69th Jack Frost Bazaar is One Way to Simplify the Holidays at Niantic Community Church
The holiday season has always had a bad reputation for sucking up time, money and even joy, creating a stressed out, consumer driven Christmas, that is not particularly ecologically friendly. But the holidays don’t have to be that way. Niantic Community Church will hold its 69th Annual Jack Frost Bazaar on Saturday, November 8th from 9a.m.-2 p.m.. It is not only a holiday tradition but appeals to those who are looking to simplify their holidays by being mindful of how they spend their resources.
Niantic, CT, October 08, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The holiday season has always had something of a bad reputation for sucking up time, money and even joy, creating a stressed out, consumer driven Christmas, that is not particularly ecologically friendly. Doesn’t sound too good does it? But the holidays don’t have to be that way and taking part in local holiday fairs, can be one way to lower stress levels, support local organizations and even be gentler on the earth as we reuse, reduce and recycle.
Niantic Community Church will hold its 69th Annual Jack Frost Bazaar on Saturday, November 8th from 9a.m.-2 p.m.. It is not only a holiday tradition for many, but appeals to those who are looking to simplify their lives, and their holidays by being mindful of how they spend their resources.
Anne Gonsalves of East Lyme has been turning her passion for re-purposing furniture, into highly sought after silent auction items for the past five years. She acquires love lorn, furniture in various ways and gives them a new look, a new purpose and new life for a good cause. Each creation is among a huge assortment of other silent auction items at the bazaar many of which are consumable. When another chotchke just won’t do, giving an experience, food, home made delight or services might be the perfect gift.
According to Anne, on two occasions, a family donated an old furniture piece and later bought it back with the winning bid in the auction after she redesigned it. She suspects in both instances, there may have been some sentimental attachment to the piece. This year Anne re-envisioned an old CD tower and turned it into an all-purpose storage unit with a chalkboard door, and then got creative with an old fashioned wooden clothes hamper. A desk and another large piece is expected at the auction this year as well.
“A lot of stuff comes to me well loved and needs some work,” says Anne. “I look at the piece to see how it speaks to me. As far as colors, it’s just about what strikes me as good for the piece. I’ve always loved giving new life to things.”
Anne started out with an Associate degree in engineering and followed it up with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. Neither appealed to her. These days she does some catering, stages homes for local Realtors, and is active in her church. And although her repurposed furniture will be upstairs at NCC the day of the bazaar, Anne won’t be. She will be found on the lower level of the church in the kitchen, working hard putting a traditional turkey luncheon together, served between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Apple crisp is the dessert du jour, and the cost is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for a children’s meal of chicken nuggets with dine in and take out available.
“Being a member of NCC makes me want to do whatever I can to help,” says Anne. “You try to find your niche and how you can help.”
Co-chair Susan Brown shares a story about one of the JFB regulars. “There is a woman who lives in our area, and does not go to our church, but well over a decade ago, she started coming to our bazaar. She comes specifically because she does nearly all of her Christmas shopping at our bazaar. She knows each part of the bazaar offers a lot of great things but the auction items in particular, is her focus. We offer great value for what would cost much more if acquired from stores. She loves the presentation of the baskets/items. It makes her busy life easier so she can enjoy the holiday season when it actually arrives. She shops for aging parents, spouse, children, extended family, and friends. That says a lot when someone is able to make our bazaar a One-Stop Shopping experience each year.”
Men are often coerced into coming, but find there is something for them as well in the silent auction, with UCONN Women Husky tickets a very hot item according to Susan.
“I always include practical/handy tools, devices/gadgets, electronics, sports items, and sports memorabilia," says Susan. "We want to have interesting things for them to consider, since many are 'dragged along' for this holiday outing.”
In addition to the usual foods, games, spa packages, personal services and other unique items, this year an Unofficial NCC Dine Out book will be offered. It makes sense to be mindful about holiday shopping. Everyone is looking to simplify their lives and the holidays are no exception. The jewelry at the bazaar is mostly second hand and flies out the doors. The books are pre-read and fill one room to overflowing. Fair trade items are offered in the alternative market section. Home baked goodies are available in the cookie cottage, and in attic treasures there are antiques and vintage items looking for a new home. Handmades celebrate the craft of community coming together to make items that might be cherished for years to come. This is one mindful way to shop for the holidays, but more than that is an experience that many call a holiday tradition and a spirit-filled way to simplify the holiday.
Niantic Community Church is located at 170 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic. Visit www.NianticCommunityChurch.org or call (860) 739-6208 for more information.
Niantic Community Church will hold its 69th Annual Jack Frost Bazaar on Saturday, November 8th from 9a.m.-2 p.m.. It is not only a holiday tradition for many, but appeals to those who are looking to simplify their lives, and their holidays by being mindful of how they spend their resources.
Anne Gonsalves of East Lyme has been turning her passion for re-purposing furniture, into highly sought after silent auction items for the past five years. She acquires love lorn, furniture in various ways and gives them a new look, a new purpose and new life for a good cause. Each creation is among a huge assortment of other silent auction items at the bazaar many of which are consumable. When another chotchke just won’t do, giving an experience, food, home made delight or services might be the perfect gift.
According to Anne, on two occasions, a family donated an old furniture piece and later bought it back with the winning bid in the auction after she redesigned it. She suspects in both instances, there may have been some sentimental attachment to the piece. This year Anne re-envisioned an old CD tower and turned it into an all-purpose storage unit with a chalkboard door, and then got creative with an old fashioned wooden clothes hamper. A desk and another large piece is expected at the auction this year as well.
“A lot of stuff comes to me well loved and needs some work,” says Anne. “I look at the piece to see how it speaks to me. As far as colors, it’s just about what strikes me as good for the piece. I’ve always loved giving new life to things.”
Anne started out with an Associate degree in engineering and followed it up with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. Neither appealed to her. These days she does some catering, stages homes for local Realtors, and is active in her church. And although her repurposed furniture will be upstairs at NCC the day of the bazaar, Anne won’t be. She will be found on the lower level of the church in the kitchen, working hard putting a traditional turkey luncheon together, served between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Apple crisp is the dessert du jour, and the cost is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for a children’s meal of chicken nuggets with dine in and take out available.
“Being a member of NCC makes me want to do whatever I can to help,” says Anne. “You try to find your niche and how you can help.”
Co-chair Susan Brown shares a story about one of the JFB regulars. “There is a woman who lives in our area, and does not go to our church, but well over a decade ago, she started coming to our bazaar. She comes specifically because she does nearly all of her Christmas shopping at our bazaar. She knows each part of the bazaar offers a lot of great things but the auction items in particular, is her focus. We offer great value for what would cost much more if acquired from stores. She loves the presentation of the baskets/items. It makes her busy life easier so she can enjoy the holiday season when it actually arrives. She shops for aging parents, spouse, children, extended family, and friends. That says a lot when someone is able to make our bazaar a One-Stop Shopping experience each year.”
Men are often coerced into coming, but find there is something for them as well in the silent auction, with UCONN Women Husky tickets a very hot item according to Susan.
“I always include practical/handy tools, devices/gadgets, electronics, sports items, and sports memorabilia," says Susan. "We want to have interesting things for them to consider, since many are 'dragged along' for this holiday outing.”
In addition to the usual foods, games, spa packages, personal services and other unique items, this year an Unofficial NCC Dine Out book will be offered. It makes sense to be mindful about holiday shopping. Everyone is looking to simplify their lives and the holidays are no exception. The jewelry at the bazaar is mostly second hand and flies out the doors. The books are pre-read and fill one room to overflowing. Fair trade items are offered in the alternative market section. Home baked goodies are available in the cookie cottage, and in attic treasures there are antiques and vintage items looking for a new home. Handmades celebrate the craft of community coming together to make items that might be cherished for years to come. This is one mindful way to shop for the holidays, but more than that is an experience that many call a holiday tradition and a spirit-filled way to simplify the holiday.
Niantic Community Church is located at 170 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic. Visit www.NianticCommunityChurch.org or call (860) 739-6208 for more information.
Contact
Niantic Community Church
Patty Chaffee
860-739-6208
www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
Patty Chaffee
860-739-6208
www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
Contact
Categories