Crafty Creations Attract Mom’s Day Shoppers to Town Hall Green

Crafty Creations Attract Mom’s Day 
Shoppers to Town Hall Green

By Mike Lauterborn
(for Fairfield Citizen News)

5/7/11

Fairfield, CT – Amongst blossoming dogwoods and beneath a canopy of maple trees, people strolled about, visited with each other and eyed various merchandise displayed within white tents set up in rows in the clearing.

Held Saturday May 7, the 29th Annual Craft Fair sponsored by the Fairfield Woman’s Club attracted scores of local residents out enjoying the sunny weather and shopping for last-minute little somethings in advance of Mother’s Day. Over 50 vendors were onsite, from all over New England, with everything from jewelry, clothing and furniture to home decorative items and accessories. The Woman’s Club also offered baked goods and plants for sale.

“Booth rental fees and funds raised from our plant and bake sales go toward one $2,500 scholarship provided to a graduating senior at one of Fairfield’s two high schools,” said Debi Callan, co-president of the Woman’s Club. “This year the benefiting school is Fairfield Warde. Anything collected over the $2,500 goes to various charities like Fidelco Guide Dogs, Special Olympics, Relay for Life, the police department’s new K-9 Unit and more. We also give a drama award which this year was covered by a generous member of our Club.”

Reflecting on the Fair in general, Callan said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, for kids to shop for their moms and to support some great causes.”

Exhibitor Lois Barker, of Jean Elton Studio, offering platters, cups and dinnerware, was glad to be returning for a second year. “We like to support local art and events,” she said. “All our items are handmade at our Fairfield studio. It’s a great day today and we hope people will turn out to shop, especially for their deserving moms.”

Bruno Miglietta, sitting amongst his decorative lawn and mobile creations, was also a return vendor. “I’ve exhibited here for many years,” he said. “It’s one of the best shows. People are very friendly and the show is well organized. I’m glad we have a nice day today.”

Leading around his three-year-old twins, Elena and Nathan, Fairfielder Chris Mach said he was passing by, saw some nice crafts and thought he could find something for mom for Mother’s Day. “When you get a nice day like this, it’s good to get out and mingle, and it gives mom a break,” he said.

Missy Seymour and her mom, Gaye, were browsing the Fair together. “I came here not only with my mom but my sister and our dogs, too,” she said. “It’s a great day to be out with the family and this is always a good fair. We’re just looking for anything of interest. There’s always a couple of unique and interesting booths and I brought a couple bucks for baked goods.”

Westporters Shred a Few Pounds

Westporters Shred a Few Pounds:

Residents turf out tax docs, 

statements on Shred Day

(for Westport News)

By Mike Lauterborn

5/7/11

Westport, CT – It was an excuse to spring clean, help the environment and guard against identity theft, and Westporters took full advantage.

On Saturday morning May 7, dozens of town residents rolled up in the parking lot at the Westport/Weston Health District offices to dispose of accumulated sensitive documents as part of Community Shred Day, hosted by the Town of Westport. Facilitating the shredding with a truck onsite was Secure EcoShred of Brookfield. Drop-off was limited to three boxes (12” x 18”) or five paper bags. There was a $5 fee per car and participants were able to watch their papers get shredded via a monitor built into the side of the truck. Volunteers from the Staples High School Service League of Boys were onsite as helpers to break down boxes and guide drop-off.

Patty Strauss, Town Clerk and manager of the records management committee for the town, was the lead coordinator of the event. “We use EcoShred for town projects,” she said. “This is also their community service effort and they donate their time.”

Strauss added that this was the third annual event and that the idea was hatched by a Westport resident who wrote a letter to Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff saying that her daughter goes to college in North Carolina and participates in a community shred day there. The resident asked why we don’t have a shred day here. Gordon liked the idea and we organized it.”

