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BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Southeastern CT’s best
The origins of
American food
Dis-Ease:
Human nature and how we have survived pandemics of the past
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eagles America’s symbol of strength and freedom
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OUR STAGE LIGHTS ARE SHINING BRIGHTLY WAITING FOR YOUR RETURN!
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on the cover A majestic bald eagle in flight. photo by ingrid feddersen
this month
DuBois Beach, Stonington Borough. photo by sandra alexander
J U L Y
2 0 2 2
50 BEAUTIFUL BEACHES 58
SOAR WITH THE EAGLES
America’s symbol of strength and freedom
Southeastern Connecticut’s best spots for fun in the sun
july 2022 7
departments photo courtesy of holmberg orchards
36
virtually staged photo courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate
HOME & GARDEN 33 Prepping for the perfect pool party
Create an inviting and memorable outdoor space for family, friends
36 Seasons spent at the shore
13 CORRESPONDENCE 10 E ditor’s note 11 Catching up
TASTE
LOOKING BACK 43 Dis-ease
Pandemics of the past and how we survived them
46 Connecticut’s Declaration of Independence signatories
TRENDING
13 American pie (and burgers, BLTs and more)
67 Swimsuit shopping for
20 85 Main makes a big noise in
70 5 movies to watch in
26 Restaurant listings 28 Restaurateur profile
72 Turning pages
A celebration of Independence Day food favorites
the Quiet Corner
Supawan “Tai” Au of Pink Basil
30 Sundae’s Scoops Local ice cream shops
8
The market for shoreline second homes is hot again
magazine
every body type
celebration of the Fourth of July
The best beach books
74 Local finds
Shop unique. Shop local.
87
photo courtesy of oceanchamber.org
LIFE CYCLES 77 Settling an estate A step-by-step guide
82 Summer is the best
Making the most of those long, lazy days
EXPLORATIONS 87 Exploring Mystic, Stonington & Westerly How to make the most of a day or a weekend here
IT’S YOUR DAY 95 Dave Sugrue
General manager for Centerplate at Ocean Beach Park
Where You Live The A Team of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in helping people find homes where they love to live. Contact us to find out how we can help you! ALLYSON COTTON | LIZ SQUILLACOTE | GARY SCHMID | CORY WINKELMANN
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july 2022 9
correspondence | EDITOR’S NOTE
dear readers, Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford. Photo by Jerilyn Duefrene
H
appy Fourth of July!
Summer is the per fect
There is something incredibly serene
time for weekend trips. We
about birds in flight. Wait until you read
are lucky to live in a beau-
the story about bald eagles written by
tiful part of the state and I
Ann Baldelli and look at the extraor-
encourage you all to fully
dina r y images ta ken by Ingr id Fed-
explore the surroundings.
dersen. The bald eagle has long been a symbol of
Bridget Shir vell has out-
America, and our Founding Fathers chose wisely
lined suggestions for making a weekend in Westerly,
as baby eaglets take their first flights around Inde-
Mystic and Stonington.
pendence Day.
On a personal note, this will be my final TDM as
Perhaps you love American food and have always
editor. I want to say thank you for teaching, inspir-
wondered about the origins of certain American
ing and opening my eyes to so much. What a true joy
dishes like apple pie, the hamburger or chocolate
it has been to get to know you, and to share so many
chip cookies? You can learn all about these deli-
interesting stories through this magazine. Creating
cious treats and more in “American Pie” by Jenni-
and contributing to TDM, working with our layout
fer Carmichael.
editor, Barbara Dunn, and hearing from all of you,
We also have two stories that will appeal to history
will be stored as some of my favorite career mem-
lovers. The first one focuses on the four people from
ories. I am confident that this publication will only
Connecticut who signed the Declaration of Indepen-
continue to get better over time, and I look forward
dence—fun fact, I have an ancestor from my moth-
to reading future editions.
er’s side, Charles Carroll, who was a signer. In addi-
With extreme gratitude,
tion to this interesting narrative, we also researched how pandemics were handled in the past. Seeing as we are figuring our way through one now, I was fascinated to learn about the ways in which early Americans navigated fast-spreading diseases like tuberculosis, diphtheria, cholera and yellow fever.
10
magazine
Shannon Cushing, editor
| correspondence
CATCHING UP
IN RESPONSE TO OUR JUNE ISSUE
“NEW ORLEANS-INSPIRED TATTOO GALLERY” Lari was a remarkable guy and many locals remarked so admirably though
$4.95
• JUNE 2022
distantly, same as me, at the positive indications of his circle of friends and him at work to show New London ain’t a bad place to be. I say distantly to express perspective from the city’s core-area passersby gallery, so to
Planetariums in CT
offer insight to our solar system
say. When walking by his and his partner’s downtown biz location when
THE PRIDE ISSUE
it was on Bank, or walking by their purple-painted house with the vanity-
- LGBTQ+ communities for kids and teens - History of the pride flag - Exploring P-Town
plated black vehicle mysteriously reading “EVIL ME” parked in front of it,
Tiny house living
seemed palpable and memorable. Since he passed, it’s fair to say we of
bees on
Host a
summer soirée
that passersby-affections gallery for Lari’s presence and style in a city
buzz the
Small on size, big on efficiency
an unabashedly spirited outness and standout sense of style and grace
of marked diversity, will very likely continue to “see” Lari when we drive, bicycle or walk east or west on Colman between Cedar Grove Ave and Bank Street. Never got to shake Lari’s hand and tell him how his home and business impressed me, sad to say. I shall forever regret that and I expect I’m not alone in saying so. Bud Bray, via web
people & places
New Orleans-inspired tattoo gallery
people & places made a decision a long time ago that he wanted to have his own tattoo shop. We purchased Spirit Gallery together in 2014, but it was his dream.”
wanted the shop to have a high level of customer service. “He saw a way that he could make a tattoo shop more mainstream and have more curb appeal, so everyone felt welcome to come for services,” said Dodd. “It was also very important to him that there was a level of customer service you don’t get at most tattoo shops. The vibe is a lot more spa than tattoo shop.”
W
hen Spirit Gallery Tattoo moved to
Imagine WORKING HERE
Unlike many tattoo shops, there are no f lash sheets on the wall. Every tattoo done at Spirit Gallery Tattoo is custom designed by the tattoo artist. Customers can bring in photos or sketches for inspiration and then the artist will work through the process with them in designing the tattoo so that it is original and personalized. Each of the shop’s eight artists—who specialize in tattooing, piercing, and permanent makeup—have their own room, giving clients pri-
LARI MOSTRO LIVES ON THROUGH SPIRIT GALLERY TATTOO by jenn mcculloch photos courtesy of michael dodd
The New London Beautification Committee presented Spirit Gallery Tattoo with an award for their gardens.
The space on Colman Street was a former medical office and the exam rooms provided the perfect setup for Mostro’s vision of a spa-like atmosphere. In addition to creating a welcoming atmosphere, Mostro
above One of Michael Dodd’s favorite hobbies is designing and maintaining the gardens at Spirit Gallery Tattoo. below Spirit Gallery Tattoo was designed with many nods to New Orleans, including a portrait of Marie Laveau, who is known as voodoo queen of New Orleans.
Lari Mostro always dreamed of opening a tattoo parlor. That dream was realized when he purchased Spirit Gallery, which he operated until his passing earlier this year.
vacy and the artists the opportunity to show their personality and skills. “We have a really good crew of talented artists and since Lari’s passing, everyone has really stepped up to help,” said Dodd. “Everyone has put their personal spin on their rooms—one artist is really good at woodburning and his walls showcase that and different paintings; another has decorated with comic book action figures.” While the ind iv idua l, persona lized rooms helped to fulfill Mostro’s vision, they also proved to be beneficial during the pandemic. The shop has always operated by appointment as every tattoo is cus-
its new space at 377 Colman Street
tom designed, but during COVID, the sep-
GREAT PAY • GREAT BENEFITS VISIT ONE OF OUR UPCOMING JOB FAIRS TUESDAY, JUNE 7, & TUESDAY, JUNE 21
arate rooms allowed for social distancing
in New London in 2019, owner Lari
between clients, allowing Spirit Gallery to continue to operate. With the artists putting their personality
Mostro was excited to build the shop
into their rooms, Mostro put his stamp on
Apply today at foxwoods.com/careers
the lobby. Mostro, Dodd, and Kucienski fell
around his vision of a spa-like atmo-
in love with New Orleans after they traveled there for the first time several years ago and when they moved to their new location, the
sphere, his love for the art of tattooing, and decorat-
decor was inspired by ‘The Big Easy.’
ing with a New Orleans vibe, giving a nod to one of
20
magazine
FOX_86942-2_Apr2022_Recruitment_TheDay_7-25x7-0625_PrintAd.indd 1
5/13/22 12:01 PM
june 2022 21
his favorite places and cultures. COVID-19 then challenged every industry, though Spirit Gallery Tattoo moved through the pandemic
people & places
mostly unscathed. Just as it seemed the pandemic
“We put in gardens and all kinds of stone so it’s
was moving into the rearview, though, came the most devastating blow yet when Mostro suddenly
favorite way to relax was cooking. He often made huge batches of gumbo or chili and would bring
and Kucienski have stepped in to help run the
it to work to share. Now with Mostro gone, Dodd
shop with help from Alex Williams, who works
is seeing his spirit live on.
ner who has since taken over with Mostro’s husband
most proud of the work he did with his tattoo
Tattoo was looking at creating a retail space, Spirit
Dodd. “She loved Lari so much and understood
shop,” said Dodd. “He was so larger than life all
his vision for Spirit Gallery and really stepped up
the time and had a big personality and his loss
to help in the wake of his passing.”
left a much bigger hole than it would’ve other-
occult goods store with a focus on people who
They are also planning to continue an annual
wise. Now we’re honoring his memory by carry-
work with spirits in any capacity, and with a small
event called Honor Ink, which is a fundraiser
ing on the vision that he had and keeping up his
chapel dedicated to the Santa Muerte in the back,”
for Guardians of the Purple Heart. Dodd noted
said Dodd. “At the time of his passing, we were
that “it was Lari’s favorite event to host with
deep in the planning and early execution of a retail
the veterans being a cause dear to his heart.”
space, but it is now on hold for at least a year.” Dodd notes that while Mostro loved tattoos, he
Frank Kucienski. “There’s so much evidence of him
“He did a lot of things over the years but was
“She’s a very close and old friend of ours,” said
“He was building that shop for me to run—an
going,” said Michael Dodd, Mostro’s longtime part-
at the front desk.
were plans to expand the business. Spirit Gallery Gallery Esoterica, with a focus on occult goods.
“There was never a question of if we’d keep it
When Mostro wasn’t working, Dodd said his
the background, helping with paperwork, policies, and more. With Mostro’s passing, both Dodd
community and the New London Beautification Committee gave us an award for our gardens.” With the new location gaining traction, there
passed away early in 2022.
both Dodd and Kucienski supported the shop in
a park-like setting,” said Dodd. “We did it because we wanted to, but it’s set a new standard for the
wasn’t artistic and not a tattoo artist himself—and
Mostro was also involved with various business organizations and sponsored New Lon-
standards.” Spirit Gallery Tattoo 377 Colman Street, New London, CT 860-443-0484 | spiritgallerytattoo.com
don pride.
still being around and I really think he’s finishing “He saw a way that he could
this work from the other side. It could be crazy, but
make a tattoo shop more
Shop owners and life partners Frank Kucienski, Michael Dodd, and Lari Mostro enjoyed spending time in New Orleans.
that’s how I feel and there’s ample evidence and a lot
mainstream and have more
Because Spirit Gallery had started to garner a fol-
of signs we are going in the right direction.”
curb appeal, so everyone felt
lowing at the time Mostro purchased it, they decided
welcome to come for services.”
not to change the name. As the years went by, the name
Dodd and Kucienski are now forging ahead as
began to fit the space and the vibe of the shop more and
MICHAEL DODD
more, especially with the many nods to New Orleans, including a portrait of Marie Laveau, who is known as
a duo, after spending the last 32 years with Mos-
voodoo queen of New Orleans. “Lari just fell in love with the city and the culture,
tro. Dodd remembers them encouraging Mostro to
and the lobby of the shop is more like your grandma’s living room with whorehouse chic thrown in,” said Dodd, noting they continued to travel to the city at least
take over the tattoo shop where he was working as
once a year. “There are a lot of spirits in voodoo so with the New Orleans connection, it’s something we focus
a body piercer.
on even more now.” The personal touches don’t stop inside the shop. Dodd was a f lorist for several years and when they
“Lari was a body piercer for 20 years before get-
decided to buy the property the shop is located on, Dodd took over the landscaping and gardens.
ting into the management of the tattoo shop—he’s
22
magazine
Spirit Gallery Tattoo has been located at 377 Colman Street in New London since 2019.
june 2022 23
always been obsessed with body art and 95 percent of his body was covered in ink,” said Dodd. “He’d
june 2022 19
We want to hear from you! Send your questions, comments, suggestions, and ideas to thedaymag@theday.com. Or look us up on social media. You may even be featured on this page in a future issue. By getting in touch with us, you give us permission to reprint your comments.
july 2022 11
E N T E R TA I N I N G
R E S TA U R A N T S
FOOD & DRINK
Photo courtesy of 85 main
RECIPES
taste
everyone’s favorite American food
12
magazine
make some noise at 85 Main
American pie
taste
(and burgers, BLTs and more) A CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY FOOD FAVORITES
A
By Jennifer Carmichael
side from family, friends, festivities and fireworks, a big part of any Fourth of July celebration is the food. From a juicy, satisfying cheeseburger to a slice of apple pie, these American foods go hand-in-hand with back-
yard celebrations all summer long. Here’s a look at the origin of a handful of what are considered all-American foods along with some recipes and tips for making them at home.
photo courtesy of holmberg orchards
july 2022 13
taste
chocolate chip coo W
hile it may seem they’ve been around forever, the chocolate chip cookie
didn’t actually exist until 1938—and it was invented by mistake. When run-
ning The Toll House Inn’s restaurant in Whitman, Mass., Ruth Graves Wakefield (1903-1977) was looking for baker’s chocolate to do something a little different to her pecan drop cookies. Instead, she added chopped up bits from a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar into the cookie dough. When the cookies came out of the oven, she discovered the chocolate had not melted like she had hoped. However, patrons of the inn loved them. She named the cookie, “Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookie,” which later became Nestlé Toll House’s Original Chocolate Chip Cookie, with its recipe running on the back of the bag of semi-sweet chocolate morsels.
photo courtesy of sift bakery
D
id you know that the hamburger was created right here in New Haven? Louis Lassen is credited with inventing the hamburger around 1900 at
Louis’ Lunch. Answering a customer’s hurried request for something “quick and delicious,” Lassen assembled a hamburger from what he had on hand: grilled ground steak formed into a pattie and sandwiched between two slices of toast. Today, the restaurant’s fourth-generation
hamburger
owner, Jeff Lassen, is still serving hamburg-
ers from the same building where the first one was created more than a century ago.
photo courtesy of Louis’ Lunch
14
magazine
It’s easy to prepare, he says, “Keep grill hot,
kie
Chocolate Walnut Sea Salt Cookies Submitted by Sift Bake Shop (Mystic) INGREDIENTS: We recommend using a scale to ensure accurate measurements 30oz. / 850g softened butter 24oz. / 680g brown sugar 30oz. / 850g sugar 10oz. / 284g eggs 1/4oz. / 7g vanilla 51oz. / 1446g all purpose four 4 teaspoons baking soda 41/2 teaspoons baking powder 22oz. / 624g milk chocolate pieces 22oz. / 624g 54% dark chocolate pieces 15oz. / 425g walnuts Sea salt to garnish
sear it, and turn it over. You can put an onion on it, first thing, so that the onion cooks with it. That’s what we do here, most of the time. Then, you get a gr il led onion. Next, f lip it back over, and serve
DIRECTIONS: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugars on a low speed. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down between each addition to ensure a smooth emulsification followed by the vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients and add to the mixture. Mix until half combined and scrape down the bowl. Add chocolates and walnuts. Mix until combined. Do not over mix. Using an ice cream scoop for even portioning, scoop the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined sheet tray, leaving enough space in between the cookies to spread. Bake at 325°F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly caramelized. Remove from the oven, liberally dust with sea salt to taste and allow to cool. Enjoy!
