NORTH CANAAN — A sold-out crowd dressed to the nines attended a Gratitude Gala at the Colonial Theatre on Saturday, April 27 hosted by the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau (HYSB) honoring Lisa Carter, who is retiring next month as superintendent of the Region One school district.
During the second annual event, which featured cocktails and conversation, live and silent auctions and dinner and dancing, Carter was awarded the Nancy Bird and Linda Sloane Gratitude Award, named to honor two esteemed past board chairs.
Ashley Adkins, HYSB’s director of donor engagement, noted that the award, which was introduced during last year’s inaugural event, “profoundly expresses our commitment to honor those who exemplify our mission, vision and values…and Lisa certainly does all that.”
Taylor Rousseau, director of clinical services and programs for HYSB, with her parents, Dawn and Ron Rousseau.Debra A. Aleksinas
In announcing this year’s award recipient, the HYSB noted, “Lisa’s transformative leadership has shaped the educational landscape of our community, leaving a lasting impact on students and families alike.”
The Gratitude Award, which honors “those who have gone above and beyond in nurturing the well- being and potential of our youth,” according to HYSB, came as quite a surprise, said Carter, a former board member.
“I was so overwhelmed when I got the call from Kelly,” she said, referring to HYSB Executive Director Kelly Parker.
“I’ve worked with them in some capacity since I was a high school teacher and got to know the organization over time. They really care about our students and our district and they are a valuable part of our community.”
As she spoke, a steady stream of folks stopped by to offer congratulations and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Betsy Trotta and Alex Duncan of Salisbury check out the items up for auction.Debra A. Aleksinas
Although Carter is retiring from Region One, she said she will be taking on the role of Assistant Executive Director at EdAdvance in Litchfield. “I am looking forward to it. It will be a full-time commitment but will not demand as much of my time.”
Parker, who greeted guests as they entered the historic theater’s lobby via the red carpet, noted that all proceeds benefit HYSB’s clinical programs and services supporting the community’s youth and families.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” she explained, and all proceeds benefit HYSB’s clinical programs and services supporting the community’s youth and families.
Debra A. Aleksinas
HYSB staff, from left, Kelly Parker, Lynn Nichols, Jaimie Sadeh, Scott Lynch (volunteer), Taylor Rousseau, Marissa Kent and Shanet Baker.
The 403 Group is located at 403 Ashley Falls Road, where the old This N’ That for Habitat used to be.
The 403 Group has over forty vendors on two floors. The booths are filled with anything from cement penguins to vintage jewelry, paintings, rugs, glassware, lamps, antiques, furniture of all kinds, clothing, small garden sheds and much more. It is located at 403 Ashley Falls Road in North Canaan, across from Decker and Beebe where This N’ That for Habitat used to be. It fills a void left by the Habitat shop which was a favorite place for many locals to browse. The 403 opened last spring in the building on the left side of the property.
“There is something for everybody,” Field said. She likes that there are “more one-of-a-kind gifts. You are buying something nobody else has” and “It is fun to search.”
Cement penguins greet customers entering The 403 Group Antique Market.Photo by Robin Roraback
Scott Price, who has been in the antique business for over thirty years, chimed in, “The hunt is a big part of the fun.” Price also has a booth and sometimes sits at the front desk of 403. He had his own shops in Torrington, Burlington and Harwinton and ran Stewart’s Treasures in Canaan before moving on to the 403. He said of 403, “It’s a nice place to go to. Interesting things inside and out. People just love it.”
“You never know what you will find,” Field said. “The vendors are always bringing in new merchandise.” She said the vendors “love to go out and find things and bring them to the shop.”
In warm weather, vendors can rent a space outside in front of 403. This past summer there were booths with furniture, tied dyed t-shirts, fruit and vegetables, and antiques. To the side and back of the building there are garden furnishings and sculptures.
Sonja Zinke of Canaan said she visits the 403 often. “I think it is fantastic,” she said. “I love coming.” She said that when she finishes a photography job, she gives herself the treat of coming to browse at 403.
Sarah Dreyer, of Norfolk, has had a booth at 403 since September. She says “A love of vintage items and a love of thrifting” were her inspirations for becoming a vendor. She shares the booth with a friend. Dreyer owns Wildwood 1880, an inn in Norfolk.
The 403 Group Antiques Market is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can be found on Facebook at The 403 North Canaan.
