HOME East Final 04.14.11

Special Section to: The Valley Gazette I The Stratford Star I
HOME
APRIL 2011
The Milford Mirror I The Amity Observer I

HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS
The Trumbull Times I Fairfield Sun I The Huntington Herald I The Monroe Courier I The Easton Courier
Painted a bright orange, a forlorn knitting chest becomes unique storage, see original on page 11. Below, a stuff bucket was made of old curtains on the outside and chair slipcovers within. — Betsy Krobot photos
Go orglow!
A spring fling with Betsy K
by Karen Dydzuhn particularly like. “One of the biggest obstacles is that they
don’t know what to do with it,” she said. “I give them the
Reality television shows, such as “Hoarders,” have solutions.”
recently shed a negative light on people who have a difficult She pointed out that many homeowners have unused
time throwing anything away, to the point that they’re living items left over from home projects, such as building materi-
in squalor. The clutter has overtaken their entire lives. als and paint and old furnishings and decorative accessories
Offering a more compassionate and understanding that no longer are appropriate for their current décor. “You
response, Black Rock’s Betsy Krobot, a professional orga- wouldn’t believe how much paint gets thrown away and
nizer, specializes in helping people to “let go” of their, well, ends up clogging up our landfills,” Betsy exclaims. “I take it
junk. away and bring it to where it could be used.”
Part housekeeper, part decorator and part therapist, In a new collaborative initiative with Paul Hallgren, a
Betsy explained that there are several reasons that people
hold onto to belongings that they no longer use or even See Betsy K on page 11
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•2• • HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • April 14, 2011 •
• April 14, 2011 • • HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • •3•
THE BARN SALE
A Project of Hope and Help

by Robin Glowa
Walk through the door at the Barn Sale
in Hamden and you are literally walking
through history. A very special consignment
store, the Barn Sale is filled with hundreds of
bits and pieces of people’s pasts. From gor-
geous hand-beaded shawls to dainty teacups
adorned with delicate violets, stunning jew-
elry and sterling candy dishes, bric-a-brac
and candlesticks, puzzles and games, crock-
pots and grandfather clocks, the Barn Sale
is filled with an ever-changing, superlative
selection of donated and consigned items.
The store’s focus is raising money to support

