Junior League of Greenwich’s Enchanted Forest
November 13th, 2008The Junior League of Greenwich
Greenwich, CT
203-869-1979
Events
– Annual Fundraiser is a Joyous Event Filled with Activities for the Entire Family–
The Junior League of Greenwich (JLG) presents its annual holiday fundraiser, The Enchanted Forest, on Saturday, November 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT. The two-day holiday event will feature over 500 decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses available at cost or for bid, as well as a gift boutique, children’s events, an evening gala and, of course, photos with Santa.
The doors open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22 at which time an exciting panel of judges begin their review of all the decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses. Our judges include Gretchen Carlson, host of “Fox and Friends,” Jack and Donna Moffly of Moffly Publications, Calia Brencsons-Van Dyk from the Martha Stewart Show, Lori Jackson, the recipient of the JLG’s Betty Hinckley Award in 2008, and Lynn Stevens from Greenwich Fine Properties. Sixty ribbons will be awarded across more than 35 categories, including “Best in Show,” “Most Creative,” and “Most Traditional.” And for the second year in a row, there will be an additional panel of junior judges who will be awarding ribbons in categories such as "Best Entry - Preschool," "Best Entry – K-to-6th Grade," and "Most Fun."
Some Greenwich residents are already hard at work on their gingerbread houses and trees for the competition. Tess Hollander continues her family’s tradition of building multiple gingerbread houses, this year Pippi Longstocking’s house and the Empire State Building. With no formal training and the help of her children, Alexandra, age 11, Andrew, age 8, and William, age 4, Hollander worked on Pippi’s house for over 40 hours, not to mention the sugar burns! The 32” Empire State Building’s box frame has been built, and the gingerbread and exclusively Swedish candy will be attached in the coming weeks.
Susan Khanna and her two sons, Jack, age 7, and Alex, age 4, are continuing their annual tree tradition with an UglyDolls tree this year. They were inspired three years ago when they helped create a highest-bid “The Enchanted Forest Express” tree, filled with trains and train-related toys. The following year, obsessed with Webkinz, they carefully selected each Webkinz, with the boys taking the decisions very seriously. All their hard work paid off as the tree received the second highest bid. This year “it was really a bit of a gut-wrenching decision between UglyDolls and Pokemon, but in the end UglyDolls won,” explains Khanna. Don’t miss this tree and the 100+ others on display and for bid all weekend.
Continuing The Enchanted Forest’s focus on community are the Giving Trees which are made by community supporters and themed to match the wishes of a local family in need. In addition, for the first time this year, the Junior League will be conducting a hat and mitten drive at The Enchanted Forest. Please bring a pair of new or gently used mittens, gloves or a hat for donation to children in need. The Knitting Club at the Senior Center is busily knitting in order to contribute to the drive as well.
Staying true to tradition, The Enchanted Forest will have an array of activities for people of all ages. On Saturday morning, November 22, seniors will be welcomed to The Enchanted Forest for the annual Senior Tea from 9:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All ages are welcome to attend the gingerbread and wreath workshops, with all decorations supplied, and put their creativity to the test. Children are invited to attend a sing-a-long with Graham Clarke, an activity-filled Holiday Playland with Aldwin, and performances by Magician Joe Fields, Critter Caravan and Dinosaur Rock.
This year, the annual Saturday evening gala – Slopeside Soiree – will provide every guest an opportunity to have a wintry evening of dancing and dining. In addition to the wonderful music of the Booga Sugar band, there will be a silent auction as well as a live auction conducted by Gideon Fountain. Something new this year is a golf putting game donated by The Belle Haven Club. Sink a put and win a chance to be entered in an exciting raffle. This year’s Soiree, at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, is one you won’t want to miss.
On Sunday, November 23, the activities continue with two Legotm workshops given by NY Brick Artists and Engineering FUNdamentals with Legotm. Critter Caravan will give an encore presentation of their mammals and reptiles. In the afternoon, there will be a Ted E. Bear workshop to build and dress your own bear or furry friend, as well as an entertaining performance by Frog Muppet’s of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The day will be rounded out by a presentation by Mad Science of hands-on science topics, such as slippery slime. Also available on Sunday are two gingerbread decorating workshops.
Throughout the weekend, there will also be a holiday boutique with more than 50 retailers offering gifts at a wide array of price points. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list. Items available this year include clothing, jewelry, children’s toys, handbags, men’s fashions, home décor and more. There will also be a special shop: the Giving Shop. It’s a cash only, kids only store where children ages 5 and up can buy something for their loved ones.
A fantastic variety of local artists will be performing among our beautiful forest of trees. Some of the groups include: Greenwich Ballet Academy, The Ballet School of Stamford, Lynn Academy of Irish Dancers, pianist Al DiMarco, The Grace Notes, Greenwich Academy of Madrigal Singers, Greenwich High School Cheerleaders and GHS Thespian Troupe. This free entertainment will compliment the Forest Café, where lunch and snacks will be available for purchase both days.
On the eve of The Enchanted Forest weekend, Friday, November 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. also at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, there will be a Sneak Peek at the Boutique with a fabulous winter fashion show sponsored by Darien Sport Shop with wine and hors d’oeuvres available throughout the night. Plus, the evening provides an early start to shopping at the boutique which will be open for business and ready to offer you all their wonderful items. Adults only please. Cost for entry is $25 and gift bags will be given to the first 100 attendees.
The Enchanted Forest is maintaining the more affordable pricing for admission and children’s events from last year. General admission for The Enchanted Forest is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children, and children under the age of 2 are admitted free. There is also a special family rate of $30 that admits 6 and a family weekend rate for $50 also for a party of 6. All special events have an additional charge with reservations recommended. Reservations can be made at www.jlgreenwich.org. Parking for the event is free. All proceeds support the mission of the JLG and its community projects.
For more information please visit us at www.jlgreenwich.org.
The Junior League of Greenwich is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained individuals. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
If you are interested in joining the Junior League of Greenwich and making a difference in our community, contact the JLG office at (203) 869-1979 or visit its website www.jlgreenwich.org.
Patriot National Bank
Greenwich, CT
203-536-3322
General Interest
Girl Money! is an interactive workshop designed for girls ages 6-10 that enhances their financial competence and confidence, 11 to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, Patriot National Bank; space is limited; 536-3322.
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323-595-1552
Wellness/Fitness
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