Little things mean a lot.
This year, Greens Farms Elementary School is performing its first play: “The Lion King.”
Director/producer Laura Pendergast — a GFS parent — and teachers Ellen Hardy and Suzanne Sherman Propp have prepared for months for this week’s show.
Dozens of school hours, plenty of work at home, and countless contributions from parent volunteers have gone into the production.
A crucial full-cast rehearsal was scheduled for last Saturday. Then, disaster struck. In anticipation of snow, all Westport school activities for that day were canceled.
Finding space for 70 children seemed impossible. Realizing that Town Hall auditorium might be an option, GFS parent Danielle Dobin called 1st Selectman Jim Marpe.
Rev. Jeffrey Rider
It was not available. But Marpe suggested she contact Greens Farms Congregational Church, and ask about using the Fellowship Hall.
It was Friday evening. Danielle called Rev. Jeff Rider. She did not know him at all — they’d never met or spoken.
He said he’d check the calendar. Soon, he said the space was free — and that GFS was more than welcome to use it.
The location — smack in the middle of the Greens Farms neighborhood — was very convenient. The room was perfect. The cost was free.
And on Monday — when Westport schools were closed because of the overnight storm — Greens Farms Church opened its doors again, for another rehearsal.
Speaking for the entire GFS community, and citing his flexibility and generosity, Danielle nominates Rev. Rider as “06880”‘s Unsung Hero this week.
As she notes: “Thanks to Rev. Jeff, we went from stressed out to Hakuna Matata in no time flat.”
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Send nominations to dwoog@optonline.net)
The show must go on: Rehearsing in the Greens Farms Church Fellowship Hall.