a multitude of local charities, but the volun-
teers who work there have found that the
time they spend at the Barn Sale has been a Not only will you find such items
gratifying source of personal support. as jewelry, clothes, shoes, toys,
games, china, and home furnish-
Rose Maisano and Mary Hunt, two long- ings, you’ll be helping others, as
time volunteers, extoll the benefits of being well. — Robin Glowa photos
involved with the store. “When my husband
passed away,” says Rose, with a quiet tone
of appreciation, “I found a lot of comfort
working here. A lot of the volunteers come
here seeking friendship and a reason to get
out of the house.” care for and benefit those in need. A photo- change the charities each year,” she says, Indeed, the glass cases are like a pirate’s
graph of the ship hangs proudly in the store “so we can spread the wealth around.” The treasure chest, filled with piles of pearls;
Mary adds, with a big smile, “We all love as a reminder of it’s historical roots. charities for 2011 include Keefe Community rings of every size and shape suitable for any
being here and meeting the customers. Center, Fresh Air Fund, Leeway, Life Haven diva’s fingers; bracelets made of bone, wood,
People of all ages come here both to shop Eleanor Nolan, a volunteer who has been Guide Dogs, St. Ann’s Kitchen, Downtown shells, enamel and beads; glitzy watches;
and to consign. Everything that comes into with the Barn Sale for 44 years, says, with a Kitchen, Community Soup Kitchen, St. vintage pins encrusted with rhinestones;
the store has a history, and it’s a wonderful sparkle in her eye, “Oh yes, you touch history Raphael Fund, Beardsley Zoo, Adult Daycare, charming cameos and stunning strands of
way to be with people and help people.” here every day. I handle the jewelry counter Lupus Fund, Tinnitus Group, Spinal Muscular jet-black beads. As the inventory is always
and I can tell you that this is a very interest- Atrophy, Amy O’Neill Fund and Habitat for changing, it behooves the bauble collector to
The Barn Sale opened as an affiliate of ing place to shop. And we take excellent care Humanity. shop often at the Barn Sale.
Project Hope when the S.S. Hope medi- of the people who consign with us.”
cal ship — which sailed around the world “All of the items in the store are either Resembling a museum, antiques empo-
bringing medical assistance to many nations Eleanor explains that the consignment donated or consigned, but it’s primarily con- rium and department store all rolled into
— was retired. Project Hope switched its agreement is a 50-50 division. The Barn Sale signment,” Eleanor says. “Many of the items
emphasis entirely to land-based operations, donates 50% of their sales to local chari- decrease to half price after one month and
such as the Barn Sale, that would continue to ties in the greater New Haven area. “We of course the jewelry area is very popular!” See Barn on page 10
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Re-gifting ... nature’s way
by Lisa Wickersham last snow standing” would be. But once terra firma made its
appearance after such a long absence, it was time to survey
After some fits and starts, our hard-earned springtime has the situation.
finally arrived. Crocuses toughed out early spring snow falls,
as did other flowering bulbs that had been coaxed out of All around were the vestiges of a harsh winter ... fallen trees,
the ground by unseasonably warm temps. It was that same split limbs, branches galore, and a fair share of “widow mak-
string of warm, sunny days that rid us of the snow cover ers” (forked branches that manage to break loose, free fall,
that seemed to endure for months on end. More mindful and get caught on healthy limbs, often dangling precariously
types, like me, tended to make a game of it, taking note of overhead). Broken forsythia branches were good candidates A fallen tree finds new life as a bench.
the depleting snow and predicting where in the yard “the for forcing, bringing a little bit of springtime indoors. Yes, the
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effect of winter on our trees

