Students and Seniors Connect Through “Staples Cares”

Students and Seniors Connect Through “Staples Cares”

By Mike Lauterborn

3/9/11

(for Westport News)

Westport, CT – A visit to his grandmother in Florida helped a local student develop an in-home services program that is now assisting senior citizens in Westport.

“Staples Cares”, the brainchild of Staples High School senior Adam Yormark, offers to change and replace smoke detectors and batteries in the homes of Westport senior residents on Sunday, March 13, in conjunction with the daylight savings change. Twenty-five Staples High student volunteers will perform these services, and related small household tasks. The program is guided and supported by the Westport Department of Human Services, which is supplying the batteries, new detectors (as required), and other small equipment needs. The program launched as a pilot in Fall 2010.

“I felt like there was a disconnect between high school students and senior citizens in town,” said Yormark, “so I created this program to bridge the gap and create an intergenerational connection and understanding. The idea came to me when I was in Florida visiting my grandmother and fixing a clock for her. As I put the clock up on the wall, it hit me that we could provide services like this that were easy for us students to perform but which may be challenging to seniors.”

Yormark took the idea to Staples High Principal John Dodig who suggested he contact the Department of Human Services. Terry Giegengack, Assistant Director of Client Services for the Westport office recalled her first meeting with the ambitious 17-year-old. “Adam wanted to make a positive difference in the community and had this small group of interested students behind him but no contacts. Our department has a list of over 500 senior households. From the list, our staff called about 35 seniors we felt could really use the help and ten signed on to have services performed during the fall daylight savings changeover, last November.”

In speaking with senior residents, the staffers discovered that many did not even have detectors. Using donated funds, the department agreed to cover the cost of these units and the students provided the installation.

Services were not limited to battery changing and detector installation. “A woman last fall asked for my help with a broken watch,” said Yormark. “I was able to fix it and save her the repair cost. Another woman asked for help setting up and operating a coffee maker and an answering machine. These are simple, quick things we can do that they are not able to accomplish.”

Giegengack said the visits were well received. “The seniors loved talking to the students and found them very engaging and helpful.”

Doris Fable, 88, was one of the senior citizens who benefited from a service call last fall. “They were nice young people,” she said. “They came when they said they would, reset my clocks for daylight savings and changed the batteries in one of my smoke detectors. It’s hard to get up on a stool and change these things. They were quick and efficient and brought their own step ladder.”

Patty Clark, 80, was another senior that received a visit. “The fire department put our initial smoke detectors in. The students did a wonderful job servicing them. You don’t want anyone having a problem with their detectors,” she said.

Based on the positive feedback from the fall, Yormark and Giegengack agreed the program deserved to be formally rolled out this March. Human Services staff called all seniors currently receiving home-delivered meals, people who received a visit last year and other seniors including those receiving heat assistance. Yormark also sought seniors through local churches and synagogues.

As of this writing, 13 senior citizens had signed up according to Yormark, and he expected more to come onboard.

“It’s not easy for seniors to just accept people coming into their home,” said Giegengack. “The exposure the program gets will help open doors and expand the service.”

To the students’ credit, many of the seniors from the fall, Doris Fable among them, are welcoming student volunteers back. “This time around, I wanted a combination smoke detector CO2 tester. Adam said there would be no problem. It would be great if this program can be offered every season, to be sure equipment is in top operating form.”

Dog Park Idea Off the Leash and Running

Dog Park Idea Off the Leash and Running

By Mike Lauterborn

(appeared on front page of Fairfield-Sun 3/10)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/3/11

Fairfield, CT – Fairfield is a special place to live with a wide range of amenities from beaches and golf courses to hiking trails and a skateboard park. The one thing it lacks, many complain, is a dedicated dog park – a place where dogs can have a good, safe run without impediment. RTM member Alexis Harrison has heard the outcry, has studied the issues and is spearheading efforts to make such a park a reality.

Current Allowances Not Ideal

At present, of the town’s six beaches, only Jennings Beach allows dogs to be off-leash and only during the October 1 to March 31 window. While dog owners take full advantage of the access, Harrison said, “Having dogs unleashed at the beach can impede non-dog owners’ enjoyment of that space. Additionally, equestrians bring their horses down to the beach in the off-season, which have the potential to injure dogs that are off the leash.”

Harrison noted, “There is Lake Mohegan where you can take your dogs off leash, but the downside is that it’s not a dog-dedicated space, people often don’t pick up after their dogs and dogs are susceptible to ticks, litter and other adverse environmental factors.”

Harrison notes that there is also space by the Jennings marina that allows dogs to roam free. “But there’s a lot of tall seagrass and other environmental impediments that prevent a dog from getting a good run,” Harrison added.

