Cobblestone Museum plans ‘Simply Christmas’ celebration on Dec. 6

Provided photos: This quilt, hand-made by Brenda Radzinski, will be on display as part of the Cobblestone Museum’s holiday program Dec. 6 to usher in the Christmas season. The program, “Simply Christmas: A Community Musical Quilt,” will featured talented individuals from the local area, accompanied by a display of quilts.

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum will welcome the Christmas season with special events on Dec. 6. These include the opening of the Museum’s Holiday Shoppe from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a special program arranged by Cobblestone board member and treasurer Maarit Vaga, titled “Simply Christmas: A Community Musical Quilt.”

The Cobblestone Museum’s Holiday Shoppe is filled with unique items for its Open House on Dec. 6.

Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Cobblestone Museum, urges community members to consider checking out the Holiday Shoppe for their Christmas shopping needs.

“Whether you’re looking for a string of lights, wrapping paper, a tree ornament, Christmas books, mugs, wreaths, snowmen or assorted Santa and angel items, consider stopping by to check out our brand new or gently used holiday merchandise,” Bonafini said. “We’re already got plenty to choose from, but because we anticipate many shoppers, why not donate your unwanted holiday decorations to us. We’ll take anything you’re ready to retire that would enhance our displays so we can get them into a new home for the holiday season.”

All sales benefit the Cobblestone Society and Museum.

In addition to the Holiday Shoppe items, Susan Walders will be selling handmade knitted and crocheted items to enhance the shopping experience, perfect for gift giving to or keep winter’s chill away, Bonafini said.

Anyone wishing to donate items to the Holiday Shoppe can call (585) 589-9013 or email volunteers@cobblestonemuseum.org to arrange a drop-off time.

The name “Simply Christmas: A Community Musical Quilt,” was chosen for this year’s holiday program to usher in the Christmas season, Bonafini said. Vaga is working on this patchwork of instrumental music, vocals and more to entertain the audience at 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Cobblestone Church. A 45-minute performance will include at least one sing-along and a quartet of Susan Walders, Aaron Grabowski and Brandeen and Sebastian Erakare singing Riu, Riu, Chiu, a Spanish Renaissance Christmas madrigal.

Jan-Mikael Erakare will present Christmas readings. In addition, three former interns will entertain: John Patt of Holley will play a violin solo, Casey Starkweather of Carlton will sing and Eliya Cooper of Rochester will join Walders for a clarinet and flute duet.

The entire program will be enhanced by a display of quilts by talented quilter Brenda Radzinski. A free-will offering will be accepted. Light refreshments will follow at the lower level of the church.