Pequot Library Annual Report 2021-2022

PEQUOT LIBRARY

Annual Report

A L etter from the Executive Director and the President of the Board of Trustees

Welcome to the many new Southport, Fairfield, and Westport residents who have settled in our community as of late! We hope you’ll take advantage of the cultural offerings, volunteer opportunities, and services that have been the hallmark of Pequot Library for over 130 years.

We wish to express our deepest thanks to members of the Pequot Library Association for your continued and unwavering support during this past year of transition and transformation. The Library has much to celebrate. As global pandemic restrictions have eased, we’ve pivoted from surviving to thriving, filling staff vacancies, and presenting a lineup of library services and programs that have delighted patrons young and old. Music again fills our historic auditorium, visiting authors have charmed and enlightened audiences through both digital and in-person formats, and our on-site and online exhibitions have spotlighted unique items only found in our Special Collections. Our volunteers — some of whom have served the Library daily for decades — have resumed their stalwart assistance, and our Board of Trustees has strategized innovative ways for increasing our visibility.

Along with senior-level staff, they’ve also started formulating a strategic process that promises to sustain this organization for generations to come.

This past fiscal year, Pequot Library has embraced our position as a visible player in the local arts and culture and public library community, and shined a light on timely issues through our public programming. Our two-day Pequot Library Climate Summit 2022 with guest speaker Edwina von Gal, a sustainable landscape designer, garnered much praise and allowed us to toast the efforts of activists working in our midst. Throughout the year, the Library partnered with a number of local organizations, from the Aspetuck Land Trust and Sustainable Fairfield to Save the Children and many more.

Our fundraising efforts hit new highs. We garnered $210,000 in donations from three drives: the end-of-calendar-year appeal, Fairfield County’s Community Giving Day, and the end-of-fiscal-year appeal. Pequot Library also received a $79,500 grant from CT Humanities for a Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant, among other monies. Individual donors and contributions from businesses and corporations remain the Library’s backbone, in addition to the critical financial support from the Town of Fairfield. We thank and bid farewell to trustees R. Scott Balkan (10 years of service) and Sean Kelly (six years), both of whom served in the capacity of officers and active committee members during their tenures. Joe Coci, who served on the Building and Grounds and Finance/Investments Committees, stepped down from his role in the summer of 2022 and will be greatly missed. Thank you to Sean, Scott, and Joe for their outstanding service to Pequot Library.

Be sure to view the current exhibition, The Lure of the Garden: The Enduring Desire to Work and Shape the Land. This exhibition and the accompanying material take you through the past, present, and future of horticulture and agriculture through the lens of Pequot Library’s Special Collections. The Lure of the Garden will be on view in the Perkin Gallery through February 5, 2023.

With appreciation, Stephanie J. Coakley Nelson North Executive Director President of the Board of Trustees

As a public association library 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Pequot Library relies on the generosity of the Town of Fairfield, donors, corporate and community partners, and Friends of Pequot Library memberships.

Table of Contents

Board of Trustees and Staff

OFFICERS

Nelson North, President

Coke Anne Wilcox, Executive Vice President

Christopher Wright, Vice President of Investments

R. Scott Balkan, Treasurer

Kelly D. Laferriere, Assistant Treasurer Lynn Van Winkle, Secretary

TRUSTEES

Joe Coci

Caroline Gibson Lynne Laukhuf Thomas Lawlor

Ellen Levinson James Powers Charlotte Rogan Belinda Shepard Matt Wagner Richard “Deej” Webb

EX-OFFICIO

Sean Kelly

as of October 23, 2022

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Stephanie J. Coakley

STAFF FULL-TIME

Grace Calderon, Development Manager

Christine Catallo, Chief Librarian

Caroline Owens Crawford, Advancement & Community Relations Manager (through June 2022)

Cecily Dyer, Special Collections Librarian

John Kofron, Youth & Teen Library Services Manager

STAFF PART-TIME

Alexandra Heekin, Development and Administrative Assistant Victoria Konopka, Special Projects Graphic Designer

Jane Manners, Children’s Librarian Jessica McEntee, Marketing Associate Jennifer Prat, Creative Projects Manager

LIBRARY SERVICES PART-TIME

Vasilia Kaouris Meghan Klemm Tierney Latham Leslie Mahtani Denise Martin Natalie Martino Kay Naka

Wendy Savino (through August 2022) Connor Simcox (through June 2022) Barbara Valk

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Luz Carmona

Owen Lockwood

Bob Repko

CONTRACTED TEAM

Elizabeth A. S. Beaudin, Ph.D., Special Collections (through February 2022) John Gleckler, Finance/H.R. Manager

Shirley Ferguson Jenks, Development/Fundraising

Janet Zamparo, Grant Writer

OPERATING REVENUE

Town & State Grants $350,000 $350,000

Annual Giving Contributions $239,726 $354,412

Contributions – Nonrecurring $10,071 $16,992

Grants for Operations $76,588 $98,200

Contributions / Grants for Capital $26,850 $1,102,005

Investment Draw $200,000 $120,000

Fundraising / Special Events $279,510 $138,850

Library Services & Programming $130,720 $114,898

Other Income $36,410 $9,077

TOTAL REVENUE $1,349,875 $2,304,434

OPERATING EXPENSES

Salaries & Benefits $707,467 $636,218

Special Events $58,354 $30,231

Library Services & Programming $252,673 $190,912

Physical Building & Property $195,524 $137,912

Other Operating $185,232 $177,872

Capital Expenditure & Reserve (1) $50,724 $1,091,804

EXPENSES $1,449,974 $2,264,949

$(100,099) $39,485

$3,985,347

OPERATING REVENUE

OPERATING EXPENSES

Year in Review Dashboard

Year in Review Dashboard

*Pequot Library items checked out at all three Fairfield libraries.

Advancement/Development

ADVANCEMENT/DEVELOPMENT

Pequot Library experienced a resurgence in 2021-2022 after the pandemic came under control and people were ready to get back to life as usual. The year kicked off with a bang with a donor appreciation party: a hoe-down complete with line dancing, hay bales, and cowboy boots to celebrate supporters of our campaign for restoring the historic red-tiled roof. Thanks to everyone who contributed, the Library has been water-tight for a year now. The 60th Summer Book Sale soon followed, which we hosted back under the tents as we know and love it. From summer on, we hit the ground running with face-to-face programs, community-wide events, and fundraisers. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we cannot thank you all enough for the reliable stream of support that allows Pequot Library to provide our many programs and services, the vast majority of which come at no cost to our patrons.

ROOF RESTORATION CAMPAIGN

In July, supporters of the overdue and urgent need to restore the historic red-tiled roof celebrated the completion of the $1.6 million campaign and building project with a “hoe-down” event on the Great Lawn, catered by Emily’s Catering Group, with entertainment by Pat Cannon’s Foot & Fiddle Dance Company. State Senator Tony Hwang and Town of Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, as well as other local dignitaries, were in attendance for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. We’re grateful to all of the donors who contributed to this important project, especially the Town of Fairfield, the Dillon Fund, and an anonymous donor.

ANNUAL FUND APPEALS

Funds raised through annual appeals are an essential portion of the Library’s operating budget. This year, three separate drives (the endof-calendar-year appeal, Fairfield County’s Community Giving Day, and the end-of-fiscal-year appeal) raised $210,447 for the Library, a 30 percent increase over the prior year. Unrestricted funds are essential to keep the operations of Pequot Library running, the lights on, and doors open. The institution is indebted to the individuals, family foundations, and businesses who give their time and resources to help raise and contribute unrestricted funds for daily operations, critical programs, and special projects.

INDIVIDUAL GIFTS

Individuals continue to provide the most significant support for Library activities, including Special Collections exhibitions, library services/ literacy programs, and public programs. For extraordinarily generous individual gifts, we thank our new Founders’ Society members Bettina McKee and Sandi and Chris Wright for donating $10,000 each. We also thank Sustaining Members Nelson and Peg North, Joan Frost (Special Collections), Celie Campbell, Lynne Laukhuf, and Thomas Taglieri.

LIBRARY GIVING DAY

On April 6, 2022, Pequot Library participated for the first time in Library Giving Day, a campaign that encourages people worldwide to donate to their individual library systems. Pequot Library raised $10,500 from 84 donors, and we allocated the earnings to our budget for book and ebook purchases, enhancing the circulating collection with 330 additional print books and 50 ebooks.

PHOTOGRAPHY (IMAGES A, C, E): KERRY LONG PHOTOGRAPHY. PHOTOGRAPHY (IMAGES B, D, F): JENNIFER PRAT.

Advancement/Development

FOUNDATION and GRANT SUPPORT

CT Humanities awarded three major grants to Pequot Library this year. First, they helped underwrite a Special Collections exhibition: Magic, Mayhem, and Maturity: The Growth of Youth Fantasy Literature. Second, they awarded us a $10,000 SHARP grant to increase our ability to serve audiences digitally with new software, hardware, and training, bringing us into the 21st century. Finally, the Library was awarded $79,500 for a Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant, which assists with the Library’s general operating budget. It requires reporting about visitor demographics.

We received a restricted gift for the forthcoming restoration to the ground-level stained glass windows in the auditorium from the Quidditch Foundation, Inc. ($10,000). We received grants for School Programs from the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund ($3,500) and People’s United Community Foundation ($2,500), as well as a new laptop computer from Fairfield Rotary Club ($1,000). The Library also received a $4,000 grant from an anonymous foundation for audiovisual and computer upgrades to the auditorium to help with recording and live streaming programs.

This year, more than 20 family foundations donated over $33,000 in unrestricted support of operations, library services, and capital special projects. Several family foundations have been giving for many consecutive years, and we extend a special thanks to the following: the Clarence and Anne Dillon Dunwalke Trust, the Grace Jones Richardson

Trust, the Irwin and Dorothy Nessel Foundation, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Allison Foundation, and the Wilmot Wheeler Foundation, Inc.

BUSINESS/CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS

Pequot Library has received support from the business/corporate community in Fairfield and beyond. This year, 50 corporate entities provided over $53,000. The Library’s popular Derby Day fundraiser set a new record with $27,250 in corporate sponsorships, as did the Southport Garden Stroll with $19,500 of corporate support. Special thanks go to Butler Tibbetts, Kasson Jewelers, Morgan Stanley, On the Harbor, and The Russell Agency.

