Sparta woman who previously dabbled in writing assignments, earns a spot in national magazine

Sparta -Thirty year Sparta resident, Lynne Cavanaugh, who humbly doesn’t consider herself a writer, entered her first writing contest for Woman’s Day magazine in May 2006. She was one of only four out of 2,000 entrants, to be chosen and published in the March 2007 edition. “The essay is sweet and very well written,” said Diane Lapsley, assistant director, Sparta Library. Her story: Corporate transfers moved Lynne Cavanaugh and her family into six different states within ten years. Finally settling in Sparta for permanent residence 30 years ago, Cavanaugh found herself patiently waiting for the builder to complete their home in an untimely manner. Having already closed on their previous home in Connecticut, she set up temporary living arrangements in the Valley View Hotel on Main Street with her husband and three children. It was this mind-boggling stress, that led her and her youngest daughter, Katie to escape to the friendly atmosphere of the Sparta Library while her husband was settling into his new job and her two older children were in school. While Katie attended story hour, Cavanaugh busied herself researching some of her interests such as interior design, travel, real estate, antiques, furniture restoration, Constitutional law and biographies just to pass the time away from the cramped quarters of the hotel. Little did she realize at the time, she wasn’t just passing idol time at the library, she was finding herself. All her research eventually led to her future career(s): freelance interior decorating, antique restoration and real estate. Also to her avocations: a trustee of the Sparta Historical Society, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Newton Memorial Auxillary and Our Lady of the Lake Social Ministry over the next decades. Last spring, as Cavanaugh was waiting in line at the library to check out her books, she noticed a flyer affixed humbly to the counter with Scotch tape. It was a Woman’s Day advertisement to submit, in 700 words or less, on ‘how the library changed your life.’ Cavanaugh made note of it, checked out her books and began to drive home, all the while recalling how the library enhanced, directed and truly did change her life, dramatically. By the time she returned for her weekly trip to the library, she was determined to get her story out. She didn’t hear from the magazine for almost six months and had all but forgotten about her submission. “When I received a call in November, from the editor of Woman’s Day magazine, she introduced herself and began explaining that they received more than 2,000 and only four were chosen. I thought to myself, ‘Oh, how nice of them to call (to tell me I didn’t win).’ Then she continued, ‘and you were one of them,’” said Cavanaugh. “I couldn’t believe it!” Cavanaugh had previously created some press releases for the Sparta Historical Society, brochures for high end properties during her real estate career and a few letters to the editor over the years, but this accomplishment has been especially sweet. Not only is this her first time being published nationally, but she also felt indebted to some degree, to the Sparta Library. “Carol Boutilier (director of Sparta Library) is approachable, she’s creative and responds to patron’s suggestions. They’re all so sweet and nice there, they’re truly exceptional. I wasn’t aware of how the editor of Woman’s Day was going to tweak my comments about how wonderful they really are there,” said Cavanaugh. For those who work there, they make a point of connecting. “If you come here for any period of time, we know you. You will feel like people recognize you, and that makes a difference,” said Lapsley. Cavanaugh’s charming, generous, and modest manner adds to the excitement of those surrounding her. When she found out she was one of the winners, one of the first things she did, was run to the library to share her excitement with them. In response, Cavanaugh’s friends at the library sent her a beautiful bouquet of flowers to congratulate her. “The whole thing’s been such an exciting experience,” said Cavanaugh.