“It’s environmentally responsible, a great way to clean out an attic but also key to preventing identity theft,” Strauss said. “We do this at this time of year for several reasons: it’s spring so you’re already doing spring cleaning, it’s close to Earth Day and it’s just after tax time when you have a lot of financial documents laying about.”

Strauss said the event is very popular. “Last year, we had about 120 cars come through, and that was in pouring rain,” she said. “As of 9 a.m. this year, we already had 25 cars roll up.”

Michael Martinez, EcoShred Operations Manager, who was onsite operating the shredder, commented on the shredder equipment. “There’s a commercial shredder built inside the truck,” he said. “The truck will hold six tons of paper. As long as the material is paper, it will take anything.”

Town resident Philip Mathews was one of the earlier arrivals. “This is a great service to the community and always done with a smile,” he said. “I’m dropping off business and personal finance papers. This is responsible disposal, and it’s terrific that young people are helping. It’s a great training ground toward citizenship.”

Another resident, Jon Polayes, was disposing of old tax documents. “This is a good idea for security reasons and is environmentally preferable,” he said. “I could have shredded at home, but it takes longer.”

Terrence Kelley pulled up with several bags full of bank and credit card statements. “I constantly do this at home myself, but this is easier – you just drop off 1, 2, 3.”

One in a Million Mom

One in a Million Mom:

A writer’s tribute to the world’s greatest mother

By Mike Lauterborn

5/8/11

Her smile lights up a room. Her warmth lights up the world. Her generosity knows no bounds. I’m proud to call her my mom.

Sylvia Lauterborn was born in May 1939 in a small coalmining town in South Wales. Teaching and nursing, then a stint as a stewardess with Pan American Airlines, led her to my dad, an American with upstate New York roots, and a budding marketing talent at General Electric Company. The two married in September 1963 and settled in Schenectady, NY, where GE was then headquartered. Mom had hung up her flying wings at that point, and focused on building a family. I appeared in December 1964, followed by a brother, David, in February 1967.

From the start, mom encouraged my creativity, introducing me to drawing, painting and modeling clay, which instilled in me a certain way of looking at the world. She taught me to read, through the Dick and Jane series of children’s books, a skill that opened my eyes and imagination to volumes of literature, other cultures and foreign lands while instilling in me a love and curiosity about words. Being a Brit, manners were a priority for her to teach – in this, she may only have been partially successful, but provided the guidelines nonetheless.

A lover of games, mom introduced me to playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, word scrambles and more, challenging my brain. Often, we would work on these collaboratively, which created special bonding moments.

Through my elementary school days, she helped me with my penmanship, tutored me on difficult subjects and praised my achievements. She was such a visible presence at my school that classmates embraced her as their mom figure as well.

In my high school years, mom tried her best to help me avoid pitfalls and dangers, while guiding me about dating, teaching me to drive and helping me excel with my schoolwork. At the same time, as a product of lean war years, she showed me how to make things last, reuse and recycle, ahead of her time as a green pioneer.

She also taught me the joys of being social and great acceptance of people, no matter what color, status or plight. She is always the first to strike up a conversation, to offer a hand, to make the introductions… even to offer a complete stranger room and board.

As I entered the working world fresh out of college, she took interest in my career pursuits, expressed concern for my well-being and even shared recipe cards so that I might prepare the same meals I’d enjoyed under her roof.

When I started my own family and then bought a first house, she was there with paintbrush in hand, grout mix and whatever other supplies or equipment to do some initial renovating. There seemed to be no limit to her energies, or willingness to help.

She continues to inspire -- painting landscapes, illustrating books, gardening, making her own clothing, quilting, genealogical research, home maintenance and traveling, among her many pursuits. She has an infectious passion for learning and maintains a genuine interest in people.

I’m happy to pay tribute to this very special woman and send heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day greetings to my Mom!