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Pequot Library continues to be grateful for critical support provided by the Town of Fairfield for general operating needs. Town funding has remained level since 2009 and comprises 26% of our operating budget.

SPECIAL EVENTS and BOOK SALES

After a two-year hiatus, Derby Day returned with the highest attendance to date. More than 600 attendees braved the rain in their finest outfits to tailgate, watch the Run for the Roses, and dance under the tent. The surprise race results added another layer of excitement. The Library netted $90,447, far greater than the $56,600 budget we aimed for.

Advancement/Development

The third Southport Garden Stroll was also a blowout success, welcoming over 800 guests to the village of Southport. This event kicked off on June 2 with a cocktail party hosted at the home of Sandi and Chris Wright with guest speaker Laura Dowling (former White House florist) and flowers donated by Keric Keney from Butternut Farms. The Stroll commenced on Friday morning with a ticketed breakfast with Nash Hill at 9 a.m. Tours ran from 10 to 1 or 1 to 4 and included the option of adding a lunch from Gruel Britannia and/or a Rosé All Day ticket for an additional cost. Twelve library neighbors generously opened their gardens to guests, and 15 vendors set up shop on the Great Lawn.

Pequot Library hosted three book sales in 2021-2022: the summer sale in July, which was in-person again, the Black Friday/Saturday Sale in November, and a spring sale in April. Shoppers returned from all over New England to browse gently used books and media, and to bond over a love of reading. All three book sales were well-attended, and while revenues didn’t quite meet pre-pandemic levels, overall there was an increase from the prior year.

PLANNED GIVING

The Library’s 1889 Society has been reinvigorated with a formalized membership and acknowledgement policy. New members have alerted us that they have recognized Pequot Library Association in their estate plans. In March we hosted our first 1889 Society and special library supporter appreciation reception. Board members, trustees,

and guests learned more about items from the Special Collections in the Dillon Reading Room. If you would like to be included in this group, please reach out to the Development Office at development@ pequotlibrary.org or by calling (203) 259-3046 (ext. 125).

BEQUESTS

Pequot Library was the grateful recipient of two significant bequests in the 2022 fiscal year. Of note, the Library thanks Laura MacKenzie, sister of genealogy expert Rod MacKenzie, now deceased, for remembering Pequot Library in her estate plans. These bequests both provide for the Library for many years to come and allow us to remember important patrons. The Library also thanks Satenig St. Marie, a long-time supporter of Pequot Library who passed away in early 2022. Over her lifetime, Satenig amassed a fanciful collection of dollhouses, which she left to Pequot LIbrary in her will. There are many ways to make planned gifts to the Library. Please reach out to the Development Office if you would like to discuss estate planning by emailing development@ pequotlibrary.org or calling (203) 259-3046 (ext. 125).

IN-KIND

Every year, the Library receives valuable support from donors who provide indispensable in-kind services to the organization. We especially recognize the following: Be Chocolat, Gabi Coatsworth, Butternut Farms, Susannah Eykyn, Highland Imports, and Shake Shack.

One of my favorite places in town!

Community Relations & Outreach

DOCENTS AND VOLUNTEERS

Pequot Library boasts a group of hard-working and dedicated volunteers. Our devoted Book Sale and online sales teams work in the Library every day and manage all of the methods of selling books, from executing the three book sales, listing and shipping books on Amazon, maintaining the Pequot Library digital storefront, and listing old and interesting books not suitable for our Special Collections on online sites. Over 200 volunteers converge during the Summer Book Sale to run this large fundraiser that attracts nearly 10,000 shoppers from across the region. In addition to book sale operations, volunteers assist with school tours. Docents lead tours of the Special Collections exhibitions year-round, and our volunteer-led Southport Walking tours sell out every month. High school students from Fairfield College Preparatory School and Laurelton Hall in Milford help in the office when they can, and our partnerships with mother-and-children teams from the National Charity League (NCL) and Scholars & Athletes Serving Others (SASO) provide invaluable support year-round for our community-wide events and library services.

RENÉE B. FISHER FOUNDATION and BOOKS FOR TEACHERS

Pequot Library is grateful to the Renee B. Fisher Foundation for its annual grant that provides funds for educators from Bridgeport, New Haven, and other underserved areas to shop the Summer Book Sale, stocking their classroom libraries. Teacher attendance at the 2021 Summer Book Sale was lighter than in previous years due to challenges associated with the ongoing global pandemic.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Pequot Library is proud to partner with peer community organizations to heighten awareness of pertinent issues, sparking important conversations. In 2021-2022, several organizations reached out to the Library to host timely programs. These groups include Aspetuck Land Trust, local garden clubs, Impact Fairfield County, Sasquanaug Association, Save the Children, and Southport Conservancy. Several local groups held concerts in the historic auditorium, including the Fairfield Ludlowe High School Chamber Orchestra, Joe Santaniello Vocal Studio, and Westport School of Music. Additionally, many local music teachers held recitals in the auditorium, including Music for Youth.

Planned Giving

THE 1889 SOCIETY

The 1889 Society recognizes and honors friends and patrons who have made a commitment to the future of Pequot Library by including Pequot Library in their estate plans. The society is named for the year of the Association’s incorporation.

In Memoriam

Please join us in celebrating the lives and memories of these friends and supporters who passed away in fiscal year July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022.

Planned giving helps to ensure the future of the Library’s success, and we are grateful to all who have chosen us to be a part of their legacy. 1889 Society members are offered exclusive benefits as Library benefactors. To learn more about planned giving, contact us at plannedgiving@pequotlibrary.org.

Ellen Corey Bert DeForest

Cynnie Goldrick

Raphael Hodgson

George Markley

Bruce Marquand

Jean-Marie Murren

Bracken O’Neill

Nancy Phillips

Dennis Sheehan

Joel Smilow

Sheila Traub

We celebrated the 1889 Society in March 2022 with an intimate cocktail hour and an opportunity to explore selections from our Special Collections with Special Collections Librarian Cecily Dyer in the Dillon Reading Room. Selections included The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, printed by William Morris’ Kelmscott Press in 1896; the 1865 Monograph of the Tetraoninae, or Family of Grouse by Daniel Giraud Elliot, a founder of the American Museum of Natural History in New York and the American Ornithologist Union; and the 1778 edition of Jefferys’ American Atlas

LIVING MEMBERS OF THE 1889 SOCIETY

Celie Campbell

Virginia K. Cargill

Jane K. Dean

Cathy Lee Gruhn

Schuyler Huntoon

Carol Reeves Parke

Dr. Ann Reeves

Supporter Spotlight

CATHY GRUHN | PLANNED GIVING: THE 1889 SOCIETY

Why is Pequot Library important to you?

The library is a stunning and impressive destination for everyone. It offers invaluable experiences, including its rare books and special collections and its charming and delightful children’s library and storytimes. From literary events and holiday events to its fabulous book sales, there is something for everyone.

Why did you choose to include Pequot Library in your will?

Books have always been an integral part of my life. As a young child, I struggled with reading but loved becoming lost in incredible stories. I can still recall two novels I read as a young girl — Elizabeth George Speare’s The Witch of Blackbird Pond and Calico Captive. Both were turning points in my love of great stories.

What do you hope the lasting impression of your gift will be?

I hope my gift will allow everyone the ability to enhance their love of books and find stories that captivate them.

LAURA BERWICK MACKENZIE | JULY 24, 1941 – MAY 22, 2021

Laura Berwick MacKenzie (1941-2021) left a bequest of nearly $4,600 to Pequot Library in 2021-2022. Her brother, Rod MacKenzie (1936 – 2011), was a genealogist who spent a lot of his time working with Pequot Library. Laura and Rod were very close. The gift was in honor of him and his work as a genealogist. They traced their family back to the early settlers of the U.S. colonies.

Laura was raised in Fairfield, Connecticut. Her grandfather was a founding member of the MacKenzie Painting Company still in operation today. Her mother was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In the early 1960s, Laura moved to Manhattan to attend Katharine Gibbs, a secretarial school. She later moved to San Francisco, where she worked in the financial sector. In 1989 Laura earned a master’s degree in social work from the Catholic University of America.

Laura was a champion skydiver. She was the first and only woman to work as the executive director of the United States Parachute Association. Laura was an active skydiver in the 1960s and ‘70s (with more than 10,000 jumps) and was on two U.S. Parachute teams. Laura was an avid fabric artist. Her work often depicted indigenous women and was noted for its bold colors and use of texture.

Laura spent most of her career as a social worker in Washington D.C., where she often opted to work with the most difficult cases. She retired from social work in 2016 and moved to Kissimmee, Florida, where she lived with her cats, Darth, Mel, and Habibi. She passed away in May 2021.

If you have provided for Pequot Library in your estate plans and should be added to the 1889 Society, please contact Grace Calderon at calderon@pequotlibrary.org or (203) 259-0346 ext. 125.

Supporter Spotlight

THE JENNIFER CROSBY CARGILL ‘LIPSTICK & PEARLS’ ART FUND

The Library was extremely saddened by the June 2019 passing of neighbor, patron, and loyal supporter Jennifer Crosby Cargill. To honor her memory, in December 2020 her husband, Sam, and children, Sammy and Rosie, created the restricted Jennifer Crosby Cargill ‘Lipstick & Pearls’ Art Fund. This fund provides supplemental operating support and funding for arts-related exhibitions in honor and memory of Jennifer Crosby Cargill and her commitment to Pequot Library and the arts.

Sam Cargill hosted a December lunch in memory of his late wife Jennifer to raise funds for the “Lipstick & Pearls Art Fund.” Twenty-five of her nearest and dearest friends gathered in her memory for a luncheon at the Country Club of Fairfield, raising over $4,300 to support the arts at Pequot Library. The first use of this fund was to co-sponsor the [Her]story: Women’s Roles Through History exhibition that was on view in the Perkin Gallery from February 17 – May 9, 2022.

ABOUT THE [HER]STORY EXHIBITION

Special Collections items from this exhibition uncover the impressive accomplish ments made by women throughout history from Colonial America, the Gilded Age, and Women’s Suffrage to World War employment and modern professional life. Follow visionary women through text and visual representations as they move from atop a pedestal to protest, lead, and love.

Scan the QR code to the right to view the digital [Her]story exhibition.

IMAGES ABOVE: A SELECTION OF HIGHLIGHTS FEATURED IN THE DIGITAL [HER]STORY EXHIBITION.

Special Collections

VOLUNTEER DOCENTS

In February, the Library welcomed Cecily Dyer, who joined the staff as the Special Collections Librarian. Cecily came to us from the Center for Brooklyn History, where she managed a busy special collections reading room and produced articles based on materials excavated from the archives, covering topics ranging from a delightful dog show in 1935 to the devastating Brooklyn Theatre fire in 1876. Cecily hit the ground running and has been digging into the Library’s many holdings of rare books, archives, and manuscripts. She looks forward to making the Special Collections more accessible and discoverable to scholars, historians, and laypeople, embracing our mission of making access to the Library’s treasures “free as air to all.” She feels a debt of gratitude to her colleagues, volunteers, and her immediate predecessor, Beth Beaudin, Ph.D., for the work and accomplishments in this department over the past year.

Pequot Library hosted a number of tours of the Special Collections, including those for donors and other community members. The Library hosted three elected officials: Congressman Jim Himes, representing Connecticut’s 4th District, Jennifer Leeper, CT State Representative for District 132, and Cristin McCarthy Vahey, CT State Representative for District 133. Highlights of the tours included Anno Regii Georgii III Regis, nunc Magnae Brittannie, Francie et Hiberniae, a tax bill delivered to Daniel Sherwood, Constable and Tax Collector of Fairfield in 1770, and Flowers from my Garden, dedicated by P.T. Barnum to his wife in 1894.

Three exhibitions drew upon the Special Collections this year, supported by the generosity of the Constance C. Baker Rare Book Fund. Magic, Mayhem, and Maturity: The Growth of Youth Fantasy Literature, curated by Chief Librarian Christine Catallo, opened in October 2021. Drawing on materials from the Children’s Historical collection and the modern circulating collection, the exhibition examined the emergence and evolution of youth fantasy literature and featured works including Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and more. This exhibition was supported by a grant from Connecticut Humanities.

[Her]story: Women’s Roles Through History, curated by Special Collections consultant (through February 2022) Beth Beaudin, Ph.D., opened in February 2022. The exhibition drew upon the Special Collections to reveal the accomplishments women have made locally and throughout the country from Colonial America to present. Professor Kelly Marino, Coordinator of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Sacred Heart University, gave an engaging talk at the opening reception, and News 12 aired a piece about the exhibition for Women’s History Month.

The Lure of the Garden: The Enduring Desire to Work and Shape the Land opened in June 2022, drawing on the original collection of rare

Special Collections

books acquired by Pequot Library’s founders and more recent bequests from our generous donors including George Brett, Pepperidge Farm founder Margaret Rudkin, and C.S. Bradley. Archival materials from local garden clubs and the National War Garden Commission added to the exhibition. The Lure of the Garden covers the propagation of the “three sisters” — corn, beans, and squash — by Native Americans and includes information on garden clubs, war-era Victory Gardens, and community and pollinator gardens.

With material dating back to the 1500s, the Monroes and the Wakemans, founders of Pequot Library, sought to curate a collection that would be democratic — of use to all classes of society from the financier to the farmer. Pequot Library’s Special Collections reflect the changing tastes, styles, and purposes of gardens, as well as their perennial lure.

We continue to uncover unique items in the Special Collections, including a small cache of printed and manuscript music in the archives that includes patriotic songs from the Early Republic and a hymn composed by Timothy Dwight, possibly in his hand. The interesting publication, Entire New and Complete Instructions for the Fife, was not, in fact, entirely new; the contents were copied from a pamphlet with an almost identical title that was published in London around 1780. What was new was the cover, which features rudimentary depictions of the American flag along with the seal of the United States, showing a bald eagle with outstretched wings. Even though the marches and airs within were British and Irish, this small publication was intended for an American audience. We have not located any other examples of this publication, making it a very rare item indeed.

Many visitors and researchers continued to view and utilize our Special

Collections. On March 31 we hosted an event for members of the 1889 Planned Giving Society and special Library donors, where guests viewed a selection of highlights from the collections including Leonard Thurneysser’s beautifully designed Historia sive descriptio plantarum omnium, tam domesticarum quam exoticarum from 1578, the Kelmscott Press masterpiece of 1898, The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, and more. Scholarly researchers utilized the collections, including Jonathan Bulkley’s journals and Captain John F. Bulkley’s account of the burning of the steamship Lexington, and more.

As professional staff, we are tasked with the responsibility of serving as stewards of our Special Collections so that they may be enjoyed by future generations of students, scholars, and local residents. With this in mind, this year we continued to take important steps in terms of care and conservation. First, in August, eight items from Special Collections traveled to the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) in Andover, Mass., for conservation evaluation. From the eight, John Keys’ The practical bee-master (1780) received skilled treatment, which helped to stabilize this important text. Other books in the group now have custom boxes to protect them for years to come.

In November 2021, Bexx Caswell Olsen of the NEDCC visited Pequot Library for a day to provide a detailed, collection-level conservationneeds assessment, resulting in an 88-page report delivered in January 2022 that praises much of the policies and infrastructure that Pequot Library already has in place — including the excellent recent additions of the Dillon Storage Room and Dillon Reading Room. The report also functions as a roadmap for next steps, and since January we have made significant progress in addressing additional needs of the Collections, including rehousing in proper acid-free folders and boxes and gaining full intellectual control of both onsite and offsite collections.

RIGHT IMAGE: JOHN KEYS, THE PRACTICAL BEE-MASTER (LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, 1780); PEQUOT LIBRARY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS. PHOTOGRAPHY: JENNIFER PRAT.

Special Collections

PAINTING RESTORATION FUND

Pequot Library launched a campaign to raise $4,350 for restoring the paintings of Pequot Library founder Virginia Marquand Monroe’s Uncle Frederick and Aunt Hetty Marquand, the couple that adopted Virginia following the death of her parents. Virginia later used her inheritance to grant her uncle’s wish of making a space of learning “free as air to all” and created Pequot Library, a space devoted to arts, culture, education, and the written word.

Portraits honoring the Marquands had hung in the Library’s grand auditorium for more than a century, and they’d started showing their age in spite of past efforts to protect them. Pequot Library contracted Yost Conservation located in Oxford, CT, which specializes in the conservation of fine oil paintings, focusing on easel works from the 18th through the mid-20th centuries.

Yost Conservation cleaned the paintings, removing old varnish, lining, and rabbit skin glue, and provided new lining and stretcher bars. To make a contribution to this project, email development@pequotlibrary.org.

Circulating Collection & Books in Review

Thanks to your generous support on Library Giving Day, Pequot Library has additional, much-needed funds to use toward our library books and materials budget, which means more circulating items (books, audiobooks, and ebooks) for our community to enjoy.

The following is a selection of adult books from the 2021–2022 fiscal year from Pequot Library’s Chief Librarian Christine Catallo. Whether they were featured in our Meet the Author series or among the most checked-out books of the year, all are recommended reading!

Vinegar Girl Anne Tyler

In this modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, prickly Kate is coerced into a Green Card-marriage with eccentric Pyotr so he can remain in the country to assist with her father’s scientific research.

Booker prize–winning author Saunders offers a version of his MFA course on Russian literature to teach readers and writers the art of the short story form.

Love’s Journey Home Gabi Coatsworth

Local, award-winning writer tells the tale of her marriage, its ups and downs, and of falling in love again after a crushing diagnosis.

A retelling of the beloved classic, The Great Gatsby with a magical realism twist: what if Jay Gatsby had really sold his soul to the Devil?

Buildings and Grounds Improvements

Pequot Library made multiple improvements to its physical structure, which included sealing the Lexan panels that dot the perimeter of the 1971-72 addition. We also painted the shipping containers that house used books, repaired the wood porch on the cottage, and fixed the handrail at the rear entrance. In the interest of safety, the Library removed multiple dead trees from the property, but planted six additional trees along the shipping container line.

A Swim in the Pond in the Rain George Saunders

The Chosen and the Beautiful Nghi Vo

Adult Programs

Meet the Author events, lectures, workshops, and book clubs all reached audiences both virtually and in-person as pandemic restrictions allowed. We also resumed our tradition of holding concerts in the auditorium, and our attendance rates grew steadily. This past year we continued to offer a robust lineup of author events in addition to a new monthly book club, “Uncovering Shakespeare: From Folio to Fiction.” Led by Chief Librarian Christine Catallo, participants alternate between reading the original Shakespeare work and a modern retelling. For example, participants read The Tempest and then HagSeed by Margaret Atwood. Patrons look forward to continuing this book club in the coming fiscal year.

In addition, the Board of Trustees started the new fiscal year by hosting a Wikipedia edit-a-thon on June 25, inaugurating a project designed to increase the Library’s and Southport’s online visibility.

Pequot Library held its 132nd Annual Meeting on Oct. 24 to report on the prior year and vote on the new slate of trustees. We conducted it in person once again and honored 2021 volunteer award winners Joan Frost, Margaret Rieck, and Ruth Rolander. Vin Cipolla served as our guest speaker.

We hosted a virtual panel discussion called “The Intellectual Importance of Youth Fantasy Literature” in January. Fairfield University professors Dr. Betsy A. Bowen and Dr. Bryan Ripley Crandall served as our guests. The conversation was a deep dive into the YA fantasy genre with two experts in the field, offered in conjunction with the exhibition Magic, Mayhem, and Maturity: The Growth of Youth Fantasy Literature. The discussion was sponsored by the Connecticut Humanities.

State Senator Tony Hwang moderated a November 13 panel discussion called Update, Understand, Prevention, Action: Southport, CT: A Community Conversation with Panelists on Public Safety, which was designed to explain the law enforcement and institutional safety measures that protect students, faculty, and neighborhood residents. The Fairfield Police Department, State Representative Jennifer Leeper (132nd District), and Fairfield RTM members all participated. Attendees heard proactive steps that organizations and individuals can take to ensure safety around the community.