C.E.L. Fine Collectibles And Appraisers Working in the Service of Science and History
it medium rare, which is what we prefer. Put it on your toasted bread or bun, whatever you’re using. And you can even add a little butter to the top slice of the bread to enhance it.” As for other toppings, Lassen recommends cheese, tomato and onion. Nothing else, he says. No ketchup, musta rd or any condiments. “If you’re using a good piece of meat , we prefer t hat you’re tasting the meat as opposed to any of the condiments that you’re putting on,” Lassen says.
Specializing in ancient artifacts, ethnographics, & fossils Sunday-Weds 11-5pm Thursday Closed • Fri-Sat 9-1pm
321 Main Street • Niantic, CT 06357
860.333.4260
july 2022 15
taste
P
resident Thomas Jefferson and James Hemings, his slave, encountered macaroni in Paris and brought the recipe back to his plantation, Monticello. And while Jefferson commissioned the U.S. ambassador to France, William Short, in 1793, to purchase a machine for mak-
ing macaroni, it wasn’t suitable. So, for a time, he imported both macaroni and Parmesan cheese for use at Monticello, and it’s said that Hemings perfected the recipe. Then, in 1802, Jefferson served “a pie called macaroni” at a state dinner. Eventually, Mary Rudolph, who took over hostess duties at the White House when Jefferson’s wife died, included a macaroni recipe with Parmesan cheese in her 1824 cookbook, The Virginia Housewife. The rest is
macaroni and
history, as mac and cheese has been a staple to American cuisine ever since.
A Very Cheesy Mac
Submitted by Chef Carlos Cassar of The Copper Beech Inn’s Oak Room Restaurant: INGREDIENTS: 1lb. cavatelli pasta 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 21/2 cups shredded chihuahua cheese (quesadilla melting cheese; set aside 1/2 cup for final topping) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided in half) 1 cup American cheese, white
11/2 cup whole milk 1 cup buttermilk 1 stick butter Salt Pepper FOR BREAD CRUMB TOPPING: 2 cups panko bread crumbs 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta for nine minutes to al dente. Strain and cool with running cold water, set aside. In a medium pot, bring the milk and buttermilk to boil, lower heat to medium, whisk in the butter until completely integrated, slowly add and whisk in the cheddar cheese, do the same with the Chihuahua cheese, followed by American cheese, and then the Parmesan cheese. At this point, it should look like a cheese sauce or fondue. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the pasta and the cheese sauce and transfer into a baking dish. Breadcrumbs: Mix the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining half of Parmesan cheese with parsley. Top the mac and cheese evenly with the halfcup of reserved Chihuahua cheese followed by the bread crumb mix, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown. photo courtesy of oak room
16
magazine
cheese
“Cavatelli pasta distributes the cheese more evenly than elbows, and the cheeses I chose are a perfect combination of sharp, mild, and salty. Chihuahua cheese especially melts perfectly, while panko adds a crunch that regular bread crumbs don’t.” CHEF CARLOS CASSAR
The Original Recycled Sail Tote Handcrafted in Maine from Recycled Sail Cloth 36 West Main Street, Mystic, CT 207.239.9907 seabags.com
july 2022 17
taste “The best pies, like the best cider, are made from a blend of apples.” RUSSELL HOLMBERG
photo courtesy of holmberg orchards
I
apple pie
t’s a symbol of America eaten to celebrate every-
margarine or butter. “Shortening tends to make a
thing from the Fourth of July to Thanksgiving.
flakier crust—butter or lard tends to make it richer.
However, the apple pie first originated in England.
We prefer 50 percent shortening and the remainder
But despite the fact that it’s not so American af-
butter or margarine,” he notes.
ter all, this sweet treat has become a national insti-
“The most important trick to getting a flaky crust is
tution thanks to settlers introducing European ap-
not to overwork the dough: Cut it in by hand until you
ples to our land.
have marble-sized chunks, then add cold water. Make
Russell Holmberg, who is the fourth-generation
sure to stop adding water as soon as a ball forms. The
owner of Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry, has given
dough should not look smooth and uniform like pizza
advice to hundreds of apple-picking customers over
dough, it should be mottled with shortening. Take
the years, and highlights what to look for in a good
care when rolling and shaping, too. Work the dough
pie apple.
when it is cold and don’t over-knead it.”
“We want an apple that is complex and hearty, with a generous amount of natural acid, loads of f lavor, and a firm texture that holds its shape when cooked,”
“Sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves—in that
he says. “These are often, but not always, heirloom
order. Plus a little cornstarch to thicken it up,” says
apples: Russet, Winesap, Idared and Macintosh. The
Holmberg. “If you’re short on spices, cinnamon-sugar
best pies, like the best cider, are made from a blend
is more than enough flavor. Lemon juice will brighten
of apples.”
up a bland apple, too. Early-season apples rarely need
Holmberg also has some pointers for the basic recipe for a crust: f lour, water, salt, shortening,
18
OTHER FLAVORS
magazine
acid—sometimes they need a little extra sugar.”
A
ccording to Food Timeline, most food historians concur that the All-American favorite, the BLT—bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich— was probably created in the United States
during the late-19th or early-20th century. The earliest description of the club sandwich is an entry in the 1903 edition of Good Housekeeping Everyday Cook Book where the sandwich consisted of bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and a slice of turkey. The sandwich grew in fame and was popularized after World War II, following the expansion of supermarkets that made ingredients available year-round. And while the BLT is delicious, quick and easy to put together, there are some must-try variations out there too. For example, Flanders Fish Market in East Lyme thought outside the box when adding its version to the menu.
Flanders Fish Market’s BLT
INGREDIENTS: 2 fl. oz. extra virgin olive oil Cracked black pepper to taste 1 8 oz. tuna steak 2 slices white sourdough bread, toasted 2 oz. wasabi mayo (sold at Flanders Fish Market) 4 slices bacon, crispy 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced 4 oz. spicy seaweed salad (sold at Flanders Fish Market) 2 slices heirloom tomatoes DIRECTIONS: Over medium-high heat sear the tuna in olive oil until desired doneness. Toast sourdough bread and spread wasabi mayo on each slice. Place tuna on bread first, then assemble with remaining ingredients—bacon, avocado, seaweed salad and tomatoes.
BLTbacon-lettuce-tomato
photo courtesy of flanders fish market
july 2022 19
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
85 Main
makes a big noise in the Quiet Corner
W
By Jenn McCulloch
hile most people in Connecticut think sea-
from 4 to 6 p.m. During those two hours each week, staff
food restaurants are synonymous with the
shuck anywhere from 600 to 1,500 oysters.
shoreline, James Martin, co-owner, execu-
The nods to the sea extend beyond the menu as the
tive chef, and general manager of 85 Main
walls are adorned with custom art pieces created by
in Putnam, brings freshly caught seafood
Jean-Paul Jacquet, a professional artist and sculptor who
and shellfish to the “quiet corner” of Connecticut. “We’re just an hour away from the water and we have close relationships with Narragansett Lobster Company
was a set designer for the band Phish. The mermaids are tattooed with sibling nicknames from Martin’s childhood and replicas of Jacquet’s tattoos.
(Narragansett Bay Lobsters) and Ninigret Oyster Farm,”
“I wanted something cool, abstract, and something to
said Martin. “We get deliveries seven days a week so
do with a mermaid,” said Martin. “We … ended up with a
we’re getting stuff that came out of the water that morn-
Rubenesque-style mermaid slurping an oyster.”
ing. You can’t get any fresher.”
20
$1.50 Ninigret Nectars among the happy hour offerings
The focus on local food extends beyond seafood, as
While oysters are always on the menu at 85 Main,
Martin sources as many ingredients as possible from
the most popular day for the raw bar is Wednesday with
local farmers. His passion for farm-fresh products has
magazine
left 85 Main in Putnam serves up fresh, local ingredients, including sustainable inseason vegetables, prepared in a variety of ways. Photo by Winter Caplanson below James Martin began working in restaurants in high school. His Putnam eatery, 85 Main, celebrates 17 years in business in June. Photo by Nonni Muller
deep roots as he grew up working on his grandparents’ farm in Woodstock. He spent his summers haying the fields and working in the gardens alongside his grandfather, Lenny Martin. “I was raised with that farmer mentality that you have to outwork the person next to you at the dinner table or you don’t bother sitting down,” said Martin. “I learned a lot from that and my dad owning a business. When I came back to the area, people recognized my name and remembered what my grandfather and father did as hardworking, honest men of their word.” Martin was also inspired by his grandmother’s talent in the kitchen. His grandmother, Hedvig Martin, raised her own four children and 22 foster children over a period of about 15 years and “was an amazing chef in her own right,” said Martin. “You’d go over for a holiday, and she wouldn’t take any help and would put out 20 perfect dishes. She’d be able to feed 30 people and make it look effortless,” he said. “She had a huge influence on me.”
july 2022 21
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT While 85 Main celebrated its 17th anniver-
local farmers, something that was especially
sary in June with Martin at the helm—along
important to him, thanks to the days on his
with his business partners, brothers Barry
grandparents’ farm.
and Brian Jessurun, who also own The Vanilla
As Martin continued to learn more about
Bean Café, Dog Lane Café and Fenton River
the restaurant business and his children got
Grill—Martin never planned to make a career
older, he decided it was time for him to open
out of the restaurant business.
his own restaurant closer to their home in
Martin’s restaurant experience began in
Pomfret, opening 85 Main in 2005. Mar-
high school working at The Vanilla Bean Café,
tin admits that when it came to choosing his
but after graduating high school, he had a
location, Pomfret wasn’t his top choice, but
flight booked to London to play professional
one of his friends was selling her space.
soccer. When he found out he was going to be
“In 2005, a lot of people didn’t understand organic or the importance of supporting local,
a father, his plans changed. Martin remained stateside and pursued
wondering why they’d pay more for what was
degrees in English and psychology while play-
grown down the road,” said Martin. “I knew
ing soccer and continuing to work in the Jes-
it would be an uphill battle trying to get this
suruns’ restaurants and with catering compa-
community around the concept that was
nies. After graduating college, Martin decided
progressive.”
to continue working in the restaurant industry
When 85 Main joined the block, Martin remembers several empty storefronts. Over
while paying off some debt. “I went straight into the restaurant scene full-tilt thinking it was a temporary thing,”
the years, Martin has worked with other businesses in the area, including restaurants.
said Martin. “Having my daughter changed
“When we came in, we did everything we
my life—she and my son are the best things
could to provide the best possible experience
in my life.”
we could in hopes that what we were doing
“I was raised with that farmer mentality that you have to outwork the person next to you at the dinner table or you don’t bother sitting down.” CHEF JAMES MARTIN Martin went on to help Boston chef Chris
would stimulate more activity and interest
Schlesinger open The Back Eddy in West-
in the area because where there are more
port, Mass. In 2000, Martin, Schlesinger and
restaurants with more to offer, that’s what
Nell Newman, of Newman’s Own Organ-
brings the masses in,” said Martin. “We’ve
ics, became part of Chefs Collaborative, a
worked to support as many local businesses
“national nonprofit network with a mission to
as we could. We have a great relationship with
inspire, educate, and celebrate chefs and food
the other restaurants in the area.”
professionals building a better food system,” according to chefscollaborative.org.
22
The installation of a patio was another important step in 85 Main’s evolution. Mar-
One of the most important impacts of
tin sees a patio as “a billboard for hospi-
being involved for Martin was learning how
tality.” The impor tance of hospitality is
to source products locally and work with
another belief instilled in Mar tin by his
magazine
top 85 Main offers an extensive bar menu including housemade sangria as well as many other craft cocktails, beers and wine. Photo by Winter Caplanson
Front Building: (860) 391-8636 More Antiques in Rear (860) 339-5706 Thetroveoldsaybrook.com Thetrove@comcast.net
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above The amaretto glazed shrimp are just one of many starters offered at 85 Main. Photo by Winter Caplanson below When 85 Main expanded its offerings to include a full sushi menu, Tsukasa Osaki was brought on as the sushi chef. Photo by Winter Caplanson
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RESTAURANT taste | SPOTLIGHT family. Though his maternal grandfather, James Hall,
done so well with oysters. We thought the town was
passed away when Martin was 18, the trips “down
ready for that change.”
south” to where his mother was raised made a big impact on Martin. “I learned what true hospitality was on those trips
“Abel” Reyes.
down south with my grandfather. He was my best
On the flip side of the menu, Martin depends on
friend,” said Martin. “I fell in love with true southern
Chef Eric Marrish, who is key to helping Martin create
hospitality.”
nightly specials based on what’s local and seasonal.
Between the local, fresh ingredients and a touch of
“I couldn’t do it without him,” said Martin. “We work
southern hospitality, 85 Main began to hit its stride by
side by side and it’s great to bounce ideas off someone
its fifth anniversary. Just as business was picking up,
with that same passion.”
though, a recession hit. As he saw the impact on the community, Martin made adjustments.