Much love and many hugs from your son,

Mike

Sip and Shop Celebrates 10 Years of Music For Youth

Sip and Shop Celebrates 
10 Years of Music For Youth:

J. McLaughlin fundraiser features classical performances in-store

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

5/7/11

Westport, CT – In a cove between shelves of spring clothing, the young prodigies plucked and stroked their instruments for an appreciative crowd of parents and local residents that had come to celebrate an important milestone.

Early Saturday evening May 7, J. McLaughlin clothing retailer at 1026 Post Road East helped the non-profit Music For Youth organization celebrate its 10th anniversary with an in-store fundraising soiree. Guests enjoyed wine, nibblies, live music performances by young people that play in the MFY’s master classes, and shopping, with 15% of the revenue from purchases during the 3-hour event donated to MFY.

“J. McLaughlin has a brand-new beautiful location, after just moving from its former home on Main Street,” said Cynthia Cummiskey, Secretary on the Board of MFY, “and one of our board members suggested we collaborate with them as the store is as dedicated to the community as MFY. This is a great way to celebrate our 10^th anniversary season, now beginning.”

The board member to whom Cummiskey referred was Elise Russi, from Westport. “I thought this partnership would be fitting and our small ensembles really gain exposure in a wonderful space,” she said.

As to the store’s role, manager Samantha Holmes said, “J. McLaughlin likes to give back,” she said. “Our space is perfect for special events. We like to highlight the space while doing a good community service.”

A parent, Mia Herstatt of Redding, whose child Olivia was a member of the quartet performing in the store, praised the program. “It has been a wonderful experience for Olivia to have such exposure in a high caliber musical setting and to experience this with other well versed young musicians,” she said. “They all see it as a celebration of music. I think music will be a lifelong pursuit and interest for my daughter.”

The organization’s matriarch, Marianne Liberatore, said it didn’t seem like 10 years had passed since the group became incorporated as a non-profit. “It’s been a wonderful time with amazing concerts highlighted throughout,” she said.

Liberatore also related some of the other anniversary activities that led up to the Sip and Shop store event. “Earlier today, we had a one-hour concert featuring prize-winning marimbist Pius Chung,” she said. “He was joined by Westconn master’s student Matt Bronson, who played various drums. Yesterday, we had a celebratory session at High Horizons School in Bridgeport wherein Cheung performed for all the band students there. When the program was over, there were about 25 students who wouldn’t go. They were so entranced. So he gave them mallets to play the marimba. The kids would play a rhythmic pattern while he provided the melody, all improvised. Everyone was so happy and, really, that’s the beauty of music.”

Pequot Library Trots Out All the Trimmings for Derby Day

Pequot Library Trots Out All the Trimmings for Derby Day:

Big ole hats and mint juleps rule

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield Citizen News)

5/7/11

Fairfield, CT – It had all the elements of the celebrated Churchill Downs event: fancy hats, a swing jazz soundtrack, navy blue blazers, Kentucky-style food, mint juleps… even racehorses. It was just a few miles further east… about 840 to be exact.

Late Saturday afternoon May 7, Pequot Library at 720 Pequot Ave. hosted its 3^rd Annual Derby Day, aligning with the 137^th Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses. Event highlights were numerous as Robin Jerrild, the library’s Special Events Coordinator, explained.

“We have 19 tailgating groups, including vintage automobiles and even a John Deere tractor, each with its own spread of food and beverages,” she said. “In addition, The Shack is here providing Kentucky fare including barbequed chicken, cornbread, coleslaw, briskets and sliders. Adjacent to that is a full bar donated by Diageo, with mint juleps as the special drink of the day.”

The title sponsor of the event was clothier Lilly Pulitzer, which provided multi-colored table linens and a number of gift baskets. New York-based Brenda Lynn was also on hand displaying and selling hats. A flatscreen outside and big screen in the library’s auditorium kept attendees apprised of all the race action. A pair of horses was brought onsite by non-profit Fairfield Bridle Trail. Finally, a 50/50 raffle allowed guests to select a favorite horse to win, place or show, for a cash prize.

A passing shower at the start of the event, that sent people scurrying under tents and umbrellas, yielded to bright sun. The rain did not dampen spirits at all, nor the competitive spirit in evidence.

“Like many people who don’t closely follow horseracing, I pick my horses not by odds but by name,” said guest Kelly Kingston. “Dialed Up and Midnight Interlude look good to me this year. A couple of years back, that strategy paid off – my horse came in second and I won some cash.”

Under the food tent, Chris Gould of Southport said that this was the second year she was participating. “We picked a winner last year,” she said. “Our money’s on Archarcharch; our sleeper pick is Brilliant Speed, at 30-1.”

“God Bless America and let’s watch the ponies!” said Southporter Alex Christon, chiming in.

Deborah Webb of Westport, who was set up with friends within their own tailgate space, said, “This is a great way to keep alive the horse community and showcase horses, but also socialize with Pequot Library members and friends. My pal Anya Porter and I are getting behind Animal Kingdom to win.”

Anya’s mother, Dorothy Porter, of Fairfield Bridle Trail, explained the connection between her organization and the library. “They give us two tailgate spots and 10 parking spots to provide both horses and riders in riding garb to enhance the event,” she said.

About the event itself, Porter added, “The Derby is big, and though based in the South, it’s really a national celebration. The library hosting it brings everyone together for a great springtime affair. It’s like Halloween in the spring. How fun is that?”

Candle Making Workshop Pays Tribute to Library Founder

Candle Making Workshop Pays Tribute to Library Founder:

Children mark Pequot Benefactress Virginia Monroe’s 174th Birthday

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 5/7)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

5/6/11

Fairfield, CT – It was a workshop and a birthday party all rolled into one. Crafts and cake you might say, to honor one of Southport’s greatest contributors.

Late Friday afternoon, about two dozen children and a few parents gathered at Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Avenue, to participate in a candle making workshop in honor of Virginia Monroe Marquand’s 174th birthday. Marquand was the founder and benefactress of the Pequot Library.

Virginia was born on April 29, 1837 and adopted by Frederick Marquand. She grew up in a Greek Revival house on the current-day library property. When Frederick passed and left her the estate, Virginia began building the pink stone building behind the mansion, to honor him. She gifted the library to the village of Southport in 1892, razed the estate and moved with her husband Elbert to Tarrytown, NY. 

“We do something every year to celebrate her birthday and I tell the kids Virginia’s story,” said Susan Ei, Children’s Librarian and the lead on the workshop program. “In the past we’ve done soapmaking, fly fishing and paper flowers. We always have a birthday cake. It comes around the time of Mother’s Day, so this year the candles will make great gifts for mom.”

Ei explained the parameters of the candle making session. “Each child will make two candles – one in a fancy teacup, the other in a paper cup filled with seashells. The seashells will become embedded and we’ll peel away the paper to reveal the formed candles with the shells visible inside,” she said.

The process, which Ei learned on the fly, involves melting the wax, adding color and scent, preparing and inserting a wick and filling the containers. The session also involved the creation of gift bags in which to present the candles.

The children sat at workstations at several tables that had been set up and busily inserted wicks in their cups then filled the paper ones with shells. As Sydney Woo, 6, of Fairfield, filled hers, she held up a shell to her ear and said, “I can hear the ocean in this snail shell.” She added, “I like the shape of the shells. This will make a pretty candle for my mom.”

The children then switched gears to gather on a mat on the library floor on which a pile of stampers and buckets of crayons had been placed, with which to design the paper gift bags. As they worked, library helpers came around with pitchers of melted wax and filled the various cups.

Looking over the shoulders of her two boys at their completed gift bags and candles, parent Leslie Geary said, “Susan is one of the best librarians ever. Her programs are always original and unique. We knew it would be a treat to be here today. I have a feeling I might see these on Mother’s Day.”

Dogwood Fest a Blooming Good Time

Dogwood Fest a Blooming Good Time:

Annual Greenfield Hill event runs 

through May 8

(posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 5/7)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

5/6/11

Fairfield, CT – The skies were bright, the tents were staked, the blossoms were blossoming and hot dogs grilling. An annual tradition had returned to Fairfield, and was anticipated to draw thousands throughout its weekend run.

Centered around the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church at 1045 Old Academy Road, the 76th Annual Dogwood Festival was in full swing opening day Friday afternoon, offering a wide array of exhibits, entertainment, kids activities and more.

Event co-chair Debby Cooke, manning an information table in front of the church, provided a detailed Fest overview. “We have 51 juried crafts vendors onsite – a mix of jewelers, furniture, portrait makers, photographers, clothing, wearable accessories and lawn items,” she said. “Inside the church, we have a plant tent, children’s games and musical performances. Just outside, we have a large food tent run by the church selling baked goods, hot dogs and hamburgers. Alongside that, the Senior Pilgrim Fellowship is selling food, to raise money to send church youth to Appalachia to help build homes for the needy. We’re also offering a walking tour of the church and grounds.”

Cooke said another popular attraction is Kate’s Corner, which is essentially an upscale tag sale/boutique, offering both clothing items and antiques. Other weekend highlights include the Dogwood Dash Saturday morning and a “Raise the Roof” party Saturday evening.

“We get several thousand visitors who come to see the dogwoods in bloom, experience musical performances and just enjoy time with friends and family,” said Cooke. “The majority of all funds raised goes to over 30 charities as well as organizations in India, where the church maintains a school.”

With regard to the dogwoods, and the weather, Cooke said, “The dogwoods are in bloom and looking fine. The weather’s supposed to be beautiful over the weekend, with just a passing shower Saturday, otherwise in the 70s.”

One of the vendors onsite, Carol Lebeaux, a silhouettist, said she had been exhibiting at the Fest for over 20 years. “It’s a wonderful show,” she said. “Visitors are great. Many people come back to me year after year with their children, making silhouettes a family tradition.”

Another vendor, Som Clark, a name bracelet maker, was returning for her sixth year. “My bracelets are very popular with a lot of kids,” she said. “Visitors are very friendly and enthusiastic. It’s a nice show, especially when the weather’s good.”

Dina Baker, of “To the Queen’s Tastes”, was serving up British specialty desserts. “This is my third or fourth year here,” she said. “I love coming here. People love our fresh ingredients and the fact that we sell day of, nothing day old.”

Looking over several trays of impatiens in the plant sale area, visitor Carol Goddard, of Fairfield, said she had been coming to the event since moving to the area in 1978. “They didn’t used to have a craft show initially,” she recalled. “The event was much more modest, with mostly the plants, church events and dogwoods. It has really grown since then. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, especially with beautiful weather like we’re having this afternoon.”

Strolling the grounds with her boys Grant and Evan, ages 2 and 4 respectively, Sara Snyder of Fairfield said, “We’ve been coming for the past three years. Evan did the Dogwood Mini Dash last year and will do it again tomorrow. There are so many things to enjoy here and we love looking at the plants and Kate’s Corner stuff.”

Anne Mele, of Fairfield, who was toting a large bag of popcorn and a pastry for her kids, said she grew up in town and has been coming to the Fest for the past 15 years. “The best thing about it is they are so committed to their charitable causes and meet immediately after the weekend ends to disburse the funds,” she said. “Giving back is what it’s really all about. Of course, there are the beautiful dogwoods to see. The event hits two key things in one.”

A master gardener quite familiar with the dogwood tree’s profile, Mele added, “Legend has it that the petals symbolize the cross, a stain on the leaves represents Jesus’ blood as he was nailed to the crucifix, and the upraised center represents his thorny crown. It’s a nice native tree, that birds love, and has seasonal interest throughout the year.”

Dogwood Festival Hours:

Friday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 8, Noon to 5 p.m.