Pequot Library held a Nov. 17 talk about Connecticut’s Political Landscape with CT Mirror political reporter Mark Pasniokas. Pazniokas, one of CT Mirror’s founders and current Capitol Bureau Chief, is widely regarded as the best political reporter in the state. CT Mirror Publisher Bruce Putterman also spoke about the emergence of nonprofit newsrooms around the country and the role their publication occupies in a state whose traditional media have been contracting for years.

A major highlight came in April when we hosted the two-day Pequot Library Climate Summit 2022 in conjunction with Earth Day. The programs included composting with Mary Hogue and Don Martens of Sustainable Fairfield, “Recycling: What’s In/What’s Out?” with Misty Beyer and Sustainable Fairfield, and a conversation with Patrick Horan (owner of Waldingfield Farm), Haley Lieberman (a fashion and tech entrepreneur with a focus on sustainable solutions), and Lori CochranDougall (Westport Farmers Market’s executive director). The featured guest speaker was landscape designer Edwina von Gal of the Perfect Earth Project. Attendees explored the Pollinator Pathway with Aspetuck Land Trust, and Pequot Library made lunches available for purchase from Herbaceous Catering, while Gruel Britannia provided scones. The event ended with a rousing performance by the band Barnstorm. This program is established as an ongoing series at Pequot Library as part of an essential conversation about climate change and nature conservation.

Exhibitions and related programming also filled the Perkin Gallery once more. The Harrison Gordon Photography Exhibition, Magic, Mayhem, and Maturity: The Growth of Youth Fantasy Literature, and [Her]story: Women’s Roles Through History all went on display in-person, and in most cases they had online versions for perusal. Finally, we presented two exhibitions in the auditorium: Paint, Pen and Petal: Artists in the Garden in April with the Fairfield Garden Club and Picturing History: Historic Barns of Connecticut in December through January with Preservation Connecticut, formerly known as the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.

So nice to move back near the library where I learned to read! It was great for the time, but even greater now such creative and interesting programs are offered.

Children’s Library

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY

Our 2021 Summer Reading Challenge, with its Tails and Tales theme, kicked off with a petting zoo including an alpaca, two goats, two sheep, a donkey, and two rabbits. It proved to be a lot of fun for all ages and species! Other summer programs held in person and outside included Wild Animal Storytime, Mess Free Painting for Babies, Ice Cube Art, Giant Bubbles, Paper Bag Puppets, Babes on a Blanket, and Music and Movement for Wigglers. A new offering, A Bagel and a Book and a Breath of Fresh Air, enticed visitors on Friday mornings with bagels and coffee plus an opportunity to unwind and read on the Great Lawn.

Patriotism was alive and well as the community turned out in record numbers for Pequot Library’s 4th of July Bike Parade. Upwards of 1,000 people gathered at the Five Corners of Southport. The huge crowd was thrilled to reconnect, having missed the event in 2020. Children decorated their bikes, scooters, and wagons and then, led by Chris Franz, paraded down Pequot Avenue to find a plethora of fun activities on the Great Lawn. The Super Duper Weenie Truck was on hand to give out its specialty hot dogs, and face painting, hula hooping, a bubble contest, and fun crafts kept everyone engaged and happy.

“My daughter was asked by the main library to write a story of an experience she remembered in Fairfield for the Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Party last Friday. She chose [Pequot Library’s] 4th of July Bike Parade to write about. I have attached her story below. I hope you enjoy it!”

The 4th of July Bike Parade has even inspired a young patron to write and illustrate a story of her experience called The Amazing Fun-filled Awesome 4th of July Parade.

ABC Storytime and Crafty Kids started in September and ran through May 2022. Both programs were geared to the 3- to 5-year-old

set and took place on Zoom. ABC Storytime is a reading readiness program that explores a new letter each week by reading, talking, writing, singing, and making a craft. Children enjoyed hearing stories and making a related craft in Crafty Kids. A sweet Labrador therapy dog named Lucy made Saturdays in the fall special as emergent readers came to practice reading to her. Fairfield Ludlowe High School junior Elizabeth King led the program.

The Children’s Library staff organized a party to celebrate, thank, and recruit Secret Service Agents in October. Our teen volunteer program is key to our successful large community events.

Pequot Library hosted its first-ever Autumn Festival in November to celebrate the beauty of fall with seasonal activities for all ages. This event was made possible by the generous support of Morgan Stanley. As the Merwin Mountain Band played, participants enjoyed old-fashioned lawn games, crafts, and a petting zoo with a wallaby, lambs, goats, bunnies, and an alpaca. The Pantry in Fairfield sponsored our “Guess How Many?” games by supplying the prizes: delicious apple pies. Proof Pizza made pizza to order. The Southport Volunteer Fire Department brought a firetruck for young children to climb into, and we provided apple cider donuts from Blue Jay Orchards. Close to 600 people attended.

In addition, Margee Stokley taught children 8+ how to make their own comic creation in her Graphic Novel Workshop. Stokley is an actress, playwright, painter, director, and parent from Fairfield. YA novelist Namina Forna visited virtually to talk about her bestselling epic fantasy novel The Gilded Ones. She explored the craft of writing, world building, and how she gets her inspiration. The talk has a permanent home on our YouTube page. Her visit was made possible through a grant from CT Humanities and was scheduled in conjunction with our Magic, Mayhem, and Maturity: The Growth of

Youth Fantasy Literature exhibition.

The Holiday Caroling Party was held mostly outdoors in December. The festive evening was full of holiday cheer, music, treats, horse-drawn carriage rides, and surprise visitors from the North Pole. Children and their families lined up in the auditorium for the opportunity to greet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and make requests for the upcoming holiday. The Russell family donated delicious sugar cookies, and Butzi Moffitt almost single-handedly packaged all the cookies for distribution. A big thank-you to longtime Library friend and neighbor Butzi!

Along with The Russell Agency, other business sponsors included Independent Jewelers Organization, Kasson Jewelers of Southport, BE Chocolat, Southport Veterinary Center, M Communications, Fairfield Country Day School, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, and Trinity Episcopal Church.

February’s annual Take Your Child to the Library Day offered a Pop Art Workshop led by New York-based inventor of “Cerealism,” Michael Albert. An enthusiastic group of children ages 6 and up brought cereal boxes to the workshop and transformed them into art. The workshop was well-attended, and participants were given their choice of artwork made and signed by Mr. Albert to take home.

Children 7+ entered our “Dear Me” Writing Contest, developed in conjunction with the [Her]story exhibition. Participants wrote a “Dear Me” letter to their future selves after being inspired by the remarkable women in the exhibit. We announced winners in April.

March events included a Meet the Author Jr. with middle-grade author Sonia Antaki. Gabi Coatsworth sat down with Antaki to discuss the second installment in her Red Dove trilogy.

The Library’s St. Patrick’s Day tradition continued on March 6 with the Lenihan School

Children’s Library

of Irish Dance after a three-year absence. The troupe was scheduled and ready to perform in March of 2020, only days before the pandemic shutdown. Their spirited performance was a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and a return to in-person programming. A favorite part of the show came when they pulled children out of the audience and taught them a few steps.

“Books and Bites” ran once a month through May. Children 6+ picked up snack ingredients at the Library prior to an online session where we combined a story and a snack. Southport Congregational Preschool outreach continued in the spring of 2022. Student Zoe Laferriere led an after-school activity for children ages 4-10 in her “Let’s Make a Galaxy Jar” program.

In April Pequot Library hosted a celebration for Alias Anna, Susan Hood’s new middle-grade book co-authored with Greg Dawson, as part of the Meet the Author Jr. series. Patrons heard the true story of two sisters (ages 12 and 14) who were acclaimed piano prodigies in Ukraine when the Nazis invaded. The girls used their talent and their wits to outplay their enemies. Attendees were treated to live classical music at the start of the evening, performed by two sisters from Weston: Catherine and Emily Xie. The evening ended with a representative from Save the Children detailing various ways to support Ukraine.

Pequot Library’s annual Easter Egg Roll returned to the Great Lawn. Children relished coloring their eggs and using them in agecategory races. Crafts, games, and a photo op with the Easter Bunny kept everyone engaged.

As spring ended and summer began in 2022, the Library hosted a Meet the Author Jr. with David Opie, and Margie Stokley returned for another popular Graphic Novel Workshop. Miss Susan’s BYO Picnic, sponsored by Garden Catering and The Pantry, took place

in early June, followed by the start of 2022’s Summer Reading Challenge and its focus on the outdoors and nature. In keeping with this theme, we held storytimes at Southport Park. Babes on a Blanket returned to the Great Lawn, as did the School of Rock and many other outdoor programs.

K-12 SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Pequot Library continued to support schools, students, and educators in a variety of ways this past year. Thanks to the Renée B. Fisher Foundation, we offered our Books for Teachers program at our book sales, helping teachers working in underserved districts to stock their classroom libraries. Local students, meanwhile, have gained valuable work experience through internships with both staff members and the Library’s dedicated team of volunteers.

In addition to welcoming students from Bridgeport for tours of the Library, our staff also opened the building’s exhibition space to the students in Fairfield Schools for the District-wide Art Show in May and June. Over 700 people visited the Library to support the young, local artists whose work was displayed.

The Library also proudly partnered with Fairfield Ludlowe High School on its Chamber Music Concert, held in the historic auditorium in June.

An enthusiastic class of third-graders from the Columbus School in Bridgeport toured the [Her]story exhibition in April with Chief Librarian Christine Catallo and Special Collections Librarian Cecily Dyer.

The Children’s Library scheduled storytimes with Southport Congregational Preschool and Trinity Preschool.

