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.

Going Green

Going Green

(For We’ve Got Answers column, Mar/Apr Fairfield Magazine)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

12/1/10

Q: Where’s the best place to go in town to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

The perception in the United States, not surprisingly, is that March is the month of the Irish and the time to celebrate all things Irish, and that culminates on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. To mark the occasion, Fairfield’s own Gaelic American Club at 74 Beach Road, a town anchor since its relocation from Bridgeport in 1992, has a number of activities planned.

To its membership of nearly 6,000 and their guests, the Club offers three key events leading up to the big day. On March 5, the Club hosts its annual St. Pat’s Dinner Dance. On the afternoon of March 12, a Children’s St. Pat’s Party and Storytime will take place. Scheduled for March 13, an annual cultural night highlights the club’s dancers, musicians, language groups, play group Clan na Gael and the Fairfield Gaelic Pipe & Drum Band. The Club also hosts a Communion Breakfast for the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Open to non-members for a nominal cover charge, March 17 events kick off at noon with live bands in the pub and music and dance performances in the main Carolan Room. A limited menu includes corned beef sandwiches, fish and chips and Irish breads.

For a full calendar of Club events, visit www.gaconline.org

Blue and Gray

Blue and Gray

(For We’ve Got Answers column in Mar/Apr issue Fairfield Mag)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

12/1/10

Q: What was Fairfield’s role in the Civil War?

It was 150 years ago that war erupted between the states. Fairfield men were not eager to join up and it took cash incentives from the town’s selectmen to encourage many to enlist. Even so, some bought medical exemptions or sent others in their place. Most Fairfielders that did enlist were placed in the 17th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, which saw action at Gettysburg among other battle sites.

The town’s most noted Civil War veteran was John B. Morehouse. In 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company D of the 1st Connecticut Cavalry Regiment. Over a four-year period, the cavalry engaged the enemy on 93 occasions and had the honor of escorting General Grant at Appomatox to receive the surrender of General Lee in 1865. Reaching the rank of Major, Morehouse was wounded twice and returned to Fairfield a hero.

To mark the war’s anniversary, the Fairfield Museum & History Center plans an interactive, self-directed tour in April of the East Cemetery on Old Post Road. Buried there are 18 Fairfield men that fought in the Civil War. Museum volunteers, ideally in period military uniforms, will be stationed beside each relevant gravesite to provide background about these soldiers and virtually bring them back to life.

For cemetery tour details, visit www.FairfieldHistoricalSociety.org

Man About Town: Dunkin’ Drop-in

Man About Town: Dunkin’ Drop-in

(column for March 4 Fairfield Citizen news)

By Mike Lauterborn

2/27/11

A sunny Sunday morning, fast-melting snow and a slick newspaper insert with a splashy photo of its new Big N’ Toasty Breakfast Sandwich inspired a trek to Dunkin’ Donuts at 593 Post Road.

Founded in 1950, the chain, with more than 9,700 locations in 31 countries worldwide, is one of America’s favorite everyday, all-day stops for coffee and baked goods. The retailer draws over $6 billion in global system-wide sales and opened 574 new locations worldwide just last year.

Patrons of the Fairfield location rarely think of its connection to a wider corporate network, however, and have adopted the store as a neighborhood fixture. Its feel is not that of a chain store but a mom-and-pop run café.

“I come here pretty much every Sunday,” said Bridgeporter Warren Bish, who has been a patron for the past four years. “It’s usually on the way to where I’m going, is quick and there’s a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. I come here so often, the clerks usually know what I’m going to get before I even order.”

Bish was enjoying sausage, egg and cheese on a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel, which he described as his favorite.

The atmosphere certainly appeals – large picture windows looking out onto the busy Post Road, raspberry-colored tabletops and trim, modern lighting and checkerboard square tiling.

A true veteran of the establishment and 63-year resident of Fairfield, Bob Kutsagoitz has seen Dunkin’ evolve over time. “I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, since it opened about 50 years ago. Brooks Barrett owned it back then. It was like a one-man operation. He used to bake the donuts and serve coffee.”

