Our 10 Favorite Things
The new Lightship Basket Museum Staff
BY MARLI GUZZETTA
The staff of the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum doesn't want to wait until the daffodils push up through the soil in spring to show you their new growth this winter. On exhibit at the museum this Thursday will be antique contemporary baskets from private collections and the museum's permanent collection, as well as three newly positioned members of the museum's staff: Albert L'Etoile, Susan Atwood Daniels and Jeanne Campbell.

From left: Administrative Assistant Jeanne Campbell, Executive Director Albert L'Etoile and Youth Weaving Program Director Susan Atwood Daniels want to meet you at the Lightship Basket Museum's Thursday reception, so we're giving you some talking points with their 10 favorite things.

A potter who grew up in Chatham and earned a master's degree in fine arts from Syracuse University, L'Etoile - the museum's new Executive Director - has relocated from Brooks, Maine, where he worked as the marketing director for an assisted living rehabilitation facility. Daniels has grown the Youth Weaving program to such an extent that she is now needed at the helm as its official director. A former Nantucket Public School System employee, Campbell recently joined the museum as its administrative assistant.

"Each of these individuals brings a wealth of talent," said Barbara Medaugh, President of the Museum.

Knowing how reception conversation can sometimes stall, we'd like to give you a little bit more information on these new hires for use at your discretion. Specifically, we want to give you a little peak at some of their daily pleasures: 10 things they love, to be exact, in no particular order and excluding intimate family relations and pets, because those are a given. And besides, we know you're going to ask about spouses, children and the like over your first sips of wine, and we don't want to steal your thunder. When: Thursday, Jan. 18, 3-5 p.m. Where: Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum,

49 Union Street Cost: Free For more information, please call 228-1177.

ALBERT'S 10 FAVORITE THINGS

+ History. I love looking at the way life was in the past. I recently bought an old house in Maine. The previous occupants left the premises without taking a single item. Even the toothbrush was left on the sink. Despite the obvious negatives, I loved going through old photos, receipts, books and belongings. This all ties into another favorite thing of mine, learning new things.

+ Clay. Working with clay is therapeutic for me. I like the feel and responsive quality of clay. It is a hobby of mine I hope will always be a part of my life.

+ Dessert. Enough said.

+ Movies. I am very much into movies and enjoy most genres. Some of my favorites films are "Sliding Doors," "Torch Song Trilogy" and, of course, "The Wizard of Oz."

+ Laughing. It's one of my favorite pastimes. Heard any good jokes lately?

+ Halloween. I enjoy the costumes, the jack - o'- lanterns, the permission to be someone else for one night, and it all occurs during my favorite time of the year!

+ "The Birthday" by Marc Chagall. Chagall's paintings in general embody many qualities that appeal to me. I especially appreciate the color, romance and whimsy of this particular piece of artwork.

+ Home. I'm basically a homebody. One of the most difficult parts of relocating was leaving my home in Maine. I love Nantucket and look forward to establishing my new home on the island.

+ Reese's Cups. Or most anything that includes peanut butter and chocolate.

+ Most recent favorite thing. I have been really fortunate to find a new "favorite thing" in the Nantucket Lightship Baskets. I knew of them before coming to the island but never appreciated the history, craftsmanship and the need for preservation until now. I'm on a huge learning curve but am really enjoying it.

SUSAN'S 10 FAVORITE THINGS

+ Sipping hot coffee early in the morning while reading the newspaper in bed.

+ Running on the bike paths and shoreline.

+ Ice cream, preferably with walnuts or pecans.

+ Teeing off the 4th Hole at Miacomet on a summer's evening.

+ Walking the trails and beaches with a friend.

+ Impromptu gatherings.

+ Watching a weaver take his first basket off the mold.

+ Hearing the call to dinner prepared by my personal chef who also is my husband.

+ Planning a spring vacation.

+ Uttanasana - a yoga pose.

JEANNE'S 10 FAVORITE THINGS

+ Reading to children. I've always loved books. I want children to learn and know the fun of reading.

+ Cooking with my husband. We're a good team and we use it as a time to talk and relax.

+ Gardening and mowing our lawn. I have plants in my yard from my childhood home in Illinois. I love to add two or three new perennials each year.

+ Crafts. I love to have a project going.

+ Photography. I received a new camera for Christmas. It's fun to find just the right shot.

+ Travel. Road trips! Love them!

+ Weaving baskets. I received lessons as a Christmas gift two years ago and was so proud of my first basket. Each of my children expects a basket now!

+ Walks around the island, looking at houses, gardens, etc.

+ We live near The Mill, which is perfect for walks to and from and around town. I love to watch the gardens and window boxes change with the seasons.

+ My home. I love to go home at the end of the day.

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