CONTACT & CONNECT
TO CONTACT US AT WEBSTER POND, USE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS:
MAILING ADDRESS: 2004 VALLEY DRIVE-SYRACUSE, NY-13207
Please make all checks payable to: Webster Pond
POND TELEPHONE NUMBER: (315)469-8027
AFTER HOURS TELEPHONE NUMBER: (315)727-2922
FAX- (315)307-1601
E-MAIL ADDRESS- cnortonvp@aol.com
ANYONE WISHING TO COMMENT OR MAKE SUGGESTIONS ON THIS WEB PAGE,
PLEASE DO SO AT THE ABOVE E-MAIL ADDRESS.
,All about the The Norton’s
My name is Chad Norton I am a 35 year old man born with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic quadriplegic and lordosis and scoliosis curvature of the spin going in both directions. I wanted to share my life experiences leading to managing Webster Pond and what I hope to accomplish. I had a great inspiration growing up, my dad who most of his life worked three jobs totaling 96 a week, giving him very limited family time but he was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. When he had free time, it was spent as President of Astride, horseback riding for the disabled. He started the program as he thought it would be a great therapy tool. I was also involved with the Arise, Ski, and Challenger baseball. I don’t let my disability and physical limitations hinder my daily living. I began my community debeau at the age of three, as United Way posterchild for Crucible Steel for 10 years. I am very involved in my community and a major advocate for the disabled. I currently manage Webster Pond, a well known bird sanctuary in city of Syracuse that is a family fun spot for all to enjoy since 1960. My job at the pond is a volunteer one but in my option I perform more duties then some paid jobs. I am not complaining as I love what I do and wouldn't change it for the world. In 2014, I formed my own non-profit to assist the Anglers Association of Onondaga that runs Webster Pond to assist in grant writing and fundraising. I am now certified to write state and federal grants. In addition, I also serve on the board of Arise of CNY, Anglers Association of Onondaga, Friends of wildlife and I am involved with the neighborhood groups to include Webster Pond Neighborhood watch and Tomorrows Neighborhood today. My newest accomplishment is I am now a special deputy for the Onondaga County Shariff Department giving me the ability to write parking tickets to handicap violators.
Our Start At Webster Pond
My first visit to Webster Pond was in 1996 to see an Elvis impersonator preform on the front lawn. When the show concluded I browsed the property and fell in love. After talking to management, I was told that they were short handed. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to get involved. My parents signed up for a membership that night. With the understanding that it would have to be a family membership do to my age. Soon after my family began training and volunteering twice a week, becoming more frequent over time. After a few years I wanted to become more involved, so I approached the board of directors to fill a vacancy, I was immediately said no because of my age. That answer did not sit well with me. I requested a copy of the bylaws to take home and study. Once I did not find an age requirement, I went back and argued my point and requested that I be put on a trial basis with the understanding that if I did not meet the expectation they could remove me. I am pleased to announce that never happened. I only moved up from there. In 2008 I ran for Vice President and have been running unopposed ever since. I had several goals I hoped to accomplish in my new role to include: fundraise , beautify the area, increase handicap access, start my own non-profit to assist in operations and build a visitors center
In 2011 I began thinking of ways to beautifully the area. My first upgrade was the memorial brick gardens. This would be beneficial in more ways than one, it would serve as a fundraiser for the pond and a forever gift for the visitors and families. We filled the first one with first year. It is now 2024 and we have five gardens with approximately 96 bricks in each one. The bricks are $100 each, in memory or dedication and are guaranteed for life.
