The Turtle Shell Fund and its inspiration....

In the three years that we have existed as a charity, there has been a heartfelt question we hear more than anything.  "So, which kind of turtle are you saving?"

Well, while we love turtles of all kinds and would love to save as many as we can, The Mary A Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund is about saving a different kind of endangered species; the engaged, fostered, crative, empowered young person.

Mary Schmecker was Gram.  She was a small Irish blooded Sheltonite.  While short in stature, Mary was bold in character.  She was a cornerstone of the Shelton-Derby Boys and Girls Club for 35 years and she would never put up with anybody's BS.  Her corner was the ceramics room where she and my Gramp, Lou, would pour the molds and help the kids pick out the colors. Pumpkin yellow was one of my favorites.  The kids would sit in two rows down the middle of the room at their stations and that is where the magic happened.

To the ordinary eye, the ceramics program was simply another crafty offering for the downtown kids to fill their time on a Friday night.  I, however, sat in awe of my Gram.  She was teaching these kids a skill.  They learned hand-eye coordination before video games became popular.  They learned to use proper tools to achieve satisfying results. And they couldn't just paint a cute little kitty and go- they had to endure the frustrating process of firing the cleaned greenware until it became a bisque. Then after they painted the goopy blue glaze on their creation, they had to wait yet again for the final firing so they could hold  the awesome rollerskate bubble gum holder that they (finally!) proudly took home to show off to their families.

Gram had rules in her room- no swearing, no yelling, proper manners MUST be used and ALWAYS respect your surroundings.  She was meticulous about how the tools were cleaned, how the paints and glazes were returned and most of all, how the kids treated her and each other.

My Gram was known for her fondness of turtles.  Wherever she went in the world, she would bring home a turtle figurine.  These ancient and regal animals are the symbol of perseverence, order, creation, protection, innocence and strength.  Gram was the epitome of these qualities. 

Sadly, it was not long after she passed in 2008 that the ceramics program was no more.  My sister Mary took over for a little while, but she was starting a family of her own and could not commit.  I felt like I had to do something.  My husband and I run a restaurant in downtown Shelton and we would see kids who needed a positive outlet. 

I made the decision to continue my grandmother's legacy.  I gathered my family together and told them I wanted to start a charity in her name.  They were worried about the level of committment and number of hurdles we would face, but with their blessings, my husband Fred and I began the Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund.  The goal of this charity is to serve as the bridge between children and creative education through artisanship, theartre, music and other creative professions. 

Soon after we incorporated, my brother Joe Manganello joined the fund to help produce our first fund-raising event Soupstock which was a resounding success.  In our second year of existence, our good friend and associate Nicole Heriot joined our board and kicked our infant charity into high gear.

We serve the Naugatuck Valley area and are just beginning to be able to give back to the kids in our community.  We recently awarded The Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys and Girls Club with $3000 earmarked for three art and science programs to include: Basic Art Concepts, Photography and Middle School Robotics. We are stoked!

Mary Schmecker is my hero.  She was the adopted Gram to all of her "kids" at the Club.  She would often tell me that they kept her the young 28 year old she always maintained she was.  My grandmother was a woman who took these kids in.  No questions asked, no judgements made.  Hers was a safe space full of creativity, silliness and loving but firm structure.  All she expected was that they learn something.  Whether it be respect for yourself, respect for your surroundings or respect for others.  We hope to make her proud.  We love you Gram.

Michele B. Bialek