Tag Archives: Village of Webster

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.” 

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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)

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December History Bit: Meet the Webster Museum (Part 6)

9 Dec

What do a pig ringer, a bull leader, a hog scraper, a hitching weight and a goose collar all have in common? Well, if you were a Webster farmer back in the 1800s, these items were all helpful tools of your trade. And while you’re not likely to find any of these gadgets on a farm these days, you can see them all at the Webster Museum.

Our “Meet the Webster Museum” tour makes our last stop in this month’s History Bit, ending on the right-hand side of the building as you enter the museum, where these farming implements are part of an eclectic collection of 19th-century tools and labor-saving appliances that offer a glimpse into life in early Webster.

Our tour began last January, and so far, we’ve strolled down the Village of Webster’s Main Street, revisiting Witmer’s Variety Store and the Candy Kitchen; stopped into Mayor Hawley’s office and a recreated pharmacy; paused to remember Webster’s many service stations and dairies; and peeked into an early parlor, bedroom and kitchen. Here at our last stop, near the farming tools and other everyday necessities, visitors can also see presentations about two of Webster’s earliest and most profitable industries: apple drying and basket making.

All of these displays, however, really just scratch the surface of the impressive variety of exhibits at the Webster Museum that illuminate our town’s early history, as well as the extensive resources available for anyone interested in researching their family or home.

For example, these include:

  • three different kids of early washing machines on the “back porch,” including one that looks and operates a lot like a butter churn;
  • evidence that mammoths passed through here (and left a molar) and that Native Americans hunted and fished here;
  • an authentically recreated one-room schoolhouse, complete with double desks, a schoolmaster’s desk, a collection of early textbooks, and early teaching aids;
  • typewriters and rotary phones (yes, they’re historical artifacts now!);
  • an exhibit highlighting our local military veterans;
  • a toy room filled with dolls, trucks and trains;
  • the “barn” (the museum’s front porch) with farming tools, a display about the “Blue Line” trolley that once rolled through Webster, and Holly the Horse pulling a one-horse sleigh.

And tucked way in the back is a research library devoted to cataloging Webster’s history, with an extensive archive of books, photos, maps, documents, and more. Community members are welcome to use it to explore their own heritage.

The Webster Museum is a true community gem, devoted to preserving and celebrating our town’s rich history. If you’ve never visited, make it a new-year goal to stop in. And if you have been there before, come back to see what’s new; the seasonal exhibits are always changing. At the very least, take a spin through the Webster Museum website; it’s filled with terrific stories and insights into our town’s past.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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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 12/9/2025)

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Holiday celebrations in Webster continue

8 Dec

I hope you were able to attend the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland celebration and Parade of Lights on Saturday. It was grey, but not TOO cold, and the village was beautiful. It was a great kick-off to a holiday season in Webster that’s packed with lots more special events.

Here’s a quick look at what’s in store for these last few weeks before Christmas. (And by the way, there are only the ones I know about. If you have anything else you’d like me to put in my blog, let me know.)

The Women’s Club of Webster‘s very popular annual Holiday Cookie Sale is scheduled this year for Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Cost for cookies is $10 per pound (cash only!). They usually sell out very quickly, so get there early. Proceeds from the sale, which is eagerly awaited by area cookie lovers, will benefit the club’s scholarship funds as well as many other programs in the Webster community.

Help the Webster Arboretum decorate their Christmas tree on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

The tree has been installed in the large gazebo behind the Curry building. Now the community is being asked to gather and decorate it! Work with your family to create ornaments, then stop by and place them on the tree. (Please no food or seed decorations.) The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

And remember to get your copy of the Arboretum’s 2026 calendar, which they’re introducing for the first time this year. It features stunning photos of the Arboretum throughout the seasons. All proceeds will go directly to maintain the Webster Arboretum. They’re available for $24, and can be purchased online on the Arboretum’s website and at Lala of Webster in the village.

The Webster Village Band, directed by Andy Kittelson, will be performing their annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. This year’s program includes favorites such as “Mary, Did You Know,” “The Polar Express,” and “The Eighth Candle.” Per tradition, the band will also perform “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” narrated by Barbara Midura. 

The concert is free and no reservations are needed. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

The Webster Recreation Center will host their annual Afternoon with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. It features pictures with Santa, music, dancing and cookies. The event is free, everyone is welcome and no registration is required.

And don’t forget that the kids can drop off their letters to Santa at the Rec Center between Dec. 10 and Dec. 19. Santa will personally answer each one, and the kids can pick up their responses between Dec. 22 and 24.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, just off of Phillips Rd.

The Chorus of the Genesee will hold this year’s Soup and Caroling Night on Tuesday Dec. 23, beginning at 7 p.m. Carolers will start at the Harmony House and walk through the village, stopping to sing at several homes and businesses, then return to the Harmony House for a delicious variety of soups. The bar will be open (cash only, please) for those who want something a little stronger.

No registration is necessary. Just show up and bring your singing voice. Santa hats and sleigh bells are encouraged.

The Webster Public Library’s Holiday Book Sale continues through Dec. 27, located in front of the lobby book store. It features an assortment of used books, videos, music CDs, audio books and jigsaw puzzles all with seasonal holiday themes, while supplies last.

Also at the library, enjoy a travelogue all about the Von Trapp Family Christmas on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. Did you know that the real von Trapp family (immortalized in the movie The Sound of Music) moved from Austria to Vermont? George and Carol Vorhauer took a motor coach tour to the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort and will share what they learned about the von Trapp family and their 2,600-acre property in Stowe, Vermont. Holiday refreshments will be served. 

There’s no cost, but registration is required.

The Webster Museum‘s Festival of Trees is still going on. Twenty miniature Christmas trees have been placed throughout the museum, which various Webster businesses and non-profit organizations have decorated. Community members are invited to stroll through the museum, examine all of the beautifully decorated trees, and vote for their favorite one.

The Festival of Trees runs through the end of the year, and is a highlight of the museum’s Christmas-time celebrations. The museum is also selling Kittelberger Flower Cards again this year, good for 12 months of flowers from Kittelberger Florist. They’ll be available through Dec. 12.

The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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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 12/8/2025)

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Photos from Winter Wonderland

7 Dec

Another successful Winter Wonderland celebration is in the books, and by all accounts it was enjoyed by all. The weather was not bitterly cold, comfortable enough to take in all of the activities taking place along Main Street and in Veterans Park. There was music, dancing, storytime, crafts, cookies, hot chocolate, more music, snowmen, activities at the museum, a craft fair at the Harmony House … so much going on that I had a hard time capturing it all on digital film. And of course, the Parade of Lights was the highlight of it all.

I’ve put a few photos here but of course there’s a whole gallery more, which you can see here. If you took any photos you’d like me to add to the gallery, please email them to me at missyblog@gmail.com.

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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 12/7/2025)

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On the lookout for nice Christmas light displays

6 Dec

Like most families, my family has a pile of holiday traditions. Many of them have been handed down through the generations, like creating salt-dough ornaments, making cut-out Christmas cookies and my grandmother’s butterkuchen recipe, walking barefoot in the snow, and of course, decorating a fresh-cut Christmas tree every year with so many decorations that it’s hard to see the branches.

Over the years, as the kids have grown and moved on to celebrate the holidays with their own families, some of those traditions have fallen by the wayside. Salt-dough ornaments are a thing of the past, and there are fewer cut-out cookies. And in a nod to our advancing years, my husband and I finally invested in an artificial tree instead of cutting one down.

At least one tradition has held firm however — driving around and checking out Christmas light displays. I still like to do that the week before Christmas Day, especially in the village, where the light displays are enhanced by each neighborhood’s charm. The little white lights are nice, but I especially like the more traditional look of the old-fashioned, colored bulbs, which seem to be experiencing a renaissance.

So, kids or not, I’m going to take a drive out and about sometime later this week to check out some Christmas lights. Do you know of any particularly nice displays I should look up? Anything unusual or especially creative?  Let me know by commenting below, or send me an email at missyblog@gmail.com, and I’ll share your suggestions with all my readers. Take a photo if you can!

And yes, I will definitely be doing some barefoot snow walks this year. That tradition will never die.

