Why Creativity Matters made possible by LIFEWTR
What fuels a vibrant, connected and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Fairfield?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good.
Believe it or not, you discover creativity in the ordinary every day as you walk, shop, work and play in Fairfield. HamletHub “Why Creativity Matters” showcases these local experiences.
Four questions with Fairfield resident, Tony Phillips LCSW, Director of Social Services for Town of Ridgefield.
What organization or place in Fairfield makes you feel good?
I think of the library. Many see libraries for their "collections." I suppose I used to think of the library in that way too. As I've matured, I now tend to see the library as a cultural center. A hub of information and knowledge. A hub for the community to gather; whether you are a new mom, a senior, teens looking for a safe space after school or you have no home. A place where you can borrow or leave behind something that might impact the next visitor. I particularly appreciate the kids' programs, art and music showings. I think it's great that there is space for artists to show their work, find an audience, share. I recently went to a gallery show at Pequot to support a friend who is most often a very busy full-time wife and mother of three; but she is also an incredible artist. I think it's cool that they offered her and many others the opportunity to share their work with the world, and I'm thankful my family got to see all the artists' work.
Is there a person or organization using creativity to provoke change in Fairfield?
As I thought about the "who" is creative and inspiring change in Fairfield... I settled in on a common theme if not one group or agency who are making impressive changes. I first thought of State Rep. Cristin McCarthy-Vahey, I'm a big fan of hers. She has great ideas, great energy, she is a great leader, she cares about Fairfield, Connecticut, the environment and she literally participates in/at everything! She is a creative change agent. Then I thought of the Moms Demand Action group; in particular I'm a fan of organizer Amy Cawman and that group's creativity toward activating a varied group of concerned citizens and bringing awareness around gun violence and gun safety. Then I started thinking about all the women /moms who have or are taking leadership roles in and around town as creative change agents (some who I've never met, and I may or may not agree with their views)... these are the MOMS of Fairfield who are creating changes. Brenda Kupchick, Nancy Leftkowitz, Laura Devlin, Jennifer Leeper, Caitlin Clarkson-Pereira and so many more moms who are taking chances and stepping into roles of leadership that traditionally were not available to women 10, 20, 30 years ago. In a nutshell; there are many Fairfield moms who are literally CREATING change by showing up, being courageous and using their voices; and that is inspiring to me. And of course, my wife and mother of two Bonnie and my own mother and mother-in-law inspire me as well.
Any place in Fairfield where you go for inspiration and creativity?
I find access to nature in Fairfield is inspiring to me. We have so much open space, hiking trails and the beautiful beaches as the highlight. My family and I love heading out to Lake Mohegan for a walk through the trails and by Mill River. Same with the beaches, where we can sit and enjoy the sun and listen to the crashing of the waves, or play in the sand and water with our friends. Those are two of my favorite spots for inspiration.
Is there an organization in Fairfield that inspires you?
Mill River Wetland Committee inspires me and makes me feel good. I've been volunteering in the program at my childrens' schools since we moved to Fairfield. I remember growing up in Norwalk where my mother was a river study lab leader for my school; so there is some nostalgia for me. I love that they are built around local community members including some of my neighbors. I love that they reach so many schools and grade levels. In today's world of heavy technology I also think it's important that kids get this chance to go outside and connect with nature; understand how nature works and why it's important to protect. And what a resource we have in our local river system and Long Island Sound literally in our backyard. Hopefully, the thousands of students who've gone through the program will be good stewards to Fairfield and the planet and pass along the information to the next generation. I continue to have fun and learn every year I participate.
Why Creativity Matters is made possible by LIFEWTR.
*Image credit Mill River Wetland Committee
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.