Everyone loves Hemlock Hardware and know its the place to go for all your home needs. They are one of the biggest community supporters but did you know it’s a family affair? Owner Scott is the third generation owner since his dad and grandfather. He is there 7 days a week and it’s no surprise when you see his son or wife helping out in the store. It is a true labor of love and they all love it! Read more about the beauty behind Hemlock, Kari Pesavento!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the area?
I was born and raised in Newtown, CT. I moved to Milford, CT with my husband Scott (who I’ve known since I was little) in 2004.
Children / Age(s)
I have one son, Brayden, who just turned 13 this month! QuaranTEEN! AHHHH! He has been at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School since Kindergarten! Putting him there was one of the best decisions we ever made!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I love playing video games with my family! We have video game tournaments with my husband and son (Crash Team Racing!) and they get very competitive!
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
Enjoy every phase in your child’s life. Even the hardest days will pass, and you will miss those too. Always put your child and family first, work will come and go but you can never get those moments with your kiddos back.
Favorite local things to do in Fairfield?
Shop at Hemlock Hardware of course! Actually, I would say it would have to be dining out at the AMAZING restaurants we have to offer in town!
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in the area?
I love that everything is so family oriented! There are tons of things to do as a family and all within a short minute drive!
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant? Date night?
Date night? What’s that!? I honestly can’t name a favorite restaurant; I love them all!
What is your go-to activity for your family? For yourself?
Hiking! We love to get into the woods and explore. We are more of a warm weather family though so I CANNOT wait to see warmer days so we can spend all our free time on the wonderful beaches in the area!
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Let it go – Don’t stress about the little things! That never-ending pile of laundry will always get done eventually. If your kiddo wants a hug stop what your doing and give it and NEVER let go first! They may need it more than you! (and who knows they just might offer to help with the laundry!)
Name one thing you regret when learning the ropes of parenthood and what you learned from it?
Mom Guilt is real! Whether it’s over breastfeeding (or not), putting your kiddo in daycare (or not), working full time out of the home (or not), feeding the kids pizza again…. There is always something for moms to feel guilty about! Again, let it go! Give yourself a break and try not to stress! The whole house will be happier if mom isn’t so stressed out (and mean!)
Where do you work and how did you get into it?
I am the Program Director of Children’s Connection Child Advocacy Center at the Human Services Council in Norwalk. We provide case coordination, treatment and education to children who have been sexually abused, suffered severe physical abuse or human trafficking. We wrap around the child and their family to ensure that the investigation of these horrible crimes doesn’t further traumatize the child. For the past 12 years I have gotten to do what I love and have had the honor of working with some of the best law enforcement, prosecutors, medical and mental health providers, and child protection workers in the field! I love my job because it is always different. Some days I am on the floor playing with blocks, other days I am helping police or prosecutors to put the bad guy in jail. Whatever I am doing it is always so uplifting and meaningful. I love being able to help kids and their parents heal and support them through what is a horrible time for them. We stay with our families from the first disclosure until they are ready to leave. For some that’s months, for others it’s years but my goal is always to make the process even just a little bit easier on them all so they can focus on healing their family. Before this, I worked at a Sexual Assault Crisis Center for 10 years and worked mostly with adult victims, it was there that I decided that the little guys needed an advocate too. I really believe it shouldn’t hurt to be a child!
Children’s Connection is part of the Human Services Council which for over 75 years, has created and fostered programs that safeguard, educate, and empower the people of our community. Our programs provide high-quality family-style services to children, families and adults in Norwalk, New Canaan, Wilton, Weston, and Westport. Our current programs are:
Children’s Connection – A nationally accredited child advocacy center; brings together public and private organizations to identify, investigate and treat cases of sexual & severe physical abuse, and human trafficking of minors.
The Norwalk Mentor Program – School-based mentoring, the first of its kind in the country, matches children in grades K – 12 with caring, trusted adults for a one-on-one mentoring relationship. This program has a focus on addressing chronic absenteeism.
Dr. Robert E. Appleby School Based Health Centers- Licensed clinics located within the middle and high schools in Norwalk Public Schools providing mental and medical health care at school for children with or without insurance.
The Norwalk Partnership– brings the community together to prevent substance misuse among youth and young adults by addressing local conditions. Run by The Human Services Council and Positive Directions, it is a coalition of 12+ community sectors that include a host of community partners.
Supportive Housing– Two locations -40 South Main St. provides a dignified home to 44 adults who were formally homeless. The program provides empowerment and skill training to help residents become self-sustaining. Ludlow Commons has 44 units for low-income seniors. Staff treat our residents like their own families and always ensure that residents are respected, cared for and happy.
My favorite event that we run is KIDZFEST Touch a Truck & More that I created 10 years ago. With more than 60 vehicles of all sizes, Kidzfest is by far the biggest touch a truck in the state! We even have a helicopter that lands and takes off during the event! With mascots, Music, Dancing, face painting, crafts and games – it’s the perfect family friendly outing AND it’s all only $5 per person! This event typically is held right around Halloween weekend so kids are encouraged to wear costumed and come Truck or Treating!!!
While Covid-19 has certainly put our events on hold, the demand for our services has increased substantially. We need donations now more than ever! Folks can always go to WWW.hscct.org/donate to make a donation or better yet, give me a call – I love telling people all about our work and how they can get involved!!! My direct line is 203-354 -1961 or [email protected]
Hemlock Hardware is a very successful small business that has been in Fairfield for years, how do you play a part in the business?
Hemlock Hardware is my home away from home. The business is truly a family affair! You will often see my son and I helping my husband on weekends, we love it! My husband is there seven days a week, so my son and I go to spend time with him and help to unload the trucks, restock shelves, help customers – you name it! I love meeting new people and hearing the stories about my husband’s grandfather and father who I dearly love. Hemlock is a family tradition, and it has been such a blessing to be able to support our community.
What do you want people to learn and know about Hemlock, besides it’s the best?
The most important thing people should know about Hemlock Hardware is that we love Fairfield!!! We are committed to supporting our community through anything that comes our way!
We are always there to answer your questions or help with that project! We work extremely hard to maintain inventory so we have what you need when you need it, and you can rest assured we are the cleanest store in town!! If you don’t see it in the store, ask! We can order pretty much anything!
