“Stony Brook Shines” In Lancaster

Each holiday season for the past 12 years, nearly 300 homes in Lancaster, NY are transformed into a winter wonderland as part of “Stony Brook Shines for Others.”

“The first year I just threw an idea out there to neighbors saying lets decorate our trees and it just grew and grew and grew,” said founder Jennifer Chomen.

 

Those who drive by are encouraged to leave a donation for a different children’s charity each year. “It all takes one. If every person just left a dollar it would make a huge difference,” said Harry Chomen.

This year’s recipient is an anti bullying foundation called Devin’s Message. Created in memory of 15-year-old Devin Kurzdorfer who in 2017 tragically took his life after being bullied.

“We miss him everyday and everyday we wake up and his presence and his thoughts are in our minds,” said Devin’s grandfather, Joe Smajder. “That’s why we continue to go out there and work with the kids and teachers and principals to get our message out there,” he said.

All proceeds raised will go to Devin’s Message and toward a scholarship fund for students.

To date the neighborhood and business sponsors have raised over $117,680 for children’s charities in Western New York.

You can check out the lights yourself from 6-10 pm daily through January 1st on Stony Brook Drive in Lancaster.

When I lived in Lancaster one of my favorite nighttime routines was walking through Stony Brook Drive during the Holiday Season.

You can also donate here.

(WIVB-TV)