ChiFit Program Shows Kids Qigong Practices

ChiFit Program Shows Kids 
Qigong Practices:

Pequot Library hosts 4-session 

pilot for grades 3 – 6

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/8)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/7/11

Fairfield, CT – They soared like cranes, squatted like bears and stretched like tigers, and in the end, they all felt more energized and relaxed.

Late Monday afternoon, Southport’s Pequot Library hosted the first of four sessions of a program called ChiFit for Kids, designed to introduce children in grades 3 to 5 to the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong. The program was made possible through an Adults & Children Together (ACT) grant provided by the Town of Fairfield that allowed Qigong instructors Julie Moffat and Darryl Manning to offer it to the community as a free pilot. In the hour-long introductory class, fifteen students learned movement, breathing and self-massage exercises and sampled health beneficial foods.

“Literally translated, Qigong means to practice or cultivate energy,” said Manning at the start of the class to participating students seated on the floor around her in the library’s auditorium. “With a few simple exercises, we are going to show you how to keep your energy strong during the day. We will imitate cranes with our arms becoming wings, and we’ll become ponderous bears and strong tigers. We will embody the spirit of these ancient animals.”

The animals Manning mentioned were part of a five-spoke qigong system called Animal Frolics, which also includes the monkey and deer. The system is meant to develop strength, grace, flexibility and balance and provide an abundance of healing benefits.

“We want to learn from what animals do to keep themselves in shape,” said Manning. “You never really see unhealthy animals, do you?”

As a first step, Moffat briefed the group on frequently used terms of the discipline. “’Dantian’ is the word for the most important energy centers in our body,” she explained. “The lower dantian is the area around the navel and pumps energy through the body. The middle dantian is found around the heart. And the upper dantian is found between your eyebrows, like a third eye. ‘Lau Gong’ is the area in the center of your palms. It’s where energy enters. When your palms are sweaty, that’s the lau gong working.”

With a recording of traditional Chinese folk music playing in the background, the instructors led the class in warm-up exercises, having them vigorously jump around and shake their arms to get their energy moving. Then students rubbed their hands together and, once warmed, applied them to each key dantian area.

“Qigong is about taking care of the inside of your body,” said Moffat as she showed the class how to tap these same areas. “Tapping the heart draws compassion and love to the body. Then we brush away any impure qi.”

Following the warm-up, Manning introduced the group to crane movements. The routine involved spreading one’s arms while poised on one leg. The benefits include relaxation, balance, opening the joints and strengthening the heart and lungs.

As they concluded their crane exercises, Manning asked, “How did you feel being cranes? You looked beautiful.”

“I feel a lot energy,” replied Juliette Savarino. “My arms feel like the wind.”

“Now, we’re going to be bears,” Manning announced. “The bear is kind of the opposite of a crane. They have to store up a lot of energy to survive the winter, so bear movements are about keeping energy inside. The focus is on the kidneys and keeping them pure, and on bones and keeping them strong.”

“The bear is also a wonderful teacher of deep sleep,” added Moffat.

The final exercise focused on the tiger, with movements designed to increase strength. As she introduced key gestures, Manning asked, “What do we know about tigers? They’re very strong and courageous aren’t they? The tiger is the most supreme of the animal elements.”

Students flexed their fingers like tiger claws, squinted their eyes and even roared fiercely.

Following a cool-down, students sat in a circle to share how they were feeling and sample ginger tea, radishes and pieces of ginger coated in sugar. The latter provide benefits to major body organs.

“At the beginning of the class, I was nervous and stressed, but now I’m calm and relaxed and looking forward to what we’re going to do in our next class,” said Michael Holtz, 9.

“If you feel stressed during the day, remember your exercises,” advised Manning. “Shake out and reenergize and you’ll be able to focus better in class or if you’re helping your mom at home.”

The balance of program sessions through March 26 will teach Chinese brush painting, healthy eating and other relaxation and stress reduction exercises.

“Ideally, we would like to continue and expand this as an afterschool program throughout Fairfield County,” said Manning. “The whole field of mind body/mindfulness is growing throughout the country. The meditative practice really helps students improve attention span, relax and improve their academic and sports performance.”

“Teaching kids now gives them a foundation for knowing how to take care of themselves,” added Moffat. “That’s what Qigong is all about.”