24
In addition to Osaki, Martin counts on his “sushi chef rockstars,” Kathleen “Kat” Ramos and Luis
While Martin’s grandparents have been a big influence and he counts on the support of his business part-
Martin noticed that people weren’t coming in for
ners and employees, he draws his biggest inspiration
full meals, yet there was a wait to get into the bar. As a
from his children, Taylor and Julian. Both his daugh-
result, 85 Main was renovated to double the size of the
ter and son worked alongside him at the restaurant
bar. Martin added a bar menu as well as sushi, bringing
throughout COVID and, he said, “I wouldn’t have sur-
in sushi chef Tsukasa Osaki.
vived COVID without them.”
“We saw that need and moved to try to fix it without
85 Main also offers an extensive cocktail menu with
making a ripple on Main Street,” said Martin. “We had
“some really cool drinks,” including Martin’s Margarita
magazine
and a housemade sangria, two of the more popular picks. The restaurant also has a custom-designed Napa-inspired wine cellar that is used as a “more intimate” dining space. While 85 Main may have made some adjustments over the years, Martin’s passions remain the same. “We pride ourselves on locally grown, locally sourced and seasonal products, supporting local businesses as much as we can,” said Martin. “We enjoy the creative process, which is really important because without it, we can’t grow,” said Martin. “While we have our static menu that sells like crazy, our nightly specials menu hits it out of the park. Our MO has always been to think out of the box and not be what everything else is here. We make a big noise in the quiet corner.”
above The sushi menu has proven to be a popular addition to the menu at 85 Main in Putnam. Photo by Winter Caplanson below left James Martin preps fresh seafood in the kitchen. Martin sources from local seafood suppliers like Narragansett Bay Lobsters and Ninigret Oyster Farm. Photo by Nonni Muller below right 85 Main’s dining room overlooks its patio, which was installed in 2008, and serves as “a billboard for hospitality,” according to owner James Martin. Photo by Winter Caplanson
july 2022 25
taste | RESTAURANT LISTINGS ASIAN
FAMILY STYLE
GIULIANO’S BAKERY
PINK BASIL
GROTON TOWNHOUSE RESTAURANT
Hometown bakery known for crispy bread, rolls and pastries. Also serving breakfast sandwiches. Come see us for our large diverse variety of baked goods. Open daily 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
Our menu reflects the time-honored traditions of authentic Asian cuisine. With influences from Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, our dishes can transport you around the world in one bite. Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 12-9 p.m.
284 Main Street, Niantic, CT | 860-739-5495
27 Coogan Boulevard, Building 3B, Mystic, CT 860-245-4470 | pinkbasilct.com
BARBECUE
NOBLE SMOKEHOUSE
We are a family-style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. We also have a large assortment of freshbaked pies and cakes daily. Open daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m. 355 CT-12, Groton, CT | 860-449-0355 grotontownhouserestaurant.com
FINE DINING
85 MAIN
BAKERY
DEKE’S BAGELS
WE LIVE, BREATHE, AND SMOKE BARBEQUE! With a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University, our Chef Christopher Lusk is excited to present our unique sauces and flavors to you. Open Wednesday & Thursday 12-7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 12-8 p.m.; Sunday 12-7 p.m.; Monday 4-7 p.m.; Closed Tuesday
Deke’s Bagels sells fresh bagels, sandwiches, muffins, coffee, smoothies and more. Order online or come visit our Niantic or new Guilford location. Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
4 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic, CT 860-415-9564 | noblesmokehouse.com
157 W. Main Street, Niantic, CT 1013 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 860-739-9509 | dekesbagels.com
Price range Online ordering Open late
26
magazine
Take out
Breakfast
Brunch
Delivery
Entertainment
Lunch
Outdoor dining
Cash only
Fresh, contemporary fare, seasonally influenced. Fresh seafood, steaks and locally grown produce. High quality sushi and full raw bar. Enjoy creative cocktails while dining on our patio, weather permitting. Open Sunday-Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. 85 Main Street, Putnam, CT 860-928-1660 | 85main.com
Dinner
Kids’ menu
Alcohol served Twitter
Call ahead Instagram
ITALIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
BUON APPETITO RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA
PICK POCKETS
Family owned and operated Italian restaurant serving an eclectic mix of northern Italian dishes with the best service, food, and presentation. Enjoy a true dining experience with a Tuscan flair. Open Tuesday & Wednesday 3-9 p.m.; Thursday 12-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 12-10 p.m.; Sunday 12-9 p.m.; Closed Monday
A vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free lifestyle isn’t for everyone. But even for meat-eaters it’s a nice change of pace to munch on crisp juicy veggies. Eat healthy, live healthy. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Sunday
386 Norwich-Westerly Road, North Stonington, CT 860-535-2333 | buonappetitoristorante.com
214 CT-12, Groton, CT 860-910-0235 | pickpocketsdeligroton.com
PAN-ASIAN
SPICE CLUB
JAPANESE
PIZZA
WOODFELLAS PIZZA
Woodfellas opens second location in New London in the former space of 2 Wives! Serving quality food! Contact us regarding our Rolling Pizza Truck and New Mobile Salute Bar Cart! Open Wednesday-Friday 4-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 12-8 p.m.; Closed Monday & Tuesday The Velvet Mill, 22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington, CT 860-715-9663 | woodfellaspizza.com
SEAFOOD
SAMURAI NOODLE
J & R SEAFOOD
We serve healthy, home-cooked Thai, sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine in a casual, familyfriendly environment. Open since 2012. Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 pm and 4-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 12-9 p.m. Authentic Japanese ramen noodle soup, Asian BBQ and sushi in downtown Mystic. Noodles are made fresh daily on-site. Happy hour 4-6 every day. Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 12-10 p.m. 27 West Main Street, Mystic, CT 860-415-9317 | samurainoodlemystic.com
239 Main Street, Niantic, CT 860-451-8121 | spiceclubct.com
Someone needs to invent a cat food s restaurant. I’m jealou all d an ns of the huma these options.
Family owned, J&R Seafood Market is committed to bringing you the freshest seafood, delivered daily. Enjoy market-made chowders, prepared meals, lobster rolls, live lobsters and more. Open daily 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 45 Williams Avenue, Mystic, CT 860-415-4656 | jrseafoodmarket.com
To advertise your restaurant on this page, email thedaymag@theday.com. july 2022 27
taste | RESTAURANT LISTINGS Retired Armed Forces Association
FRIDAY FISH FRY
SPORTS BAR
C.C. O’BRIEN’S
Open to the public every Friday. Enjoy chowder, lobster rolls, fish & chips and more! PLUS Join us on the second Saturday each month from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. for breakfast. Open Friday 3-8 p.m. 135 Garfield Avenue, New London, CT 860-447-0055 | armedforcesretirees.org/home
Friendly Irish sports cafe serving a variety of pub food. Award winning burgers and wings with sports on 23 TVs! Pool & darts. 28 draft beers. Serving food Tuesday 3-9 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday 11 a.m.-9.p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 12-9 p.m. Bar open later
Take out
Breakfast Delivery
Entertainment
90 Halls Road, Old Lyme, CT 860-434-2342 facebook.com/TheStumbleInne
Brunch Outdoor dining
Cash only
Lunch
Dinner
Kids’ menu
Alcohol served
Call ahead
Open late
Supawan “Tai” Au, Restaurateur
SEA WELL SEAFOOD
ink Basil offers authentic, time-honored Asian dishes that owner Tai Au has been cultivating ever since she began cooking with her mother and grandmother as a child in Thailand—where everything was fresh, made from scratch and cooked over charcoal. Motivated by the outpour of love her cooking received when she came to America, Tai returned to Thailand for culinary school before deciding to open her own restaurant. Tai drew inspiration from her favorite color and the herb she uses most frequently in her dishes when naming Pink Basil. Every item on the menu has been crafted specially by Tai, with the most popular dish being the Nonya Curry—a delicious blend of turmeric, Thai hot pepper, galangal and lemongrass broth. Tai’s currently working on introducing her cuisine on a new platform and to a wider audience for 2023. “I’m very excited for the future of Asian cuisine here in Connecticut.”
THE LOCAL LEADER IN FRESH NATIVE LOBSTERS, FISH & SHELLFISH SINCE 2007
P
PINK BASIL
Open 7 days a week 27 Coogan Boulevard, Building 3B, Mystic, CT 860-245-4470 pinkbasilct.com
28
Great food, happy hour, live music, pool tables, darts, trivia, karaoke. Nominated for best burger! Open Monday-Saturday 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday 1-10 p.m.
8 Mechanic Street, Pawcatuck, CT 860-599-2034 | ccobriens.com
Price range Online ordering
THE STUMBLE INNE
magazine
3 LIBERTY ST PAWCATUCK, CT 860-599-2082 106 MASONS ISLAND RD MYSTIC, CT 860-415-9210 WHOLESALE DIVISION STONINGTON, CT 860-535-2626
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A Place to Dive in and Recharge We love being on the beach, but our location is more than a destination. It is part of our culture and curriculum. Our students are a kaleidoscope of learners with diverse backgrounds and experiences who come to Mitchell to dive in, discover who they are and push boundaries. And when it’s time to recharge, a beautiful natural landscape is just outside their door.
LEARN MORE: mitchell.edu
437 Pequot Avenue, New London, CT 06320 july 2022 29
taste | SUNDAE’S SCOOPS
Sundae’s Scoops Price range
Cash only Activities
Open all year
Treats
Frozen beverages
Food served
ANCHOR CAFE & SWEETS
Featuring delicious ice cream treats made from Hershey’s ice cream.
Open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 45 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 860-245-5236 | anchormystic.com
There’s nothing like a delicious, cold, drippy, refreshing ice cream on a hot summer’s day. As you can see, I dive right into a good ice cream cone! Even though cats are lactose intolerant (just like many humans), I don’t let that stop me! Especially since many places offer dairy-free options like sorbet!
Here are some of my favorite places to get the most purr-fect frozen treat!
30
magazine
Indoor seating
GUMDROPS & LOLLIPOPS
Step inside our shoreline shoppe where you’ll find something for everyone from candy, chocolates, homemade fudge & premium ice cream to outside dining and our newest addition of home decor!
Open Monday-Friday 12-9 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 334 Main Street, Niantic, CT 860-739-7800 | gumdropsnlollipops.net
Outdoor seating
Custom creations Twitter
HALLMARK DRIVE-IN ICE CREAM
Our famous ice cream is homemade in small batches and our creamy, thick milkshakes were voted “Best in Connecticut.” We also serve burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and fresh seafood.
Open daily 12-8 p.m. 113 Shore Road, Old Lyme, CT 860-598-9680 | hallmarkdrivein.com
HANK’S DAIRY BAR
Since 1957, we’ve been providing Connecticut with a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience. Come sample our delicious soft serve ice cream and various sundae options, including a Sundae of the Month!
Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Monday 1006 Norwich Road, Plainfield, CT 860-564-2298 | hanksdairybar.com
MEL’S DOWNTOWN CREAMERY
Mel’s Downtown Creamery offers a variety of sweet treats, including 29+ hard ice cream flavors and more!
Pawcatuck - Open daily 12-10 p.m. Colchester - Open daily 12-9 p.m. 32 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, CT 860-599-1363 37 W Broad Street, Pawcatuck, CT 860-531-9338 melsdowntowncreamery.com
OLD LYME ICE CREAM SHOP
TONY D’s CREAMERY
Our products are homemade, hand-crafted and built with the best ingredients. We pride ourselves in high quality, and all flavors are sure to please anyone’s palate all year long!
Open Tuesday-Thursday 2-6 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 1-7 p.m. 34 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT 860-434-6942 | oldlymeicecreamshoppe.com
Tony D’s Craft Creamery is a small-batch parlor with artisanal flavor combinations and super-premium ice creams and sorbets. From Ghirardelli cocoa to local fruits, there’s something divine for everyone’s palate.
Open daily 12-9:30 p.m. 440 Main Street, Niantic, CT 860-739-8687 | tonydscraftcreamery.com
MYSTIC PARK ICE CREAM
Delicious selections of ice cream flavors and toppings. Sprinkles are always free!
YOUR FURNISHED ROOMS OUR SPECIALTY • Home Furnishings • Consultations • Project Management • Floor Plans • Space Planning
Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 10 Cottrell Street, Mystic, CT 860-326-8822 | candyfudgeicecream.com
• Finish Selections • Color Coordination • Decor Placements • Window Treatments
designessenceinteriors.com
interior design and retail studio
860-388-5815 •100 Main Street • Old Saybrook
july 2022 31
home & garden GARDENING
DECOR
ADVICE
The Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam. photo by Jennifer Hart
R E A L E S TAT E
throw an awesome pool party
32
magazine
Summer homes are hot this year
home & garden
Prepping for the perfect pool party CREATE AN INVITING AND MEMORABLE OUTDOOR SPACE FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS
The shimmering pool at 15 Clark Lane, Essex, is poised for summertime swims and parties. Broker Rick Weiner is the listing agent for the 2.08-acre property. Photo courtesy of William pitt sotheby’s
P
By G.A. Peck eel back the pool cover, and fire up the grill.
the fire, alfresco brunches, patio picnics or the pool party of the season.
Summertime is in full swing across south-
TDM went in search of some tips from local real-es-
eastern Connecticut, and as the tempera-
tate agents about how to create the perfect setting for
tures climb and the sun sits high, homeown-
special occasions, and got a glimpse into two homes
ers across the region are thinking about how
for sale, where the fortunate buyers can move right
to turn their backyards and pool patios into the en-
tertaining hot spots of the season. Perhaps you seek a space that’s conducive to backyard BBQs, holiday celebrations, s’mores-making by
in and be all set for summer. “Firepits are so very popular now,” says Margaret Wilcox, who leads the Margaret Wilcox Team at William Raveis Real Estate in Glastonbury.
july 2022 33
“Outdoor lighting and sound systems are also popular poolside components.” RICK WEINER Today, firepits come in all shapes and sizes, from simple portable units to more sophisticated built-in versions designed by landscaping architects and handcrafted by skilled masons. No matter the design of the firepit itself, the important thing to remember is placement. Keep it free and clear of the house, plants and trees, and never place a firepit on a deck without an effective heat shield in place. “Most landscaping design companies do a great job with outdoor kitchens and firepit design,” says Wilcox, offering recommendations on two reputable local companies who are adept at designing outdoor living, dining and entertaining areas—E.A. Quinn Landscape Contracting and Highlight Landscaping, both based in Glastonbury. When TDM spoke with Wilcox earlier in the season, she was work-
NANCY MESHAM
ing as the listing broker for 97 Injun Hollow Road, a Haddam compound
HEIDI HOSS
lighted tennis court and guesthouse. The property also has an excep-
HILARY REID WENDY VISGILIO
with an eight-bedroom main house, a three-level heated garage and bar, tional outdoor living area within steps of the inground pool and is just one example of some of the ready-for-summer real estate that agents are showing or have shown recently to eager buyers. “97 Injun Hollow has many outdoor features,” Wilcox noted. “It has the pool, a tiki hut, tennis court and even a charming treehouse. A deep-water dock on the Connecticut River completes the outdoor fun.” The COVID-19 pandemic inspired renewed interest in pools among single-family home buyers—perhaps because we all spent more time at home and had to figure out how best to lead active, fulfilled lives during our time there.
