Creativity Connects Stamford
What fuels a vibrant, connected, and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Stamford?
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 every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Stamford.
Creativity connects us.
Meet Mary Ann Lawlor, 2nd Vice President of Stamford Woman’s Club.
How does creativity connect you to Stamford?
Cove Island Park with the peaceful waters of Long Island Sound is my favorite Stamford spot for creative thinking and daydreaming.
The Stamford History Center’s exhibits always provide provocative links to Stamford’s past and were an inspiration for the “I Remember Stamford” booklet. Ron Marcus, the History Center’s Librarian, is the best source for Stamford stories and legends linking our past and present.
When my husband and I moved back to Stamford about 15 years ago into an antique house built by Benjamin Scofield circa 1777, Ron Marcus helped us research its history and we discovered that previous owners were the Rothschild family, an Italian contessa, and actress Nina Foch. It’s fun to imagine their presence in these old rooms — perhaps the next owner of this old house will be inspired to create an historical novel to bring its past to life.
Finish this sentence: When I think of creativity in Stamford I think of...
When I think of creativity in Stamford I think immediately of Ellen Greene. She has just completed her third term as Corresponding Secretary for the Stamford Woman's Club (SWC) whose members have been "doing good and having fun" since 1905. There are currently fifty-five club members and we meet monthly either at a luncheon or at a general meeting with a special program or speaker followed by a friendly and elegant teatime.
Is there a person or organization using creativity to provoke change in Stamford?
Last year the SWC awarded $42,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and donated $5,700 to various community organizations in Stamford.
Ellen can always be counted on to create beautiful luncheon centerpieces, seasonal luncheon favors for all who attend, and raffle and door prizes beautifully wrapped and displayed. Ellen also shares her talents as a regular volunteer at the Creative Learning Center (CLC) at the First Presbyterian Church here in Stamford (the Fish Church). The CLC is an after school program that combines games, play and help with homework. Ellen often provides a creative component for her students, showing them how to make small gifts for family members and friends. Ellen Greene truly is a talented, creative and good woman. I consider myself so fortunate to know her and to call her my friend.
A few years ago I was actually inspired to write a little poem to honor this very special club founded 115 years ago and still going strong. If any readers of this blog want further information about membership in the SWC, please call me, Mary Ann Lawlor, at 203-461-9422.
THE STAMFORD WOMAN’S CLUB
Do good and have fun, that’s our goal –-
We work with hands and heart and soul,
To make Stamford a better place to work and live.
In truth, we get back more than we give.
Eating lunch together is our favorite thing,
And at Christmastime we like to sing.
Here’s our secret if truth be told:
At our luncheon tables we never grow old!
We tell stories and jokes (generally clean);
We laugh and tease (without being mean).
Interesting programs and excellent tea,
Friendship and solace if ever need be.
We comfort sick members and mourn our dead –-
We are never alone and let it be said,
Give us a problem, tell us a dream
We’ll have solutions, we’ll work as a team.
Some give advice and some of us do,
And some do both – that’s OK too!
Making a difference together, we always try
To make Stamford a better place. Now you know why!
Creativity Connects Stamford is made possible by LIFEWTR.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.