Friends and Contributors

FOUNDERS SOCIETY ($10,000 & above) Bettina McKee Sandra and Christopher Wright

MARQUAND SOCIETY ($5,000 - $9,999)

Simin N. Allison

Laura and Scott Balkan Joseph Coci III Jane K. Dean Joan M. and Jeremy Frost Schuyler Huntoon Jennifer and Mario Loya Bill and Erin Russell

PEQUOT SOCIETY ($2,500 - $4,999)

Anonymous (2)

Virginia Lynch Dean and James Dean Caroline and Paul Gibson Megan and Sean Kelly Dana and Brian Lawlor

Laura Berwick MacKenzie Living Trust* Kirstin and James Powers Wendy and Michael Ryan Bob and Anne Svensk Edie Van Breems

TIFFANY CIRCLE ($1,000 - $2,499)

Elinor and James Biggs Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Blair Celie Campbell Suzanne Carbery and Jack Bricker Ms. Virginia Cargill Olivia and Felix Charney Stephanie J. Coakley and Peter Russell James and Christine Cook Cynthia and Michael Crawford Virginia Crosby Robert and Carol Eck Richard Ellis and Brandon Wagner Anne Estelle Amanda Flanagan Marc and Michele Flaster Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Gallinelli Suzanne and Gene Gorab Ellen Gould Pat and Bob Hastings John E. Herzog Kate Homes Steven and Jennifer Kennedy Lynne Laukhuf Parisa Lotfi and Mehra Golshan David S. MacAllaster

The McKinnis Family Veronica and Matthew Monahan Mr. and Mrs. R. Patrick Morrow Phillip and Elizabeth Neugebauer Peg and Nelson North Missy and Sam Palmisano Amy and Matt Pardee David and Diana Parker Margaret and Christopher Rieck Hal and Jackie Rodriguez Charlotte Rogan Elliott and Gail Rogers John and Irene Santa Elisabeth Scharlatt Belinda J. Shepard Carl and Dawn von Bernuth Ellis and Michael Weatherly Deb and Richard Deej Webb Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis Wilcox Susan and Robert Wright

BENEFACTOR ($500 - $999)

Anonymous Andrew and Michelle Adams Ceasar Anquillare David and Elizabeth Barrett Alison and Michael Barry Jill and Laszlo Birinyi Suzanne and Mark Burchill

Caroline M. Calder Elizabeth Collins

Sean Cowan Jenna Crandall

Sherrie and Jim Douglas Mr. and Mrs. William Duncan Roma F. Fanton Aude and Pierre Ferragu Amanda and Rich Field Erin Finnegan Jarat Ford and Christine Yasaitis Becky Francis C. Stephen and Meg Francis Ann and Jack Franzen Doug Fried and Lori Hashizume Nathaniel Gibbons Colin Green Joyce Hergenhan Roberta Hodgson Molli and Steve Hourihan Meagan and Dan Johnson Kelcey Kirik-King and Shenton King Kelly and Richard Laferriere Marta Jo Lawrence John and Ellen Levinson Pat and Walt Lohotsky Alessandra and Mark Lovett Dick and Ellie Lowenstein Janice and Bob Martinez Louise Mauran Meghann McKale and Charles Mazzone Haylee and Christopher Milligan Heather Crosby Mnuchin

The Moore Family Jennifer Mulligan and Eric Sundman Judith and David Nessel Katherine and Graham Nix Sarah O’Brien Jill and Josh Olsen Amy and Kevin Owens Andreas Papadatos and Brenda Thickett Diane Parrish Katerina Powers Ellen and Tom Reilly Candy and Jim Rice Olivia Rogan Tim and Bobbie Sue Russell Andrea and Dan Schley Kelley and Drew Schutte Ann W. Shaw Peary and Patti Spaght Matthew and Candace Wagner Melody Waterhouse and Philipp Kusche Stephanie R. Weaver

Shelby Whiteside-Bandt Kerry and Daniel Wilson Christopher J. Wright and Beth Rhame Margaret Zellers

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($250 - $499) Anonymous Rob and Talley Ackerman Mrs. R. L. Ardrey Benjamin Baker Polly Barry and Richard Clarida Rosemary Barry and Rolando Pantoja Jen Grace Baron and Joe Martini Marilyn Bartley Shelly and Drummond Bell Kent and Pegi Bernard Misty Beyer Kimberly and Robert Bielecki Charles and Karen Biggs Elissa and Paul Bogdanoff Siobhan and James Borger Lisa and Ted Borter Jill and Brian Bragg Christine Bruck Caitlin and Ryan Burke Marco and Elena Caggiano Jan Carpenter and John Wynne Eric Carter

Mr. and Mrs. George E. Clark, Jr. Kristin and Brian Clark Heather and Jonathan Cody Samantha and Philip Collin Kim and Tommy Craig Susan Cugliari Nicholas D’Addario and Caroline Harrison Allison and Max Dalton Mary Lou Dan AnneMarie D’Attelo George and Louise Demakis Cynthia and Patrick Donaher Jane and Thomas Dyer Lauren and Zach Effron Julie Ernst Claire and Craig Ervin Betsy Ewing and James Elkus Susannah Eykyn Margaret Ferrara and Pierre Neveux Michael and Monika Filipek Jody M. Foote Sally and Rob Fulcher Nancy S. Gilliland Brian Gleason John Gleckler and Maura Simon Gleckler Emma and Scott Griffin Jessica and Cullen Griffith Kyle Griswold Cathy Lee Gruhn Marissa and DJ Haddad Sarah and Mark Hale James and Barbara Harman Jeff and Joy Hendrickson Brooke Howat Kristin and Bill Huntington Anda and John Hutchins Anne R. Jackson Gail and Paul Janensch Shirley Jenks Rebecca and John Jensen Arlene F. Johnson Jennifer Julio Adrienne and Steven Kardos Shannon and Gerard Kavanaugh Tracy and Paul Keblish Keelin and Jeff Kirt

Amy Kopisz Deborah and Zohrab Kouzoukian Robert and Bonnie Kreitler Krystin Kry Paul and Sue Kueffner Gerry Lang Loree Lash-Valencia and Gabriel Valencia Lois Lehman

Mr. and Mrs. John B. Lowe III Debbie Lubinsky and Jeffrey Roberts Cailin and JT MacMannis Sol Mahoney Melissa Makris Erica and Aidan Mara Jessica and Mitch McManus Karl and Stephanie Mergenthaler Marlowe Mitchell and Eric Farber Kelsey and Sean Montellese Katie Montgomery Doug and Peggy Moore Lucinda Morrison Shannon Mozelak

Hebe Dowling Murphy Philip and Terry Murphy Christina Musso and Richard Chambers Dale and Pete Najarian Amer and Kristen Nimr Larry and Melissa Norton Chaim O’Brien-Blumenthal Rosie and Sean O’Meara Ann Owens Joan and Steve Panagos Kristy and Andrew Papadakos Madeline and Douglas Peck Tatiana and Thorne Perkin

Danya Pincavage

Vera and William Pitcher

Roger N. Pocock

Elisabeth and Andrew Priest Ched and Judy Proctor Bradley and Jane Purcell

Sharon Rehme and Richard Hockman Eugene and Leslie Riccio Emily and Stephen Rigo Hardy and Jenn Royal George Russell

Christal Rodenhiser and Yogesh Sadarangani Shannon and Michael Sampar Beth Santa and Tim O’Connor

Mary Catherine and Edward Santa Wendy and Dominick Savino Kelly and Robert Scinto

The Shantz Family

Michael and Rebecca Shea Jennifer and Andrew Sherriff Amy and Ric Silva

September Sirico and Alexander Oracheff Alexandra and John Sise Jennifer and Christopher Smith

Juliana Smith John Smylie Mr. and Mrs. Stephen W. Staunton Douglas and Gabrielle Stevenson

Wendy Stone Rev. Cecily Stoddard Stranahan Kate and Brendan Sullivan Thomas Taglieri Chris Tarling Kristen and Owen Tharrington Ina and Phil Trager

Mr. and Mrs. John Tucker

Judy and Alex Urquhart Barbara B. Valk

Lynn and Peter Van Winkle Doug and Joanne VanEsselstyn John Venezia

Beatrice Vornle von Haagenfels Cathy Walker Mr. and Mrs. John W. Watkins Beth and John Welch Alexandra and John Whitaker Janet Zamparo and David Childs

PATRON ($100 - $249)

Anonymous Beverly J. Abt Jennifer and Jeffrey Agne Llewellyn and Rochelle Almeida Laura and Joseph Amicucci Amos and Jessica Amit Carol Anderson

P.J. Anthony Myles and Harry Arnowich David E. Austin Betsy and Jeremy Autry Warren and Peggy Axline Sashani Baldeo and John James Ellen and Tyler Baldwin

Frances S. Baldwin

Rebekah Barrera

Jen Bartlett

Elizabeth A. S. Beaudin

Elizabeth and Justin Bechtold Diane M. Becker

Jill and Robert Belinky Maria Bernardi and Anthony Auriemma Lindsay and Matthew Bernsohn Claudia Bernstein and Cody Lee Gaelle Birch

Jacquelyn and Justin Blaber Sarah and Francis Blair Alexander Blanchard and Sarah Savage Maxine Bleiweis Ronald Blumenfeld and Selina Strong Bill Bodine and Victoria Fingelly

William Boeing

Eileen and Jim Bohan

Chris Borjes

Amanda and Aaron Borst Mariola Boruch Ellen and Edward Boyle

Michael Brennan and Barbara Sager Juliette Brisman

Kristin Bruno and Josh Heinz Hillary and Rory Budds Ellen and Mark Burrell Gerard and Susan Callahan Jessica and Richard Campbell Marta S. Campbell John and Sharyn Cannon Nancy Carlson Simone Caron Cynthia Carpenter Melissa and Wesley Carpenter Roz Carpentieri Eileen and Matthew Carty Ann R. Cathcart Eliza and Michael Chang Judith and Robert Chessin Alexander and Cameron Choniski Susan and Mark Chudwick Brittney and Scott Cianciulli Jeanette and Walter Ciciora Melissa and Michael Clear Arnold Cohen Jennifer and Jed Coiteux Krista and Scott Conry Adrienne Ruger Conzelman Leslie and Gary Corrigan Clare Cosslett Lincoln Craighead Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Alastair Crawford Regan and Glenn Cucinell Ryan and Lexi Cummings Kathleen and Kevin Curran Kimberly Dal Santo Jan and Richard Dale Meri-Leigh and Francesco Daniele Minda Daniell Marion Daniels Marie H. D’Attelo Stefanie Dean Dee Dee DeBartlo Kelly and Dominic DePiano Denise and James Destaso Bridgett and Peter diBonaventura Kaitlin and Marcus Dierna Jessica and Phil Diianni Allison and Glenn Divincenzo Abigail Dodge Alexandra and James Dodwell Victoria and Scott Donohue Jacqueline Duvoisin Ms. Susan C. Earls and Mr. Leif Vik Jennifer Efstathiou Sandy Elgee Dr. Philip and Yael Eliasoph Sabrina Eliasoph and Mark A. Walsh Katheryn Erickson and Christopher Wenzel George Estabrooke Kirstin Etela Christina and Christopher Ewers Kimberly and Brian Farnen Paul A. Fattibene Michael and Katherine Feeney Dr. and Mrs. Jon M. Fessel Gael and Barry Ficken Allison and Fred Fiedler Lia and Chris Filiberto Vanessa Finnerty Melissa Firmender Marty and Carlie Fleischmann John Florio and Sharon Sweeney Karen and Frank Fortunati Karen and Michael Fox Ruth P. Frantz Molly and Nick Frate Kathleen and Joe Friedler Joe and Roberta Gagne Steve Galpin, Jr. Cyndianne Gates Nancy and Samuel Gault

