A PIECE OF HISTORY COMES TO SUMMIT

Artist, Patricia McWhorter, is creating an original masterpiece outside the boarded up shop front that once housed Silver Hanger Cleaners on Springfield Avenue. Did she just pack up her paint brushes and acrylics one day and decide to start painting? Not exactly. She was commissioned by Beth Welsh of Bassett Associates, they own the building at 472 Springfield Avenue, to create an 8' x 20' public mural outside the vacated building. So why did Welsh want a mural painted on an empty shop front? To beautify the town.

Welsh discovered McWhorter when she saw her shop front mural on Main Street in Madison. That mural was completed three and a half years ago when McWhorter was commissioned by Downtown Madison then to "spruce up" what is now the home of CVS.

Even though she was contacted about painting the mural back in the spring, McWhorter's only been on the job two weeks. That's because she's suffered several setbacks. Mother nature's played a strong part in keeping her progress slow. McWhorter cannot paint on days when it's raining, or if the temperature is too cold a dew forms on the surface and the paint won't adhere to the illuminate. The sun does not hit her side of the street either, so she's getting no help from the warm rays. But she's been battling through the conditions like a professional, and is really enjoying her stay downtown.

McWhorter told me she was thrilled to see the trick-or-treaters running around town last Saturday.  She provided candy for the kids, and received praise for her efforts from parents and passersby alike. She tells me she often hears the phrase, "you missed a spot," or "oops, you made a mistake." But she's quick to laugh about it.

So what is she painting? A part of Summit History. McWhorter and Welsh came up with the idea to paint Beacon Hill at Dawn, June 7, 1780. They chose something they thought would educate the residents of Summit and provide a opportunity for discussion, and judging by the sketching she made of the mural, they most certainly will!

The installation was put up by Valley Industrial Contracting, and if the space gets leased out, the mural can stay intact, and move to another empty store front location, thus preserving McWhorter's work.

It will take McWhorter another week or two to complete the mural, mother nature cooperating. When it's time for the "official" unveiling, she'll be a star on TV. Hometowne TV that is. They are promoting her finished work. So stop by next time you're in the area, and check out McWhorter's extensive portfolio in person. You can also view her work online at: www.lanesenddecorativearts.com

S.H.I.P FUNDRAISER TO HONOR FORMER BOARD MEMBER
Come out and support SHIP (Summit Helping It's People) by attending the November 17 fundraiser honoring retired Board Member and volunteer, Rosemary Butler. Terence Pillay, program manager says that all are invited to attend the fundraiser which will include an Outback Steakhouse Dinner at 7 p.m. in St. Teresa's Memorial Hall. There'll be a silent and live auction, and the cost is $50 a head. Captain's table for 10 is going for $500. But you must make a prior reservation. For more information, please call : 908-829-0515

SUMMIT SPORTING EXTINGUISHES THE BLAZE
Summit Sporting (U12 Girls) defeated the Butler Blaze, 1-0, last Sunday to preserve their spotless record at home. The lone tally came in the first half when speedy midfielder, Rachel Isralowitz, broke away down the right wing and drilled a shot into the left corner of the goal. Sporting's stingy defenders, led by Kate Klaschka who played all 70 minutes of the game, Emmy Trone, Camille Silvero-Lopez, Surina Gupta, Kate Griffith, and Grace Engle turned away the Blaze all afternoon. Sporting's solid defense has now yielded only two goals all season. The Sporting has parlayed it's crisp precision passing, impenetrable defense, and fleet footwork into a 6-1 record. Go Sporting!