First Steps

Harrison said First Selectman Ken Flatto first breached the idea of a dog park in Fairfield about three years ago. “He was looking at land near Osborn Hill School and thought of dedicating a small portion as a dog park/run,” said Harrison. “Unfortunately, the plan was not pursued and the space has become a residential development.”

This past January, Doug Garni breached the subject again. A friend of Harrison’s who visits Jennings Beach daily with his dog Harley, Garni asked her why a town like Fairfield, with some 60,000 residents and many other offerings, couldn’t provide a dog park as well. His frustration hit home with Harrison, a former dog owner, and she decided to do something about it. “With over 3,500 registered dog owners in Fairfield, it seems like a natural progression to add a dog park to our many amenities," she said.

Initially, Harrison met with Jerry Lombardo, who oversees the Parks and Recreation Department. Harrison argued that communities like New Canaan, Darien, Shelton and Greenwich have dedicated dog parks. Lombardo agreed there was a need and affirmed his commitment to help bring a plan to fruition. Harrison also met with other town officials and RTM colleagues to assess their view of the need and to ensure that the idea had majority support in principle.

“A lot of my RTM colleagues have ongoing dialogues with constituents,” Harrison said. “They have their finger on the pulse of town needs and desires. In fact, a fellow RTM member told me that a constituent was walking on Jennings Beach recently and was almost attacked by an unleashed dog. The woman was quite shaken by the incident. It underscores the need for a dedicated park where dogs can roam freely. That’s not to say that dogs should run wild. There would be rules that would be in place.”

Dog owners, not surprisingly, like Catherine Street resident David Becker, support a park plan. “We’re a very dog friendly family in general. There are a lot of places here with dog restrictions. We used to take our dog over to Pine Creek Beach and could off-leash him, but they’ve disallowed that now. Our dog is trained on voice command, and to have to put him on a leash in certain areas is not desirable. Off the leash, he stays within voice command and is free to do his own thing. He’s much happier in this way and gets really excited the moment he hits the sand. Personally, I think off-leashing should be allowed in more spaces. The benefit of a dog park would be recreating a space like Jennings where dogs can roam.”

With anecdotal evidence and input from other officials and dog owners, Harrison met with Flatto mid-February. “Mr. Flatto was very gracious, open and receptive to the idea and we have had a few conversations since. We are now in preliminary discussions with him, Lombardo and Conservation Director Tom Stenke about a precise location for a dog park.”

With regard to the space, Harrison said, “My understanding is that the Parks and Rec department does not have the field space to give up for a dog park. So, ultimately, Conservation and its commission will need to evaluate what’s available in their land inventory and what we can use. It will need to be determined if the space can meet parking needs and if it’s conducive and appropriate for the neighborhood. Other issues include drainage and noise.”

Harrison pointed to Westport’s Winslow Park as an exemplary dog park. “It’s a great facility. It’s simple, not fancy. The people who use it are great caretakers. They clean up after their dogs and keep them on the leash when they’re in the parking lot. I hope Fairfield can emulate it in the near future.”

Going Forward

Harrison feels that the town as a whole will truly benefit from a dog park for several reasons. “It improves the quality of life for dog owners and dogs, for one. It provides a safe and clean environment for exercise. It will alleviate friction between dog owners and non-dog owners at the beach. It promotes responsible dog ownership. It could potentially serve as a site for an animal adoption day or spot for dog training seminars, something the town currently offers as continuing education. The park could also serve as a training and exercise location for dogs in the Fairfield Police Department’s proposed K-9 Unit.”

She sees the mission as fairly straightforward: to establish a large, enclosed area where well-behaved canines can exercise.

As a next step, Harrison said Flatto would like park proponents and dog enthusiasts to form a small committee to determine the needs of a dog park and what would be needed to create and maintain it. “We will need to address certain issues like maintenance, garbage removal, waste control and clean-up supplies. I don’t want this to hurt the taxpayers or be an extravagant facility, but there are essential items that need to be provided for. I really think this can be a positive endeavor for the town – a win-win for all residents," she said.

Harrison hopes a park can be established within a year’s time, but notes that there are many hurdles that would also need to be jumped. “It’s possible we’ll need approval from Conservation to use an open space allotment, a budget needs to be created to do it right with fencing and we need to determine funding sources. Again, we should pursue this as a simple endeavor. Certainly, if the town can fund something like a skate park for $350,000, I think a dog park that would cost far less is attainable.”

SIDEBAR

A Pro’s Dog Park Perspective

Kelly Barnes Millington, who provides house and pet sitting through her business Sitting Pretty, is particularly qualified to speak about the prospect of a dedicated dog park in Fairfield.