Mr. Robert Ginter

Gina Givogre Bruce Glaser

Catherine and Philip Glennon Charlotte Glovin

Mathew Goldsmith and Cheryl Guibone Jeffrey and Nancy Goldstein Janet Gomez and John Duffield Doug and Katie Goodman Michelle and Lawrence Gore Benjamin Gott April and Roddy Gow Amy and John Graham Eben W. Graves Kathryn and Andrew Grayson Orin Grossman and Jane Sutherland Kevin and Marianne Gumpper Luis Guzman Diane and Matt Hagerty Mary E. Halloran and James Rulmyr Dr. and Mrs. James T. Hamilton Leslie Hammer Donna Hannay Mr. and Mrs. Herbert F. Harrington William Harrison Jennifer and Joel Harss

Adair and Arne Heitmann Dr. and Mrs. J. Herbin Fran Hernandez Philip and Rochelle Herr John and Anne Hill

The Rev. Margaret Hodgkins Andrea and Theron Hoffman Lyndsay Howard Mairead Howley and Diarmuid M. Hogan Olivia and Brian Hunt David S. Huntington Laura Ianuly Paul and Kelly Jacobson Mary Jaensch Stephen M. Jakab Nancy O. Janco Jacqueline and Rodney Jenks, Jr. Bill and Kristin Jennings Suzanne and James Jesse Julie Johnson John Jorge Marla and Brian Joyce Kelsey and Jeffrey Kalapos Susan and Alan Kasson

Luette Keegan Lei-Lani Keelan and Will Wenzel Deborah Keeley Ellen Kelly Charles and Elen Kentnor Deirdre and Jeffrey Kimberly Electra and Stephen Kinney Victoria Konopka Mary Korchinski Mary Jean and Preston Koster Carol Lacoss Alice Lamberson Joyce and Mark Laponte Patricia Laskay

The Lawlor Family Urb and Pat Leimkuhler Richard and Sarah Leite Sheila Lennon Ann B. Lillis

Kathryn Lohotsky Violet Lumani Jane MacDonald Leslie and Sunil Mahtani Bruce Manasevit Lisa Mancini

Erica Mann and Harold Zawadski Jane Manners

Fernanda Marchi Lauren Marcus Edward Marshall Cristina and Anthony Martin Elizabeth Matthews and Brennan McDonough Josephine Mazzarella

Tulis McCall

Kyle and Christopher McCarthy Janet and Stephen McDonald Brenda and William McDonough

Jessica and Justin McEntee Kara McKenna-Wong Alex McNab and Diane Melish Janet Megdadi Jennifer and Greg Mehok Beth and John Mengel Larry and Sheila Merriam Ursula Meyer Joseph Migliorino Donald Milkavich Betsy and Dick Miller Gabrielle Miller

Amory and Joseph Mitchell Elizabeth and Nathan Mittag Butzi Moffitt Diane Mongiardo Jen and Jason Morgan Kathryn and Ryan Morrell Elena and Felix B. Mpuku M.D. Kathryn and Ian Mullin Mr. and Mrs. Clint Murchison III Emilie Murphy

Jim and Alli Murray Faye Mylen Michael and Rhoda Nayor Lisa H. Newton Heather and Omar Nokta Aimee and Chris North Marcia O’Connell Sally O’Brien Mary Ellen O’Connor and Al Notarfrancesco Richard and Elizabeth Oderwald Keri and Ted O’Neill Jean and Al Oneto Amy and Billy O’Shea Christy Ottaviano and Kevin Ohé Maureen Owens Sharon and Brian Palmer Carol Reeves Parke Susan Powel Parks Chelsea and Steve Paturynski Ashley and Richard Perkin Elizabeth B. Perkin Rob Perkin Danielle and David Pitts Samantha Platner Gary W. Potmesil Jennifer and Bernard Prat Ted Pratt Alexa and Vincent Prunotto Domonique Racanelli and Peter Kokkinos

Sonal Rajan Jeanne and Joseph Reed Ann C. Reeves Meredith Ressi Wren and Nathaniel Rex Klaudia and Michael Reyes Jim and Suzanne Riccobono Susan and George Richards Debby and Jim Richardson Theresa Riordan G. Christopher and Katie Rippey

The Rivera Family Laura Roberts John Rolander Joycelyn Romero Sandra Rosenberg Joel Rosenthal Laurie and Michael Rubel Jennifer Rubin

Amy Ruggiero Nicole and Charles Rumball Stephanie and David Salomon Carol and Sherman Schaefer Donna Schmerzler Christine Schnurr Paul Schreiner and Ariane Mermod Sharon Schweitzer and David R. Levett Elizabeth Schwinn Stephen W. Sears Kathy Serocki Mimi and Mark Shalhoub Cynthia and Tim Shanley Joy Shaw Tiffaney and Kelly Sheppard Sarah Shine

Lauren Shortt and Michael Pinto Gretchen Shugart and Jonathan Maurer Ewa and James Sidwa

Lauren Silva and Seth Laughlin Marcie and David Slepian Marni and P.J. Smith

Elizabeth and Brian Spears

Robie Spector Kristen and John Staikos Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stanton Olivia and Tyler Stone Chung and Matthew Storch Howard and Allison Stupak David K. Sturges

Ruth Summers Nancy Surridge Caitlin and Christopher Swann Jaeca and Matthew Sweeney Melissa and John Taberna Sara and Brian Tack Michelle and Glenn Tauss Linda Teja Dawn Theodorsen Rosalina Thomas Barbara W. Thumm Juliette Tiriolo Linda Tors Brooke and Chad Tredway Niki Tremaine Nancy Van Beusekom Hobart Van Deusen Holly Van Deusen William Vander Meulen Eugenie Verrillo Mike and Judy Virr Mary H. von Conta Victoria Vought Lauren and John Vreeland Will and Maybette Waldron Rob and Lindsay Wallace Amy Waugh Robert A. Webber Christin and Adam Weberman Harriet Weiss Sylvia and Robert Weiss Nancy Voye Weissler Anne Westbrook Leahkay and James White Meeghan and Devin White Nancy A. White Georgiana and Robert Whitehurst Packer and Laura Wilbur Vanessa Willett Kendra and Bob Williamson Lauren and Garrett Wilson Rosalie Wolf Dennis and Barbara Wong Emily and Grant Wood Alan Wright Abbi and Stephen Yap Christine and Peter Yeranossian Wesley York Jillian and Jonathan Yorke Alexa and Frank Zarrilli Lorraine and James Zaun Sandy Zera

ADVOCATE ($75 - $99)

Virginia R. Arndt Mr. and Mrs. William B. Auer Tracey L. Brittis Gerardo and Grace Calderon Nancy Cannon Gabi Coatsworth Elizabeth Cooper Andrea DaRif Martha Durham Amanda Fahimi Gail Felberbaum April Ferron Dorothy S. Fincher Kathryn Flaherty Peter A. Gold Amy and Seth Gordon Ellen and Kyle Hublitz Victoria Kann Gretchen and Matthew Keefe Corinne Keller

Clyde Kevis

Erin Kleinman

Lavinia Larsson Christine and Karl Linford Todd and Denise Martin Roxanne and Jason Melaragno Jennifer Miller Jill Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Howard M. Mirsky Ali Mitchell Patricia Nave Nora Neergaard Judy Neville Monica Norwood Helen Ong Betsy and Dave Perry Michelle and Anthony Rao Patricia Rapoport Kelly Solway Erika Songer Laurie Sorensen Linnea Stenberg Mary Sugerman Laura Szamatulski Jacquelyn Thunfors Gay Tice

Mary Valentine and Michael Terranova Claire Van de Berghe Sally Waugh

INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES (under $75)

Anonymous Merril and Robert Adelman June Albert Nancy Aldrich Andy and Chasey Allen Debra and Brian Anderson Wendy Anderson-Brachfeld Elise Andreas Joni Andrews Stephanie Asher Carolyn Audino Elizabeth and Steve Bae Elizabeth A. Baker Melissa Baker John Balint Janet Banks-Mott and Peter T. Mott Patricia Barnish Wendy Barrows Justin Beck Alice M. Becker Alison Beer Gail Bell Heidi Bender Janet Benedict Jane Bennett Kathleen Benson Doc and Sandra W. Bisset, Esq. Anne and David Boberski Alex Boboc Maureen Boda Kathleen Bond Johanne Bonin Henry M. Bonner Jr. Carol Borelli Eleanor Bowman

The Bramhall Family Nancy Braun Jan Braunle and Robert Zuckerman L.F. Bregy Nancy Brodlieb Elizabeth Broglio Kathryn Selig Brown Theresa A. Brown Susan and Matthew Bull Shannon Burch Kathleen Burke Ralph and Eleanor Burke James and Deborah Burns Barb Butler Lisa Byrne Elle Callanan Madge Canning Patricia Capone Christine Cappello Joanne Carlton Patricia Carpenter Kate Carroll John Casarella

Christine Catallo Donna Catallo Mr. and Mrs. John Ceruzzi Ginnie and Tucker Chase Deborah and Philip Cheevers Curtis Childs Katherine Chimini Elisa Chollet Angela Choniski Carol and Michael Chueka Mary E. Claflin Lindsay Clayton Donna Coble Virginia and George Cohen John B. and Sylva H. Collins Lisa Connelly Donna Conroy Katie Cook Jane Costello Marla Cowden Kendall Crolius and Stephen Stout Mrs. Joan S. Crossman

Zoltan Csillag Amy Waugh Curry Martha Curtis Linda D’Amato Yasmeen and Steven D’Amico Suzanne Dammeyer Paul and Heidi De Genaro Colette de Jounge

Amy de Lannoy Girlie Delizo-Jasper Katharine DeLong Amy Dent Alicia and Joseph Deutsch Carol Devine Maggie Dobbins Ginger Donaher Roberta A. Dow Mary Dowden Jan Doyle Robert and Fran Dubicki Olivia H. Dunn Barbara Dunne Mrs. Henry B. duPont III Cecily Dyer Karen and Robert Eaker Christine Earls Chris Eaton Tierney and Alex Ehrhart Susan and John Ellis Susan and Peter Evensen Celeste Falcone Mr. and Mrs. Mark B. Fasano Kathleen Fassman Nina Fattahi Joyce and William Ference Anita Field Arlene and William Field Susie Filipowich Joan Fish Margery and Leonard E. Fisher Nancy Fisher Cynthia and John Fitzgerald Ann and Walter Flanagan Sarah Fonts Andrew Fried Arete Friedman Lynn Friedman Melanie Galen Robert Gaunt Nathalie Gavrilovic Elizabeth Gaynor Julia and Norm Geib Arline P. Gertzoff* Catherine Giff Alan Gill, M.D. Frances Giunta Christopher E. Goebel Dianne and Richard Goldman Alice Gorman Donna Gorman Peggy Gormley Jennifer Graham Ellen Greenberg Meg Gruppo Linda Gullotta Maren Gurevich Irmgard and Alfred Gwilliam

Stephanie Haffner Michael and Johanne Hagan Susan Frost Hamburg

Amy Harel Anne and Paul Harris James and Justine Hawley Beth Hayes Marie Hayes

Wilda Hayes Mary W. Haynes

Judy Hlawitschka Maren and Thomas Hood Ruth Ipe Debra Jones Louisa J. Jones Nancy Jones Pamela C. Jones Esq. Jack Kadden A. Kapoian Elizabeth Katz Rita Kearney Adele Keating Jane Keller Jill Kelly Lucy Kelly Marilyn Kitson Debra and Alex Krayson Jody and Nick Lacey Roger E. Lasky Laura Lavelle and Frank Illuzzi Jennifer Leeper Meghan Lenihan Betsy Lincoln Sandra Litster Patricia Litton Eileen and Han Liu Suzanne H. Loggie Brian Lohotsky Denise Long Judith Long Martha and Don Lord Megan Lott Linda and Michael Love Bridget Lower Sara Mald William L. Malmstedt Diane Manderville Gloria and Ronald Manning Julie and Brendon Manwaring Kimberly Marshall Roxanne G. Martin Sheila Mason Laura Matefy Lollie and John Mathews Jessica and Garrett Matteson Arthur W. McCain, Jr. Sharon McClymonds Dana and Mike McCreesh Amanda McDevitt Mary Lou McGuire Kristine McHarg Nancy McKeever Margaret McMann Denise McNicholas Teresa Meinero Nicole Metchick Jill Meyer Hilary Michaels Suzanne Lee Migdol Roseanna Mihalick Jeanne and Carson Miller Mari-Eleanor Miller

Irene Miltimore Caryn Mirgorodsky Corey Mirsky Nancy Mis Loren Mitchel Mr. and Mrs. Russ Mitchell Maggie Moffitt Michael Mombello and Julia Pierson Jeanine Monteiro Jan Morgan Alyssa Moriarty Kristine Mosheim Natalia Moskvitina Kevin and Cathy Mulrenan Peter and Linda Murphy Katy Myers Frances Nash

Deborah Nester Ms. Susan Nettesheim Pamela C. Norman Louise and Nelson North Jr Peter Novins

Catherine O’Donnell Christine and Niels Olsen Mircea Oprea James T. Orrico

Michele Orris-Modugno and Dominick Modugno Candy and Donald Ostrom Deb and Jeff Owens Kaitlyn Pacelli

Clare Pantello Andrea Pedemonti Laraine Petersen Nina Pinckney Susan Plant

Courtney Pope Katie Povinelli Susan Pratt Doug Prescott Mr. and Mrs. David Pressler Helen Previdi Colleen Probert Louise F. Rainis Kerstin Rao Erin Real Linda Reddy Katherine L. Reed Coverly Rees Beth Marie Reifers

Joy Rendahl Judith and Howard Reynolds Jen Richard Katherine Roberts Grace and Douglas Rosenstein Sandra Rothenberg Sue Roughley Evelyn Rubak Kelle Ruden Louis and Julia Ruggio Alisa and William Ryan

The Samoviski Family Cheryl Sando Virginia V. Sanford August and Camille Sarno Missy Savard and Ronald Wilklow Michael and Kassandra Savicki Vicky Scarnuley Susan Schroeder Margaret Schwabe Diane Schwartz Carol Shear

Gail Sheriff Suzanne Siano Beth Siegelbaum Janet Silbert Jeri Silverman Amey Simonds Barbara Slack

Wendy Slagter Blythe and Zandy Smith Mr. and Mrs. Hugh R. Smith Judy Smith Sarah Biggers Smith Kellie Snyder Esther St Juste Allison Stafford Anne Stephan Sarah Stephan Janet Stock Diane Stocker Mrs. John W. Stokes Marian C. Stone

Honey Milligan Strait

Amanda Subashi Beverly Sullivan Scott and Chris Supernaw Teresa Sutton Carolyn and Mike Sweeney Elizabeth Sweeney Sarah Sweeney Jennifer and Eric Sydor Susan Tane Ms. Janet B. Tatusko

Rachael Texeira Mary Thornton

Camilla Thorsson

Jennifer and Blake Titrud Annemarie and Steve Tredennick

Carole and Harvey Tuckman

Andrea Turner

Theresa Us-Testa Lisa and Tom Vacheron Margaret Valbona Jeannie Valentino

Claudia Van Hemelryck Jill and Ed Vergara Rob and Melanie Verrengia Heather Visconti Yasmin E. von Schirnding and Derek Yach

Pam Waesche

Gwynne H. Wales Betty Walker Danielle and Charles Walker Sara Wallace Michele Wan Amy Watson John and Carol Waxman Marianne Weill Peter Weinbach and Janine Brown Rita and Steve Weisskoff

Anthony Wellman Margot A. Welter Terry Wettergreen

Pat White

Carolyn K. Whitman Riley Wickman Claire Wiggin Rita Wilcox Ray and Eileen Wilhelm Stacey Williams Kendra Wingate Mr. and Mrs. David S. Wiswell Judith Wren Wendy Yu Elizabeth Zarrilli

JENNIFER CROSBY CARGILL ‘LIPSTICK & PEARLS’ ART FUND

Suzanne Burchill Celie Campbell Ms. Virginia Cargill Olivia Charney Carol Chueka Stephanie J. Coakley Elizabeth Collins Caroline Owens Crawford Virginia Crosby Ms. Susan C. Earls Yael Eliasoph Karen Fox

The Rev. Margaret Hodgkins Kristin Huntington Lauren Marcus Marlowe Mitchell

Heather Crosby Mnuchin Susan Richards Amy Waugh

LIBRARY GIVING DAY

Anonymous Virginia R. Arndt Ellen and Edward Boyle Suzanne Carbery and Jack Bricker Gerardo and Grace Calderon Elle Callanan Roz Carpentieri John Casarella Christine Catallo Curtis Childs Stephanie J. Coakley and Peter Russell Donna Coble

Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Alastair Crawford Susan Cugliari Andrea DaRif

Amy de Lannoy Jane K. Dean Sherrie and Jim Douglas Cecily Dyer Karen and Robert Eaker Jarat Ford and Christine Yasaitis Doug Fried and Lori Hashizume Cathy Lee Gruhn

Donna Hannay James and Barbara Harman Mary W. Haynes

Schuyler Huntoon Shirley Jenks

Meagan and Dan Johnson Jack Kadden Kelsey and Jeffrey Kalapos Susan and Alan Kasson Deborah Keeley Megan and Sean Kelly Victoria Konopka Deborah and Zohrab Kouzoukian Paul and Sue Kueffner Gerry Lang Lavinia Larsson Lynne Laukhuf

The Lawlor Family Dana and Brian Lawlor

Kathryn Lohotsky Violet Lumani Leslie and Sunil Mahtani Jane Manners Todd and Denise Martin Jessica and Justin McEntee Bettina McKee Karl and Stephanie Mergenthaler Nicole Metchick Mr. and Mrs. Howard M. Mirsky Maggie Moffitt Diane Mongiardo Jennifer Mulligan and Eric Sundman Judith and David Nessel Deborah Nester James T. Orrico Ann Owens David and Diana Parker Madeline and Douglas Peck Nina Pinckney Jennifer and Bernard Prat Katherine L. Reed Ann C. Reeves Eugene and Leslie Riccio Margaret and Christopher Rieck Charlotte Rogan

The Samoviski Family Wendy and Dominick Savino Esther St Juste Rev. Cecily Stoddard Stranahan Laura Szamatulski Linda Teja Holly Van Deusen Eugenie Verrillo Matthew and Candace Wagner Melody Waterhouse and Philipp Kusche Deb and Richard Deej Webb Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis Wilcox Susan and Robert Wright Janet Zamparo and David Childs

MEET THE AUTHOR

Marilyn Bartley Suzanne and Mark Burchill Celie Campbell Realtor Elizabeth Collins Jane K. Dean Cynthia and Patrick Donaher Karen and Michael Fox Julia and Norm Geib Ellen Kelly Lucinda Morrison Susan Powel Parks Margaret and Christopher Rieck Jennifer Mulligan and Eric Sundman Nancy Surridge Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis Wilcox

MEMORIALS

In Memory of Jennifer Crosby Cargill Maxine Bleiweis Celie Campbell Cynthia and Michael Crawford Maggie Moffitt

In Memory of Robyn Swan Filippone Gary W. Potmesil

In Memory of Cynnie Goldrick Junior League Book Group

In Memory of Priscilla Heitmann Adair and Arne Heitmann

In Memory of Barbara Torrey MacAllaster David S. MacAllaster

In Memory of Bruce Marquand Janet and Stephen McDonald Nancy Voye Weissler

In Memory of Joe G. Milkavich Donald Milkavich

In Memory of Jean Murren Wendy Anderson-Brachfeld

In Memory of Bracken O’Neill Simone Caron Paul and Heidi De Genaro Joel Rosenthal Shelby Whiteside-Bandt