LISTED.
NANCY MESHAM (860) 227-9071 nancymesham.com
860.227.9071 | nancymesham.com | 86 Halls Road | Old Lyme, CT 06371
34
magazine
home & garden There’s good news for buyers who are looking for a single-family home in southeastern Con-
within a short distance of the fully equipped chef’s kitchen.”
necticut that has a pool. There were 23 proper-
Weiner describes 15 Clark Lane as a “gracious,
ties for sale in New London County alone, all with
private estate.” Built in 1992, the seven-bedroom
pools, when TDM looked at the market in late
colonial is situated on a 2.08-acre lot, with a
May. They represented a wide price range, from
detached three-car garage, landscaped court-
just over $200,000 to upwards of $19.9 million.
yard, a shimmering pool with an automatic
“Firepits seem to be a must-have these days,”
cover, and a built-in firepit nestled among the
according to Rick Weiner, a real estate broker with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Essex.
grassy lawn. “Ever y thing about the design of 15 Clark Lane is geared toward family gatherings—both
“The firepit at 15 Clark Lane gets a lot of use.
indoors and outdoors,” he says. “The kitchen is
It is a place where good conversation and maybe
geared for real cooks and includes a pasta sta-
a good bottle of wine are shared,” says Weiner,
tion. The dining room can seat 24 people com-
describing the outdoor living and entertaining
fortably, and there is room for any sort of out-
setting at the $1.8 million listing in Essex. “Out-
door activities you can imagine, including base-
door lighting and sound systems are also popular
ball and soccer.”
poolside components.” Weiner adds that lighting
For homeowners considering listing their
and sound should not intrude on the neighbors.
homes for sale, having a working pool that’s in
“The vibe at the 15 Clark Lane pool is ‘room
good condition, complemented by outdoor ame-
for all!’ The pool is quite spacious, and it’s adja-
nities and inviting places to sit, play and dine, are
cent to a beautiful two-story post-and-beam pool
great selling points.
house,” says Weiner. “The pool is also located In addition to the expansive outdoor living areas at 97 Injun Hollow Road in Haddam — which includes porches, decks, patios and an in-ground pool and spa — the property also includes frontage on the Connecticut River, with a deep-water dock in place. Photo courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate
july 2022 35
home & garden
Seasons spent at the
SHORE
36
magazine
THE MARKET FOR SHORELINE SECOND HOMES IS HOT AGAIN
F
By G.A. Peck
“Victorian families would escape the big cit-
or centuries, the Connecticut shoreline has
ies and come to the shoreline for summer vaca-
captivated the interest of second-home and
tions, enjoying its natural countryside, beaches
seasonal dwellers, who come here, where
and serene unhurried atmosphere,” wrote Kel-
the land meets the Long Island Sound, for a
sea Hillyer and Edward Hillyer in an email to The
quintessentially New England coastal experi-
Day Magazine. “Much time and many events have
ence. From simple summer cottages to grand histor-
passed since those days; however, the onset of the
ic mansions, southeastern Connecticut’s “summer
pandemic showed stark rapid shifts in the dynam-
homes” represent a spectrum of architectural styles
ics of real estate in our area.”
and properties among distinctive communities.
Edward Hillyer leads the Hillyer Team at William Raveis Real Estate in Niantic. The team works with clients along Connecticut’s coast, from Stonington to Guilford, and they’ve witnessed firsthand how demand to live in southeastern Connecticut gained momentum during the height of the pandemic and continues today, including buyers who wish to have second homes here. What is it that qualifies a property as a proper second-home prospect? The Hillyers said that their experiences with second-home buyers indicate they seek privacy, acreage or waterfront, and a picturesque view. “Then, the second most sought-after attribute is walkability to a downtown area, or an active social community with weekly events, as seen in many beach associations,” they explained. In late March, the Hillyer Team began working with the seller of 99 Atlantic Ave. in Groton—a property they suggest is perfect for full-time living or a getaway. “This property offers a stunning, unobstructed, dazzling display of shimmering water views,” they said. “Lots usually ‘shrink up’ when you move to the water, but this property offers a rare ‘triple lot,’ affording ample space for gardens, games and man’s best friend.” The property is one of several vacation-ready estates being shown to eager second-home buyers
99 Atlantic Ave., Groton, is listed for sale. The asking price for the four-bedroom waterfront home is $3.2 million. The Hillyer Team at William Raveis Real Estate in Niantic represents the seller. virtually staged photo courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate
earlier this summer. For a certain percentage of second-home buyers, having a place to keep and launch a boat is paramount, and this property checks off that box. It
july 2022 37
home & garden also has particular appeal for buyers interested in
0.66-acre waterfront lot. This is a home that’s equally
entertaining while in residence, including an expan-
suited to everyday living or use as an extra-special
sive great room and a skydeck that looks out onto the
getaway.
water. It also enjoys a vibrant community, the agents
“32 Money Point Road lies within the private asso-
noted. “Groton Long Point is an active, multigenera-
ciation of Mason’s Island,” Burgess explained. “For
tional beach community of a bygone era,” they wrote.
the person who enjoys walking, boating, swimming
“Imagine children riding bikes, tennis courts and les-
and being part of a year-round community, it offers an
sons, clubs and neighborhood cocktail parties. This
opportunity to live comfortably on the first floor, enjoy-
house will not only give you a welcoming, carefree
ing spectacular 180-degree views, including the mouth
place to live, but will also transform your life as you
of the Mystic River.
become part of this community.”
CHANGING PRIORITIES
“Included is a ‘boat shed,’ with water and electricity—
Ann Burgess is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway
perfect for a workshop or studio. The house lies out-
HomeServices, New England Properties in Mystic. She
side of the flood zone, while enjoying its own 19 feet of
reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic made every-
waterfront—an unusual plus!” The seller was asking
one recalibrate their priorities, including how they’d
$1.695 million.
like to live and work at home. Today, buyers looking for second homes or resort living value a walk-to-town location and a waterfront setting, perhaps with a dock. They also prefer turnkey houses and low-maintenance propositions, Burgess reported.
SEASONAL MARKET, YEAR-ROUND
“There is always significant interest in vacation
homes. The prices rise and fall, but there is always a
In sout hea ster n Con necticut r ig ht now, sec-
market,” Realtor Michael Foley explained in an email
ond-home buyers looking for waterfront or near-water
to The Day Magazine. He’s a broker with William Pitt
properties can expect to spend between $650,000 and $3.5 million, she estimated. Burgess recently represented the seller of 32 Money Point Road, Mystic, a six-bedroom colonial on a
38
“The second f loor has a wing for use by guests or family members, or as home offices,” she continued.
magazine
Sotheby’s International Realty in Old Lyme. “The pandemic certainly pushed prices higher.” Second-home buyers have the added luxury of being able to be choosy about location and amenities, without being constrained by matters of importance to other types of buyers. “Vacation and second-home buyers don’t need to think about school systems or municipal services, so they look anywhere,” Foley said. “The particulars of a property are more important than the ZIP code.” Foley is currently serving as the listing agent for 49 Brainerd Road in Niantic, a four-bedroom antique farmhouse on 50 acres that dates back to 1890. It has been renovated in recent years, making it well-suited to year-round living or a second home. The seller is asking $1.75 million. “I expect Brainerd Road to sell to a vacation or parttime user,” he noted. “[It is an] open-plan house, ideal for large gatherings, and [has] 50 acres of woods and fields. It is big enough to serve as a family compound and has plenty of space for additional homes or cot-
far left The four-bedroom 3,898-square-foot custom house at 99 Atlantic Ave., Groton, was built in 2001. The interiors have high ceilings, hardwood floors and an abundance of windows to make the most of the water views. p hoto courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate left 49 Brainerd Road, Niantic, is listed for sale, with an asking price set at $1.75 million. This four-bedroom 1890-era farmhouse, updated for today’s living, is situated on more than 50 acres, with direct water frontage. William Pitt Sotheby’s International brokerage in Old Lyme is the listing brokerage. Broker Michael Foley is the listing agent. photo courtesy of william pitt sotheby’s above At 99 Atlantic Ave., Groton, luxury-market buyers looking for a waterfront property will discover this high-perched home office with spectacular water views. p hoto courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate below 32 Money Point Road, Mystic is a six-bedroom colonial that sits on a 0.66-acre lot with 19 feet of water frontage and panoramic views of the Mystic River and Fishers Island Sound. photos courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, New England Properties
tages, a pool, tennis, etcetera. Big and secluded, but close to a popular town—Niantic—and water access on two sides.”
july 2022 39
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magazine
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july 2022 41
looking back LOCAL & REGIONAL
PA S T T O P R E S E N T
Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic. photo by Larry Vann
HIS TO RY
navigating historical pandemics
42
magazine
signing the Declaration of Independence
looking back
Dis-Ease
TUBERCULOSIS
PANDEMICS OF THE PAST AND HOW WE SURVIVED THEM
I
By Cris Cadiz nfectious diseases are not new to the human race. How we’ve survived and dealt with them has changed throughout history with advances in scientific knowledge, medicine and education. But that doesn’t mean that people accept facts, science and research over emotion, belief and faith. That’s as true today in the
United States as it was during the early years of our nation. In desperate times, we resort to what we know and what we believe we can trust. That’s human nature. From the mid-1700s well into the early-1900s, tuberculosis was rampant in New England. Also known as consumption, this infectious wasting disease was a leading cause of death in the 1800s as drug treatments weren’t widely available until decades later. “It was a terrible end, often drawn out over years: a skyrocketing fever, a hacking, bloody cough and a visible wasting away of the body. People dreaded the disease without understanding it,” Michael Bell, a Rhode Island folklorist, told Abigail Tucker for her 2012 Smithsonian Magazine article, “The Great New England Vampire Panic.” Both Bell and Nicholas Bellantoni, Connecticut state archaeologist emeritus, discovered that some rural New Englanders resorted to belief in the supernatural to fight tuberculosis. In Griswold in the early 1990s, Bellantoni unearthed—literally, in graves that showed exhumation and desecration of bodies—evidence that people thought consumption was caused by vampirism. This belief, fueled by fear, ignorance and superstition originating in Europe, led people to desperate and gruesome acts. They believed
HIV
the only way to prevent more death was to dig up their deceased loved ones, decapitate the corpses, burn the organs, and rearrange the bones so the “undead” would stay dead. “People find themselves in dire situations, where there’s no recourse through regular channels,” Bell explained to Tucker. “The folk system offers an alternative, a choice. Sometimes, superstitions represent the only hope.” In Colonial times, diseases such as diphtheria, smallpox, yellow fever and malaria decimated much of the indigenous population, which had no natural immunity to these novel illnesses brought over
t uberculosis image by CDC / Dr. Ray Butler; Janice Carr, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons HIV image by A. Harrison, Dr. P. Feorino, USCDCP
july 2022 43
looking back from Europe. These diseases also killed many colonists, whose only available treatment was often local healers using ineffective folk remedies, such as bloodletting. Yellow fever ripped through the colonies in several epidemics during the late-1600s, causing widespread death, unemployment and disruption of business as people either isolated themselves or fled the cities, carrying dis-
DIPHTHERIA
ease with them. Sound familiar? Smallpox was a highly contagious virus that caused the entire population of Boston to desert their homes in 1721, thus spreading it to the rest of the colonies. During this epidemic, the foremost Puritan minister, Cotton Mather, preached in support of a new treatment called inoculation—our country’s first vaccinations. At the time, educated, wealthy Puritan families were the minority that followed his advice, but the practice of immunization and quarantine eventually became a model for the rest of New England.
YELLOW FEVER
“In the 19th century, there was no knowledge of germ theory and a great deal of confusion as to how disease was transmitted,” Bellantoni says. “Today, we have scientific knowledge that helps us understand transmission and provides remedies. Whether we pay attention to that or not is a whole other thing. In many cases, people don’t accept the science, or find alternative ways to deal with the problem.” During his 30 years as a physician, Craig Mittleman, chairman and regional medical director of emergency services at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, has helped patients survive two outbreaks of infectious disease, HIV/ AIDS and our current COVID-19 pandemic. “In the late ‘80s and ‘90s, many in the LGBTQ community along with IV drug abusers were dying unnecessarily [from HIV],” he says. “Almost universally, they accepted unproven therapies. There was no theater and no political agenda seeking to polarize our community.” Unlike our American ancestors, who often had only folk remedies at hand during epidemics, HIV patients benefited from science-based treatments that, although initially untested, ultimately helped, Mittleman says. During the last two years of COVID-19, Mittleman says he has witnessed hundreds of patient reactions to vaccination as a way to fight the pandemic in our region. He categorizes these responses as “the ‘eager,’ the ‘curious’ and the ‘adamant.’” Roughly a third of his patients fit into each of these categories.
44
magazine
SMALLPOX
MALARIA
“The eager culture was ready to prepare and prevent, willing to be vaccinated, and eager to protect themselves, their families and their neighbors,” he says. “They believed in the science, and were not impacted by the theater or the political circus that seemed to be playing out early in the pandemic in 2020. “The curious were less willing initially to accept conventional wisdom and, while supportive of medical science and guidance, had reasonable questions. They were seeking reliable, trustworthy sources of information to formulate a response or a decision,” Mittleman says. Many of the curious opted for vaccinations and seemed to agree with much of the public health guidance, but the adamant group was unwaveringly against it. “The adamant seemed deaf to public policy and uninterested in the opinions and guidance from experts,” Mittleman says. “They did not appear concerned about their own personal health risk, and in some cases, were not believers in the virus’s existence. “Some touted a variety of conspiracy theories as reasons to not get the vaccine and focused on maintaining the right to choose versus mandated vaccines or masking policy,” he says. In some cases, Mittleman says, he observed unvaccinated patients requesting the vaccine while suffering with COVID-19 in the emergency room. Their change of opinion was too late. Mittleman says he sees the anti-vax movement as a minority, but a dangerous one that has “forever wounded and weakened our public health policy and any future response to the next crisis we face.” Bellantoni admits that basic human behavior regarding infectious disease hasn’t changed much, even over hundreds of years and major advances in science.