“I’ve been in the dog walking business for 11 years and the perspective that I’ve gained from my clients is that Fairfield is not a dog friendly town,” said Millington. “It would be really wonderful to have a dedicated place to bring dogs year round. It would be even better to have it in a convenient location. I think that’s why so many people use the beach in the wintertime. Some people go to Brett Woods and Lake Mohegan, but those spots are out of the way for many.”

Millington believes that exercise is integral for a dog’s health and mental well-being. “It’s also a great opportunity for people to come together with their animals and socialize,” she added.

Millington said a few ruin things for the many. “Being a responsible pet-sitting professional, when I’m out walking the dogs, I’m very conscious of my surroundings and seek to keep the dogs under my control. If others could follow suit, there would be fewer issues between dog owners and non-owners. A dog park would help reduce incidences and provide a safe, fenced-in space that welcomes dogs and their owners.”

The pet sitter believes a dog park would be well utilized and easy to institute. “I can’t imagine it would cost much to create. Certain essentials might include providing clean-up bags, a source of fresh water and fencing. It could be a real social magnet for owners and their pets and an attractive selling point for the town.”

Earthplace ‘Sap to Sugar’ Program a Sweet Time for All

Earthplace ‘Sap to Sugar’ Program 
a Sweet Time for All

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/5/11

Westport, CT – With temps hovering around 60 degrees and the feel of spring in the air, it was an opportune time to break out the tap… the sap tap that is.

Saturday afternoon March 5, Earthplace at 10 Woodside Lane hosted “Sap to Sugar”, an hour-long program demonstrating how tree sap becomes maple syrup and offering samples of the sweet liquid. Other features of the event included a campfire, hot chocolate, marshmallow toasting, a coloring craft and storybook reading. The program was led by naturalist Margaret Ardwin. About two dozen families attended.

“We’ve been doing this every year since 1960,” said Ardwin at the outset of the event. “Kids really love seeing the sap come out of the tree. The campfire is also popular. Today is warm so the sap should really be flowing.”

Earthplace was founded in 1958 as a non-profit dedicated to promoting environmental awareness. The facilities provide numerous opportunities to explore the natural world with interactive exhibits in the Natureplace Museum and over two miles of trails in the 62-acre wildlife sanctuary. The facility also keeps live birds of prey, reptiles and native animals.

For Sue Tobia of Norwalk, attending with daughter Sara, 4, and nephew Jonathan, 7, the program and facility was a real find. “We were looking for something to do on the weekend. This looked educational and fun, and Sara loves syrup. At breakfast, she has more syrup than pancakes. It will be great for her to see how it’s made. This is the first time we’ve been to Earthplace. It’s a hidden treasure.”

The O’Gormans – Matt, Melissa and their children Nolan, 8, and Kaden, 5 – looked forward to the tasting and were happy to be enjoying some warm weather. “Nolan loves maple syrup and wanted to come see how it’s made and try it. We’re getting a little hint of spring today with the warmth, so it’ll be nice to enjoy the outdoors.”

Canadian-bred Ardwin, who grew up making maple syrup on her family’s barbecue, gathered everyone around a campfire adjacent to the parking lot and gave some background about the sap to syrup process.

“Sap comes from sugar maples,” she explained. “We take the watery sap and boil it down so there’s more sugar than water. The sugar the tree made last year is now coming up through the roots. The sugar feeds the tree buds.”

Ardwin said Native Americans were first to discover sap. “They watched animals and woodpeckers feeding on it. Children found the sap frozen as icicles, broke them off and ate them.”

With drill in hand, the naturalist led the group to a sugar maple near the facility’s front entry. “When we tap, we drill about an inch or two into the tree and insert a spigot,” she said. “The tree doesn’t draw sap uniformly. The side facing the sun is going to be flowing more readily and will be the best place to tap.”

As she inserted the spigot, it immediately began to drip sap, and Ardwin encouraged children pressed near to sample it.

“It tastes like vanilla,” said Brynn Fleisig, 4, of Westport, attending with her mother, Wendy Giffords.

Ardwin directed the group back toward the campfire and to a picnic table where small plastic cups containing refined maple syrup had been placed. Elana Faiman of Weston and her son Aiden, 1, took advantage of the samples. “We have it every morning,” Faiman said, “with pancakes and French toast.”

Other attendees like Stephanie Shapiro of Weston and her children Sadie, 5, and Kyler, 10, sampled hot chocolate from dispensers at the table. Kyler found the program particularly informative, noting, “I learned that the sap from the tree is edible before it becomes maple syrup, and that syrup only comes from a sugar maple.”

