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| By Courtney Llewellyn Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW For the younger generation, the MTV show "Cribs" has been the standard for touring beautiful, extravagant homes. For the older generation, it may have been "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" with Robin Leach. The reason these shows have remained relevant for years is because it is human nature to be curious. The Center School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is aiming to quench that innate curiosity with their Tour of Homes, now in its ninth year. The tour serves as a fundraiser for the PTO, which donates the money raised to Center School for classroom supplies, equipment, educational assemblies, field trips and more. The tour takes place every two years because if it happened every year, "it would lose its oomph," Gina Humphries, co-chair of the tour this year, stated. "Two years ago we raised close to $13,000 for the school," Humphries told Reminder Publications. "And two years before that, close to $20,000." She said the PTO has a goal to raise between $13,000 and $15,000 with each tour. "The reason we're doing this is because the funding isn't there to provide the extras for our kids," Humphries said. "We provide funds for things that would be put to the wayside." The six homes that will be open for self-guided viewing this year include those of the Landry family at 26 Longmeadow St.; the Tershner-Kolodziejski family at 32 Longmeadow St.; the Cuda family at 674 Longmeadow St.; the Carroll family at 788 Longmeadow St.; Noel and Dr. Carol Leary's residence at the Bay Path College president's house at 896 Longmeadow St.; and Stephanie O'Leary and Michael Dwyer's abode at 14 Fairfield Terrace which was once home to an American legend. "Our home, the 'Johnny Appleseed House,' is the oldest home in Longmeadow, as it was built circa 1695," Dwyer explained. "We wanted to open our home so that others would be able to enjoy the charm and character of the house, and be able to observe how a home that was built over 300 years ago can be a cozy and fully functional modern home, not to mention that I am sure that there are many people who are curious to tour the home where Johnny Appleseed spent his childhood years." The historical aspect is important to another homeowner as well. "I was approached last fall to participate in the home tour and thought it would be a wonderful event for our family, seeing as all three of our children attend Center School," Amy Carroll said. "We understand that our home was previously on the Tour of Homes. We decided to participate this year because of the updates we have made ... We have renovated the kitchen and made some cosmetic changes to the living room and library which might be interesting to people who like antique homes but are curious as to how to turn them into a modern-day family home." Humphries said three of the six houses on the tour are the homes to children who attend Center School. "This is the biggest fundraiser for our school, the highlight event of the year," Robert Lincoln, principal of Center School, said. He explained that in addition to the aforementioned items that are purchased through the funds raised, the school is thinking about enhancing their playground and is hoping to redo the soccer/football field. "The money the PTO raises is invaluable to supporting our programs," Lincoln stated. Carroll added, "The Tour of Homes is special to the entire Longmeadow community because of the historic nature of the homes. The Tour of Homes is just another way in which the community can take pride in their efforts to maintain that historic integrity." Dwyer noted the tour also allows participants to be able to view, enjoy and appreciate a few of Longmeadow's many beautiful, historic homes. "The tour has so much potential," Humphries said. "It's a nice event." A nice event that still needs a little help, however. At the May 27 meeting of the School Committee, member Robert Barkett announced the tour is still in need of nearly 70 volunteers. If interested in helping out, e-mail Humphries at ojh21@comcast.net. Tickets for the Center School Tour of Homes are $20 in advance and can be purchased in Longmeadow at Webster Bank, Kiddlywinks, Carlton GMAC and in Springfield at Pat Parker & Sons Florist. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the tour, June 7, at Center School for $25. |