COVID-19
“In the 21st century, we have great medical technology, but we also have the Internet, with ways of spreading misinformation that people hold as truthful as a scientific study,” says Bellantoni. “The circumstances have changed, the technology changes, but misinformation allows us to act. People will choose alternative behaviors for various reasons—economic, political, religious. It’s consistent with how humans have processed information concerning their health and death in the past.”
diphtheria image courtesy of Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons malaria image by Stefan Walkowski, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons yellow fever image by CDC/ Erskine Palmer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons covid-19 image by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons smallpox image by PhD Dre at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
july 2022 45
looking back
Connecticut’s Declaration of Independence signatories
D
By Phil Hall
uring the spring and summer of 1776, Connecticut sent four representatives to the Second Continental Congress in Phila-
delphia—a gathering that culminated in the creation of the Declaration of Independence. The representatives—Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, Oliver Wolcott and William Williams—came from very different backgrounds and career experiences. While their names and achievements may not be as wellknown as those of their fellow Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, they nonetheless played an important role in 18th-century Connecticut society and American history.
Declaration of Independence (1818) by John Trumbull. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Declaration of Independence. r eproduction: William Stone, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons signatory images Scan by NYPL, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
46
magazine
Roger Sherman
April 19, 1721—July 23, 1793
Sherman is notable as the only person to sign the four documents that resulted in an independent nation arising from the British colonies: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Sherman was the only Connecticut signatory of the Declaration of Independence born outside the state. He was born in Newton, Mass., and came to Connecticut at the age of 22. His formal education ended with grammar school and he had planned to become a shoemaker. His aptitude for self-education, however, enabled him to expand his career horizons, becoming a town clerk in New Milford, a surveyor in New Haven County, a lawyer in Litchfield, a representative in the state government and a judge in the state Superior Court. During the Second Continental Congress, Sherman was named to the Committee of Five to create a draft of the Declaration of Independence, joining Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and Robert Livingston. Sherman’s exact contribution to the document is unclear because the committee did not take notes on how the document came together. After independence was secured, Sherman was elected mayor of New Haven in 1784; he also served as a treasurer of Yale. During the 1787 Philadelphia Convention that resulted in the U.S. Constitution, Sherman proposed the bicameral Legislative Branch that appropriated House of Representatives delegations by state population, and a Senate consisting of two legislators per state. Following the Constitution’s ratification, Sherman represented Connecticut in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1789 to 1791 and in the U.S. Senate from 1791 until his death in 1793.
july 2022 47
looking back
Samuel Huntington July 16, 1731—Jan. 5, 1796
Nov. 20, 1726—Dec. 1, 1797
The Windham-born Huntington’s education was
The Windsor-born Wolcott was the son of Roger
limited to grammar school and his initial career focus
Wolcott, a colonial governor of Connecticut. He grad-
involved an apprenticeship to a cooper and working
uated from Yale in 1747 as the top scholar in his class
on his father’s farm. Like his fellow delegate Sherman,
and received a captain’s commission to raise a militia
Huntington’s aptitude for self-education led him to a
to fight in the French and Indian War. After the war, he
career in law and politics.
initially studied medicine before dropping his studies
While Huntington did not play an active role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, his lead-
to become a merchant; he was also sheriff of Litchfield County from 1751 to 1771.
ership skills were recognized by his fellow delegates,
Wolcott returned to the military when the Ameri-
and he served as president of the Continental Congress
can Revolution began, rising to the rank of major gen-
from 1779 to 1781.
eral in the Connecticut militia. He led his troops in the
Some historians claim that because Huntington held
Battle of Saratoga and provided diplomatic outreach to
the title of “president of the United States in Congress
the American Indian tribes, successfully negotiating a
Assembled” when the Articles of Confederation were
peace treaty with the Six Nations.
ratified, he was the first U.S. president, although Hun-
During his service as a representative of the Conti-
tington’s role was mostly ceremonial and he did not
nental Congress, Wolcott became ill and was forced
have the authority that the U.S. Constitution would
to withdraw from his duties. The Connecticut state
allocate to the official head of state.
government sent William Williams to replace Wol-
Huntington returned to Connecticut after indepen-
cott, but Wolcott later returned to the Congress and
dence was secured to serve as chief justice of the Con-
belatedly signed the Declaration of Independence after
necticut Supreme Court from 1784 to 1785. He presided
its passage.
over the state convention to ratify the U.S. Constitu-
Wolcott journeyed back to Connecticut after the
tion, became Connecticut’s lieutenant governor in 1785
Revolution and was elected lieutenant governor in
and governor in 1786, and died while serving in office
1786, a position he held until his death in 1797.
10 years later.
48
Oliver Wolcott
magazine
The son of a minister, the Lebanon-born Williams was an American Founding Father, merchant, a delegate for Connecticut to the Continental Congress in 1776, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Williams, the son of Solomon Williams and Mary Porter, studied theology and law at Harvard and was preparing to follow his father’s career lead when the French and Indian War broke out and he joined a militia. After the war, he opened a store and enjoyed a successful career as a merchant. It was during this period that he opposed the excessive British taxes on consumer goods, publishing a pseudonymous slam against royal rule with the essay “To the King” in the Connecticut Gazette. Williams, who did not participate in the debate or vote on the Declaration, was appointed to travel to Philadelphia to replace the ailing Wolcott in July 1776. He arrived at the Continental Congress on July 28 to sign the document as a representative from
William Williams April 8, 1731—Aug. 2, 1811
Connecticut. Unlike the other Declaration signatories from Connecticut, Williams did not pursue politics in the post-Declaration era. He resumed his work as a merchant and served as the pastor at the First Congregational Church in Lebanon until his death.
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july 2022 49
eag
cover story
SOAR WITH THE AMERICA’S SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND FREEDOM By Ann Baldelli Photos by Ingrid Feddersen
A
merica’s Founding Fathers made a
with more nesting pairs,” said Hess. “The pop-
fitting choice when they settled on
ulation keeps growing and we are closing in on
the bald eagle as the symbol of the
85 nesting pairs” in the state.
country’s freedom and strength, all
Eagles are thriving on the Connecticut River
the more so as eaglets take f light
and the DEEP recommends visiting places like
right around the time of the Independence
the Connecticut River Museum or Gillette Cas-
Day holiday.
tle State Park to look for them. They are also
It was not so long ago that the country’s
on the Thames and Pawcatuck rivers, near the
exalted bird faced extinction, but federal
Groton reservoirs, and have been spotted on
intervention, including regulating the pesti-
the upper Mystic River, as well as inland along
cide DDT and other conservation measures,
the Quinebaug and Shetucket rivers.
as well as making it illegal to possess, kill or
“If I was telling people where to go to spot
sell eagles, resulted in bald eagles making a
bald eagles in southeastern Connecticut, I
comeback.
would start with the lower Connecticut River,
“A lot of people didn’t grow up seeing bald
from Essex south,” said Kim Hargrave, direc-
eagles around, and now they are fairly com-
tor of education at the Denison Pequotsepos
mon,” said Brian Hess, a wildlife biologist with
Nature Center in Mystic.
the Connecticut Department of Energy and
“I’d also suggest the Thames River, but fur-
Environmental Protection, who oversees the
ther north, by the Mohegan-Pequot Bridge, and
state’s bald eagle monitoring program.
near the Groton reservoirs, and the upper Mys-
“The bald eagle population across the state is good and every year we get new territories
50
magazine
tic River. But it’s always a hit or miss thing,” said Hargrave.
les
A bald eagle with a fish in its talons flies into a field off River Road in Pawcatuck, September 2021.
“This was a species on the verge of extinction and it took a long time for them to reappear in Connecticut.” KIM HARGRAVE july 2022 51
cover story When she started working at the nature center
ABOUT THE PHOTOS
in 1989, Hargrave said organized excursions to look
by Ingrid Feddersen, a self-described hobbyist
“We would do these boat trips on the Connecti-
The photographs for this story were taken
photographer who lives in Stonington. She shoots with a Sony A1 with a 600 mm lens and a 2X teleconverter. The photographs were taken from both the Connecticut and Rhode Island sides of the Pawcatuck River, of eagles living and feeding on the water body. In her early career, Feddersen worked in photo technology and at a newspaper in Germany, and later, with her late husband, Stanley Popiel, operated the former Mystic Color Lab, until they sold it in 1985.
for bald eagles was a popular activity. cut River, and seeing a bald eagle was a huge deal. If we spotted two or three, we would be so excited. But today we don’t run those programs anymore because it’s not that hard now to find bald eagles.” Hess explained that it is a volunteer force in Connecticut that helps to keep track of the state’s bald eagles. “We are dependent on volunteers who find the nest and report it,” he said. “When you see an eagle carrying sticks or grass, then you know there is a nest nearby.” Eagles like to locate near a water source, a river or lake, and typically look for a sturdy tree with big
She also photographs ospreys in the region and has been documenting the Pawcatuck River bald eagles for two years. She said she has been told they have been nesting there for three years. “It has really been a great pandemic hobby. It has kept me out in the fresh air and away from everything else,” said Feddersen. She estimates she shoots about 100 photographs on every visit and has taken too many images to count. She is frequently at both the bald eagle and osprey nesting sites, and passersby often stop to ask what she is photographing. Since she is a considerable distance from her subjects, people are often surprised and intrigued. “Everyone is so interested. As soon as I aim my camera they stop and ask,” she said, adding, “The eagle, it’s a special bird for me. It is majestic and also the emblem of the United States.”
52
magazine
above A bald eagle preening at the top of a dead tree along River Road in Pawcatuck in February. right A bald eagle enjoys its meal in a field in Pawcatuck off of River Road. top right An adult bald eagle feeding chicks in a nest near the Pawcatuck River in the Avondale section of Westerly, R.I., in May.
openings and gaps to support their super-sized nests, which they regularly reinforce, said Hess. They mostly feed on fish, but will grab a small mammal or a duck or goose, he said, adding, “They will eat whatever they can get their talons on.” Hess described eagles as thieves, and said given the opportunity, they will steal fish from other birds, particularly ospreys. They mate for life, he said, but if one dies, the other will find a new partner. Their life span is about 20 years. A pair typically mates in the wintertime and lays eggs in late February to early March. They incubate the eggs—usually one or two—for about five weeks. “They usually hatch the first or second week of April and leave the nest 10 to 12 weeks later. It’s right around the Fourth of July that eagles are taking flight,” said Hess. The bald eagle comeback is a wildlife success story that Americans celebrate.
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cover story
3
2
1 7
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magazine
4 clockwise from far left middle 1 Two eagles in a nest off the Pawcatuck River near Avondale in Westerly, R.I., go face to face in January. 2 A pair of bald eagles in a tree at the bend of the Pawcatuck River, September 2021. 3 An osprey gives chase to a bald eagle in pursuit of a stolen fish near Saltwater Farm Vineyard and Route 1 in Stonington in April. 4 An eagle in pursuit of a duck drops its talons into the Pawcatuck River in March. 5 A bald eagle standing on a piling in the Pawcatuck River in Avondale in March. 6 A juvenile eagle with a fish enjoys its meal on the branch of a tree along busy Route 1 in Stonington near the Paffard Marsh in April. 7 A bald eagle takes flight with a tuft of grass in its talons off River Road in Pawcatuck in September 2021. The grass was likely used for nesting.
5
6
july 2022 55
cover story “Their story ties back to the environmental awakening that happened in the ‘60s and
of shoreline.
‘70s; cleaning up our air and water across the
That same year, breeding eagles in Connecti-
nation,” said Hess. “When we cleaned up the
cut set records for active territories, success-
air and our water, the species endangered in
ful nests, and chicks produced. Of the 80 active
the early ‘70s benefitted.
territories, 13 were brand new that year.
“Collectively, we are realizing we can have a
According to the DEEP, since DDT, an insec-
positive effect when we clean up the environ-
ticide used in agriculture, was banned in 1972,
ment and the fact that eagles are a part of that
Connecticut bald eagle nests have produced
story provides me with a lot of encouragement
830 chicks.
about conservation,” said Hess. “Bald eagles are a symbol of our country and they are large, majestic birds,” said Hargrave,
56
sites by 234 volunteers covering 516 miles
Hess understands that people want to spot bald eagles, but cautions them to keep their distance.
from the nature center. “This was a species on
“ They a re big, cha r ismat ic a nd f u n to
the verge of extinction and it took a long time
watch,” he said. “They are a national pride
for them to reappear in Connecticut.”
and for a lot of people represent an example
In January of each year the state conducts
of conservation success. Enjoy the fact that
a survey of bald eagles. In 2021, a record was
they are here, but also give them space. If an
set when 125 adults and 76 immature bald
animal changes its behavior because you are
eagles were spotted across 154 observation
there, you are too close.”
magazine
above A bald eagle lands in the Pawcatuck River in December 2021. bottom left Eagles gather sticks and grasses to fortify their nests. This eagle was along the Pawcatuck River near River Road gathering nest materials in February. bottom middle An adult bald eagle and an eaglet in a tree off River Road in Pawcatuck, July 2021. bottom right A bald eagle in flight near the Pawcatuck River in January.
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monthly feature
beautiful beaches SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT’S BEST SPOTS FOR FUN IN THE SUN
C
By Ann Baldelli
oastal Connecticut is uniquely situated, not along the open Atlantic Ocean like its neighbor states, but on Long Island and Fishers Island sounds, protected estuaries that offer mostly tame beaches not pounded by surf rolling in from offshore. The waters are popular with seaside walkers and bathers, and
attract naturalists who come in search of the migratory birds that spend at least part of the year along the Connecticut shore. They are also home to rec-
reational and commercial fisheries, and a popular summertime destination for mariners traversing the Eastern Seaboard and New England. Beaches are a major attraction in the state and if a visitor were to drive the 117 miles of Route 1 along the Connecticut shoreline, from Greenwich to the Rhode Island border, there are many opportunities to pull off the road into a lot, slip off their shoes, walk in the sand, and plunge in. Here are some beaches at this end of the state. 58
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photo by dana jensen / the day
O C E A N B E AC H PA R K 98 NE P T U NE AV E . , NE W LO ND O N | 86 0 - 4 47-3 031
Just recently named one of the 25 best beaches in the country by Travel + Leisure magazine, New London’s jewel, Ocean Beach Park, is certain to be inundated with visitors this summer. And why not? The main attraction is the supersized white sugar-sand beach, which is regularly groomed and maintained, and the one-third-mile-long boardwalk that runs adjacent to it. There’s also an Olympic-sized pool, 18-hole miniature golf course, Family Fun Center with video arcade, waterslide, spray park for the little ones, a carousel, amusement rides, food court, playground and the Sandbar Café, which has an outdoor deck with a full restaurant menu. Throughout the season, Ocean Beach Park hosts a variety of family-friendly events, festivals, sporting events and evening entertainment on the boardwalk. Parking for nonresidents is $30 on weekends—the fee includes admission for everyone in your vehicle—and $25 on weekdays. City residents may buy season passes at a discounted rate.
july 2022 59
monthly feature
photo by Toni Leland
HARVEY’S BEACH
G R E AT H A M M O C K R O A D ( R O U T E 1 5 4 ) , O L D S AY B R O O K This beach gets its name from the family that originally owned the property. It’s a small beach, but popular, and known for its sandbar at low tide. When the tide goes out, the beach becomes massive and is favored for walking. With just about 100 parking spots, on sunny summer days the lot is usually full by 10 a.m. There are lifeguards and parking attendants, and a food truck visits when a crowd is there. Amenities include restrooms and an outdoor rinsing area. It’s $25 per car on weekends and holidays, and $15 on weekdays. Season passes are available from the Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation office.
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W NOPEN O
CLOSED
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july 2022 61
monthly feature
photo by sean d. elliot / the day
ESKER POINT BEACH 900 GROTON LONG POINT ROAD, GROTON
A man-made, municipally managed beach that is about 600 feet long, Esker Point offers swimming, volleyball, picnicking under a grove of shade trees, restrooms, outdoor showers and about 250 free parking spaces. There is also a launch for human-powered watercraft, like canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Maintained by the Groton Parks & Recreation Department, Esker Point Beach is on Fishers Island Sound, at the far eastern end of Long Island Sound. It is an unstaffed beach, with no lifeguards on duty, but regularly maintained and free for visitors. The only time there is a parking charge is on Thursday nights in the summertime, when beach concerts are held. Those festivities attract big crowds that come by car and by boat, dropping anchor just offshore.
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photo by sarah gordon / the day
NIANTIC BEACHES
M C C O O K P O I N T PA R K & B E A C H , H O L E - I N -T H E - W A L L B E A C H , A N D C I N I M E M O R I A L PA R K & N I A N T I C B AY B E A C H A N D B O A R D WA L K , N I A N T I C McCook, at 8-10 Atlantic St., is the main beach of this trio that are in close proximity, but each with its own personality. Lifeguards are on duty at McCook from mid-June to mid-August and there is a pavilion, picnic area, restrooms, playground, bocce court and outdoor showers. Niantic Bay Beach is an expansive swath that runs along the boardwalk, a treasure in itself. It’s popular for swimming, sunbathing and watching sunsets. Visitors to Hole-in-the-Wall travel through a short tunnel under the railroad tracks, which is the inspiration for the name of the place. Its white-sand beach slopes down to a swimming area sheltered by a stone jetty. McCook Point is to the right, and the Niantic Bay Boardwalk is to the left. They are all maintained by East Lyme’s Parks & Recreation Department and there are options to pay daily rates or buy season passes for both residents and nonresidents. There is information on the town’s website under Parks & Recreation.
july 2022 63
monthly feature
photo by sarah Gordon / the day
DUBOIS BEACH S T O N I N G T O N P O I N T, S T O N I N G T O N
Maybe the best part of this little spit of a beach is the water traffic that passes by. Situated at the southernmost tip of Water Street in Stonington borough, duBois is at the entrance to Stonington Harbor just off Fishers Island Sound, and attracts all kinds of commercial and recreational vessels, from super yachts, to kayaks, lobster boats and trawlers, and every imaginable size of sailboat. The beach is just inside a stone jetty where children delight in baiting string and hunting for crabs, and parents can find shade beneath a gazebo. In season, they put out a raft that young and old swim out to and dive and jump from. Day passes are $10 per person, children under 18 are free, and season passes are available. duBois is owned by the Stonington Village Improvement Association and managed by the Stonington Community Center. Parking is free in an adjacent lot, but beware, on busy days the lot fills up quickly. Another tip, duBois is an ideal spot to watch the sun go down at the end of the day.
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photo by Toni Leland
HAMMONASSET B E A C H S TAT E PA R K
128 8 B O S T O N P O S T R OA D, M A D I S O N | 2 0 3-2 4 5 -2 78 5 Hammonasset is a Connecticut state park with two miles of beachfront on Long Island Sound. It is the state’s largest shoreline park and a very popular attraction, drawing an estimated 1 million annual visitors. There is a campground, a nature center, boardwalk and a stone breakwater at the Meigs Point end of the park. In addition to swimming, the park allows bicycling, fishing and picnicking, and boasts more than 550 grassy campsites for adventurous souls who want to stay longer than an afternoon. Facilities include bathrooms, showers, a launch for car-top boats, concessions, picnic tables and shelters. Connecticut registered vehicles do not pay a parking fee but there is a charge for nonresidents that varies depending on whether they visit on a weekday, weekend or a holiday.
july 2022 65
SHOPPING
APPS
FA S HIO N
BE AUT Y
MEDIA
Buttonwood Farm, Griswold. P hoto by Michael Dubenetsky
BOOKS
trending
swimsuits for everyone
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magazine
fourth of july movie marathon
turning pages book reviews
trending
Swimsuit shopping for every body type
I
By Traci Neal
highly textured fabrics. And while in-store shop-
n the old days, picking out a new swimsuit meant
ping still means buying off the rack—after all, you’re
department store shopping and buying a one-
unlikely to have a bathing suit tailored to your exact
or two-piece off the rack, body type be damned.
measurements—there are plenty of options for
Swimsuit makers have gotten a little more
those of us who aren’t built like the models often
inclusive since then, offering separates that can
be mixed and matched to bodies that may be bigger up top and smaller on the bottom, or vice-versa, says Tina Fine, owner of Tina’s Fine Lingerie & Swimwear in downtown Middletown.
shown wearing size 2 bikinis. “Those models could wear a handkerchief and look great,” jokes Fine. Saybrook Home, the home decor, furniture and interior design services store in Old Saybrook,
Fine’s store does for swimsuit shoppers what gentleman’s shops do for men’s suits—she properly sizes bathing suit tops and bottoms specifically to the wearer’s measurements. What a concept! A suit that fits properly both up top and down below. “Most people come to us because they are hard to fit,” says Fine, who’s celebrating her 25th year in business this year. “They have a big chest and small hips, or big hips and small chest. Those types of swimsuits are hard to find and people are willing to travel because they can’t find a suit elsewhere.” When a customer walks in, says Fine, who also fits women for bras and sells mastectomy products, including post-mastectomy swimsuits, “I can see what suits will fit according to their body type.” Fine says she takes measurements and gets an idea of the style her customers are looking for, then picks out a few separates for them to try on. Most of her customers are looking for comfort and classy styles, she says. “If you can’t live in your swimsuit all day, it’s not going to work,” says Fine. Top fashion magazines are touting some new trends in swimwear this year, including crocheted swimsuits, strappy one-pieces with cutouts, and
photo courtesy of Tina’s Fine Lingerie & Swimwear
july 2022 67
trending carries a few major swimwear brands, including Lilly Pulitzer and Peter Millar (for men), in its apparel shop, says marketing coordinator Monica Boretsky. At Title Nine, swimsuits are meant to be worn as casualwear, so we can swim, dive, chase the kids around, take a boat ride, paddle board or grill up a few burgers without having to change into something that doesn’t sag or creep up, pop off or dig in. Title Nine is a small Northern California company owned and run by women since 1989. “We believe that the outdoors and a good workout can be the antidote to many of life’s problems,” touts Title Nine on its website. “We believe our bodies are all built to do the incredible, and our swimsuits should keep up.” Separates, including a variety of tops and tankinis, and bottoms, such as swim shorts and skirts, may be purchased online and returned within a year for any reason, according to the website. In Greenwich and Farmington, Everything But Water has noticed a trend toward asymmetrical sleeves, says Olivia McCormick, manager at the store in the West Farms Mall, which carries dozens of the most popthis page Shoppers can find swimsuits of all sizes, shapes and styles at Tina’s Fine Lingerie & Swimwear in Middletown. photos courtesy of Tina’s Fine Lingerie & Swimwear
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ular swimsuit brands, as well cover ups and beach accessories.
left Title Nine, an online women-owned swimwear shop, sells swimsuits meant for activity. Their full-coverage suits won’t slip, droop, sag or fall off, according to the company. Title Nine believes “our bodies are all built to do the incredible, and our swimsuits should keep up.” photos courtesy of Title Nine above Off-the-shoulder necklines and bold colors are in this year, according to swimsuit sellers. Asymmetrical tops, with the option of removing one strap, along with cutouts are also trending this year. photos courtesy of everything but water bottom Tina’s Fine Lingerie & Swimwear in Middletown has been fitting women for bathing suits and bras since 1997. The store also has a large selection of post-mastectomy swimsuits and bras. photo courtesy of Tina’s Fine Lingerie & Swimwear
“The new trends I’m seeing in swimsuits are a lot of offthe-shoulder one pieces with the option of taking off one of the straps,” says McCormick. “Halter tops with underwire support and bandeaus are also popular.” For bottoms, McCormick says, “We’re seeing a lot of highleg, high-waisted bottoms that come up to the belly button.” Overall, comfort is the key, she adds, noting that swimsuit makers have been slowly evolving to include better support up top and embrace curvier body types—her store carries up to an H-cup for tops and full-coverage triple-X bottoms. “I think companies are f inally realizing that every woman deserves a suit,” says McCormick. “If you have kids or you’re an older or bustier gal who wants to put on a suit and go swimming or just hang out with your family, you don’t want to worry about picking at your suit all day. A lot of women just want to be covered, look great and feel comfortable.”
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trending
image courtesy of universal
image courtesy of disney
5 movies to watch in celebration of the Fourth of July
T
by Kitty Williams
he Fourth of July is often a time when people gather to enjoy good company, warm weather and grilled food. Just like any other holiday, it provides an opportunity to watch some carefully selected movies that fit the day’s theme. Whether you prefer to watch a film that borrows a little
or a lot from American history, or a classic flick featuring a giant shark causing terror on the beach, we’ve got you covered.
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1. Jaws (Rent on Apple TV+)
film, based on a true story, is about the women who
ers on the Fourth of July weekend is famous for the line
whose accomplishments are often swept aside.
This classic about a killer shark attacking beachgo-
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” If you are avoiding the movie because you were disappointed with the book, know that this is one of the few movies that is widely agreed upon to be better than the book.
had a tremendous influence on American history, but
4. National Treasure (Disney+)
Though this Nicolas Cage film is not based on true
events, it relies on American history to deliver its exciting story of an attempt to steal the Declaration of
2. Hamilton (Disney+)
Independence. It is particularly fun for history nerds
Since 2015, the Hamilton buzz has been constant.
because it features some fun trivia, like the time dis-
Lin-Manuel Miranda created this Broadway show as a
played on the clock on the $100 dollar bill and the his-
way to bring light to Alexander Hamilton’s life, death
tory of Daylight Saving Time, and humorously delivers
and influence as a Founding Father of the United
these facts to us through history nerds.
States. Five years after its Broadway debut, the original cast recording became available to stream as a movie on Disney+.
5. Forrest Gump (Netflix)
Through Forrest Gump’s eyes, we see historical
3. Hidden Figures (Disney+)
American events like the Watergate scandal, the Vietnam War and the rise of Elvis Presley’s popularity jux-
You probably know about NASA’s space race and
taposed with Forrest’s personal experiences of fall-
likely recognize the names of astronauts like John
ing in love, losing loved ones and experiencing child-
Glenn, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. What you
hood bullying. Tom Hanks’ Gump is a simple charac-
may not know is how important three Black women,
ter, but one whose characteristics of perseverance,
NASA computing experts Katherine Johnson, Dorothy
courage and fidelity make him easy to love and diffi-
Vaughan and Mary Jackson, were to the process. This
cult to forget.
image courtesy of disney
image courtesy of paramount pictures
image courtesy of disney
july 2022 71
trending | TURNING PAGES
The best beach books
W
By Betty J. Cotter hen I was a sun worshiper in the 1970s, my beach bag—a drawstring burlap with “Misquamicut Beach” embroidered on it—contained the following: brown plastic bottle of Coppertone lotion. Foster Grant sunglasses. Terry cloth cover-up. Latest edition of Glamour or Cosmopolitan magazines. And, of course, a mass-market paperback.
A book was as necessary as the beach blanket and tape player, which had to be hand-carried. And though it
was understood among my friends that we would spend much of our time gossiping and ogling the tan hunks playing catch football, there was always time to pull out our books and quietly slip into our respective other worlds. Every summer had its beach read of the season: Jaws. Jonathan Livingston Seagull. The Thorn Birds. As you walked among the beach blankets, you could spot the iconic shark, seagull or bare tree of their covers in the hands of mothers, bikini-clad ingenues and wrinkled old men. I preferred classics, like Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, my Rinehart edition so well-thumbed its pages had begun to separate from the spine. Or Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea, which always felt so appropriate. One summer afternoon at Misquamicut, my friend Andrea was reading Evergreen by Belva Plain. “It’s about a Catholic guy and a Jewish girl who get married, and all the problems they have,” she explained. But my attention had wandered to the two guys, Rich and Ron, on the next blanket. “Evergreen? What’s it about, a tree?” asked Rich, when I lured them over to join us. “What’s the sequel?” “Conifer,” I quipped, more interested in men than literature at the moment. Rich and Ron were no Rhodes Scholars. I never saw them again. My time with Andrea waned after that summer as well. But in recent years we were able to open the pages of our friendship again, and it proved to be evergreen. When you fill up your beach bag, remember that the most important companion is a book-loving friend. This month I’ve picked an assortment of titles old and new that you can share, swap and talk about under a hot summer sun.
Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer (Ballantine Books, 2011). Nancy Thayer has written more than a dozen Nantucket beach novels, and this is one of the best—the story of a widow who tries to keep her family of two daughters together by turning their home into a bed-and-breakfast. If you can find them, her earlier books are deeper, less breezy reads, including her debut, Stepping, and the marvelous Three Women at the Water’s Edge.
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Morningstar: Growing up with Books by Ann Hood (W.W. Norton & Co., 2018). Ann Hood first gained fame as a novelist, but she also is a fine memoirist. Morningstar tells the story of her coming of age through the lens of 10 books that shaped her as a woman and a writer. This slim but engaging volume is perfect for beach reading. You’ll also want to check out Hood’s latest, Fly Girl, the story of her years working as a stewardess during the golden years of aviation.
Five Days Gone: The Mystery of My Mother’s Disappearance as a Child by Laura Cumming (Scribner, 2019). Betty Elston was 3 years old on the autumn day in 1929 when she was kidnapped from a beach in a town on England’s North Sea coast. Laura Cumming, her daughter, employs the tools of a detective to unravel who stole her mother and why she was so quickly returned. What does her mother remember? What do photographs from the time reveal? This book will have you turning pages long after the lifeguards have gone home for the day.
The Best American Travel Writing 2021, edited by Padma Lakshmi
(Mariner Books, 2021).
You might think a pandemic year would be an odd time for a travel anthology, but COVID-19 and the fears it engenders raise this collection above the routine. Doug Bock Clark’s “Inside the Nightmare Voyage of the Diamond Princess,” which originally appeared in GQ, kicks off an omnibus of empty cities, anxious book tours, and socially distanced rail and boat journeys. As for the quarantined cruise ship, whatever you read about it at the time, the reality was way, way worse.
Summer of ‘42 by Herman Raucher (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1971; reissued by Diversion Books in 2015). This nostalgic look at the summer that the author’s alter ego, Hermie, lusts after an older war bride was adapted from his screenplay of the same name. Although set during World War II, the adventures of Hermie and his friend, Oscy, stand in for timeless adolescence—the boredom, confusion and yearnings. As you read this classic on the beach, you will realize that the summer of ‘22 is not that far removed from its predecessor of 80 years prior.
july 2022 73
trending | LOCAL FINDS
Shop unique. Shop local. A C
cats say: As the internet ts!” si I , ts fi I “If
B D
l Cat TV channe It’s a like a new ound here! every month ar
A. CHERRY WOOD TURNED BOWL
This beautiful hand-turned, solid cherry wood bowl is the perfect serving bowl for outdoor gatherings this summer, unstained and hand-rubbed with food-safe bees oil wood conditioner. It comes with a lifetime guarantee for any cracks or warps and is available in 12”, 15” or 17” sizes. $90-$345 Azalea Home & Gift, 301 Main Street, Niantic, CT 860-460-5838 | azaleahomect.com
B. FOOLPROOF BBQ: 60 SIMPLE RECIPES TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR BARBECUE
Genevieve Taylor, barbecue and live-fire expert is here to make outdoor cooking a breeze for you this season with 60 foolproof recipes to make your summer soiree a sizzling
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success. With step-by-step instructions and photos for each recipe, even a barbecue novice can make a feast to remember. $19.99 Bank Square Books, 53 West Main Street, Mystic, CT 860-536-3795 | banksquarebooks.com
C. CANVAS TOTE “SALTY”
Escape to the beach in style this summer with the perfect getaway bag. This tote comes with genuine leather handles stitched to heavyweight canvas for durability and a modern look, adorned with a cheeky design that you can take anywhere with you along the coast. $42 Bayberries, 32 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, CT 860-739-2977 | bayberriesfinegifts.com
Check out July’s finds! You won’t be disappointed!
Happy shopping!
Keep an eye out for Sundae’s pawprint of approval on any item that might be purr-fectly suited for a cat (or other pets) to enjoy!
You’ll also find out why I like it!
Contact thedaymag@theday.com to feature your product.
F
E
H
G
Keep those birds coming!
D. BIRDHOUSE (LOTUS DRAGONFLY OR CATERPILLAR)
This unique, hand-felted birdhouse is made specially for wren, common all over North America. Hang it outdoors on your porch and watch wrens nest! It is fair trade and made in Nepal with sustainably harvested, water-resistant sheep wool, a jute hanging cord and a bamboo perch. Includes a clean-out hole. $45 Flavours of Life, 86 Bank Street, New London, CT 860-444-9428 | flavoursoflife.com
E. PORTABLE NEW ENGLAND BONFIRE
No firepit? No problem! Enjoy a classic New England summer pastime with this hand-crafted portable bonfire great for roasting marshmallows or adding the perfect ambiance to any occasion. It comes in an 8oz. reusable container, burns for 3-5 hours, and is easy to light and extinguish for your convenience. $23 Hang the Moon, 31 West Main Street, Mystic, CT 860-536-6371 | hangthemoonmystic.com
F. OPAL SEA TURTLE PENDANT NECKLACE
This beautiful, one-of-a-kind sea turtle pendant is perfect for gifting or wearing as a beachy gem this summer. Located in historic downtown New London, store owner Antonio Suarez enjoys creating, designing and procuring
some of the most sought-after designs for his clients. Comes with an 18” chain. $75 Northern Light Gems, 60 State Street, New London, CT 860-443-7766 | northernlightgems.com
G. SUMMER FEEDING
Birds don’t take spring or summer breaks. By feeding birds in spring and summer, you have the greatest opportunity to attract the widest variety of birds to your yard and feeders. Mealworms, seed cylinders, nectar and our no-mess blends are great options this time of year. $19.99 and up Wild Birds Unlimited, 190 Flanders Rd, Niantic, CT 06357 860-739-7302 | niantic.wbu.com
H. DIAPER COVER NAUTICAL BLOOMER
Who doesn’t adore little baby bloomers? This nauticalthemed diaper cover is accented with darling polka dots and anchors in red, white, and blue. It’s a perfect wear for the beach or a Fourth of July celebration. As a bonus, proceeds from your purchase will benefit the Submarine Force Museum. $8 Nautilus Ship’s Store, 1 Crystal Lake Road, Groton, CT 860-694-3290 | store.submarinemuseum.com
july 2022 75
SENIORS
PETS
E D U C AT I O N
H E A LT H
Lighthouse on Pequot Avenue, New London. p hoto by Margie Heap
FA MILIE S
life cycles
settling an estate
76
magazine
summer fun
WELLNESS
life cycles
Settling an estate A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
S
By Traci Neal
ettling an estate following the death of a loved
owned $40,000 or more of other assets that also don’t pass to another person.
one can be over whelming. Fa mily mem-
“Connecticut provides a simplified probate pro-
bers are faced with what seems like a moun-
cess for people who die without any real property and
tain of information to gather and forms to fill
with assets in (their) individual name totaling less
out, deadlines and fees, perhaps piles of bills,
than $40,000,” says Laura A. Schuyler, an associate at
and even contention among relatives about who gets
the law firm of Shipman & Goodwin LLC, in an email.
what—all while grieving their loss.
Shipman & Goodwin, based in Hartford, has offices
“It’s obviously a very sensitive time, but of course
throughout Connecticut, including Old Lyme.
there are laws and rules that exist aimed at helping
If the decedent had no solely-owned assets, the only
folks move through that process,” says Jim Polites,
requirement would be to file his or her will, if any, with
communications manager at the Connecticut Office of
the probate court, Schuyler says.
the Probate Court Administrator.
“This means that even very wealthy people could
Formal probate is required by law if the person who
avoid a full probate proceeding if that person, for
dies, with or without a will, owned real estate that does
example, titled his or her assets jointly with another
not pass to the surviving beneficiary or joint owner, or
person or transferred his or her solely owned assets
july 2022 77
life cycles into a trust during life,” she adds. Most estates are settled within about a year,
well-ordered, particularly if somebody had a will,”
sometimes less, says Attorney Jeffrey Rivard, coun-
says Grenger, whose law offices are located in
sel and chair of the estate settlement department
Mystic.
at Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri, a law firm that handles estate planning, elder law and probate from its offices in Madison and several other Connecticut towns. “There are many situations that are probably
Here’s a guide to the steps necessary to settle a loved one’s estate:
STEP 1
Get copies of the death certif icate. Funeral
simpler than people think they’re going to be,”
homes generally provide the death certificate as
says Rivard.
part of the funeral arrangements, says Chris Nei-
Disputes within a family, complicated estates and certain business ownerships can create more
78
“The process seems complicated but is fairly
lan, director and owner of Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes in Niantic and New London.
of a “long puzzle” making it more difficult “to piece
“We provide the death certificates from the city
together what the person owned and where the
clerks in the town where the person passed away,”
assets were.” These situations may require addi-
says Neilan. “They can’t do anything to start set-
tional steps and formal probate, including hear-
tling the estate without the death certificate. That’s
ings before a probate judge, he adds.
step number one.”
It seems like a lot, but in most cases, settling an
Copies may also be requested from the town
estate is pretty straightforward, says Attorney Ellin
where the person died by filling out a form known
M. Grenger, who specializes in probate law.
as VS-39DST.
magazine
“The process seems complicated but is fairly well-ordered, particularly if somebody had a will.” ELLIN M. GRENGER
STEP 2
To make this job easier, says Schuyler, some peo-
Within about a month of death, file a Petition/
ple assemble a list of assets and online banking
Administration or Probate of Will, form PC-200,
user IDs and passwords, and keep these lists with
with the probate court in the district where the
their important documents, like their will.
decedent lived. The form will include the names of heirs and beneficiaries, and should be accompanied by a copy of the will, if any. At this point, a
STEP 4
If the decedent owned real estate, record a
fiduciary—an executor or court-appointed admin-
Notice for Land Records/Appointment of Fiduciary,
istrator—will be formally named.
PC-251, with the town clerk in each town where
“An administrator may be appointed by the cour t if somebody doesn’t have a w il l,” says Grenger.
STEP 3
Transfer bank accounts and bills into an estate
account.
real estate is owned. File an inventory of the estate, PC-2407, listing real estate, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, motor vehicles, household furnishings, jewelry, antiques and personal effects of value, and the fair market value; include the balance of any mortgages. “The inventory should include every single solely
Tax returns are a good place to start when look-
held asset,” says Grenger. “It doesn’t need to include
ing for an estate’s assets, says Grenger. Banks will
jointly held assets or assets with designated benefi-
allow an executor access to a safety deposit box,
ciaries. Generally, it includes any items that have an
with court approval, to locate a will. Anything else
identifiable value: antiques, firearms, motor vehi-
in the box remains until court approval.
cles, real estate, but again not if they’re jointly held.”
july 2022 79
life cycles
STEP 5
Obtain cash for estate administration expenses,
taxes, claims and bequests, as needed. The fiduciary may sell any personal property not specifically bequeathed but must obtain permission from the Probate Court to sell, mortgage or convey real estate, unless specifically authorized to do so under the terms of the will.
ous,” says Grenger. Credit card companies, mortgage companies, medical providers generally file pretty quickly, she says.
STEP 7
Within 60 days after the end of the five-month dead-
line, file a Return of Claims and List of Notified Creditors,
The surviving spouse or other dependent family
PC-237, with the court, reporting all claims presented
members may apply to the Probate Court for a support
and the extent to which each was allowed or rejected.
allowance from the estate during the period of settle-
“That part actually tends to work very smoothly depend-
ment of the estate by filing a Petition/Support Allow-
ing on the situation,” Grenger says. “Frequently, if there’s
ance form, PC-202.
an attorney involved, the bills go right to the attorney.”
STEP 6
STEP 8
Pay off debts and bills.
80
“The good news is the bills will come fast and furi-
File state and federal estate and income tax returns
Within 14 days after the fiduciary’s appointment, the
and pay applicable taxes. The Connecticut estate tax
Probate Court will place a newspaper notice seeking
return, CT-706 NT, must be filed after a person dies
creditors who should respond within about five months.
owning real estate or personal property, and it is
magazine
required whether or not taxes are due. Under Connecticut law, the estate tax exemption amount in 2022
STEP 9
File a f inal f inancial report, PC246, w ith the
is $9.1 million, meaning tax is due from estates valued
court when the administration of the estate is com-
at more than that. The federal exemption amount is
plete. The Probate Court may hold or waive a final
$12.06 million in 2022.
hearing. Close out the estate by filing an Affidavit
“If any estate or income tax is due, the fiduciary will
of Closing of Estate, PC-213, reporting receipts and
be responsible for paying those taxes from the estate,”
disbursements within 30 days following the distri-
says Schuyler.
bution of all assets.
Insolvent estates, or estates with insuff icient funds to pay debts, taxes and administrative fees, follow a different procedure, Rivard says. Generally
AFTER ONE YEAR
If the estate remains open for longer than one
an estate account is opened so that creditors can be
year, the executor or administrator must file a status
officially notified of the insolvency and discharge the
update with the court, PC-286.
debt, he says.
“It happens frequently,” says Grenger. “Whether
“It’s similar to a bankruptcy but in the probate
it’s because of trailing assets, someone forgets to file
process,” says Rivard. “A judge officially decrees the
a tax return, or they can’t find an heir or beneficiary.
estate insolvent and then mandates how any money
Sometimes the property just doesn’t sell. The court is
that’s there is going to get used.”
pretty flexible about this, especially the first time.”
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s i r e m sum
life cycles
t s e b e h t E MAKING TH
S
LOBSTER ROLLS
S , L AZY DAY G N O L E S O H MOST OF T
THE BEACH
By Bridget Shirvell
ummer came up fast, didn’t it? Raise your hand if you’re totally here for it. Days spent at the beach. Roasting marshmallows around the firepit. Epic backyard dinner parties with friends and family. Summer is the best season. Hands down. As much
LOBSTER ROLLS
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
a feeling as it is a time of year.
“It’s a time of freedom and exploration and just such a social time,”
says Marion Dodd, author of Mystic by the A, B, “Sea,” a lovely, intri-
Not that you need an excuse to have one, but it’s not really summer until you’ve had a lobster roll or three.
cately designed children’s book full of lots of summer activities. “Summer is just wonderful, good family time.” Chock full of excuses to slow down and spend time with family and friends, summer done right is the stuff dreams are made of. Here are just a few of the reasons to love summer. Consider it the only summer to-do list you need.
ICE CREAM Admit it. You wait all year for the sunflower ice cream at Buttonwood Farm in Griswold.
SUNSET STROLLS
start here
SUNSET STROLLS
ICE CREAM
Tiring everyone out before bed with lots of fresh air and a bit of exercise? Yes, please.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES Waking up on a beautiful summer morning with nothing to do and a day full of opportunities? How often does that happen? Summer means there’s always a perfect reason to play hooky.
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THE BEACH While, in my opinion, the beach is a must year-round, you really can’t beat a lazy day of making sandcastles, jumping waves and scouring the shore for seashells.
MOVIE NIGHTS Make some popcorn and settle in for a marathon of classic summer films.
FIREPITS Yes, we use the firepit well into fall, but from s’mores to wine nights, summer just seems made for opportunities to light a fire and gather ‘round for a long night of stories.
BOOKS Is there anything better than losing yourself in a good book while listening to the waves crash or the kids cannonballing into the deep end?
THE FRUIT
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
We wait all year to get raspberries, blackberries, peaches and more straight from the farm when they’re perfectly ripe. Eat them straight or put them in all your summer desserts.
TIME OFF
MOVIE NIGHTS
Speaking of fresh air. Being outdoors isn’t just good for our physical health, it’s also good for our mental health, and it’s just easier to go outside in the summer.
Even if Summer Fridays haven’t caught on at your workplace yet, time off isn’t just accepted during the summer it’s expected.
ROMANTIC SUNSET DINNERS
FIREPITS
Anyone? It doesn’t get much more beautiful than dinner on the shoreline while the sun puts on a show.
FIREFLIES Have you ever not had fun watching a kid (or a pet) try to catch ‘em?
FAMILY TIME
BOOKS
There’s more time for family bonding with grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles.