created a long list of honey-
other problems. Fortunately,
we do try to offset these
mentioned wood pile, but we usually
put some long lengths aside for other eBAY
dos for many. Add to that list losses by planting five to uses, particularly benches. Our garden
Found
wooden fences and stone 10 deciduous and conif- design is rather informal, with our
walls that need mending, erous trees each year, one-acre pond as the focal point. Our
ruts in drives and lawns that both native and specimen pathways, including the woodland trail
need tamping, and frozen-in-place varieties. We pen all new around the back side of the pond, offer
money
holiday decorations that need to be plantings for several years to keep the several aptly named viewing spots —
stashed away, as ’tis the season no lon- deer away from the young tender bark, Butterfly Zone, Picnic Grove, Water Lily
ger. Though daunting, the heavy work with an overall success rate of roughly Pool — where we’ve added our natural
involved to lay the groundwork for a 70 percent. benches over the years. These are pret-
beautifully planted landscape come ty basic in design ... one long, smooth
May is well worth it. I recall when we moved into our home log supported by a short, notched log
14 years ago, we asked the prior owner at either end. And with our never-end-
This past winter’s snow fall, long-stand- where he had gotten wood to feed the ing supply of wood, they are easy to
by G. Lisa Sullivan
ing and weighty, also matted down huge double-damper fireplace. He told replace when they begin to look a little
I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like to
evergreen plants (like pachysandra) us that the property tended to pro- tired. Well-positioned tree stumps can
come across some extra money. Whether it’s
as well as the lower branches of pine duce a sufficient supply. We thought often be fashioned into obelisk-type
a forgotten 10 dollar bill you discover in your
trees. Uncollected leaves from last fall to ourselves, “Yeah, right.” As it turned supports for climbing vines or sturdy
coat pocket or an unexpected tax refund
lay like thick padding underfoot, mak- out, he was right (at least about that, plant stands for clay pots.
(yes, it’s that time of the year again!), there’s
ing it difficult for daffodils to poke anyway). So what do we do with all of
nothing like finding money you didn’t have
through. In raking the leaves aside in the dead wood (backyard variety, not Taking the idea of “nature’s furniture” (or didn’t know you had) before.
March, I could see the new shoots, corporate) we’ve accumulated? We a little further, our area’s rocky terrain
lying on their sides, blanched from the now have several generations of wood churns up some beautiful large stones If, however, your coat pockets are empty
lack of sun. I worked fast to free them, piles “seasoning” between neighboring that can be used to create benches, and you won’t be on the receiving end of a
hoping it would make a difference, and trees and enjoy making fires a good steps, or even the low walls that many tax refund this year, then you might want to
it did. The daffodils began to perk up, nine months out of the year. Some of of these stones may have once been consider selling some of your new or gently
color up and eventually bloom. the wood we collect is designated for a part. Natural materials blend nicely used high-quality items on eBay. In fact,
chipping. For more than a decade, our into your surroundings and will always why not let Sold It on eBay, a Norwalk-based
Fallen trees are something of a regular woodchip pile has appeared untouched complement, rather than compete company that opened in October 2005, do
occurrence at our house. We’ve aver- to passersby. But we know better. The with, your more structured garden the work for you? “Simply bring your item
aged roughly one loss per year, and as base of the original pile is now a source spaces and flowering plants and trees. or items in; we’ll list them on eBay and
unlucky as that sounds, you could say of organic mulch, while the wood chips I can’t think of a nicer tribute to Earth then after they sell, you get a check. It’s that
that it’s part of our master plan. We from more recent years are used to Day than reusing nature’s gifts, provid- simple,” according to Marc Perler, the owner
deliberately leave dying trees in place renew our garden paths each spring. ing even dead trees their own new of Sold It on eBay, a registered eBay drop-off
— as long as they don’t pose safety We like to use wood chips and pine beginning. store.
risks — so that we can attract and needles to keep our paths comfortable
observe the owls and woodpeckers that to walk on and as natural looking as Lisa Wickersham lives in South Salem, “Many people have high-quality items sitting
enjoy them. Not surprisingly, this win- possible. N.Y., with her husband and two daugh- in their attics or buried in their bureaus,” he
ter delivered a “twofer” in that regard, ters and is a long-time member of the says. “Sold It on eBay, a veritable consign-
and aside from the clean-up from this The trunks of fallen trees, of course, Lewisboro Garden Club. For more infor-
unexpected bonus, we experienced no can be split and added to the afore- mation, lisawick@verizon.net. See eBay on page 10
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Maximize comfort, maximize savings

WEATHERIZE YOUR HOME WITH MR. HANDYMAN OF GREATER FAIRFIELD COUNTY
by Robin E. Glowa gram here in Connecticut, which is affiliat-

ed with local gas and energy companies.”
Did you find yourself writing several mas-
sive checks to your oil company this win- Lorenzo adds, “We come into the home and
ter? The extreme weather conditions forced do what is called an energy audit; this is a
homeowners to dig deep into their pockets comprehensive evaluation of the home. We
to ensure a warm and comfortable home. take a close look at the home and deter-
mine how to make it more energy efficient
But how comfortable were you, really? to save you money. Programs like this were
Did you feel a chill in the family room, a initiated with a federal-stimulus program,
lingering draft in the bedroom or were you and the local energy companies continue to
downright cold in the kitchen? offer many ways for homeowners to save,
while enhancing the comfort level of their
Skip Wyatt and his son, Lorenzo, are the homes.
owners of Mr. Handyman of Greater Fairfield
County. They are committed to helping “This past year,” Lorenzo says, “over 200
homeowners achieve peak efficiency in a contractors applied to be involved in what
cozy, warm and comfortable environment, is known as the Home Energy Solutions
while saving significant dollars. Program. Only eight new contractors were
selected to participate, and Mr. Handyman
Skip explains why homeowners need to of Greater Fairfield County was one of
be proactive when it comes to energy them. I think this program is amazing. The
issues. “Energy is getting more expensive homeowner gets the benefit of a low-cost
all the time. We are at the mercy of supply evaluation by highly qualified profession-
and demand due to perishable fossil fuels. als, who thoroughly screen the home and
There are political issues resulting in hom- implement immediate solutions.”
eowners having less and less control. The
more we rely on certain energy sources, The energy audit takes two to four hours
the more dangerous it is for our country and costs $75. The ultimate purpose of the
from both a security as well as an economic audit is to determine where the house is
standpoint.” losing heat and where cold air is infiltrat-
ing. Lorenzo says, “The diagnostic tools we
He adds, “And then there is the earth itself. use during the energy audit give us a very
The simple fact is, it makes sense to put clear picture of the health of the house.
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conserve. Lorenzo and I feel that it is so
�� important that every homeowner make
their home highly efficient,” Skip stresses. “When older homes were built,” Skip points
�� out, “a lot of energy efficiencies weren’t
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�� ity companies have less strain and they can emphasized — energy costs were much
�� operate more effectively.” lower. We have to do things differently in
this day and age. Even newer homes can
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weatherization,” Skip says. “Lorenzo did have been a focus.
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an amazing amount of research, and we
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applied for and were accepted into the pro- “There are components which comprise
OUR BIGGEST ��

KITCHEN SALE ��
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what is called the “envelope” of the home,” explains Lorenzo.

“The outer shell, or air barrier, which protects the inside of NEW TOURS:
the house from external barriers; the thermal barrier, which
is essentially the insulating barrier; and the pressure barrier,
which protects the house between the insulation and the
exterior. If there are any breaches in the envelope, the audit
Architecture, Art and Landscape
will locate those so they can be sealed.”
Three new two-hour tours ($45 each) offer visitors the
Lorenzo details the diagnostic testing used during the audit. opportunity to dive deeper into the essential elements
“First, a blower test is done. This blows all the air out of of the 47-acre site — architecture, art and landscape
the house and depressurizes the house to let us know how — by focusing on the unique details surrounding
leaky it is. When the test is conducted in the winter, infrared the 14 structures and the world-class private art and
cameras are used, and the leaks actually turn blue! There design collection. The architecture tour offers guests
are no shortage of leaks in most houses, and the leaks that the opportunity to learn how the Glass House campus
are discovered are sealed up with a combination of caulking serves as a 50-year diary of architectural history by
and foam. Our professionals then move on to the attic, and exploring the architects, theories and history; build-
seal the attic floor,” he says. “It’s incredible how much heat ings, materials and technologies; and preservation
can be lost through the attic. In the basement, the perim- challenges of modern architecture.
eter will be sealed, as this is where most houses are taking
in the most cool air.” Art Tour
Eirik Johnson
A duct-blaster test is also conducted during the audit. The art tour will illuminate how Philip Johnson and stonewalls, trees deemed landmark-worthy and David
Lorenzo says, “Forced-air heating ducts can be broken or his partner, David Whitney, played significant roles Whitney’s inventive succulent gardens.
have cracks in them. If you’re spending money on oil, and in cultivating and commissioning the work of world-
heating rooms with forced-air ducts that are not operating renowned creative talent that defined an era. Visitors Third Thursdays: Conversations in Context
efficiently due to cracks or breakage, you’re wasting money. will examine works featured in the Glass House col-
The ducts will be sealed with mastic, a glue-like substance, lection, including artists Lynn Davis, Michael Heizer, Leading minds in the fields of architecture, art,
or heating-system tape.” Donald Judd, Andrew Lord, Robert Morris, Bruce design, history, landscape and preservation will serve
Nauman, David Salle, Julian Schnabel, Cindy Sherman, as hosts of this special curated tour. Figures such as
All of these inefficiencies are resolved during the audit and Julius Shulman, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol, among Paul Goldberger, New Yorker architecture critic; Barry
included in the $75 charge. In addition, up to 25 light bulbs others. Bergdoll, Philip Johnson chief curator of architecture
will be swapped with energy-efficient CFL bulbs, which can and design, MoMA; Theodore H.M. Prudon, founding
realize the homeowner up to 30 percent in electricity sav- Landscape Tour president, DOCOMOMO United States; Hilary Lewis,
ings. Philip Johnson scholar; Donald Kaufman + Taffy Dahl,
The Landscape tour features a walk through the Donald Kaufman Color; Charles Renfro, Diller Scofidio
If the audit identifies additional work that could be done grounds and a discussion centered on the history, + Renfro; Gregg Pasquarelli, SHoP Architects; and
to save money and increase comfort, Mr. Handyman will design, flora and fauna of Johnson’s 47-acre curated Tod Williams + Billie Tsien, Tod Williams Billie Tsien
price out that work, while the utility companies offer certain landscape. Visitors will learn to identify the various Architects, will provide narrative, interpretation and
credits, rebates and low-interest financing. influences at play, including English and French land- personal inspiration while walking the Glass House
scape details, Johnson’s midwestern farming roots site with an intimate group of visitors. Following the
For more information or to schedule your energy audit: 203- and his relationship with the historic New England tour, guests will gather for a reception on the site
373-7717, mrhandymanct.com. countryside. Additional highlights include original ($150 per person, per evening).
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HOME
Jackie Perry, editor ��
Bryan Haeffele, designer ��
•
Thomas B. Nash, publisher ��
•
APRIL 2011 VOL V, ISSUE 4
For advertising information ��
call 203-926-2080
Copyright 2011, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, LLC
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Special Section to:
The Valley Gazette • The Stratford Star • The Milford Mirror
The Amity Observer • The Trumbull Times • Fairfield Sun
��
The Huntington Herald • The Monroe Courier • The Easton ��
1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton CT 06484
Courier
203-926-2080 ��
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Local author’s focus on houses

LIVING IN AND WRITING ABOUT
by Joanne Greco Rochman windows that overlook her garden, which

is now has just emerging from winter’s
Readers will most likely recognize deep snows. The light and cheerful room
Trumbull’s Gillian Collings by her pen is accented with two wing-back chairs,
name — Frances Gilbert. A retired Trumbull white book shelves and high windows on
teacher, she now enjoys what she calls her the far side of the room. On the opposite
“second life” as a writer. By all accounts, side are long, wide windows to capture the
she has written quite a bit during this new sun as well as the scenery. There’s also a
chapter in her life. huge table, which she acquired by trading
an outgrown crib and high chair.
What is so special about visiting Gillian’s
home is that she likes to incorporate homes Her favorite reading chair, a comfy-looking
in her stories. “I love houses because they soft, green velvet, awaits her in the living
are characters in themselves. Sometimes, room, where she especially likes to cuddle
I put my own home’s features in a story up for a good read. Here she reads 10 to
— like my citrus-punch- colored room 12 books a week. Her living room also
or my red couch,” said the author, who includes a glass-topped coffee table and
has two homes, one in Trumbull and the a little chair with books stacked on it and
other in Scotland. It’s more likely than not behind it. She said there’s never enough
that a piece of furniture from her home, room for books in her house. She has so
her mother’s or her grandmother’s will many books that they are double shelved
appear. — one row of books in front of another.
It’s easy to tell that the prolific writer loves There’s also a painting of her cottage in
Gillian Collings, aka Frances Gilbert, enjoys her “second life” as an author of books for adults and children. Scotland. She and her husband travel there
old houses. In her descriptions of many
— David Collings photos
of them, there’s talk of charm, warmth about three times a year. One of her three
and a welcoming space. She notes with daughters married a Scottish farmer, so
amusement that she doesn’t have the the ready, “I sit and write wherever there’s engraved on it. during their stay, they also enjoy visits with
luxury of a study or office in her large, space,” she said. Since notebooks, pads them and their two grandsons.
white stucco Cape, which was built in the and books can be found in just about every Though she doesn’t have her own study,
1950s. Instead, with a portable laptop at room, her home has her signature firmly she does have a sunny garden room with In the book she is working on now, Murder
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Books add texture to Gillian Collings’ home and life.
in the Gun Room, which should be out in est project, “Stories for Listening.”
time for Christmas, the mystery is set in
Britain, and the action takes place in a A CD of her stories read by Alistair Philip
house she called “Beckets House.” She — a Scotsman without the brogue but with THE QUICK NO SANDING SOLUTION TO BEAUTIFUL WOOD FLOORS!
explains that she chose Britain because a grandfather’s knack for reading with Most Jobs Complete in 6-8 Hours
society there is so class-conscious, and she plenty of expression — are accented with Non-Toxic, Odorless & Certified GREEN
created a name for the house because it Scottish music and local color. Was that a Over 50,000 Happy Residential & Commercial Clients
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and raised in Greenwich, England, where of every child who hears this enchanting
she spent a war-time childhood, she is tale of a very big cat who tricks tourists into
familiar with English society. She graduat- thinking he’s the Loch Ness monster. The
ed from the University of Liverpool before
coming to the United States. In this mys-
Man with a Pocketful of Bees and To Know
the Sea are also lyrical audio treasures
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tery, the story unfolds in what she named of Francis Gilbert’s books. Her motto is: ��
“Beckets House.” “Rhythm binds language, language binds
The author recalls preparing dinner in

emotion and emotion binds meaning ...”
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her kitchen and thinking about her main It’s impossible to visit the Collings’ homes ��
character, when suddenly she shouted, on both sides of the Atlantic without being
“My god, she’s [protagonist] doing a lot! taken by the many books. These add a ��
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When is she going to eat?” Gillian laughed rich texture to their home and certainly
as she described getting lost in her writing. to Gillian’s life. In addition to her work in
��
“I have to make sure that my characters progress, she has written another mystery
eat, that if they put red shoes on in the for adults titled Where Is She Now? It is also
morning, then they better be taking off red set in a small English town and is available
shoes and not blue shoes at night.” at Amazon in a book or Kindle format.
Color is important to Gillian. Her latest chil- Adding to her body of work, and color
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dren’s book, Elephant Blue, beautifully illus- to her bookshelves, are the four chil- ��
trated by Cynthia de Hahn Block, charges dren’s books mentioned plus four more: A
the imagination with thoughts of lime- or World of Numbers, Celeste and Regine in the ��
emerald-green cats, purple birds and ruby- Rainforest, Goodnight World Outside and
red horses. Even more colorful is her new- Turtle on a Summer’s Day. ��
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• 10 • • HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • April 14, 2011 •
Barn continued from page 3 eBay continued from page 5
one, every nook and cranny of the ment shop for the 21st Century, makes
store is crammed with potential prizes. the whole process of selling items on the
On any given day you might discover Internet safe, easy and convenient. All
almost-new ice skates, a big wooden they have to do is bring them here. We
red wagon, a favorite hardcover book, do the research, recommend a pricing
a heavy cut-crystal vase, an entire set strategy (to get the highest price), then
of Bavarian china with delicate hand- professionally prepare the auction and run
painted roses, pale peach-colored Fire it on eBay.”
King bowls, Corning Ware with that
familiar cornflower-blue pattern and The business is at 607 Main Ave. (Rte.
glass tops, a mink stole, a vivid purple 7), diagonally across the street from
silk kimono emblazoned with flying the Department of Motor Vehicles and
white cranes or a Victorian wicker ani- directly opposite the Hilton Garden Inn.
mal carrier. Convenient to the Route 7 connector, I-95
and the Merritt Parkway, it’s easy for cli-
A wonderfully eclectic clothing selec- ents to drop in from almost anywhere.
tion offers everything from contem-
porary blazers, flashy and festive for- Top-selling items, according to Marc,
mal wear, cowboy hats, skirts, jeans, include higher-end designer handbags
sweaters and blouses to an interesting (new and gently-used Louis Vuitton, Gucci,
assortment of foot wear. Camel-and- Chanel and Hermès, for example), high- Experience, promotion, strategy are key factors in our success, says Marc Perler, owner of Sold It Norwalk.
cream-colored golf shoes in pristine end electronics (newer computers, cam-
condition, alligator loafers, sexy satin eras and DJ equipment), designer jew-
pumps, sturdy gardening boots and elry (Tiffany, David Yurman, Judith Ripka past five-and-one-half years, we’ve devel- targeted audience.”
an array of unusually large sizes were and John Hardy), watches (Rolex, Patek oped some rather effective marketing
available for both men and women. Philippe and Tag Heuer), musical instru- strategies and tactics to get higher prices When an item sells, the store receives a
ments, antiques and collectibles, sporting for our items versus other eBay sellers,” commission, averaging between 25 to
Currently, the Barn Sale has a lovely goods, select silverware and china pat- Marc explains. 35%. Marc says, “The higher the item sells
collection of fur, suede and leather terns, and more. for, the lower the commission percent-
coats, and ladies may choose from In addition to selling items on the regular age.” Taking the task of selling online to a
both real and faux fur in a variety of “eBay tends to be very brand-oriented,” eBay auction site, the store also lists cars, professional level, Marc says, has resulted
lengths and styles. Total glam is pos- Marc says. “A client can get top dollar for boats and motorcycles on eBay Motors for in many of the company’s repeat custom-
sible with a gorgeous leopard coat or a good, used and new items on eBay, with a flat listing fee (typically $195 to $295 ers claiming that the store can actually
boxy short jacket trimmed with mink, over 250 million members routinely buy- with no commission), and partners with cover the majority of its commission fees
or even a superb sky-blue leather car ing and selling their items in a traditional non-profit organizations and businesses by getting a higher price on eBay than the
coat embellished at the collar and cuffs auction-style format online ... and we for fund-raising and to help sell compa- average private seller.
with a silky froth of faux gray fur. Men handle the whole overwhelming process nies’ excess and obsolete inventories,
may also find treasures among the of selling an item on eBay — preparing Marc says. Recently, Sold It Norwalk celebrated
racks, such as a vintage Mouton coat, the auction, running it on eBay, payment 20,000 successful auctions, which inspires
silk ties, handsome sweaters and wool collection, packing/shipping, etc. — we do “It’s not just about choosing what to sell Marc to recount one client’s recent suc-
scarves. it all for our customers on a professional and what pricing to use, there’s definitely cess story. “The client came into our store
level.” strategy involved in order to get the maxi- with a set of three cobalt-blue glass bottles
From a huge pink hat, especially well mum price for an item. We constantly that she had recently purchased for $5
suited for the Saratoga Race track, to Timing Is Everything monitor what is up for auction,” he says. a piece at a garage sale,” he says. “The
gilt- edged Haviland china to hand-cro- customer said she bought them because
cheted linens, the Barn Sale is a marvel- Since a huge part of an eBay auction is For example, if Sold It Norwalk sees there she liked the blue color. They turned out
ous place to give to yourself while giv- researching the market, identifying what are already too many items of a particular to be rare chemical fire extinguishers from
ing back to the community ... and that will sell and at what price, Marc and his type listed, they might wait a few days Kalamazoo, Mich., dating to the 1870s.
makes you part of the history of Hope. staff follow a basic formula. “We are look- to start an auction for that item, or they We sold the set on eBay for $2,400. I’m
ing to take items that will sell for $100 or might want to wait to be the last auc- not sure what she did with her newly-
The Barn Sale is at 2407 Dixwell Avenue more on eBay, that people are searching tion to end the evening. “People use key found money ... maybe she went shop-
in Hamden; 203-248-9185; manager, for and that can be shipped (not too heavy words and categories to search for items ping or took a vacation.”
Michelle Keating. Hours: Closed Mon.; or bulky — no furniture please!). It’s all on eBay,” Marc says, “so we carefully
Tues.-Fri. 9 to 2:30; Sat. 10 to 3:30; Sun. about supply and demand, as well as select those key words to use in the title to For further information: 203-845-0290; e-
11 to 2:30. some creative online marketing. Over the attract a larger and often more specifically mail, solditnorwalk@hotmail.com.
Milford, CT
1546 Boston Post Road
(203) 874-3796
I-95 Exit 39B, 1/2 mile on left
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• April 14, 2011 • • HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • 11 •
Betsy K continued from page 1 Since 2003, when she opened