Children of the American Revolution Holds 85th State Conference

Children of the American Revolution Holds 85th State Conference:

Burr Mansion hosts young patriots, honors Freedom Fighters

By Mike Lauterborn

(posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/6)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/6/11

Fairfield, CT – Dressed in conservative attire or costumes that recalled Colonial times, scores of children from all over Connecticut gathered midday Sunday to celebrate their roots and support the cause of freedom.

The draw was the 85th State Conference of the Connecticut Society Children of the American Revolution, hosted by the organization’s local chapter, the Thaddeus Burr Society, at the Burr Mansion on Old Post Road. In addition to conducting standard business such as electing next year’s officers and reporting on operations, the group memorialized relatives and military servicemen that died over the past year. An additional highlight included a wreath dedication honoring Hungarian Freedom Fighters.

Founded in 1895 by Harriett Lothrop, the C.A.R., a branch of the Daughters of the American Revolution, is the nation’s oldest and largest patriotic youth organization, offering membership to anyone under the age of 22 lineally descended from someone who served in the Continental Army or gave material aid to the cause of freedom in the American Revolution. Members pledge to carry on their descendants’ work and use their influence to create a deeper love of country, a loyal respect for the Constitution and a reverence for its flag, among young people. In Connecticut, the C.A.R. includes 365 members.

In the fall of 1956, Hungarians, led by students, revolted against the People’s Republic of Hungary and its Soviet-imposed policies. Over a two-week period, protesters and State Security Police clashed countrywide until Soviet troops crushed the uprising and installed a Soviet-led government. In the process, 2,500 Hungarians were killed and 200,000 fled the country. A monument dedicated to the freedom fighters stands in the Burr Mansion’s gardens.

“Their cause parallels our country’s own fight for freedom, and the grandmother of our state chaplain, Taylor Fischer, was one of the protesters that fled the country and was lucky enough to be relocated to America,” said Teri Fischer, the Senior State President of the C.A.R. “We really recognize any freedom causes while building leaders and citizens and asking what we can do today.”

Each annual conference is themed. This year’s had a pirate correlation to convey the message of “treasuring the past”. It was conceived by Lauren Bacon, 16, State President of the C.A.R. and a descendant of Mayflower passenger William Bradford, who said, “I wanted to get younger members involved in a fun, kid-friendly way, that makes a meeting like this more appealing.” To this regard, a “Camp C.A.R.” room was set up where young children could don pirate hats and enjoy crafts and coloring.

Helping organize the pirate-themed activities was C.A.R. Senior State Chaplain Stephanie Pruitt, 30, who has been a member since she was 10. “My relevant descendant is John Carroll Adams who fought in the American Revolution,” she said. “It’s nice to feel that your family was part of something special and I’m glad that C.A.R. reinforces that importance and connection.”

The registrar of the Fairfield-based host chapter, Betty Oderwald, said her group supports the mission of respecting veterans and instilling patriotism, through a host of outreach efforts. “In the past year, we made Valentines for Homes of the Brave veterans homeless shelter in Bridgeport, hosted a scavenger hunt in the Burr gardens and handed out favors at the town Christmas tree lighting.”

C.A.R. has had a definite impact in the life of 16-year-old Taylor Fischer, who affixed a white rose to the Freedom Fighters’ wreath in honor of her grandmother. “It has made me more interested in my past and what I can do for my country. It’s also good for developing leadership qualities, as we all need to give speeches. And you get to meet people from all over the country and learn everyone’s connections to the past.”

Fellow member Alex Kimble, 11, had a particularly relevant connection to the proceedings, as a descendant of Thaddeus Burr, who established Burr Mansion. “It’s kind of interesting to learn about my own history and meet other people with histories like mine. I have a good time at these meetings.”

Carol Bauby, State Registrar for the Daughters of the American Revolution, stressed the importance of groups like the C.A.R. “It’s a great start for children to learn love of country and good citizenship. My relevant ancestors include Christian Stauffer, who served under General Anthony Wayne and fought at the decisive Battle of Yorktown 250 years ago. It’s important to honor these key ancestors who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Garden Expo Staked for March 19-20 at FLHS

Garden Expo Staked for March 19-20 at FLHS:

Event supports 44-year-old River-Lab environmental 

study program

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/6)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/1/11

Fairfield, CT – The passionate stand of a concerned environmentalist and subsequent formation of a river basin study program 44 years ago inspired the creation of The Garden Expo, which will mark its 13th year this March.

