Notes from the Old Noank Jail

KAREN SCHULTZMAN REMEMBERED

by Ed Johnson

(Some short remarks that really don’t do justice to the lady….ej)

There was a recent obituary on Karen Schultzman which was a good summary of her life and accomplishments. She was a member of the Burbine family living in Noank and Karen had lost no time getting very involved in local Noank activities, including being a manager at the Carson’s Store and frequently assisting the efforts of the Noank Baptist Church Choir. Her Oboe playing, including solos, were always a welcome addition to spice up those events.

Indeed, what I remember most about Karen was her enthusiasm in conversation, matched only by her enthusiasm for music. Many years ago, she generated considerable interest in creating fund raising efforts for the Noank-Mystic Community Band, and managed to sucker in a group of us, led by James Abruzzese, to operate an annual chicken barbeque dinner prior to the 4th of July Band Concerts in the center of Noank. It was a lot of work but there were actually a few times when we cooked the chicken properly so that the birds didn’t walk off the customers plates. Thus I felt that the paying customers were really there to support people like Karen, and therefore tolerated our culinary delicacies.

Karen’s enthusiasm and community spirit were infectious. We found it was easier to give in and do things her way because convincing her otherwise was impossible. And I believe that her popularity at Carson’s was not because of the food she served (which was fine anyway) but because of the way she entertained the customers, many of whom returned just to see her.

Karen Schultzman embodies what some of us would call ”the Spirit of Old Noank.” She was a fixture of strong community involvement, loved kids and animals… and those of us who knew her will miss Karen very much. May God bless her Soul for what she gave us.