Karen Kominskyk: “It’s traditional, and the tradition is families get together and raise money for the trip”
By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — The parents of Lambertville Public School’s sixth-grade class are trying to raise funds to send the 15 students on the annual overnight trip to Washington, D.C.
”It’s traditional, and the tradition is families get together and raise money for the trip,” said Karen Kominskyk, wife of Lambertville Mayor David Del Vecchio and spokeswoman for the parents of the Class of 2009. “It’s a graduation trip; a celebration for the kids.”
Ms. Kominsky said local organizations and businesses are being very supportive. They’ve allowed donation cans to be set up in establishments and stores around the city, including City Market on North Main Street. Other businesses have contributed, including Verizon, Comcast and the Lambertville Democratic Club.
The class is trying to raise about $8,000 plus some additional funds to offset the cost of graduation, including caps and gowns, according to Ms. Kominsky, whose son, Alex Del Vecchio, will be among the 2009 graduates.
The trip to Washington in early June will include lots of sightseeing, including stops at the Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery and the White House.
The cost for the trip includes transportation, lodging, food and tour fees.
The children will travel by bus and stay overnight in the nation’s capitol.
The families already have embarked on their fundraising venture, selling food at the Winter Festival in January, selling carnations at school on Valentine’s Day and wrapping gifts at a Borders Books.
One class mother, Carmen Belardo, held a portrait fundraiser.
”She’s a wonderful photographer,” Ms. Kominsky said. “She’s going to offer her services again at the Shad Festival.”
The class also will sell strands of beads at the Shad Festival April 25 and 26. The beads are similar to the traditional and colorful Mardi Gras beads, Ms. Kominsky said, but they are adorned with fish ornaments, a nod to the reason for the festival.
”They were popular years ago, and last year they weren’t there,” Ms. Kominsky said. “Everybody was looking for them.”
Earlier this month, Sue Dumas, mother of sixth-grader Luc Dumas, spearheaded a soup night at Manon with husband and chef Jean Michel Dumas. Handmade soup bowls were sold.
After the holidays, parent Sue Bacorn and daughter Shelby ran a Christmas tree pickup, removing the spent trees in exchange for donations.
To donate, contact Ms. Kominsky at 397-9728 or mail checks to Ms. Kominsky at 11 York St., Lambertville. The checks should be made out to LPS Class of 2009.

