considerable importance for both the Webster Arboretum and the surrounding community, serving as a notable location for photographs during weddings and other events. It is possible that images of the bridge are displayed in homes throughout the area.

Several local dignitaries attended Wednesday’s ceremony, including Arboretum Board president Carole Huther, Webster Chamber of Commerce President Barry Howard, Webster Town Board Deputy Supervisor Patty Cataldi and New York State Senator Samra Brouk.

I also got notice from the Friends of Webster Trails that the work they’ve been doing on the Hojack Trail is finally done.

The Friends wrote,

Temporary orange barriers at road crossings are in place, and the trail is open to walkers, runners, hikers, and bikers. The new surface is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, as well. As always, no motorized vehicles. Up next, FWT will be adding more benches and new signage, access gates, and plantings, with that work to be completed over the next several months.

Friends of Webster Trails couldn’t have done this project without the grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Funds and matching funds from a generous anonymous community member.

Click here to read more about the grant and the enhancements.

* * *

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 9/10/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Webster community mailbag

9 Sep

We’re going to start today’s mailbag with a look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month.

  • Some beautiful music is in store on Friday, Sept. 12 when the Gold & Ivory Flute Duet performs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. They play flute and piano music in styles ranging from the classical era to American pop. Registration is required.
  • This month’s community collection is picture frames. If you’ve got some you really don’t want, and could use a few others, bring them by the library and swap them out.
  • September’s Donation Station is accepting diapers to be donated to Webster NY Hope.
  • Family Fun Night on Monday, Sept. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. will celebrate the start of Star Wars Reads Month in October with Star Wars-themed crafts and activities. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will be a Play-Doh Play Morning. It’s National Play-Doh Day, so stop by for a morning of creativity and fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • This month’s Drop-in Crafts will be autumn-themed. Stop in Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make something fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Children in grades 4 to 12 and adults are invited to Make it Monday on Sept. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month the craft night features Perler Bead Bookmarks. Registration is required.
  • The next meeting of the Teen Library Club is Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Teens in grades 6 to 12 who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys and hanging out with your friends are encouraged to join. Click here to register.

* * *

The Village of Webster’s annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony will be held Thursday Sept. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 28 North Ave. This is always a very nice ceremony, and will feature patriotic music by the Webster Village Band.

On Saturday Sept. 13 the Village of Webster will host a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Drive.

This free event will showcase many health-related businesses and professionals in our area. Learn more about all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health.

Also on Saturday Sept. 13, the Village will host a free shredding event from 11 a.m. in the Lattimore Physical Therapy parking lot.

This is a drive-through event, accepting paper only (staples do not need to be removed). Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags, with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Click here for more information about the health fair and shredding event.

* * *

Also on Saturday, Sept. 13, there’s a pharmaceutical collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastway Wegmans, 1955 Empire Blvd.

Accepted Items include:

  • pills and liquid medications
  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medications
  • empty medicine bottles
  • ointments and creams
  • sprays and inhalers
  • EpiPens, sharps and syringes

Syringes/sharps must be in approved sharps containers or sturdy alternatives (two liter plastic bottles, rugged laundry soap bottles, etc.). All containers should be capped and labeled “SHARPS”.

Appointments are not required for this drive-up pharmaceutical event.

* * *

There’s also a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 7:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Webster Highway Dept., 1005 Picture Parkway.

Residents may properly dispose of up to thirty (30) gallons of chemicals, such as paint, automotive fluids, fertilizers, household cleaners, and pool chemicals at no charge.

Registration is REQUIRED. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

* * *

The United Church of Christ on Klem Rd. is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

The performance will be held at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately after the performance. A CD of the readings and music will also be made available at the event. Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

* * *

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

* * *

Looking ahead to October, the Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

* * *

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 9/9/2025)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

There’s new stuff at this year’s Mud Run

7 Sep

Hey Mud Run fans, I just got an update from the Webster Recreation Center about this year’s event, and there are some fun changes in store.

For starters, runners do NOT have to sign up for a specific time slot this year. Once you’re registered (here), you can show up any time between 10 and 11:30 a.m. to go through the course (several times, if you’d like!), then enjoy the rest of the festivities.

When you complete the course, you’ll enjoy fried cakes from Herman’s (yum) and apples from Schutt’s. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the informational tables of these vendors and organizations who’ll be there:

  • Webster Library
  • Align Integrative Wellness
  • MVP Healthcare
  • Webster Thomas Cheer Club
  • Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Rochester
  • 3 B’s Beverages (who will be selling beverages)
  • MVPT  (Physical Therapy)
  • Diamond Collision
  • Webster Police Department
  • Webster Fire Department 

If you’ve never done the Mud Run, you should consider doing so. It’s a hugely fun family event that encourages kids and adults alike to get sloppy and muddy (and you KNOW how much the kids will enjoy that). It’s an easy one mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there’ll be a few challenging obstacles (which you can go around if you like).

It takes place on Saturday Sept. 20 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. It only costs $5 per person. Please register in advance so they know how many people to expect. Look for program #301202. Or you can call (585) 872-7103.

* * *

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 9/7/2025)

Tags: , ,

Webster Museum Vintage Sale returns

6 Sep

I’ve had several readers ask me about the annual Webster Museum Barn Sale, which usually takes place the same week as the NY Hope Garage Sale. But there was no sale last year, and it was sorely missed. So I’m happy to report that the Barn Sale is back for 2025!

Sort of.

Actually, this year’s sale will be a collaboration between the Webster Museum, who will fill one barn with vintage items, and a huge Estate Sale hosted by Jan and Phil Naujokas, who will fill the other barns with many other treasures. The sale will be held Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11, 12 and 13, on the same Phillips Rd. property and in the same barns as always, which are owned by the Naujokas family.

Among the museum items for sale will include old high chairs, cranberry glasses, old newspapers and tools, treasures from past barn sales, some vintage pieces donated by museum volunteers, and many other unique items. Funds raised from any of those items will benefit the museum.

The Estate Sale and Vintage Museum Sale will be held on Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11, 12 and 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 394 Phillips Rd. It’s worth stopping by just to see the historic property and its old barns. Picking up some bargains and historic treasures would be pretty cool, too.

* * *

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 9/6/2025)

Tags: , ,

You’re invited to my Prague travelogue!

5 Sep

There’s still time to register for my Prague travelogue, scheduled for this coming Tuesday Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Webster Public Library.

As many of you might remember, I spent several weeks in Prague, Czechia earlier this year. I was accompanying my husband, who’d been awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to work with a journalism organization headquartered in the city. Being there for that much time gave us a great chance to see pretty much all of the touristy things you need to see in that beautiful city. But also plenty of time to explore many not-so-touristy things.

That’s where the title of my talk comes from: Prague, Czechia: the Weird and the Wonderful. The wonderful portion of the talk will illustrate how stunningly gorgeous the city is, and feature the most popular tourist attractions. The weird portion will highlight several off-the-beaten-track — and rather unusual — attractions. And Prague has a lot of them.

Of course, I took a LOT of photos when I was there (it’s what I do) and came home with lots of stories to tell. Apparently, the kind folks at the Webster Public Library think that others might be interested and have asked me to put together this travelogue.

Two of the “weird” things I’ll be telling you about at the talk

So if you’re at all interested in seeing some (OK, a lot) of those photos and hearing about my adventures, please join me at the Webster Public Library next Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. It’s totally free to attend but please register here so they know how many chairs to set up. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of the plaza.

If you can’t make it to that talk, I’ll be doing a second one at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. It’s part of their regular Talks on Tuesday series. To register, navigate to the Recreation Center’s registration tab and click on the 55+ Programs box. Then search “Prague” as a keyword in the 55+ programs category. You’re looking for program #346940-J. If you have any problems, call the Rec Center art (585)-872-7103. They’ll take care of you.

I’d really love to see you there!

* * *

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 9/5/2025)

Tags: , , ,

The Arboretum bridge is back!

4 Sep

Good news from the Webster Arboretum today. That beautiful bridge, which for some months has been closed as it underwent repairs, is back in business again, thanks in large part to the generosity of the Webster community.

Back in July I wrote about how the Arboretum had set up a GoFundMe page to help the non-profit Webster Arboretum Association raise the estimated $12,000 needed to reconstruct it. That effort raised more than $6,000 alone, and the donations are still coming in. The folks at the Arboretum are incredibly grateful for that support.

The newly refurbished bridge will be re-introduced to the Webster community at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at noon. All are welcome to attend and take a walk across the beloved bridge.

The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd., Webster.

More news from the Arboretum

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Bonsai, on Tuesday Oct. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by award-winning bonsai artist Mark Arpag, who will speak on the art of growing, developing and refining bonsai.

Mark has won national awards for his Eastern White Cedar, Balsam Fir and Larch and has a passion for native bonsai and stones. He’s especially interested in shohin bonsai and bonsai display. He has a large and fine quality collection of shohin bonsai as well as larger size trees.

The Arboretum expects a sell-out crowd for this presentation. It’s free to attend, but you need to register. Click here to do so.

* * *

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 9/4/2025)

Tags: , ,

Webster NY Hope garage sale returns next week

3 Sep

The huge Webster NY Hope Garage Sale is coming up next week, from Sept. 10 through 13, and you want to put this on your calendar for sure.

The garage sale — held at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster — is Webster HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the culmination of a year’s worth of volunteer effort collecting, sorting and pricing items. Items are clean and organized, and include household items, crafts, tools, sporting goods, electronics, holiday, books, games, puzzles, toys, décor, floral, baby, pets, lamps, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture, office and more.

When I asked Webster Hope director Margery Morgan last year about the annual sale, she wrote,

It is more than a sale to us, as it allows us to be together as a community. We have a lot of fun and I think that’s reflected in the hospitality and laughter-filled sale days with the public.

I was never much of a garage sale person prior to our sale. But now I always check out other sales to “borrow” their sale display ideas. When you see our jewelry and picture displays you will see how volunteers take these ideas and create product displays. We have a lot of $1-2 items, a price even the dollar store can’t match anymore.

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, September 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road. Admission is $10 for this special preview.
  • Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
  • Cash, credit cards and Venmo will be accepted.
  • All proceeds go to Webster Hope.

Webster Hope serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. 

* * *

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 9/3/2025)

Tags: , ,

We’re just days away from the Webster Garlic Fest

2 Sep

When we last visited the Webster Garlic Fest, I told you about all the great reasons to go to this year’s annual “stinkin’ good time.” Just today, as I strolled through the festival’s website and Facebook page, I found out about some fun NEW things happening this year that’s going to make it even better.

First, a reminder of the details:

The Webster Garlic Fest will return to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday and Sunday Sept. 6 and 7.

This is a family-oriented festival for anyone who loves all things garlic. More than 170 vendors will be there this year, including crafters, food vendors, distilleries, wineries, food trucks, home goods merchants, and of course lots and lots of garlic growers. There are so many vendors that they’ll fill the gymnasium and spill out onto the Rec Center grounds. Many of them provide tastings, samples and demonstrations. (Click here for a complete list of vendors.)

But even if you’re not a big fan of garlic, there are a lot of non-garlic vendors, and plenty else to see and do. Like, you can cozy up to some alpacas and baby goats (who like to wear pajamas), and even a huge 70-year old tortoise. There’ll be demos, and Mr. Wally the Balloon Man will be there.

So here’s a new thing this year which is going to be kind of fun:

The Webster Garlic Fest Garlic Guys will be hiding in the booths. If you find one, you’ll be entered to win an Amazon gift card. The photo below shows what they look like, and if you really think they’re kind of cute, you can purchase one of your own at the One Nurses Menagerie’s booth. (Hint: If you go to the Webster Garlic Fest Facebook page, you might even be able to find out exactly what booths they’re hiding in!)

And this, too, is new this year: M.O. PASTA and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream have joined forces to create a “sweet garlic-y treat” which they’ll be unveiling at the Garlic Fest. So make sure to stop by their booths to find out more.

The Webster Garlic Fest will be held Saturday Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There’s plenty of parking in the Recreation Center lot, and even more across the street in the former Xerox parking lot, where free shuttles will be transporting guests back and forth.

Single-day tickets are only $5, and children Under 12 are free. Click here to buy your tickets, or you can get them at the door. Proceeds from the Webster Garlic Fest will benefit

  • Wreaths Across America: Honoring and remembering veterans resting in local cemeteries on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 13, 2025.
  • Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 (military families): Building Care Packages for locally deployed service members and helping military families in our area.
  • Gold Star Mothers Rochester (mothers who have lost a child, spouse, sibling, or parent in active duty): Helping community veterans-in-need with meals, resources, and year-round support.

* * *

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 9/2/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →