Crystal Ball Committee Transforms Lounsbury for Gala

The historic Lounsbury House is in and of itself a majestic setting.

Adding reams of sparkling tulle and silvery accents transforms its rooms into an elegant wintry place to dine and dance.

That was what an industrious committee of Ridgefield women were taking care of Friday afternoon in preparation for the 2013 Crystal Ball, which gets underway Saturday night at 6:30 p.m.

Local artist Tina Sturges created the decor—which included painted pinecones and artful beaded accent pieces placed on tables and fireplaces. Sturges also has a painting included in the silent auction, according to Di Masters, executive director at the Ridgefield Community Center.

"She's a wonderful artist and visionary and we're lucky to have her working on this event," she said. Masters praised all of the volunteers working on the ball which marked 60 years of serving the town through community programs.

"It's really the heartbeat of the community, this cornerstone of Main Street. And of course we're recognizing a special volunteer, Beth Yanity, for 57 years of service to the center," said Masters.

Yanity has served as a fundraiser, preservationist and restoration expert for the RCC and she is selected as the honoree for this year's gala, which features dinner and dancing.

The committee members working on Friday also included board members Liz Goldstone and Peggy Loehr (board member Mary Hicks is the third gala co-chair but was not present) and Jen Seeley and Mei Chiang, who work at the center.

Asked what she hoped guests would enjoy about the evening, Masters said she simply hoped for no snow, since the event had already been rescheduled once.

"I hope it will be a wonderful hometown celebration to honor Beth and I look forward to a night with no natural disasters," she quipped.

To buy a ticket for the event, contact the center office at 203-438-6962 or RCC@snet.net.