Hopatcong CERT Craft Fair – Shows Off Craftwork & Volunteerism

Ray and Fran Tierney have led the coordination of many past CERT Flea Markets on Saturdays. On Saturday December 1^st they organized the best craft talent in Hopatcong with the Christmas Craft Fair also sponsored by CERT at the Hopatcong Senior Center. The Community Emergency Response Team - CERT is a volunteer group that Hopatcong can count on to assist the community in urgent response situations. During Super Storm Sandy they were the CERT Team present in checking up on at risk residents and doing light shelter tasks too. They are those neighborly CERT volunteers at warming shelters to greet you with a hot cup of coffee. Ray and Fran Tierney also presented their own craft work. Ray’s craft masterpieces are in etched wood designs while Fran is an expert in crocheting.

Gretina Wilkinson – WAYNESLIGHT was selling hand-poured soy-based candles with wonderful fragrances. She claims her soy waxes are lovingly stirred and gently colored. Her candle company is named in honor of Gretina’s son, Wayne Wilkinson and 50 percent of each candle sold is donated to Saint James Episcopal Church in Hightstown, NJ in support of mental health programs.

Unique jewelry gifts could be found at Lola’s glass jewelry table. Each kiln fired glass pendant is a "One of a kind piece". No two pieces are identical. There are all different kinds of glass and different techniques which makes jewelry making so rewarding and exciting for Charlie and Lola Frienzo.

Gans Media Computer Services is a Hopatcong trusted name in computer repair. However, daughter Adrienne and mother Joanne Gans are also talented craft artists. There wares included novelties handstitched by them and crafty ways to recycle vinyl LP’s. In support of other talented craft artists in our region, they set up a group Facebook paged called northjerseycrafts. So, check it out.

Brenda’s Creations was the table to shop at for vintage Victorian style postcard ornaments. Kathy Knits offered warm and soft hand knitted baby clothing. Crocheted with Love by Robin had some of her award-winning shawls plus candy cane holders. Linda Hamschek – Wreaths by Linda are Holiday wreaths of 30 ft. of hand knotted ruffles. Alex De Jesus of Sweet Mint Creations was selling ColorSTREET fashion nail appliques that were produced right here in Clifton, NJ. There was also freehand customized artwork on sneakers and fabric from Fun and Funky Sneakers.

Christmas would not be complete without good Holiday story telling. Hopatcong BOE officer and author Candice Smith was selling and singing her book Christmas Candi. The book promises “A Guide to Year-Round Holiday Bliss. Sounds like something that should be on top of everyone’s list.