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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 12/6/2025)

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Performance Hobbies named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

5 Dec

Congratulations to Performance Hobbies, honored as the December Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Performance Hobbies has been part of the fabric of Webster for more than four decades. It dates back to 1982 when it began as TMC R/C Cars on Gravel Rd. From the very beginning it was a family-owned passion project built on enthusiasm for radio-controlled cars and the joy of hands-on hobbies. As the business grew, it moved into the Village of Webster in 1984 and then to its current home at 15 West Main St. in 1991. For 43 years, the shop has been a destination for hobbyists of all ages.

Owner Tom McCoy will tell you that the best part of his job is simple: he gets to go to work and play with toys every day. The store offers everything from R/C cars and planes to models, drones, collectibles and more. They jokingly call themselves the only “adult toy store” ion the Village of Webster — a phrase that tends to raise eyebrows until customers see the kinds of “toys” they actually sell. It’s a fun little misunderstanding that has become part of the shop’s personality and charm.

Beyond the walls of the store, Performance Hobbies has been a steady supporter of the Webster community. They participate in all Village of Webster events, support air shows and race tracks and work closely with the Boy Scouts and several local church groups. Their willingness to show up, give back, and be part of what makes Webster special has never wavered.

With four employees, decades of experience, and a genuine love for what they do, Performance Hobbies continues to be a place where creativity, fun and community meet.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

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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 12/5/2025)

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Remember when Santa and his elf came to shop in the village?

4 Dec

I was thinking the other day about how I love to patronize small businesses when I do my Christmas shopping, and the Town and Village of Webster offer many options to do that.

Sadly, I missed the opportunity to highlight Small Business Saturday this year, which happened on Nov. 29, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. So instead, I thought I’d revisit a special event that happened LAST year on Small Business Saturday, when Santa and one of his elves visited the village to do some shopping.

For a few hours that morning and afternoon, the jolly pair strolled through the village, popping in and out of several businesses and handing out treats to the children. It was so much fun to see the children’s eyes light up when they saw Santa, and the smiles he brought to everyone’s faces.

My husband caught some of the action on video, which he cobbled together into this short piece:

I also took a lot of photos that day, which you can see in this gallery. (P.S. the elf is my daughter Erin.)

Don’t forget to shop local this Christmas and especially support our small business owners.

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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 12/4/2025)

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Details about this year’s Winter Wonderland

2 Dec

Get ready for the Village of Webster to sparkle with holiday spirit when the annual holiday fun festival, Winter Wonderland, returns to Main Street, Veterans Memorial Park and Village Hall this coming weekend, on Saturday Dec. 6.

All of your family favorites will be back for the afternoon and evening, including choir performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, cookie decorating, live music, choir performances, storytime, games, face painting, a dance party, and a visit with Santa, culminating with the always spectacular Parade of Lights down Main Street.

This year for the first time, the Webster BID — who organizes the festivities — is also introducing a Community Donation Marketplace, set up in Veterans Park on North Ave. Community members are encouraged to bring donations for Webster Hope and Toys for Tots, which will be accepted all afternoon. Accepted items include:

  • Non-perishable food items
  • Personal care poroducts
  • Hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens
  • Unwrapped toys
  • Household items (blankets, pillows, sheets)

Reliant Federal Credit Union and Oaks Brands will also be at the marketplace.

Down at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St., the Chorus of the Genesee will be hosting a Craft Fair from 2 to 8 p.m. In addition to the wide variety of crafters, there’ll be live music, refreshments and a cash bar.

And while you’re in town for the festivities, make sure to walk up the short block to the Webster Museum (18 Lapham Park), which will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. with live music and your chance to vote for your favorite decorated mini Christmas tree as part of the museum’s Festival of Trees. Kittelberger Flower Cards will be on sale, and the very popular Museum raffle will also be back this year, so bring a little cash, put a chance in for some great prizes and support the museum!

Plus, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting children at the Village Hall Community Meeting Room from 3 to 5 p.m., when they have to leave and get ready to ride in the parade.

Everything wraps up with the spectacular Parade of Lights which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Kircher Park and travel west down Main Street to Fireman’s Field. It’s always amazing to see all of the fire trucks, bands, community group floats — everyone and everything — parade by, covered in twinkling Christmas lights.

I’ll be walking around with my camera, so if you see me, smile nice!

Here’s a link to my gallery from last year’s Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights.

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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 12/2/2025)

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Webster Museum, Chorus of the Genesee, bring music and history to the Village’s Winter Wonderland

29 Nov

Y’all probably already know about — and are looking forward to — the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland festivities, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6.

For those of you not yet familiar with this annual celebration, this is an afternoon and evening packed with holiday fun, including carriage rides, crafts for the kids, cookie decorating, live music, story time, and a visit with Santa, culminating with the always spectacular Parade of Lights down Main Street. The Village’s Business Improvement District, who organize the festival, has some new things up their sleeves for this year, and I’ll be detailing them in another blog shortly.

But today I want to highlight two organizations who always participate in this event, but since they’re not located right in the middle of things, sometimes don’t get a lot of community traffic.

The first is the Webster Museum, which always does Winter Wonderland up big.

  • Beginning at 4 p.m., the museum will have live music and a sing-along featuring The Goodwin Family, followed by The Saxophone Therapy Project at 5 p.m.
  • The Festival of Trees officially opens that Saturday as well. Nineteen beautifully decorated miniature Christmas trees have been placed throughout the museum, and community members are encouraged to see them all and vote for your favorite. They’ll be on display through Dec. 31, but if you can’t make it to the museum before then, you can also vote online at the museum’s website. (That link will be posted soon!)
  • The spectacular Burkardt Family Crèche will be on display for the month of December.  Handcrafted in Germany between WWI and WWII, it was shipped to the Burkardt family in Webster at the end of the war. You can read more about it in this blog I wrote about it two years ago.   
  • The museum’s popular holiday raffle returns this year, featuring featuring gifts and vouchers from generous local businesses. Tickets will be available at the museum through Dec. 6. They’re 3 for $5 and winners do not need to be present
  • Finally, the museum is participating in Kittelberger Florist’s 12 Months of Flowers program this holiday season. Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $50, cash or check only, at the museum through Dec 6 and receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’ll be open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 6.

The second featured organization today is the Chorus of the Genesee, who make their home at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the village. During Winter Wonderland the Harmony House will be hosting a craft fair from 2 to 8 p.m. in the main room, just steps off of Main St. During the event, the Chorus will pop up occasionally to entertain the crowds with Christmas carols. Plus, watch for an ensemble of carolers from Webster’s own award-winning Rochester Rhapsody Chorus, who’ll be strolling through the village, popping in and out of businesses and stopping along the street from 4 to 5 p.m.

BY THE WAY,

If you’re a fan of signing Christmas carols and eating soup, the Chorus of the Genesee would like to invite you to their annual Soup and Caroling night on Tuesday Dec. 23 beginning at 7 p.m. The carolers will start at the Harmony House and walk through the village, caroling at select houses and businesses, then return to the Harmony House for a delicious variety of soups. There’ll be free hot chocolate and an open bar for those who want something a little stronger.

No registration is necessary. Just show up and bring your singing voice. Santa hats and sleigh bells are more than welcome.

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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 11/29/2025)

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Webster Museum is prepping their Festival of Trees

17 Nov

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but the folks at the Webster Museum have their sights squarely on the Christmas season.

In a little less than two weeks, representatives from almost 20 Webster businesses and non-profit organizations will be descending on the museum to decorate their miniature Christmas trees, set up all around the museum as part of this year’s Festival of Trees. During the festival, community members are invited to stroll through the museum, examine all of the beautifully decorated trees, and vote for their favorite one.

The first day you can check out the trees will be Saturday, Dec. 6, not coincidentally the same day as the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland celebration. The museum will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. that afternoon, with live music and a sing-along with the Goodwin family at 4 p.m. and the Saxophone Therapy Project at 5 p.m.

Stay tuned for a more detailed blog about Winter Wonderland in a few days.

The Festival of Trees runs through the end of the year, and is a highlight of the museum’s Christmas-time celebrations. The ever-popular holiday raffle returns this year as well, featuring gifts and vouchers donated by our very generous local merchants. PLUS, the museum will also be selling Kittelberger Flower Cards again this year, good for 12 months of flowers from Kittelberger Florist. Tickets will be available at the museum Nov. 24 through Dec. 12.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 585-265-3308 for more information.

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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 11/19/2025)

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