While half the group sampled, the other half toasted marshmallows over the campfire or split off to quietly read a themed storybook. At each activity station, student volunteers provided assistance. Ardwin explained that there were 22 of these volunteers in total, from grades 5 to 12, comprising a unit known as Earthplace Junior Staff members.

“They come every Saturday for a natural history seminar, provide community service and do some volunteering for us, like helping at programs like this,” Ardwin said. “Most of the kids stay with me for seven or eight years.”

Ardwin stressed the importance of activities like the “Sap to Sugar” program. “A lot kids don’t get out to have fun outside. Very often, they go from the car to the house to the store. This gives them an opportunity to do things with their families and see that being outside is fun.”

Girl Scouts Learn Biz Lessons at Hobbytown Sleepover

Girl Scouts Learn Biz Lessons 
at Hobbytown Sleepover

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield Citizen News)

3/5/11

Fairfield, CT – Pretzels, check. Sleeping bags, right. Toothbrushes, roger. Local entrepreneurs and a big old hobby store. Huh?

Call it a Girls Night In, with a couple of twists. The girls in this case were eight fifth graders who are members of Stratfield School Girl Scout Troop 33136. The occasion was a sleepover Saturday March 5 in none other than Hobbytown USA at 847 Post Road. And the entrepreneurs were Kevin Carroll and Steve Mark, inventors of the new dice game Tenzi, who had been invited to introduce the game and share some business insights.

“The girls were dying to have a winter campout – or camp-in in this case,” said Cheryl Eustace, one of the troop leaders. “We brainstormed with the girls and one of them, Grace Vanderlip, thought Hobbytown, which her family co-owns, would be a fun site.”

The format could have been a straightforward one, with some gameplay, junk food and overnight, but it was agreed more value could be injected.

“We decided to teach the girls what it’s like to own a business, run it and be an entrepreneur,” said Celeste Vanderlip, Grace’s mother, a part-owner and manager of Hobbytown. “To add another level, we invited the inventors of Tenzi to make a presentation. They came to the store back in late October with their game and I said, ‘If you can explain it to me in less than two minutes and I can understand it, Hobbytown can sell and promote it, both in the store and through associated events like this sleepover.’”

Vanderlip said the game has really taken off. “We’ve sold over 300 units since October through our Post Road and Stamford stores. This game is a phenomenon, as any age can play.”

Co-troop leader Trish Pavoni said the overnight was very unique for the group. “This is our sixth year with the girls and we always look for a variety of things to do with them. In the past, we’ve done girly girly things, community service, a jump rope clinic, weekend camporees… This is the first time we’re spending an overnight in a retail store. The girls are very excited, and have been talking about working the register and stocking the shelves, and learning about Tenzi.”

Carroll, introducing the game to the group as they sat down at two long tables placed end to end, said, “We had heard that some of the big game companies wanted things with dice. We both bought an odd assortment of dice and went off and played with them. Steve really came up with a good idea: using 10 dice, see how fast you can roll the same number. The first to show all the same number yells Tenzi. We added more elements, like building Tenzi towers.”

As the girls and scout leaders threw down the colorful orange, green, blue and yellow dice and went head to head, Vanderlip shared her excitement about the gamemakers. “How great is this? A Fairfield County business helping a Fairfield County business. And now the Girl Scouts getting involved. What a dynamic!”

Mark pointed out Tenzi’s advantages, noting, “It’s not like the Monopoly syndrome where a game takes hours. Each Tenzi round is done in a minute, seconds even.”

To that regard, Carroll said, “My daughter holds the Tenzi record – 6.9 seconds. Are you ready for the challenge?” The provocation set up a Tenzi frenzy as the girls – and moms – battled it out to beat the clock and Carroll kept time.

All throughout the gameplay, Carroll offered business advice. “When you’re trying to sell an idea, don’t let turndowns stop you at all. But it also takes people like Celeste to have vision and encourage you.”

As the gamemakers departed, Vanderlip initiated part two of the business-oriented sleepover, leading the girls on a tour of her day-to-day activities -- from the moment she walks in the door and turns on the lights and computers, to organization and display of merchandise.

“I’ll tell you a little secret about retail,” she said, as the girls shuffled behind her. “When people come in the door, they never go down the first aisle. Human nature tells you to go to the middle of something. So we put trinkets and impulse items at the front of the store.”

In the storeroom area, Vanderlip noted, “Every day, Fed Ex and UPS comes through. We don’t keep tons of inventory, only what we need. Things come in and go out very quickly.”

It was a worthy lesson in business inspiration and operation that the girls took to heart as they dove into bowls of snacks and candy, a quick bite before bedding down in an alcove of this hobby haven.

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.