Andover Townsman, Andover, MA

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Claudia and Co. on the catwalk: Fashion show will benefit public schools

By Judy Wakefield
Staff Writer
Published: March 27, 2008

With money likely on her mind at this budget time of year, School Superintendent Claudia Bach handled her catwalk rehearsal like a pro. But she couldn't take a real break from dealing with dollar figures.

As she prepared to be a model for a charity fashion show to raise money for Andover education, Bach repeatedly peeked at price tags as the manager of Native Sun showed her each outfit. Bach's final fitting is top secret, so it's unknown exactly what she will be wearing for her runway appearance.

Bach may prefer a tailored Talbot's fashion style, but that was put aside as she was surrounded by colorful spring designer clothes, wide belts and dangling earrings.

"Do you have any sack dresses? I used to wear those all time," Bach said as Native Sun manager Ellie Fishbein politely smiled and shook her head.

Andover Coalition for Education is hosting the April 4 "Common Threads" event at Old Town Hall. Andover High School basketball coach Dave Fazio is another model and was fitted hours before at KAPS.

Bach is being a particularly good sport, as she's facing a $2.4 million school budget hole and wants to maintain current services in schools. ACE raises money for public school efforts.

"It's for a good cause and we're just thrilled that the businesses in town are doing this," said Bach. "It's a fun idea and we're hoping people in town agree."

Native Sun, a Main Street business, runs benefit fashion shows often. When employee Claire Stahley, an Andover mom with four children attending public schools, suggested an ACE fashion show last fall, management gave the green light.

Since then, 15 local merchants have signed on to help as they share clothes and accessories for the models, who are from several different public schools.

"We're seeing this as a community event," Stahley explained. "Even our show's name ('Common Threads') is all about the community. Schools are what we all have in common."

Annie Gilbert of ACE said the town's reputation of good schools lives on in spite of possible school budget cuts. ACE members say they are committed to innovative curriculum in schools.

This fashion show comes just after the group announced hitting its $55,000 target for 2008. That target included funding for a grants coordinator job ($45,000) for another year and buying equipment for the physics departments at the three middle schools ($10,000).

Launched almost three years ago, ACE has raised more than $150,000 for local public schools. Much of that money has been spent in the engineering area: As of next year, in part thanks to ACE, all three middle schools should have engineering labs, and engineering has been introduced in the science curriculum at all Andover elementary schools.

'Common Threads' Fashion Show, by the Andover Coalition for Education

When: Friday, April 4

Where: Old Town Hall, 20 Main St.

Event: 6:30 to 11 p.m.

Fashion show: 8 p.m.

Cost: $50

Hors d'oeuvres, dinner, cash bar, music

Models

Claudia Bach, Amanda Bentley, Patrick Bucco, Bill Carey, Cindy Cromer, Dave Fazio, MaryBeth Finn, Eileen Holzman, Lisa McDonald, Steve Murray, Denise Nash, Dave and Debra Nichols, Jess Pucia and Eileen Woods

Outfitters

Native Sun, Dresscode, Irresistibles, Corina & Co., Izzy's, First Date, Stitch, Gigi's, Coco Collection, KAPS, Enzo, Athlete's Corner, Night & Day, Marissa Michaels Salon and Bella Beads

Photos