EPIC FOODIE DINNER PARTIES
FRUIT GREAT OUTDOORS
Eating al fresco with local items from White Gate Farm (East Lyme), Sea Well Seafood (Mystic, Pawcatuck, Stonington), Sift Bake Shop (Mystic, Watch Hill, R.I., and coming soon to Niantic) and more.
TIME OFF
advance to next page DINNER PARTIES FAMILY TIME FIREFLIES
ROMANTIC SUNSET DINNERS
july 2022 83
life cycles
almost there! STARGAZING After the kids get tired of chasing fireflies, there’s lots of joy to be found watching the light show up above.
FARMERS MARKETS Sure, we have farmers markets year-round, but there’s just something idyllic about stopping by one on a summer day.
WILDFLOWERS
WILDFLOWERS It’s impossible not to smile at all the blooms.
CRABBING Make sure you have the camera ready. You’ll find lots of moments for the ‘gram or the old-fashioned scrapbook when excited kids catch their first crab.
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magazine
FARMERS MARKETS EXPLORING
EXPLORATION Along with endless possibilities, summer comes full of chances to be amazed, whether it’s exploring the shoreline, turning over a rock or finally taking that surfing lesson.
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explorations D AY T R I P S
G E TA W AY S
Stonington Borough. P hoto by sandra alexander
T R AV E L T I P S
take a day trip through Mystic, Stonington & Westerly
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magazine
DAY TRIP
| explorations
Exploring Mystic, Stonington & Westerly HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A DAY OR A WEEKEND HERE
I
By Bridget Shirvell
t’s summertime and the days are long, lazy and full of endless opportunities to explore. From the beaches to the charming downtowns to the incredible food, Mystic, Stonington and Westerly are made for summer. Here’s how to make the most of a few days along the shoreline.
Downtown Mystic. photo by rebecca angelastro
Stonington Lighthouse. submitted photo
Downtown Westerly. photo courtesy of oceanchamber.org
july 2022 87
explorations | DAY TRIP
DIP IN THE OCEAN
Slip a swimsuit under your clothes, lace up your sneakers and take a walk and perhaps a dip in the sea. Napatree Point is always stunning, and alive with wildlife this time of year. Stroll the beach or do the full loop, which will take you just over an hour. Pro Tip: If you’re off the beach by 8 a.m., you can bring your pup and won’t have to worry about parking.
Napatree Point, R.I. photo courtesy of oceanchamber.org
PLAY, SWIM & EAT IN
FUEL UP WITH COFFEE
The best part about having to be off the beach at 8 a.m. with your dog is that you can be first in line when Sift Watch Hill opens. For the first Sift Watch Hill. photo courtesy of Sift bake shop
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time since 2019 the shop is welcoming customers inside! Grab a coffee and a pastry or two.
PLAY ( WELL) DOWNTOWN
If your kids need to run off some energy we suggest Playwell. The Westerly gathering place for families has plenty of space for the kids to run, explore and be kids while you watch and catch up with other parents. Don’t have kids? Wander through downtown Westerly, popping in and out of the shops. Bet you can’t buy just one book from Savoy.
Downtown Westerly. photo courtesy of oceanchamber.org
WESTERLY MAKE IT A PIZZA DAY
Pop into Nana’s Bakery & Pizza and try one of the organic sourdough pizzas.
Nana’s Bakery & Pizza in Westerly. photo courtesy of Nana’s bakery and pizza
Can’t decide which? Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with the Nana’s Tomato or the Classic White, but you can always order by the slice.
july 2022 89
explorations | DAY TRIP Stonington Village Farmers Market. photo by Samantha Williams
SCOOP UP LOCAL PRODUCE
Is there anything better than strolling through a farmers market sipping kombucha or iced coffee and scooping up fresh local berries on a Saturday morning? If you, too, think not, make a plan to visit the Stonington Village Farmers Market on a Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon outside the Velvet Mill. Don’t forget to stop in to the Velvet Mill afterward and check out the ever-growing shops by local artisans.
SIP WINE, GET A HISTORY LESSON & HIKE IN
TAKE A TRANQUIL BREAK
Head to the end of Wall Street for a short, but utterly lovely walk through the Dodge Paddock & Beal Preserve, an open salt marsh meadow.
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Dodge Paddock, Stonington. photo by sandra alexander
RAISE A GLASS
Toast summer at Stonington Vineyards. There’s never a wrong afternoon for a wine tasting at these fairy-tale-like vineyards, but every Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. in July & August, Stonington Vineyards hosts local musicians and several food trucks. Reserve your spot online, bring a couple of lawn chairs and a blanket and make an evening of it.
TREAT YOURSELF
Browse the antiques at Grand & Water Antiques, Stonington Vineyards. photo by Maaike Bernstrom
Grand & Water Antiques. photo by sandra alexander
pick up new threads for the kids at Bluebird Day and pop in to Fun Company for a treasure hunt of jewelry, candles and home goods.
STONINGTON SURROUND YOURSELF IN HISTORY
Immerse yourself in history in Stonington Borough. The Stonington Historical Society offers walking tours through the Borough’s fascinating streets (Check their website for dates and how to make reservations). Or simply make haste up the lighthouse.
Stonington Borough. photo by sandra alexander
july 2022 91
explorations | DAY TRIP
WINDOW-SHOP (OR ACTUALLY SHOP)
Wander through downtown Mystic. You’ll find plenty of boutiques worthy of browsing. Let your dog pick out some treasures at the Mystic Pet Shop; go ahead and buy that beach read at Bank Square Books, or find a gift you need at Atherton And Co.
CHEERS
Head to Port of Call, Mystic’s swanky new cocktail lounge, for drinks followed by a romantic sunset stroll through downtown.
Downtown Mystic. photo by rebecca angelastro
EAT, SHOP & SAVOR SUMMER IN TASTE THE BEST OF NEW ENGLAND
Make your way to the Shipwright’s Daughter for dinner. The menu frequently changes, so I won’t tell you what to order, but you’ll find classic New England flavors prepared in innovative ways. Note: If you’re vegan, call in advance and the chef will prepare something special just for you.
Port of Call. photo by Idlewild photo co.
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ICE CREAM & LOBSTER ROLLS
Mystic Bascule bridge. photo Courtesy of greater Mystic chamber of commerce.
You might as well have a lobster roll or spoil your dinner with ice cream. At Sea Swirl, you can do either or both.
Lobster roll at Sea Swirl. photo Courtesy of sea swirl
MYSTIC
WATCH THE BRIDGE GO UP & DOWN Even though those of us who live in Mystic will complain (often) about the drawbridge, most of us secretly love it. Watch it go up and down and wish it a happy birthday. It turned 100 this year.
NOT READY TO CALL IT A DAY?
Hit up Dive Bar (just below the Port of Call) and then tuck in for the night at the Whaler’s Inn.
Shipwright’s Daughter. photo courtesy of Shipwright’s daughter
Dive Bar. photo by idlewild photo co.
july 2022 93
it’s your day INFLUENCERS
Thames River. Photo by Janet Alloway
Q&A
get to know Dave Sugrue
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Dave Sugrue
G E N E R A L M A N A G E R F O R C E N T E R P L AT E AT O C E A N B E A C H PA R K
photo courtesy of Constance Kristofik
story and photo by erica moser ife’s a beach for Dave Sugrue. He has, after all, been working at Ocean Beach Park since 1987, which is more than half of his 60 years—and that’s not including the four or five summers he worked, starting as a grill cook at age 15.
school, but my friends growing up were stronger from here, working together. Those are my lifelong friends.” He refers to people who used to work here as alumni. Sugrue talks about how special Ocean Beach is, about how it’s one of a kind. Sure, his role may make
After graduating from Waterford High School, he
him a little biased, but he backs this up with many
majored in marketing at the University of Hartford
examples of things Ocean Beach has that other
and then worked at a restaurant in Hartford. Sugrue
beaches don’t.
returned to Ocean Beach in 1987 as bar manager, and
The pas t t wo years have been a challenge:
then managed the banquet facilities before becom-
He had to turn people away in 2020 because of
ing park manager in 1999.
pandemic capacity restrictions, and last year it
“I don’t think there’s a job in this park I haven’t done,” Sugrue said. “I can still jump in the kitchen if I have to, whatever it takes.”
rained a lot. “Four teen days in July it rained. It rained the Fourth of July, it rained Memorial Day weekend, it
He lives in Waterford with his wife and said while
rained Labor Day weekend,” Sugrue said. “I’ve never
he’s “a pretty easygoing father,” it was mandatory for
seen two rainy seasons in a row, so I’m thinking this
his three kids—now adults—to work at Ocean Beach.
year is going to be really, really good. It’s going to be
“You learn how to interact with people, you learn
really busy for us.”
diversity,” Sugrue said. “The most valuable expe-
Sugrue sat down for an interview—in the confer-
rience is somebody working here, and this place
ence room above the ice cream shop—with TDM
becomes its own community. Kids have friends from
before the summer season.
july 2022 95
it’s your day | Q&A TDM: Walk me through a day in the life of Dave Sugrue. DS: Every day is different. Some days we’re handling
you a loaded .22 in the arcade and you could shoot
emergencies, lifeguards making saves. Some days
8 years old, put a quarter up, and they’d give you
I’m behind the grill, flipping burgers, especially lately
a bow and arrow in a busy park. Times were just so
with the labor shortage. But the common thread is
different.
that every day is just around people who are enjoying themselves.
in the shooting gallery. Same thing with the archery:
But much of the same stuff happens today. The kids are still jumping in the pool for the first time,
And my favorite thing is if I can find some time
swimming in the ocean for the first time. The rides
during the day, I’ll walk around the park and ask peo-
are still here. Jeff Mullen of Action Amusements has
ple just straight up, “Are you having a good day?” and
done a great job of restoring rides and he’s bringing
their faces light up and they tell you about it.
that whole section back. And we’re as busy now as
My closest friend is the godfather of my kid and I’m
we were when I was a kid. The park has come back in
godfather of his kid, and we started here together.
recent years. You probably saw recently that Travel
We were 15 years old, working the grill together. He
+ Leisure magazine picked us as one of the 25 best
was a fry cook and I was a grill cook. Some of my best
beaches in the country. Amazing.
friends in the world are people that I met here when I worked here.
TDM: What do you think makes Ocean Beach such a special place for so many people, and what separates
TDM: Tell me a bit about how you first started work-
it from other beaches, either in the state or across the
ing here.
country?
DS: I was 15 years old, and I was hitchhiking home
DS: There’s only one Ocean Beach Park. A lot of
from Ocean Pizza on Ocean Avenue. A guy picked
beaches are very similar, but this beach is very differ-
me up and I recognized him because he ran the food
ent from every other beach. The beach is one of the
court downstairs, and he asked me, “How old are
most beautiful beaches ever; we sift the sand every
you?” and I knew what he was doing; he needed help.
day here, so it’s always clean.
So I lied. I said I was 16. (Then) I’m working in the cafeteria downstairs cooking.
It starts with the beach. Second is the boardwalk. People love the boardwalk. Something about a boardwalk is just different; there’s a little bit of
TDM: What are some of your favorite childhood
magic to it. And then everything on the other side
memories from Ocean Beach, predating your time
of the boardwalk, attractions that most beaches
working here?
don’t have. We have an Olympic-sized swimming
DS: Oh, boy. I was here just about every day. My
pool. I know Jones Beach has one, but I don’t know
mother brought our family here. And we would go
of any other beach that has an Olympic-sized pool.
down to the creek. I still love seeing young kids down
We have the kiddie spray park, which is free for kids
in that area. Once a year my parents would let us
under 8. It keeps them in a safe, fun atmosphere. We
go on rides, which was always a big treat. There was
have a playground. We have our new New London
entertainment every afternoon on the boardwalk
Rotary Club picnic pavilion; I don’t know of anybody
and we always came up for that, and then we’d come
who’s got a facility like that.
again at night. I used to love going on the boardwalk
96
We’ve got the mini golf course, we’ve got the rides,
looking for coins, and then we’d go into the arcade
we’ve got water slides, we’ve got the old-school
and spend them on all the games.
arcade. We still have Skee-Ball. Who else has that at
Swimming out to the raft was a big deal. We had
a beach? It’s just old-school, nostalgic fun. And I think
a 3-meter diving board in the day, and the first time
people appreciate that, that we’re trying to keep it
you went up was a big thrill. You’re 8 years old, you
preserved and we’re trying to keep it an old-school
could put a quarter on the table and they’d hand
atmosphere.
magazine
TDM: Among the recurring entertainment or events or
had beer, and all of us that worked here would end up
activities, what are some of your favorites here?
there at night after work, and we didn’t get enough
DS: I like them all, but the ABBA tribute band,
of the place, so a lot of good times in there. Just so
Dancing Dream, is really tremendous. That’s usu-
much has happened here. I’ve seen two plane crashes
ally our busiest night. I think it’s the best ABBA
on the beach, a lot of people get married, I’ve seen
tribute band in the country. They’re out of New
proposals.
York City, and wow, come and see that show if you
We had a woman, about a year ago, she was in
can, and we do fireworks too that night, so it’s a
hospice care and her dying wish was to get her toes
big night. I like the Santana tribute band, Milagro.
in Ocean Beach water one more time, from Spring-
We had them for the first time last year and they’re
field, so we got her down here, and we got her on a
coming back this year. They were a lot of fun. I like
little golf cart to go out on the beach and we took
the local bands, too. The Elton John tribute show
her out, and she put her toes in the water, and she
(with the band Bennie and the Jets) is really good,
just sat there. And we came up and we got her a glass
the Billy Joel show (with Pat Farrell and the Cold
of wine, and we went down to Fred’s Shanty and
Spring Harbor Band) is very good.
got her some fried scallops. Our whole staff rallied
Pride Day is probably my favorite day of the year.
behind this woman, and she was just having the time
That’s just fun. I get here early and I just soak the whole
of her life, and she was just so happy and so pleased
thing in and try to get my family to come because it’s
that she got to come here one more time.
just such a positive event run by positive people. There’s just so much going on here. It’s just so many different things to so many different people.
TDM: What are your favorite foods here at Ocean Beach?
Everybody’s perspective of this place is just a little bit
DS: Hot dogs. That’s an easy one. A hot dog has to
different.
have—for me on the boardwalk—a buttered, toasted roll, maybe some cheese on it, and maybe a little
TDM: What’s one of the craziest or funniest or other-
bit of mustard, but that’s my favorite food by far.
wise most memorable moments that you’ve had here at
That’s just a beach food. And it tastes better on the
Ocean Beach?
boardwalk than anywhere else. They taste different.
DS: Boy, there’s so many of them. When I was young,
That’s the truth.
where the gift shop is now, there was a pub that just
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july 2022 97
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