Salisbury EXTRAS Gala celebrates longtime teacher, volunteer

SALISBURY — The Salisbury-based EXTRAS (Extended Time for Recreational Activities in Salisbury) program honored longtime President Sue Bayer of Lakeville at a May 1 gala fundraiser at The White Hart, recognizing her years of involvement supporting local youth programming.

“Very few people have done as much as Sue Bayer,” said EXTRAS director Alex Baker. “So to say she’s had an impact on the program is quite the understatement.”

EXTRAS, a Connecticut state-licensed nonprofit based at Salisbury Central School, provides an affordable, safe and educational environment for school-age children while encouraging positive social, emotional and physical development.

A teacher and mother of three, Bayer has been involved with EXTRAS in some capacity for more than 10 years.

Bayer spoke briefly after receiving a plaque from Baker, thanking attendees for the honor and saying, “I couldn’t have done it without all of you.”

The May 1 gala also served as a fundraiser, featuring a silent auction with art and photography from local artists, tickets to events at Lime Rock Park, Sharon Playhouse, the Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s Jumpfest, Catamount Ski Area and The Moviehouse, as well as items such as a box of locally sourced meat from Tory Hill and an inspection and oil change from Dave’s Auto.

A live auction featured a one-year golf membership at the Canaan Country Club, use of a private screening room for 20 at The Moviehouse, a weekend at the White Hart, and more.

EXTRAS began in 1988 as an after-school program and has since expanded to include school vacation programming and a summer camp.

The summer camp runs from June 29 through Aug. 7 and is open to children ages 5-12. For more information go to extrasprogram.org.

EXTRAS also works with students from The Hotchkiss School, who volunteer weekly during the school year, helping with crafts and games, and serving as positive role models.

The program is supported by community donations and grants, including the Berkshire Taconic Madeline B. Wilde Grant and funding from Northwest CT Community Foundations, including its Cycle Grant and Women and Girls Fund.