Betsy K Home Choreography, Betsy
has helped to make residences more
functional for local families. By trans-
master carpenter and artist, Betsy
forming the living environment in one
will supply Paul with unused mate-
room or the whole house, Betsy cre-
rials, fabrics, furnishings and dec-
ates a home that truly serves the needs
orative items so that he can create
of the individual family. For example,
new, custom-designed products.
when one woman’s daughter left for
Passionate about the concepts of
college and moved into her own
re-using, recycling and repurposing,
apartment, Betsy helped the mother
Betsy said that she encourages her
transform the bedroom into a sitting
clients to let go of things that clutter
room. She tackles both small and large
their basements and attics by showing
projects. A task may be as simple as
them how their discards would be put
putting together a child’s playroom by
to better use.
ordering and assembling furniture and
“I show people how we’re going
providing decorative enhancements.
to bring life back into their things,”
Her work is cost-effective in that
Betsy said. “Our goal is not to trash
she often re-uses furniture and deco-
anything. We want to repurpose and
rative accessories already owned by
re-use it.”
her clients. She will look around the
The community is invited to visit
family’s basement and attic — even
Betsy and Paul’s new retail store, The
in other parts of the house — to find
Hub, at a grand opening celebration
overlooked treasures.
on Sunday, May 1, from noon to 5.
Betsy is also adept at staging a
Located at 74 Pulaski Street, near
whole house before it’s put on the
Canal Street in Stamford, the shop’s
real estate market. The goal is to What were ordinary chairs now strut their stuff in vivid hues.
festivities will include a raffle for a
make the home warm and inviting so
piece of repurposed furniture and gift
that prospective buyers can visualize
certificates for all services.
themselves living there. “If the home
Betsy said that she’s heard many
is empty, I order furniture and make
clients express a strong emotional
it an appealing, warm and welcoming
attachment to their possessions. For
place,” Betsy explained.
example, a woman might feel that
For more information about Betsy K
she’s honoring her mother by keeping
Home Choreography and The Hub in
the special teapot that she inherited.
Stamford, go to betsyk.com.
However, she keeps the teapot in the
attic or stored away in a box in the
��
basement. ��
“I tell them that nothing will be
used sitting in an attic or a basement.
I’m honoring your mother because ��
I am putting it back out there in the ��
world. It can serve the world in a bet- ��
ter way if you just are willing to let it ��
go.” ��
Once a person is willing to let go ��
and de-clutter their home, they are
physically and emotionally making
room for new and exciting things to
come into their lives. “When you give
away what you don’t need, it opens ��
up space for you to receive what you ��
really do need in your home and in
Before, the collapsed knitting chest. ��
your life,” Betsy explained.
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• 12 • • HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • April 14, 2011 •
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Special Section to: The Valley Gazette I The Stratford Star I

The Milford Mirror I The Amity Observer I

THE BARN SALE

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Local author’s focus on houses

by Joanne Greco Rochman windows that overlook her garden, which

The author recalls preparing dinner in

Barn continued from page 3 eBay continued from page 5

Betsy K continued from page 1 Since 2003, when she opened

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