The store was a pioneering business then, said Kutsagoitz. “This area was swampland. There used to be a clothing store called Robert Hall’s next door. The Dunkin’ store was small then and had tables and bar stools for two along the window. There were no four-seat tables like now. It was very family oriented and they didn’t have soda or juices, just coffee and donuts. Truckers used to stop in, too.”

The long-time patron has seen the retailer adapt, which hasn’t always been for the better. “The place has changed hands several times over the years. The latest owners doubled the size of the store and number of products sold and got a variance to build out to the roadside. With the introduction of sandwiches and other items, the wait got a bit longer at the register. Sometimes you just want to come in and get a coffee.”

Fairfielders Ben and Mary Ann Troidle have been coming to Dunkin’ every Sunday for the past seven years. “We like to have a light breakfast snack,” said Ben. “We both have the same thing every time – a Boston crème donut and latte for me and iced tea and jelly donut for Mary Ann. We’re creatures of habit.”

The menu is certainly wide enough to offer choices. It runs from breakfast sandwiches, bagels, muffins and classic Munchkins to lunch items like tuna salad and flatbread sandwiches. Of course, the coffee, from lattes to Coolatas, are a big attraction to the patronizing populace. This includes a mix of Fairfield University students, retirees, young parents with sports-involved kids and small clusters of friends who congregate and catch up on weekly events.

Customers stream through the door at a constant rate, queue up at the service counter and are invariably greeted “Hi, can I help you?” from staffers like this morning’s crew Assistant Manager Enrique and counter help Annette, Romi and Chris. They dart from baskets of baked goods and brewing machines to grills and toasters, staying two steps ahead of the flow.

With my 32-ounce “light and sweet” iced coffee in hand, I stepped back out into the steadily warming morning, another Man About Town mission completed.  

Quilt Exhibit A Treasure Trove of Handmade History

Quilt Exhibit A Treasure Trove of Handmade History

(Front page feature of Fairfield Sun March 3 issue)

By Mike Lauterborn

2011. All Rights Reserved.

2/22/11

Southport, CT – Quilts can tell a story, celebrate an event, provide warmth on a cold night and evoke memories of a beloved family member. They are an enduring constant in an ever-changing world. Now over 150 of them will be on display for all to experience at a local house of worship.

On March 4 and 5, the Southport Congregational Church at 524 Pequot Avenue will host “A Quilt Exhibit – Fabrics and Fabrications”, a special show focused on quilts as fashion through the decades. In addition to the unique handmade wonders, a boutique set-up will feature an array of high fashion quilted couture and accessories. A daily luncheon and silent auction round out the affair. A majority of proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut, Emerge, Inc., and Project Learn.

The Sun caught up with the event’s founder and organizers as well as a leading group of participating quilters to get their unique perspectives about the exhibit. 

Event Inception, Quilting History

In Spring 2001, long-time quilter and Southport Congregational Church member Cecily Zerega traveled to Cohasset, Massachusetts to see a quilt exhibit at another congregation there. Recognizing that there were no similar shows in the Fairfield area, Zerega approached Minister Paul Whitmore about hosting one to benefit charity. He approved the idea, Zerega formed the Fabrics and Fabrications committee and secured the three charity partners.

“We wanted a couple of charities that were either local, small or benefited women and children. My husband was on the board with Make-A-Wish at the time, so that was a natural. Then we added Emerge and, two years ago, Project Learn,” said Zerega. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Emerge provides transitional housing to survivors of domestic violence. Project Learn offers after-school programming in Bridgeport.

As to planning the event’s launch, Zerega said, “We put the word out to friends and family and, honestly, didn’t know how many quilts we would end up with. But we got 150 that first year, which became the maximum number for display going forward. The quilts really occupy every free space in the church’s Sanctuary, halls and chapel. Old quilts, new quilts, latest styles, heirlooms…Three Fairfield middle schools even have quilts in the show this year.”

