There were many happy young faces at Seymour Library in Brockport Saturday, December 12, as Strong West held its community holiday party complete with crafts, stories, treats and a visit from Santa and his elf.
This was the second year Strong West hosted the community celebration, but the first time it took place at the Seymour Library.
“It gives us an opportunity to give back to a community that has really welcomed us with open arms,” said URMC’s Karin Gaffney Christensen. “We feel privileged to care for our neighbors and to partner with our friends at the Seymour Library.”
The event was free and those attending were encouraged to bring a food or toy item to donate to the Brockport Ecumenical Food Shelf and the Brockport Toy Shelf.
Seymour Library Children’s Librarian Natalie Burch said the library serves as a central location for the holiday event. “It’s a really great program,” she said. “Anytime we can partner with Strong West is great.” She noted Strong West helped out with this past summer’s reading program. The theme was “heroes” and Strong West sent a physician to the library to speak to young participants as part of that event.
Additionally on December 12, the library hosted a workshop with Brockport’s Bread Man Chet Fery in the Local History Room. The Emily Knapp Museum presented the event and featured the making of holiday bread. Participants were able to take away a container of bread to bake at home. Saturday afternoon, Mrs. Claus made a visit to the Local History Room to read holiday stories and collect letters to Santa – an event also presented by the Emily Knapp Museum.
A festively dressed Liam Swain, 3, loves the library and also loved making a holiday ornament during the Strong West Community Holiday Party, held at the Seymour Library in Brockport. K. Gabalski photo
Two-year old Audrey Blake of Clarendon sits on Santa’s lap during Strong West’s Holiday Party. Santa and his elf had a toy and candy for each child attending the event. K. Gabalski photo