In Memory of Marc Packer Kathleen Bond

In Memory of Albert Potter III Candy and Donald Ostrom

In Memory of Sarah H. Powell Appleton Partners William Boeing Louise Mauran Michele Orris-Modugno and Dominick Modugno

In Memory of Dennis Sheehan Madge Canning

TRIBUTES

In Honor of Virginia Arndt Nancy S. Gilliland

In Honor of Jane Dean Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Alastair Crawford Charles and Elen Kentnor Rosalie Wolf

In Honor of Chris and Tina Frantz William Vander Meulen In Honor of John Herzog Tulis McCall

In Honor of Schuyler Huntoon Hobart Van Deusen

In Honor of Germann Melodie Schuyler Huntoon

In Honor of Butzi Moffitt Jane K. Dean

In Honor of Charlotte Rogan Olivia Rogan

In Honor of Ruth Rolander John Rolander Sandy Zera

In Honor of Kimberly Nemec Wiggin Claire Wiggin

In Honor of Jarvis and Coke Anne Wilcox Mr. and Mrs. Clint Murchison III

LEADERSHIP CORPORATE SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORT

MARQUAND SOCIETY ($5,000 - $9,999) Kasson Jewelers Morgan Stanley Smith Barney On the Harbor The Russell Agency, LLC

PEQUOT SOCIETY ($2,500 - $4,999)

All Seasons Marine Works

Jaguar Land Rover

Kate Cacciatore Homes

Olivia Charney Interior Design

People’s United Bank

Southport Veterinary Center

Sturges Ridge of Fairfield

TIFFANY CIRCLE ($1,000 - $2,499)

Independent Jewelers Organization

Katie O’Grady & Company

Maplewood at Southport

Oliver Nurseries and Design Associates Santa Energy

CORPORATE SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORT

BENEFACTOR ($500 - $999)

Fairfield Country Day School

J.McLaughlin

King Industries KMS Team at Compass

The Local Vault Outdoor Design & Living The Post

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($250 - $499)

Bigelow Tea

Celie Campbell Realtor

Lindquist Design Associates

Sasqua Garden Club

ServiceMaster of Westport Sheraton Caregivers

The Total Look Salon & Spa

PATRON ($100 - $249)

Aqua-Lawn, Inc.

Blue Door Vibes Box Of...

Brett Lauren Jewelry

The Delamar Hotel Haute Energy Hollis Taggart in2design

Kelley Schutte Designs KM Design Lattice House Little River Farm

MERmexichique Native LLC

OHHO - Plants with Benefits

The Residence of Westport Tide Hill

Totally A Drift

Vanessa Bruder DBA VSB Jewels Vivid Cottage

ADVOCATE (under $75 - $99)

Sasquanaug Association for Southport Improvement, Inc.

CORPORATE UNRESTRICTED SUPPORT

MARQUAND SOCIETY ($5,000 - $9,999)

Butler Tibbetts

BENEFACTOR ($500 - $999)

Appleton Partners Capossela, Cohen, LLC

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($250-499)

The Pantry ServiceMaster of Westport

PATRON ($100 - $249)

Autuori Electric LLC

INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES (Under $75)

Alene’s Ice Cream LLC Amazon Smile Festivities

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS (IN-KIND)

Arbikie

Be Chocolat Doc and Sandra W. Bisset, Esq.

Blow Dry Bar

Amanda and Aaron Borst Butternut Farm Celie Campbell

Samuel W. Cargill Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits Bayard Dodge Fairfield Tennis Flutes & Foam

Fresh Flower Bar Garden Catering Caroline and Paul Gibson Golf Lounge 18 Ellen Gould

Susannah Eykyn Greens Farms Spirit Shop Gruel Britannia Harry’s Liquor Warehouse Highland Imports Isabelle et Vincent Izzo & Son Country Gardens

Jaguar Land Rover John Desmond Builders Kasson Jewelers

M Communications Megan and Sean Kelly

Kindred Spirits & Wine Kelcey Kirik-King and Shenton King Lynne Laukhuf

Links Drinks

Local Kitchen and Beer Bar

Mo’s Wine and Spirits

Peg and Nelson North Outdoor Design & Living

Pamela Einarsen Photography

RFR Realty LLC

Margaret and Christopher Rieck Royal Nail & Spa Bill and Erin Russell Robert and Carolyn Russo Seir Hill

Shake Shack

Belinda J. Shepard Soccer & Rugby Imports Shirley M. Sontheimer

The Sono Baking Company & Cafe SoundRunner

Southern Connecticut Ice and Oil LLC

The Stand Vegan Cafe Stew Leonard’s Stop & Shop

StretchLab

Tuck Gin

Two Oh Three Two Roads Brewing Company

The Vintage Horse Deb and Richard Deej Webb George T. Wein 2018 Revocable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis Wilcox

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Town of Fairfield

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES

The Blackbaud Giving Fund Chevron Humankind KKR

KPMG Gives c/o Bergen County’s United Way Odyssey Reinsurance Company Pfizer Foundation

FOUNDATIONS

FOUNDERS SOCIETY ($10,000 & above) CT Humanities Quidditch Foundation, Inc.

MARQUAND SOCIETY ($5,000 - $9,999)

Clarence and Anne Dillon Dunwalke Trust Irwin and Dorothy Nessel Foundation

The Grace Jones Richardson Trust

PEQUOT SOCIETY ($2,500 - $4,999)

Anonymous

The Allison Foundation

Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund (Westport Weston Family YMCA)

People’s United Community Foundation Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation Wilmot Wheeler Foundation, Inc.

TIFFANY CIRCLE ($1,000 - $2,499)

Cannupa Foundation

The Steven Della Rocca Memorial Fund Fairfield Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. Horton Family Fund Kaulbach Fundation

Rust Family Foundation

BENEFACTOR ($500 - $999)

Gellar Conarck Fund

The William and Diana Romney Gray Family Foundation

The Ruscito and Head Family Foundation MacInnis Family Foundation Salem Family Fund

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($250 - $499)

The James and Wendy Agah Family Foundation

Christian I. & Hilma A. Gravesen Memorial Fund

Russo Family Foundation

PATRON ($100 - $249)

Turn to the Wonderful Fund

MEDIA SPONSORS

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens Venü Magazine

Always happy to support such an amazing place.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

BENEFACTOR ($500 - $999)

Fairfield Public Schools

PATRON ($100 - $249)

Junior League Book Group

Trinity Episcopal Church

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Aspetuck Land Trust

Gabi Coatsworth

Fairfield Garden Club

Fairfield Country Day School

Fairfield Public Library

Fairfield Public Schools

Fairfield University

Fairfield Woods Branch Library

Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras

Greens Farms Academy

Greens Farms Garden Club

Historic New England

Lenihan School of Irish Dance

Meryl Moss Media Group Music for Youth

Preservation Connecticut

The Quick Center for the Arts

Sasqua Garden Club

Sasquanaug Association

Save the Children School of Rock Schubert Club of Fairfield County Shakespeare on the Sound

Southport Conservancy St. Thomas School

Sustainable Fairfield Task Force

Sustainable Westport Waldingfield Farm

Westport Farmers Market Westport School of Music

Award Winners

MARLENE SHEEHAN | VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

I have lived in Southport and my family and I have used the library for over 50 years. It is still a wonderful feeling knowing that for over a hundred years people have walked into this beautiful, historic building and borrowed books, met old and new neighbors, attended book readings, parties, lectures, and concerts, plus seen exhibitions and been greeted and helped by the nicest library people alive who go way beyond what is expected of them. How lucky we are!

SHELLEY HALL | CRANE-WOOD BOOK SALE AWARD

Over the 30 years that Shelley has volunteered at Pequot Library, she has worked on the children/young adult section of the book sale, which by far has the most books. As a teacher Shelley was drawn to those categories. Shelley can quickly sort and box books and is an expert in setting up for the summer sale. Working in uncomfortable heat in the tent, Shelley is there long after everyone else has left to make sure the children’s books are arranged neatly and organized so that the buyers can find what they want.

At the sale Shelley can be counted on to handle people who buy large quantities of books. She works quickly, calmly and always with a smile. She is there to help after the sale with cleanup. Like Superwoman, she can fly from one job to the next, lift heavy boxes and lead customers to just the book they are looking for.

Shelley is loved by all the volunteers. We are all so happy she is being honored for her many years of service to Pequot Library. – Roberta Gagne, longtime Book Sale volunteer

When my family and I moved to Southport from New York City in 2010, we had little idea what to expect from our new neighbors. Very quickly, we found community at Pequot Library. Our children were 4, 1, and in utero at the time. They have essentially grown up with Pequot. From our children’s perspective over the years, the Children’s Library was totally redone, campouts, book sales, potato sack races, and other staple events were marked on the calendar early and eagerly anticipated, a few bunnies have been befriended and mourned, but Pequot remained a pillar of stability. It was home right away. Little did my children know of budget concerns, changes in leadership, capital campaigns, a historic roof in desperate need of replacement, etc. Their ignorance to those challenges is exactly how it should be. Institutions such as Pequot should be treasured, nurtured, and maintained by those with the time, ability, and means to do so, for the benefit of all. This is what gives Pequot its standing, and it’s what makes a geographical area an actual community.

The last 10 years I have spent on the Board have been quite a ride. For several stretches it seemed that nothing would come easy. Yet, at every turn, we were blown away by the love this Library received from its supporters to face and overcome each obstacle. On the Board of Trustees, we took great pains to take the long view and respond to each challenge in a way that would have lasting effect, rather than simply patching holes with temporary fixes. This approach would not be possible without inspiring leadership from Stephanie, a truly dedicated staff and Board, and, of course, an incredibly supportive community willing to repeatedly donate their time and dollars. I’m proud to say the progress Pequot has made over the last 10 years is nothing short of remarkable. I’ve always felt (and still feel) that my own contributions to this progress have been quite minor in the scheme of the bigger picture. That said, I’m honored to be considered even a small part of this progress and humbled to receive this award.

SCOTT BALKAN | HOYT O. PERRY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD