"Dear Diary..."

latest Fairfield newsletter article

Dear Friends,
As my summer at the Fairfield comes to an end, I have been reflecting on my many varied experiences as an intern and docent. I now know how Brett Favre must have felt; it's time to go, but I still want to play the game...

I'd like to share with you the top 10 things I learned while working at the Fairfield this summer:

#10 Spackling can be very zen.

#9 There's no such thing as "just a little touch-up painting" in an art gallery.

#8 As one visitor recently exclaimed, "Oh, that Henry Moore!"

#7 Plexiglas is deceptively heavy. (I have the bruises to prove it.)

#6 There really is a huge difference between flat and satin paint, even if they're both "Fairfield White."

#5 No matter how many times you proofread, or how much you plan, there's always an error that slips through. (Should "proofread" be hyphenated?) It should be embraced, not feared!

#4 "Not for profit" is just another way of saying, "W e need more money to do that." (Should "not for profit" be hyphenated? Did I spell "hyphenated" correctly?)

#3 Most children will stand still and look at contemporary art, if given the right incentive (see above article about "Find It!").

#2 Volunteers rule!

And the #1 thing I learned while working at the Fairfield (drum roll, please):

When one bridge closes, another one opens.

All joking aside, I have truly enjoyed my summer here. I also learned just how much work is involved in operating an art center like this one, how lucky we are to have the staff and volunteers that we do, and how special it is to have this art center in Sturgeon Bay. As we approach our fall season, we will once again be in need of volunteers, especially docents, and I hope you will consider giving a couple hours of your time to welcome visitors through the doors of the Fairfield

Best wishes,

Patty O'Rourke
Summer Docent

new school

I was pleasantly surprised when I received the message yesterday that the school district I just applied to this summer had called to schedule me as a sub.
was even more surprised when I called this morning and found out it could be as early as this next week - the first week of school!
the new high school choir director & his wife are expecting a baby, and she could "go" at any moment, I was told.
if I am called these first few days of class, there won't be any individual/small group lessons scheduled, as yet, so it will just be a matter of keeping a study hall in line, and entertaining two choir classes per day.
my music background is instrumental, but we can survive a few days, early in the year.
so, starting next Tuesday, I'll have to lay out my clothes the night before, set my alarm, gather my teacher stuff, and get ready.
so it begins...

Mrs. O'R

first calling

I was quite surprised when my phone vibrated (can't have the ringer turned on while at work), and I saw I had a message from school.
took a break, called Mrs. Wonderfulelementaryschoolsecretary, and she was already scheduling me to sub., September 17th, for 6th grade!
I was surprised, pleased, and then a bit sad, realizing that "summer" is winding down.
will have to start pulling together some supplies, and maybe shop (yuck) for a couple of pieces to add to my teacher wardrobe.
so, last night, after supper, we invited the neighbors over for dessert & wine, sat on the porch, and just enjoyed the lovely evening and each others' company, until the mosquitoes chased us inside.
will have to memorize evenings like this, so I can call them forward in the dead of winter, when I'm counting the days until spring!
later,
Mrs. O'R

news from the Fairfield

thought I would share my article in the Fairfield Museum's latest newsletter, along with my "docent diary" collage, as it progresses:

Dear Friends,

Because of its not-for-profit status, the Fairfield Art Center relies on the generosity of its members and friends to help support our mission. And let's face it, times are tough. No matter what your income bracket, you've noticed that it takes more money to fill the gas tank, buy groceries and just live day to day.

But that should not stop any of us from giving to the causes and organizations we care about. We just need to get a bit creative.

One of the easiest ways I have found to give a little on a regular basis is through an internet search engine called GoodSearch. You may designate the Fairfield Art Center as the organization "you search for," and then each time you do a search on your computer, a penny is donated to the Fairfield. That may not seem like much, but if we had 100 supporters that averaged two searches per day, the estimated revenue per year would be $730. If you do a lot of shopping online, you also may use the "GoodShop" sites such as Amazon and Target to shop for us, and an average of 3% of the sales will be donated.

Another way to give while you shop is by registering your Piggly Wiggly "Greenbax" or your Pick 'n Save or Copps "We Care" program points to be donated to the Fairfield. Just stop at the customer service counter the next time you go for groceries and sign up. A percentage of the total spent at participating stores is given back to each not-for-profit organization. It's an easy way to make that extra money that you're now spending every week count toward something else.

When you are planning cash contributions, check with your employer to see if the company will match your donation. Many companies already have such programs in place, and if not, you may just be the person to get things started.

Speaking of planning, have you made out your will? I know, estate planning is one of the last things most people really want to think about. But as someone who has been left behind to deal with such matters, believe me when I say it is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones. And making sure the things that you have come to appreciate in your lifetime carry on for future generations is a wonderful gift.

Time is something else you might consider giving. We're always looking for volunteers for a variety of events and tasks. Call us, and we will put you on our volunteer list. When we need someone for something, we'll send an e-mail to this group; if you're available, let us know.

Finally, have you considered recycling as a form of giving? Perhaps there is something taking up space in your closet/garage/attic that could be put to good use by someone else. The Fairfield now has a "Wish List" that will be posted on our Web site, on our blog and in the e-newsletter, so please check it from time to time. Does anyone have a coffee maker they would like to re-gift? The one in the office occasionally leaks, and I fear for the safety of the fax machine!

Best wishes,

Patty O'Rourke
Summer Docent

docent diary (collage, in progress)

things have been hectic around here, and I had hoped to post more this past week about some of it, but I just don't know where the time goes!
but, I'm getting lots of things done, in several "categories" of my life, and will share soon.
later,
Patty