Historically, Zerega said quilts have been around since 3,500 B.C. as evidenced by a figure shown in a quilted garment at one of the great pyramids of Egypt. She also cited early examples from the Far East and during the time of the Crusades in the 13^th and 14^th centuries. Crusaders bound for the Middle East used quilted garments under their armor to help prevent bruises and blisters.

Those same quilted clothing ideas were carried to Europe and became popular particularly with men’s clothing – vests and coats – in the 16^th century. Very ornate quilted petticoats also came into fashion. All along, quilts were used for bedding and stuffed with such insulating materials as leaves, grass and animal hair. The Baltimore Album quilts in the early 1800s, as well as Friendship quilts, in which different individuals each contribute blocks to make a quilt, were given as wedding gifts, baby gifts or farewell tokens. They’ve become cherished heirlooms passed down from generation to generation.

Personally, Zerega began quilting 50 years ago. “I grew up sewing and knew how to sew. I took one set of workshops initially, and went to the Rhode Island School of Design and crafted needlepoint, stenciled rugs, quilts and knitting patterns.”

Exhibit Highlights

“Part of the original premise was that this would be low-cost,” said Zerega about the exhibit, now in its ninth year. She cited a low admission price of $7, a quilt registration fee of $5 and luncheon tagged at $12. Those funds along with in-kind donations, contributions from individual and corporate underwriters, and boutique sales benefit the partner organizations. “Better than 90% of proceeds are given to charity,” said Zerega.

A special exhibit in the church library supplements the main exhibit and carries a different theme each year. One year, it was maritime-themed, with quilts, scrimshaw and ship models. Another year, carvings and baskets were showcased. This year’s theme is “quilted couture – wearable art”, featuring 20 garments, from professional quilters from all over the country, displayed on mannequins. “These are complicated and gorgeous,” said Zerega.

Another favorite side element is the boutique, organized by fellow congregation members Joan Huntington and Susan Kunkel. A booth set up in the main room of the church, the boutique contains over 200 handmade items including mini quilts, needlepoint, knitted items, children’s aprons, quilted totes and backpacks, made throughout the year by fifteen active members of the committee.

“Angie Supernaw, who is 99, has contributed dozens of items for the boutique each year,” said Zerega. “She is always asking for more work. She only likes to get up in the morning when she has a project to do, so we try to keep her busy.”

Zerega said over 70 volunteers, like Supernaw, help out with the exhibition in some way, shape or form, from set-up and serving to the flower arrangements and raffle. They include representatives from nine different churches, a synagogue and unaffiliated volunteers. “This is really a community event,” she said.

Sally Conti is another noted volunteer, who takes it upon herself to make all the luncheon food. This year’s menu includes quiche, salad, homemade rolls and dessert. Conti makes enough to serve 100 people each day, who must advance register for the meal.

A show preview night will be held Thursday, March 3, featuring a reception with a self-catered simple buffet, guessing game to win a necklace or bracelet and a silent auction to win a doll donated by Washington-based artist Elinor Peace Bailey.

An Event Backbone: BeeAttitudes

Among the many quilting groups participating in the exhibit is BeeAttitudes. Its coordinator, Bridgeporter Karen MacDonald, formed the group 11 years ago when Rev. Laura Whitmore was seeking designer items for the church’s Rooms With A View fundraiser. MacDonald suggested a quilt raffle and, the first year, provided a quilt featuring landmarks of Southport. The group contributed a quilt annually until the quilt exhibit event emerged. Now, MacDonald and three other active members – Nancy Bertini, Judi Heath and Norma Wiser – provide a raffle quilt for the exhibit and create a giveaway quilt to donate to each of the three charity organizations the show benefits.

MacDonald is a fourth generation quilter who has been making quilts since high school. “I was taught by my mother who learned through her mother and grandmother. My mother enjoyed traditional patchwork techniques. My generation of quilters are now considered “fiber” artists, using techniques and textiles incorporating international influences.”

Quilts speak to MacDonald on many levels. “I enjoy the fellowship of our group’s time together and learning new quilting techniques. I also use quilts as my life journal, representing different stages of my life. It’s a wonderful creative expression, especially with the variety of fabrics that are available to the modern quilter.”

MacDonald says the exhibit is truly special. “There’s something very magical about the display of quilts in the church, even spiritual, with almost a hush as people admire the variety of pieces.”

SIDEBAR

Caught Up in Quilting

He’s a publicist working with the Fairfield Museum and has been assisting (for the past three years) the organizers of “A Quilt Exhibit” at Southport Congregational Church. He’s also a quilter.

Fairfielder Steve Gaynes caught the quilting bug initially from his wife, a quilter for over 25 years. But it was a tag-along to a quilt store in New York City that sewed up his interest. “In walked a professor from Brooklyn College who was displaying his quilts and I said, ‘If he can do it, I can do it,’” recalled Gaynes. “We bought some fabric that intrigued me and I signed up for classes through Close to Home quilt store in Milford. I made my first quilt, a Serger quilt, in August 2006. It was rewarding to walk away with a finished product.”

That same year, he and his wife went away to a quilting-focused bed and breakfast in Wisconsin where they spent the entire week quilting, eating and sightseeing. The quilting was all done on old sewing machines. “Mine was a 1945 Singer,” Gaynes said.

He made two quilts that week, one of which he showed at the quilt exhibit three years ago. He has entered another quilt this year, on which he has spent a good four years. “I worked on it in drips and drabs as time allowed around work and home schedules. It’s from a pattern called Just Can’t Cut It, which is a mix and match of all different sized squares.”

Gaynes said he has gained a real appreciation for quilting and what goes into it and, as such, has become a top promoter of the event. “No one should miss this exhibit – it’s really special and a great effort for charity. We raised nearly $40,000 last year and had over 700 attendees. It would be wonderful to top those numbers this year.”

‘Pride and Purpose’ Brings Alums and Students Together

‘Pride and Purpose’ Brings Alums and Students Together:

Annual UMOJA Dinner honors black Americans

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 2/26)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

2/26/11

Fairfield, CT – Black, brown, tan. They were all represented here and gathered for a common cause – to celebrate their history and honor those that helped create it.

Held early Saturday evening in the Oak Room of the Barone Center on Fairfield University’s North Benson Road campus, the third annual “Pride and Purpose” Dinner was the culmination of school activities marking Black History Month. Event highlights included a buffet-style dinner; dance, poetry and song performances; and a tribute to Civil Rights activist Dorothy Height. Organized by UMOJA, the university’s black and Caribbean student association, the dinner was attended by over 50 people including alumni, faculty and current students.

Maria Sanchez, a sophomore and president of UMOJA, led the event, with support from fellow coordinators Desiree Gordon, Gaelle Isazu and Isata Kargbo. Sanchez said she was proud of the group and its work and stressed its importance on campus. “It’s great for us to have a forum to meet, socialize, discuss issues and create events that highlight our cultures.”

Added fellow sophomore Jazmin Fermin, who read the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou and performed a praise dance, “I like that UMOJA, even though its mostly African American focused, accommodates people of Caribbean cultures, too. We have common dances, like Pallo, and foods like casave. And we get to meet people from other places.”

Freshman Astrid Quinones, who sang “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey, said, “For this university to recognize minorities is a big step given its history. We’re drawing from the talent of our group to expand upon our cultural background and be proud of who we are as people.”

To help focus attention on the program, quotations were set at each place setting featuring African proverbs or notable sayings from both historic and contemporary black Americans. These ran the gamut from Booker T. Washington to actor Bill Cosby.

Alumnus Janice Jones, class of 1980, was glad to attend. “It’s important to be here to offer continuity and a sense of history and community to current students.”

Daphne Robinson, who earned her graduate degree at the university in 2006, added, “I don’t really read or meditate about black history. This is a great opportunity to get back in touch and build a network of people of color.”

Will Johnson, Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Office of Student Diversity Programs, said the evening was particularly important. “I think we lost touch with black history in past years. I was glad that we were able to put so many great events together this month to mark black history.

Class of ’82 alumnus Carolyn Roman was just glad to be back on campus. “Fairfield has a special place in my heart. This is the beginning of much more to come.”