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The Brockport Blog Caurie Putnam is a former columnist for the Democrat and Chronicle & freelance writer for the RBJ. I have also covered Brockport and WNY for Reuters.

I'm proud to have called Brockport home for the past 22 years. I love it because it has a small town feel, but the presence of SUNY Brockport adds a small city flavor. I moved to Brockport after graduating from the University of Rochester in 1998 to cover the community as a reporter for Messenger Post Newspapers. I grew up in Connecticut and the Saratoga Springs area, but fell in love with Brockpo

rt and decided to raise my family here. I wrote for for the Democrat and Chronicle (D&C) for over 10 years. The Brockport Blog and this page was started by the D&C in 2011. When the D&C disbanded all blogs and, later, my columnist positions (due to COVID-19 downsizing) I continued this page as a community service. I am the current content coordinator for Spencerport Neighbors Magazine, a publication of Best Version Media and I also freelance for the Rochester Business Journal. My Brockport activities include: The Brockport Moms Club, Brockport PTSA, JJ's Angels and Brockport Jewish Community. As the Brockport Blogger, my goal has always been to bring you positive, family centered, community news and photos. Brockport is the hidden gem of Monroe County and I love to make it sparkle. Please send ideas, press releases, and feedback to Caurie at [email protected] You can also follow me on Twitter at

Happy 2025 my lovely readers!!! Here is a little collage of a few of my favorite photos for the Brockport Blog in 2024. ...
01/01/2025

Happy 2025 my lovely readers!!! Here is a little collage of a few of my favorite photos for the Brockport Blog in 2024. These are a few of the many faces that make our community as amazing as it is every day of the year. May your new year be blessed with health and happiness. I'm looking forward to celebrating our community with you in 2025 (the 15th year of the Brockport Blog!).
đź’™ Caurie

Oak Orchard Health to Open Brockport Community Warming Center on December 23Brockport-based Oak Orchard Health will open...
21/12/2024

Oak Orchard Health to Open Brockport Community Warming Center on December 23

Brockport-based Oak Orchard Health will open a permanent warming center at the Brockport First Baptist Church, 124 Main Street, on Monday, December 23rd.

The Monroe County Department of Human Services collaborated with Oak Orchard to make this warming center possible. This collaboration addresses the needs of people without housing when the temperature is below 32 degrees (“Code Blue”).

If an individual needs evening shelter during Code Blue, they can call (585) 340-1355, and have access to a warm, safe place to stay. The Brockport Community Warming Center is open as needed during the week, on weekends, and overnight.

During holidays, the Center is open 24 hours a day. People who stay at the Brockport Community Warming Center will also have access to services from the County and local non-profits, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their well-being.

To stay warm during the day when the Warming Center is not open in Brockport, people can go to the Seymour Library, 161 East Ave, Brockport, during regular business hours.

“December 23 marks the opening of the Brockport Community Warming Center. Oak Orchard is proud to participate in this effort to make this valuable resource open to the public. We could not make the Brockport Community Warming Center a reality without the support of Monroe County. We are so grateful to them and all the volunteers who made this a reality. Oak Orchard will be responsible for staffing and coordinating the opening of these community resources,” said Karen Kinter, CEO, Oak Orchard Health.

In 2023, Oak Orchard successfully opened the Orleans County Warming Center, serving 63 people who used the site on the 110 Code Blue days. New York State mandates that if the weather drops below 32 degrees, it’s considered “Code Blue,” and the community must provide shelter.

On January 16 at 1 pm there will be a grand opening with a ribbon cutting at the Brockport Community Warming Center, Brockport First Baptist, 124 Main Street.

There is never enough time with our four-legged family members. Sending love and light to Jimmy Z. on the passing of his...
12/12/2024

There is never enough time with our four-legged family members. Sending love and light to Jimmy Z. on the passing of his dear Axl at age 16.5 earlier this week. Thank you Jimmy for so generously sharing Axl with the rest of us. He was and will forever remain - so loved. đź’›Caurie

Gift of the DayArt by Karlene VanDeusen The award-winning artist behind these beautiful gifts is Karlene VanDeusen - own...
10/12/2024

Gift of the Day
Art by Karlene VanDeusen

The award-winning artist behind these beautiful gifts is Karlene VanDeusen - owner of VanDeusen Design.

A lifelong resident of the area, Karlene lives with her husband on a 40 acre tree-farm, in a timber-frame home they built along the Erie Canal in Adams Basin.

Karlene has exhibited her work in many fine galleries across New York state. Among the shows she's been a part of are the Brockport Arts Festival, Candlelight Christmas, Clothesline Arts Festival, Artist Row, Sonnenberg Arts in the Gardens, and the Corn Hill Arts Festival.

You can also find her works locally in these fine Brockport shops: Sara's Garden Center (389 East Avenue), Lift Bridge Book Shop (45 Main Street) and Kirby's Farm Market (9739 Ridge Road West).

You can purchase Karlene's work and products online at www.kvandeusendesign.com (apply code: SAVE20 to any VanDeusen Design online purchase now until midnight December 31, 2024 to save 20%) or reach her at [email protected].

Railroad Street Artworks in Fairport and the Arts Center Of Yates County are Karlene's gallery representations.

Karlene’s three children attended Brockport schools. At one time she worked as a layout artist at Sibley's designing newspaper ads (she has a graphic arts degree). For the past twenty-five years, Karlene was employed as a substitute teacher in Holley, Brockport and BOCES 2 schools.

Pictured (clockwise from left):

"Morgan-Manning Carriage House" 11x14" Matted Print (available at Kirby's Farm Market)

Pillows in 2-sided Summer/Fall, Winter/Spring designs, sizes from 12x12"-16x16"@ $25 to $35 each (Available at Sara's Garden Center)

"Fog Rolled In" ... 8x10" original Soft Pastel, $189 ( available at Sara's Garden Center)
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The Brockport Blog’s Gift of the Day is a December series featuring handmade items by residents or natives of the Brockport area. If you’re a maker who would like to share an item, please send a photo, description, information on how to purchase (ex. email, website, Etsy link, craft shows you’ll be at) and a sentence or two about yourself/connection to Brockport! You can email me the information at [email protected] or message me

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in, volunteered at or watched tonight's Brockport Holiday Lights Parade h...
09/12/2024

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in, volunteered at or watched tonight's Brockport Holiday Lights Parade hosted by The Stetson Club of the Brockport Police Department!

It was a fantastic turnout and lineup, and the excellent weather was a bonus! Radio personality The Mayor Pete Kennedy and I were again honored to emcee this wonderful community tradition.

Thank you to the judges for their hard work in selecting the winning entries. This year's judges were Kelly Moore, Dr. Chris Sigillio and Kelly Jo (Sigillio Chiropractic), Danielle Lash and Tammy Otto (Spurr Chevrolet GMC LLC) and Brett Sobieraski (RPD retired). Thank you also to Sunnking for generously sponsoring the post-parade fireworks again and to DJ Kenny for the sound and music.

1st place: Brockport DPW
2nd place: Brockport Transportation
3rd place: Brockport Kiwanis and Bentley Brothers!
Santa’s Choice: SUNY Brockport

Thank you to all other parade sponsors: Brad's Northside, The Rooster Pub & Pizza, Brockport Smiles, Bentley Brothers Kubota, Kelly Lewis State Farm, Weinstein Dental and Westside News.

We look forward to seeing you again next year! đź’™Caurie

Thank you to my friend Brian Winant (BPD retired)- a founder of the parade - for taking these photos for me.

Gift of the DayUpcycled Creations by Chris  Chris Gonzalez of Brockport is the artisan behind these fun and functional u...
08/12/2024

Gift of the Day
Upcycled Creations by Chris

Chris Gonzalez of Brockport is the artisan behind these fun and functional upcycled denim gifts. Chris uses pre-loved denim clothing to create beautiful and durable bags, aprons, stockings and more. Each piece is truly one of a kind.

You can find Chris' creations in Booth 28 at Upstate Vintage Market
(8100 W Ridge Road) and Sara's Garden Center (389 East Ave). She also takes special orders and can create items from your or a loved one's used denim.

You can contact Chris via email at [email protected] or 585-406-4058.
_______________________________________________________________________
The Brockport Blog’s Gift of the Day is a December series featuring handmade items by residents or natives of the Brockport area. If you’re a maker who would like to share an item, please send a photo, description, information on how to purchase (ex. email, website, Etsy link, craft shows you’ll be at) and a sentence or two about yourself/connection to Brockport! You can email me the information at [email protected] or message me

A few photos from Candlelight Christmas at the Morgan Manning House tonight. The house looked gorgeous inside and out! A...
07/12/2024

A few photos from Candlelight Christmas at the Morgan Manning House tonight. The house looked gorgeous inside and out! And, it was filled with beautiful locally made wares and tasty treats to buy. This special shopping event continues on Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A $5 donation is accepted at the door for continued upkeep of the historic house.

Also on Saturday is the Village of Brockport's Winter Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are many other activities throughout the weekend as well, including the Holiday Lights parade at 5 p.m. Sunday. Please see the first comment below for a full itinerary!
❤️Caurie

Brockport's annual Holiday Light Spectacular and Parade will be held at 5 p.m. this Sunday, December 8th on Main Street ...
06/12/2024

Brockport's annual Holiday Light Spectacular and Parade will be held at 5 p.m. this Sunday, December 8th on Main Street in the Village of Brockport. The parade is generously sponsored by The Stetson Club of the Brockport Police Department, with fireworks sponsored by Sunnking. Always a pleasure and honor to emcee this amazing community event with radio personality The Mayor Pete Kennedy. We look forward to seeing you! 💚❤️Caurie

PARADE STREET CLOSURES

Main Street, from Five Corners to the Erie Canal, and surrounding side streets, will be closing at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 8 for the Holiday Lights Parade and Fireworks. Streets will remain closed until approximately 7 p.m. Parade line-up will take place on streets between Main and SUNY Brockport. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible. Attendees are asked to please obey local parking rules and regulations to ensure safe access for attendees and emergency vehicles.

Thanks to the community's generosity, the Brockport Toy Shelf received new toys and gifts for 400 Brockport Central Scho...
06/12/2024

Thanks to the community's generosity, the Brockport Toy Shelf received new toys and gifts for 400 Brockport Central School District families in 2023!

The organization is currently collecting new, unwrapped toys for this holiday season. Drop-off boxes can be found (pictured clockwise) through 12/20 at:

-Brockport Bowl
-The Custom House
-Brockport Wegmans
-Brockport Walmart
-Dunn's Furniture

If anyone is interested in volunteering to help collect and distribute toys, please email [email protected].

If your family needs toys this season (and lives within the Brockport Central School District) information on how to request them is in the first comment below.

Thank you to everyone who supports this great organization!
đź’šCaurie

Gift of the DayBook Lover Ornaments by Shelby Shelby Lawrence is the crafter behind these ingenious literary-themed orna...
05/12/2024

Gift of the Day
Book Lover Ornaments by Shelby

Shelby Lawrence is the crafter behind these ingenious literary-themed ornaments, which are perfect for the book lover in your life (or for YOU! I know so many Brockport Blog readers love to read).

Originally from Morrisville, Shelby graduated with a nursing degree from SUNY Brockport in 2018 and completed her master's at the University of Rochester in 2022. She has been a nurse for 6.5 years and is married with two beautiful little boys.

Each of Shelby’s handcrafted ornaments comes with a decorative hook and costs $20 for the first twenty books and $5 for each additional ten.

To order, you can email Shelby at [email protected] or DM her personal account on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/shelby.amaya58/)
_______________________________________________________________________
The Brockport Blog’s Gift of the Day is a December series featuring handmade items by residents or natives of the Brockport area. If you’re a maker who would like to share an item, please send a photo, description, information on how to purchase (ex. email, website, Etsy link, craft shows you’ll be at) and a sentence or two about yourself/connection to Brockport! You can email me the information at [email protected] or message me

Gift of the DayTreats from The Undead Bread Co. Melly Mahaney-Walter with The Undead Bread Co.  is the baker behind thes...
03/12/2024

Gift of the Day
Treats from The Undead Bread Co.

Melly Mahaney-Walter with The Undead Bread Co. is the baker behind these scrumptious-looking treats. Established this year, The Undead Bread Co. is an authentic sourdough pop-up micro bakery that Melly operates out of her Brockport home.

A 1998 graduate of Brockport High School she and her husband George own a house in the village and are settled in with their combined four children and grandbaby.

Undead Bread will be at the Custom House Bar & Grill during the Brockport Winter Market (10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, December 7) and takes weekly orders via Hotplate https://www.hotplate.com/undeadbreadco

Seen here are Melly’s sourdough browned butter double chocolate chip cookies.

“They’ve ruined me for all other chocolate chip cookies and they are a great way to make someone feel extra special,” she said. “Food is my love language, and cookies are like the most comforting hug."
_______________________________________________________________________
The Brockport Blog’s Gift of the Day is December series featuring handmade items by residents or natives of the Brockport area. If you’re a maker who would like to share an item, please send a photo, description, information on how to purchase (ex. email, website, Etsy link, craft shows you’ll be at) and a sentence or two about yourself/connection to Brockport! You can email me the information at [email protected] or message me

Gift of the DayPainted Gourds by Janice AllenThese ingenious and festive painted dried gourds are the handiwork of artis...
02/12/2024

Gift of the Day
Painted Gourds by Janice Allen

These ingenious and festive painted dried gourds are the handiwork of artisan Janice Allen. “My crazy hobby is hand-painted gourds with unique personalities and for any occasion,” Janice said.

Janice has lived in Brockport for nearly four decades and her children excelled in the Brockport Central School District and at SUNY Brockport. “I enjoy living and working in such a quaint town with wonderful people!” she said.

Janice’s pieces are available through Christmas at Sara’s Garden Center, 389 East Ave. in Brockport. They are also available at Thistle Ridge in Medina and occasionally on Facebook Marketplace.
_______________________________________________________________________
The Brockport Blog’s Gift of the Day is December series featuring handmade items by residents or natives of the Brockport area. If you’re a maker who would like to share an item, please send a photo, description, information on how to purchase (ex. email, website, Etsy link, craft shows you’ll be at) and a sentence or two about yourself/connection to Brockport! You can email me the information at [email protected] or message me Caurie Anne.

Gift of the DayWooden Trees by Joshua GreenmanJoshua Greenman is the artisan behind these beautiful wooden Christmas tre...
01/12/2024

Gift of the Day
Wooden Trees by Joshua Greenman

Joshua Greenman is the artisan behind these beautiful wooden Christmas trees with fairy lights. A 2019 graduate of Brockport High School, Joshua recently turned his hobby and love of woodworking into a small business – Greenman Woodworks.

You can find his trees and other wares at the 50th annual Holiday Craft Show and Sale hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Brockport on Sunday, December 8th from 9am - 4pm in the Sweden/Clarkson Community Center.

Prices for Joshua's trees range from $5-$40. You can also purchase on Etsy at https://greenmanwoodworksusa.etsy.com
_______________________________________________________________________
The Brockport Blog’s Gift of the Day is a December series featuring handmade items by residents or natives of the Brockport area.

If you’re a maker who would like to share an item, please send a photo, description, information on how to purchase (ex. email, website, Etsy link, craft shows you’ll be at), and a sentence or two about yourself/connection to Brockport!

You can email me the information at [email protected] or message my personal account: Caurie Anne

Happy Small Business Saturday Brockport đź’™It's the perfect day to show some extra love to our amazing independently-owned...
30/11/2024

Happy Small Business Saturday Brockport đź’™
It's the perfect day to show some extra love to our amazing independently-owned stores, eateries, and farms. đź’™Caurie

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours. I hope your day is filled with nourishment of body and soul. For those missin...
28/11/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours. I hope your day is filled with nourishment of body and soul. For those missing people around the table, I wish you warm memories. For those military, first responders and other essential workers working today I give you and your family extra thanks.
🧡Caurie

💚2024 Brockport Gift of the Day Series❤️Back by popular demand, each day in December (through Christmas) I will feature ...
22/11/2024

💚2024 Brockport Gift of the Day Series❤️

Back by popular demand, each day in December (through Christmas) I will feature a "Brockport Gift of the Day" to support and celebrate our local artisans/crafters/authors/bakers etc.

What is a "Brockport Gift of the Day?" It is an item made with love and talent by a Brockport area resident or native that is for sale this holiday season.

If you'd like to be featured this December:

- please send me an email with a photo of your item (or a few items) [email protected]
- info on where people can buy it/them (brick-and-mortar store, craft sale, link to your website/Etsy etc.)
- AND (very important!) a sentence or two about yourself/connection to Brockport.

If I featured you in previous years, feel free to submit again this year but please surprise us with a photo(s) of something new!

To support our Village of Brockport small businesses with the continued bridge closure, small businesses within the village are also welcome to submit a gift they carry in their store/eatery this year if it is locally made.

You can start sending your submissions now! I am excited to see what you have to share and I know so many readers are excited for this series again! Let's have fun and celebrate creativity, community, and small! đź’™Caurie

p.s. the collage below is of some of the 2023 Brockport Gift of the Day series.

Please join me in congratulating Brockport's Ultimate Sports and Apparel on their 20th anniversary! In celebration, the ...
22/11/2024

Please join me in congratulating Brockport's Ultimate Sports and Apparel on their 20th anniversary! In celebration, the store will have a huge clearance sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 23. The sale will be held in their newly remodeled garage workshop behind the store at 177 Main Street. There will also be giveaways. Congratulations to Wendy and team on this milestone. đź’™Caurie

🎄December 2024 Events🎄December events in the Brockport area. To have your event added to this pinned post please email m...
20/11/2024

🎄December 2024 Events🎄
December events in the Brockport area. To have your event added to this pinned post please email me a flyer at [email protected] or DM me at Anne.
Thank youđź’šCaurie

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