Presented by the Mill River Wetland Committee, the Expo will be held March 19th and 20th at Fairfield Ludlowe Middle School at 785 Unquowa Road. Saturday hours are 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm. Over 90 home and garden related exhibitors will present their wares and services.

The event is a major fundraiser for the Committee’s River-Lab program of environmental study for grades 3-6 in all public schools in Fairfield. Funding provides for classroom materials and activities for students, study-trips to the Mill River and town estuaries, extensive training for study-trip guides and professional development for teachers. Each year, more than 160 volunteers guide over 3,500 children through more than 650 study-trips.

Joy Shaw is the founder of the Mill River Wetland Committee and author of the River-Lab program. A Vassar College graduate with a rudimentary science education, she moved to Fairfield in 1956 and began renting historic Perry’s Mill, which had just been converted to a residence. The original grist mill was built in the 1640s by Richard Ogden but burned to the ground 50 years later. The Perry family, who were living in what is now known as Ogden House, had the ability to reconstruct the building and carry on the business and was invited to trade properties with Ogden.

In 1966, ten years after Shaw settled in the Mill, two local conservation groups arranged for Mill Hollow, a six-acre parcel of land below Sturges Road Bridge and along the Mill River (adjacent to the Mill), to be deeded to the town as open space and a plan for wildlife improvement to be pursued. Little did they know that a town ordinance called for removal of trees along the river’s banks 150 feet out from the center of the river to either side. The removal was called for based on a fear that jam-ups would cause flooding to properties for which the town would be liable.

“Destruction was in process when I returned from a meeting and I ran and stood in front of the bulldozer,” said Shaw. “The operator thought I was crazy and was quite annoyed.”

Shaw managed to get the work suspended, founded the Committee and began studying all the ecology of the land – plants, animals and the history of its use. She decided to create a program for children that would help teach the value of the flood plain in its natural state. She initially approached Mill Hill School, got the principal’s endorsement and trained nine volunteers from the Sasco and Fairfield Garden Clubs to provide study-trips. The River-Lab program launched in Fall 1967.  

Shaw wrote all the initial education materials and, for the first 15 years of the program, trained guides at the Mill while study-trips were conducted in open space across the river. In the late 90s and early 00’s, guides Alex Moran and Anne Weinrod took the lead in revising the materials and program to formally adapt it to the Fairfield Public Schools system and meet No Child Left Behind guidelines.

Meanwhile, guide Gay Gasser conceived of the Garden Expo as a way to raise funds for program operation and curriculum development. “Gardens are usually very absorbent areas, allowing any precipitation to be readily absorbed into the watershed,” said Shaw. “It was suitable for us to encourage gardening to align with our program.”

Now the Expo is a town fixture. As Gasser best described it, “This is a huge group effort – a happy dance for spring. It’s very visual and sensual with food and demos. It’s not like a trade show in a box. We keep it moving and exciting.”

Garden Expo admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Parking, lectures and demos are free.

Curio Cottage Thrift Shop Tag Sale March 11 & 12

Curio Cottage Thrift Shop Tag Sale March 11 & 12

(Appeared in Westport News 3/4)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/1/11

Westport, CT – Kicking off the tag sale season and supporting great local causes, the Curio Cottage Thrift Shop’s annual tag sale event has had an impressive rise in stature in its ten years and offers another bounty of quality merchandise this spring.

Located at the Westport Woman’s Club 44 Imperial Ave. headquarters, the shop will conduct its annual tag sale in the WWC clubhouse on Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. All proceeds benefit Fairfield County-based charities.

The sale will offer a whole range of merchandise including furniture, vintage collectibles, china, glassware, housewares, home accessories, hostess gifts, small appliances, linens, artwork and games. Donations of saleable items (in good condition, no clothing) are tax-deductible and may be delivered to the clubhouse on Tuesday – Thursday, March 8-10, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Karen Eickhoff, chairman of the shop, said the Curio Cottage’s beginnings were quite modest. “Back in 1999, a member had an idea to use an existing building space here on the Club’s property to house a thrift shop and offer tax-deductible donations for sale. We pulled items from our homes to stock the shop and opened in June that year in conjunction with the Yankee Doodle Fair, Westport’s 4-day, old-fashioned festival.”

In August 2000, the shop held its first tag sale. “We put a few plastic tablecloths out in the parking lot and placed a few items on them including costume jewelry, straw baskets and miscellaneous kitchenware. We were panicky that we wouldn’t have enough items to sell. I think we made $66 that year,” said Eickhoff.

“It was a humble start but encouraging,” Eickhoff added and, as the shop attracted more shoppers and donors – often curious stop-ins who became regulars – the annual tag sale grew in size and scope.

Six or seven years ago, a decision was made to shift the timeframe of the sale from August to March, which yielded several advantages. Explained Eickhoff, “The timing coincides with the beginning of the tag sale season, we’re not competing with a lot of other events and we capture some great donations as people are starting to do their spring cleaning.”

The sale was also moved indoors to avoid any weather issues.

The sale now commands extensive set-up time and the efforts of a number of volunteers, who give their time generously and enthusiastically. “What used to take two hours to set up now takes about four full days,” said Eickhoff. “There are so many items offered, they’re uncountable. We fill the entire auditorium in the main clubhouse.”

While the shop itself is a permanent revenue stream 52 weeks a year, the annual tag sale is a key fundraising opportunity, which takes in about $7,000 on average. Proceeds benefit over 40 organizations and charities including the Mercy Learning Center, Christian Community Action and Staples’ scholarship program. The Community Services Committee of the Woman’s Club handles the decision-making on funds distribution. “We try to spread it out as widely as we can to all the groups,” said Eickhoff.

At this year’s sale, visitors can expect to find quality items at great prices as well as eclectic unique items that are rarely seen, according to Eickhoff. “This year we received a lot of holiday items for all holidays throughout the year. We’ll also have a lot of wonderful artwork that would look lovely in any home.”

In summary, Eickhoff shared Curio Cottage’s motto: Where Shopping is Giving. “This is a fantastic resource that provides a great community service.”

For more information about the tag sale, call 203-227-4240.

CRASH Lands at Southport Galleries

CRASH Lands at Southport Galleries:

John Matos’ pop art prints to be on 

view thru March 28

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/5)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/4/11

Fairfield, CT – You might call it a crash landing, but without any debris or injuries. In fact, the only after effects were smiles and amusement.

The “crash” in this case is graffiti artist John “Crash” Matos, whose uniquely personalized iconic work touched down Friday March 4 with an opening reception at Southport Galleries, 330 Pequot Avenue. Nearly 30 prints in all are being shown in the exhibit, which will run through March 28.

“We introduce a new exhibit the first Friday of every month,” said gallery co-manager Sarah Biggers. “Our advisor, Dr. Philip Eliasoph, at Fairfield University, suggested we book Crash given the popularity of his exhibit at the university early last year. We, as a gallery in conservative Southport, CT, could easily exhibit boats and seascapes, but we really want to be more edgy and surprising. We’ve started showing more contemporary work, which is still family friendly.”

Matos, who gained his nickname after causing a glitch that affected his school’s computer system, got his start in the South Bronx, graffiti tagging subway trains and streets. He took the work mainstream and experimented with oil paints, acrylics, pastels and watercolors to effect unique pop art that puzzles and plays on the imagination.

Matos’ work has even extended to the faces of guitars, which have hence been dubbed “Crashocasters”, spurred on by noted musicians like Eric Clapton.

Matos’ breakout show occurred at Real Art Ways, a loft space in Hartford, CT, in 1981. Fast forward 30 years and the 49-year-old remains committed to his craft and pushing the envelope with his unique expressionism.

Studying Matos’ work, Ryan Drake of Bridgeport, attending with Shawn Rafalski of Fairfield, said, “We both teach at Fairfield University and Crash exhibited there last year,” said Drake. “When we heard about this, we wanted to come and see additional pieces that weren’t included in that show. I like the dynamism, violence, juxtaposition and starkness of the work. It’s very interesting. These are not quiet contemplative pieces by any means.”

Gallery co-manager Katherine Cissel said Matos’ work was a new path for the gallery. “We don’t have anything like him here. I love pop. Lichtenstein is one of my favorite artists. Crash takes that type of work in a new direction and adds his own spin.”

Matos, himself, agreed with Cissel’s assessment. “When I was delivering the work last week, I noticed it’s very different from the current art here. I wasn’t sure it would work, but it blends well. The last couple of months, I’ve had a new resurgence in my painting, which is to be expected at a certain age. At 50, hopefully you don’t have to rush anymore. There’s enough of a body of work so you can kick back a little.”

Matos added, “I think you have to go for it, change up your style. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s never a failure… all a learning process. You stop learning, you start dying.”

Kristen Matos, 17, John’s daughter, was on hand for the opening. “I really love living with a dad that’s an artist, and telling people my dad is an artist. I’m inspired by his work, but right now I’m drawing for fun. My real expression is through dancing, art of the body.”

Matos’ wife, Margarita, was also present and spoke about the artist’s process. “John does his work in his own space, but shows me as he completes things. He says, ‘What do you think about this?’ Whether I like it or not though, doesn’t matter. I actually inspired a piece when we were first dating, that he titled ‘Margie’. That was kind of neat.”

Admiring a piece titled ‘Piece Fire’, Shelly Harvey of Fairfield said, “I know his work and lived in NYC when Keith Haring was huge. That was my intro to graffiti art. Crash carries on the tradition. It’s fantastic to have him in our backyard with his show. I really like his use of color and the comic feel of the work. It’s reminiscent of comics from the 40s.”

Show attendee Tracey Thomas of Fairfield, co-founder of VENU Magazine, said, “I’m a huge Crash fan. We featured him as our cover story in our debut issue. This is a completely different show than the university show, which was three-dimensional and spray paint on canvas. I like the prints, particularly the piece on aluminum. It’s so cool.”

Dr. Eliasoph, who introduced the artist to the gathering, summed up how far Matos has come. “Can you imagine it’s 1968 and he’s running down the tracks with a can of spray paint in his hand fleeing the transit police and now world collectors are chasing him for his work.”

Quilts Fill Church Spaces, Delight Visitors

Quilts Fill Church Spaces, 
Delight Visitors:

Southport Congregational 

hosts quilt show Mar. 4 & 5

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com March 4)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/4/11

Fairfield, CT – On its own, the historic church with its tall spire and soaring ceilings is an impressive sight. Dress it up with scores of colorful quilts and you’ve really got something to behold.

On Friday March 4, Southport Congregational Church at 524 Pequot Ave. hosted the opening day of a two-day quilt exhibit called “Fabrics and Fabrications”. The ninth annual show features more than 150 quilts, a special exhibit of quilted apparel and a boutique offering small quilted items and accessories.

All proceeds of the event, which returns Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will be donated to three deserving local non-profit organizations, which include the Make-A-Wish Foundation of CT, Emerge Inc. and Project Learn. Previous exhibits have generated over $200,000 to benefit area children, women and their families through these organizations.

Representatives from the non-profits thanked event supporters at an opening reception held the previous evening. This included Donna Jackson, co-founder of Emerge, which provides transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence. “The quilt show is a lifeline for Emerge,” said Jackson, “helping us subsidize our income amid funding cuts. Their hard work and commitment is just phenomenal.”

Kim Smith, Development Director at Make-A-Wish, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, was present as well. “We can’t do what we do without special friends like the quilt committee. The doctors provide the medicine and we provide the magic for our Wish kids through our generous supporters.”

Joining Smith was the Patrick family of Darien, who are past beneficiaries of Make-A-Wish. Their son Jay, now 15 and doing well, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005. Make-A-Wish fulfilled his dream of experiencing Yankees spring training in Florida. “In the middle of a difficult health battle, Make-A-Wish enabled us to enjoy ourselves as a family. It was a great relief,” said Jay’s mother, Elsie.

The exhibit itself attracted a steady flow of enthusiasts, who were met by church staff, but also by some of the quilters. Virginia Avery was one of these craftsmen, on hand to speak about her quilted apparel, of which 10 one-of-a-kind examples were shown.

“I’ve been doing this for about 40 years,” Avery said. “I happen to be a jazz musician and that inspired my piece ‘Don’t Shoot the Piano Player’, which features outlines of my hands and an authentic sized keyboard stitched onto the garment. Other pieces have been inspired by famous designers, like Koos Van Denaaker, who have techniques that I’ve incorporated into my work. All of my garments have appeared in international fashion shows and follow various themes.”

Event co-founder Judy Reynolds spoke about the event’s inception. “Ten years ago, I exhibited in a quilt show at a congregational church in Cohasset, MA. Cecily Zerega joined me and we were both so inspired by the event that we wanted to bring something similar to our community. Our first event, held in 2003, featured 150 quilts, which became the standard in terms of the number displayed. Quilts are never shown twice here, so over time over 1,000 unique quilts have been exhibited.”

Browsing quilts displayed in the church’s Chapel, Susan Slater of Woodbridge, with her Milford friend Wilma Sielert, said, “We’ve both been quilting for over 20 years. It’s enjoyable to see the quilts people create, their use of color and design. Quilting is very uplifting. It gives you a lot of joy. One of the best things about it is the people you meet – you develop lifelong friendships.”

Eyeing quilts draped over benches in the Sanctuary, Marcy Clair of Shelton said, “I’ve been quilting for eight years. I still consider myself a beginner. I love to see the old quilts, get inspired and see the various handwork. A lot of these took years to make.”

Standing nearby, Westporter Lisa Krosse, with friend Michelle Lieberson, said, ‘I work at a textile conservation workshop in South Salem, so I’m around a lot of old quilts. They are my favorites. These here are in beautiful shape and involve so much intricate and precise handwork. They’re very impressive, especially given the limited resources the quilters had.”

Manning the boutique set-up with Joan Huntington, Susan Kunkel said, “The boutique is a popular part of the exhibit. We’ve been blessed with 15 women volunteers who have contributed their handwork including children’s backpacks, knitted baby items, mini quilts, knitted hats, potholders and even iPad and cellphone covers.”

Reflecting on the exhibit, event co-founder Zerega said, “It’s truly amazing to see all this come together, and gratifying to see so many people really appreciating what we have here.”

Keeping It in the Family

Keeping It in the Family:

Fairfield Center Jewelers

(Appeared in Mar/Apr issue of Fairfield Magazine)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

12/8/10

Fairfield, CT – For some, it’s difficult to work with family. Others can’t imagine working with anyone else. The latter is the case at Fairfield Center Jewelers, a constant in an ever evolving, bustling downtown community.

Interviewed recently at the store’s 1498 Post Road location, Harvey Sussman, 82, his son Bob, 45, and Harvey’s brother Jerome’s son-in-law, Howard Diamond, 63, provided background about how the business has grown over the years and the dynamic of relatives working together.

It was Harvey’s father Louis that began the business back in 1933, in the midst of the Depression, establishing a shop on Main Street in Bridgeport. Its focus was jewelry sales and watch repair. Notably, the business repaired mechanical pocket watches for New Haven Railroad and was an authorized service dealer for Westclox (clockmakers) and General Electric (clocks for automobile dashboards).

In 1946, after serving in the army, Jerome joined the business. Then brother Harvey came aboard in 1955, after serving in the Korean War, and opened the current store as a branch location.

“When we came to town, there were mostly mom and pop stores,” said Harvey. “The only other significant store was F.W. Woolworth’s.”

The initial Bridgeport store closed in the mid 60’s and inventory was merged into Fairfield. In 1970, Diamond joined, followed 18 years later by Bob, after graduating from college. Since Jerome’s retirement in 1998, the three run the day-to-day.

“We are the dinosaurs in town – the longest lasting family-owned business in downtown, handed down from father to son, father to son,” said Harvey proudly.

While the store’s footprint has remained the same, the business focus has changed from bridal registry and offering silver and china to brides-to-be, to a concentration on fine quality jewelry, fine diamonds, gemstones, platinum, gold and sterling.

“Our niche is really giving our customers extraordinary value for their dollar,” said Bob. “We can be very competitive without sacrificing quality.”

Working with family hasn’t always been easy. “At one point, we had four opinions on purchasing and inventory,” said Bob, “but at the end of the day and in a democratic fashion, the multiple opinions and experience became an intangible asset.”

Bob said a policy of open communication has also been helpful. “We can say what we need to, and run ideas around all the time.”

While the Sussmans have enjoyed a long business run, longevity carries over to both supplier relationships and staff as well. A bookkeeper that started with them at 16 stayed on for 50 years. Their in-house bench jeweler is still with the shop after 35 years.

“There’s no seasonal help. Everyone is a year-round employee knowledgeable in style and quality,” said Diamond.

According to Bob, though, the most important key to the family business’ success has been customer care. “We genuinely care about our customers and most of our business is done on a handshake, a tradition established by Grandpa Louis.”

Will next-generation Sussmans join the business? “You never know what the tide will bring in,” said Harvey.