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.

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.