Glass Studio to Make Picture Frames for Newtown

Sometimes, it feels like nowhere is safe.

Watching the news from our comfortable living rooms in the United States, routine bombings, shootings and other tragedies in other countries have often felt less than real. That could not possibly happen here.

But, Stacey Schlosser says it just doesn't feel like that anymore.

"I don't remember growing up this way," said the owner of Glassworks Studio, on South Street in Morristown. "It's like no place is safe. The movie theater, the college, the elementary school. That's really scary.

"As an American, countries living in perpetual wartime existence had it harder. Now I feel like these kids feel like that's here now," Schlosser added.

Speaking specifically about , where 26 people were killed, including 20 children, Morristown councilwoman Rebecca Feldman said she kept thinking and thinking about ways she could help.

"I wanted to find a way for the people of Newtown to know that other towns’ residents understand and are in solidarity with them," she said.

Feldman suggested to Schlosser they make 26 glass picture frames--one for every victim--to be given to those still mourning the loss. On Monday, from 4 to 7 p.m., Glassworks will host the workshop. All are welcome.

Despite knowing they--and many others--rise to the occasion and help amidst tragedy, Schlosser acknowledges such gestures can sometimes cause greater harm than good. She cited a recent NPR article, which tells of the overabundance of certain donations to both Newtown and victims of Superstorm Sandy, and how people are getting overwhelmed with too many unrequested goods.

She feels this gesture, however, is different. And, she has not one, but two personal connections. 

Not only did Schlosser during her teen years work at a clothing store in Westchester County that had a branch in Newtown, "I also lost a child, 20 years ago this year," she said. "I know how unbelievably painful it is."

These also won't just be basic frames. The organizers are planning on making each as personalized as possible for each victim, representing their lives and personalities, rather than focusing on their tragedies.

At least 26 volunteers are requested to make the frames, either individually or as groups. Adults can bring their older children to help. Though Glassworks will cover costs, donations are welcome.

And if more than 26 end up volunteering, Schlosser said they will just make more frames, for extended family members and friends of those lost.

She knows, personally, that all the donations and goodwill gestures in the world cannot change what has happened. But, Schlosser still feels those gestures are very important.

"People need to do something," she said. 

Anyone interested in volunteering to make the picture frames from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Glassworks should call the studio before 6 p.m. on Sunday.