Sisters Supporting Sisters

Many local residents recently got a jump on their holiday shopping and helped support members of their community in the process by attending the annual craft fair on Saturday at St. Ursula's Center. The proceeds of the fair help with the rising costs of health care and other needs of the Sisters, most of whom are in retirement.

"The Sisters are self-supported, not supported by the church. They have had this fair for more than 15 years, but now that many of them are older, they cannot make the crafts all by themselves any more," said Liz Wilson, who has been in charge of Mission Advancement Events for more than a year at St. Ursula's.

"So now vendors are invited in. But the Sisters used to do it all. They crocheted, did wood carvings, made baked goods, painted pictures, made ornaments and note cards."

The proceeds from the fair go toward the Sisters retirement fund.

Wilson noted that these women were educators. Now, 80 percent to 90 percent of them are retired, and there is no salary. However, they still need money for health care costs and other needs. The oldest Sister at St.Ursula's is 97. "Donations are always needed. Financial or in-kind donations are appreciated," Wilson said.

One of the vendors was at the fair because she heard about the event directly from Wilson.

"Last year Liz bought one of my dolls, and she told me about the craft fair and the Sisters. I offered Liz one of my dolls as a raffle gift and then I ended up coming to last year's fair and now this one. I think it is a great fair for a great cause," said Carol Sachse of Patchogue. Her company, Vyneyards, specializes in handmade dolls, primitives and crafts.

The fair featured holiday items including handmade decorations, pottery, crocheted items, baked goods, jewelry, raffles and more. A steady stream of buyers made their way through the halls of the center for most of the day. The efforts of everyone who made the fair possible were not lost on the Sisters, especially one in particular.

"I am so impressed with Liz and all the volunteers," said Sister Hedwig, who became a Nun in 1956. She had been in Blue Point on and off for many years before becoming a permanent member of the Center in 2003.

For Bayport resident Jennifer Meyn, there was no question she would bring her line of handmade jewelry, LuLuofNY, back to the fair this year. "I love supporting this fair not only as a vendor but also as a resident because it is for a cause like the Sisters," she said.