Donald
Teuma-Castelletti
PORTAGE DU FORT
Dec. 2, 2017
The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of St. James Parish held a craft show on Saturday, where 12 vendors showed their goods and the scent of homemade soup drifted through the air.
Expecting around 150 guests, a soup and sandwich lunch was for sale, plus a silent auction, 50/50 draw and raffle basket were all up for grabs.
“It’s all put on out of our own pockets, and the profits go to the CWL,” said Joan Essiambre, a member of the CWL and an event organizer.

Essiambre explained that the CWL helps support many events, from funerals to lunches, which becomes harder for families to organize throughout the winter.
CWL President Georgina O’Connor said that the funding will also help support everyday community goodwill efforts, from preparing food for families in need to driving folks to get their shopping done or attend doctor appointments.
Featuring everything from maple syrup to makeup, customized items and household decorations, the fourth version of the craft show drew in a steady stream of shoppers, but organizers knew that more would be coming for lunch.
“We make soup and sandwiches because it draws in the lunch crowd,” said Essiambre. “A lot of people come in for takeout.”
Offering a choice between egg and ham sandwiches, plus broccoli or hamburger soup, the room was sufficiently full as the lunch delighted noses and Christmas music provided the sounds of the season.