If someone happens to be traveling through Waterford, they may discover the town's secret, whether by accident, happenstance, fate or luck. Maybe it's serendipity at work; at least that's what Tom and Sharon Cerny, owners of Serendipity Farm, hope for.
"Serendipity means finding great things by chance. That's how we feel about the farm," Sharon says. "We read about the farm in a newspaper ad. They also had an article on a couple who talked about serendipity. That day we came out to look at the farm."
Sharon says the couple bought the historic homestead -- which she believes was built around the 1850s -- in 1993. Since then, the Cernys have been restoring the buildings on the property and planting several gardens. But most of all, the they have been trying to create an experience for people who visit the farm.
Citing themselves as eccentric, Serendipity's owners have plenty to share with those who visit.
"If you were to know us, my husband is extremely eccentric. He's never held a real job; he's an artist. He's had many years to be himself and never had to change or adapt to anyone. People find him very interesting," Sharon says. "I think I'm eccentric too because I love the blend of classic with whimsy. That's what this farm is all about now."
Serendipity Farm is open to the public but only four times a year.
"We just try to make it special, make it more of an event," Sharon says. "When people come they think it's a special thing taking place and we try to pick the times of year people would enjoy the gardens most."
Besides the gardens, the couple shows their own creations as well as the odds 'n' ends that Tom finds.
"Tom is a hunter for treasures and he's always finding great, great things. Lots of old interesting things here," Sharon says. "(People) can find crafts and unique handmade things."
April 27-30, the farm opens for its spring celebration with the theme "Discovery at the Beach -- Rediscover the Beachcomber in You."
"Tom had come home last summer with a huge collection of sea shells. Boxes and boxes of sea shells that he had found at a rummage sale" Sharon says. "So I was trying to figure out what we could do with those. We all have that beachcomber in us. Anything that sparkles, we'll pick up and examine."
Some of the pieces to be sold during the spring celebration include shell and bead mirrors as well as conch shells that Sharon plans on turning into vases.
The Cernys say they want visitors to have a wonderful experience at Serendipity Farm.
"Mostly what I hope they see is a piece of life they might not have experienced before," Sharon says. "The most common thing people say when they visit is it feels like heaven, it's so tranquil and peaceful. People from the city just love coming out here."
If you can't make it to the farm during one of the celebrations, the Cernys sell their artwork at flea markets and art fairs. The couple is also will to make appointments for visitors to see the farm.
Serendipity Farm's Web site is serendipityfarmltd.com.
Originally from Des Plaines, Ill., Heather moved to Milwaukee to earn a B.A. in journalism from Marquette University. With a tongue-twisting last name like Leszczewicz, it's best to go into a career where people don't need to say your name often.
However, she's still sticking to some of her Illinoisan ways (she won't reform when it comes to things like pop, water fountain or ATM), though she's grown to enjoy her time in the Brew City.
Although her journalism career is still budding, Heather has had the chance for some once-in-a-lifetime interviews with celebrities like actor Vince Vaughn and actress Charlize Theron, director Cameron Crowe and singers Ben Kweller and Isaac Hanson of '90s brother boy band Hanson.
Heather's a self-proclaimed workaholic but loves her entertainment. She's a real television and movie fanatic, book nerd, music junkie, coffee addict and pop culture aficionado.
