On Thursday, January 10, Chet Fery, known as “The Bread Man,” will discuss bread making and tell stories that will inspire, instruct and motivate. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Morgan-Manning House located at 151 Main Street in Brockport. Refreshments will be served and attendees receive a loaf of bread to take home.
Talking with people, telling and hearing stories, and handing out loaves of bread is what Fery has been doing in since 2001. Retired in 2006 from Gates Chili School District as director of student services, he has baked and given away a total of “30,000 loaves and counting,” Fery said on a recent day when he baked 50 loaves of Orange Craisin and 50 loaves of Country White. He also has expanded to rolls, pizzas, and pretzels in his presentations to certain audiences.
“I truly believe the message of kindness has a universal connection and offers an alternative to the many challenges we face in our lives,” Fery said about his expanding project. I am humbled by the response and excited that I can make a difference in the lives of others ‘one loaf of bread at a time, one act of kindness at a time.’ ”
His schedule is full through the end of March, with an average of four events per week. In the past year, he presented at a Quilting Conference, a “Pink Hatters” Cancer Support Dinner, conducted a staff development activity entitled “A Survival Kit for Service Providers,” and participated in the opening day address at Brockport Central Schools. In addition, “I have found an active audience with adults with medical issues like: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Aphasia and Multiple Sclerosis,” Fery said. “The smell of fresh baked bread, kneading dough, along with the theme of ‘special moments’ in our lives allows lost memories to re-surface in a very memorable and gratifying fashion.”
For information, phone the Western Monroe Historical Society at (585) 637-3645.
