The Faire team meets at Aegis, clock wise from left: Judy Jacobs, Taylor Rhys, Deana Vic Davidson, Morgan Parrill, Grant Stubblefield, Ellen Beans, Bill Klaproth, and Theresa Boyer
Photo Sophie Braccini
Retirees, young business owners, artists, wine makers, editors... what do these people have in common? When they work together on the 4th annual Moraga Community Faire, they share the same desire to make their town a great place to live and do business. For that common cause, they give countless volunteer hours, with no other reward than creating a fun day for the community. They promise that this year's edition, on May 8th, will be Moraga's best Faire ever.
At the helm this year a duet: Veteran Ellen Beans and young business owner Grant Stubblefield. "I feel unequivocally supported this year," says Beans, who's been in charge of the Faire for four years in a row, "for its fourth year I've been finding more people than ever who want to contribute to its success." Beans, who is a retired school teacher and home maker, enjoys the fact that almost everyone on the team has done their part more than once and already knows what they have to do.
Faire co-chair Grant Stubblefield founded the Community Marketing Group. A Saint Mary's alumnus, he has spent many hours volunteering with the Chamber of Commerce. "My main responsibility is the Faire's layout, along with overall organization on the day of the event," he says. For him, the Faire is a way to bring Lamorinda residents together, provide a fun day for families and to show them what Moraga has to offer.
The Car Show, complete with hamburgers, hot dogs and cotton candy, will be a larger part of the Faire this year. Taylor Rhys was chairing that activity until professional obligations obliged her to pass the baton. "I got involved as the chairperson in the car show because I've coordinated many trade shows and corporate events and really enjoy working with a cohesive team with a common goal along with the excitement of seeing it all come together successfully at the end of the day," she says. Rhys added that she appreciates the diversity of the team and believes that very element will create a Faire that will truly speak to the Lamorinda community.
Many others are contributing to the organization of the festivities. "This year, we will be doing a Beverage Station with wine, beer, soft drinks and water," says resident Bob Reynolds, who explains that he's a Faire volunteer to support the community and his good friends. "Finally, if we can delight one child or introduce a new resident to the volunteer spirit of Moraga, we will make a good place to live even better," he adds. In the same vein, Susan Captain represents the Lamorinda Wine Growers Association (LWGA) at the Faire. She and her husband run one of the largest vineyards in Moraga. "I will make sure that we will have some local wines presented at the Faire," she promises.
Bill Klaproth and Teresa Onoda have been trying to get local artists involved in the Faire since its inception. "Part of being an artist is showing and this gives some an opportunity to get work framed, hang it in an outdoor setting and test the water," says Onoda, a local art teacher, "In this community there are many seasoned artists who show in important shows and this Faire gives them a reason to show the locals what they do."
Another large role has been played by Judy Jacobs, who is in once again in charge of publicity. Jacobs has 30 years experience as a journalist, and was associate editor of the East Bay Business Times until it was shut down. With graphic artist Lynn McAuliffe (owner of Champagne Design), they created all the printed material for the Faire. "Judy and I work closely together on all pieces of marketing collateral for the Faire. She supplies the necessary information and I put it into a design. She proofs my work, approves what I have done and expedites the fulfillment. We seem to work very efficiently together," says McAuliffe.
"My work has lightened up since I have very strong people taking big chunks," says Beans, "my role is to harmonize the team, which can be challenging with a very diverse group of people who have very different ways of doing things." Beans believes that the Faire has now reached an optimum size of 80 booths. "I've had businesses contacting me since last November," she says, "including some home businesses. They want to be part of it and our residents will love to discover all that Moraga has to offer."
Many more volunteers than those named here contribute to the success of the Community Faire.
At the helm this year a duet: Veteran Ellen Beans and young business owner Grant Stubblefield. "I feel unequivocally supported this year," says Beans, who's been in charge of the Faire for four years in a row, "for its fourth year I've been finding more people than ever who want to contribute to its success." Beans, who is a retired school teacher and home maker, enjoys the fact that almost everyone on the team has done their part more than once and already knows what they have to do. 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA