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this month J U N E
2 0 2 2
48 LOVE IS LOVE, AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL 54 THE BUZZ ON BEES
The history of the gay pride flag
june 2022 7
departments CORRESPONDENCE 10 E ditor’s note 11 Catching up
IN THE SPOTLIGHT 13 All the world’s a stage for Sky Casper
PEOPLE & PLACES 19 New Orleans-inspired tattoo gallery
Lari Mostro lives on through Spirit Gallery Tattoo
24 Loving Life Boutique
brings inclusivity to shopping
TASTE 31 Woodfellas moves into 2 Wives location in New London
Brought to you by Woodfellas Pizza & Wings
32 Wingin’ it
From Wall Street to Bank Street, local restaurateur pens children’s book about acceptance
38 A summer soirée
Los Charros Cantina style
44 Restaurant listings 46 Bartender profile
Aot Grueysawat of Samurai Noodle
59 HOME & GARDEN 59 Small on size, big on efficiency
Tiny houses appeal to homebuyers who want mobility, energy and cost efficiency, and a more simplified way of life
62 Thinking of selling your home?
Have you considered a pre-listing inspection?
Brought to you by Sound Home Inspection LLC
64 Creative container gardening
Even in small settings, growing your own food can be a fun, fruitful pastime
8
magazine
photo courtesy of Rod Cornish
32
TRENDING 69 A new type of Disney villain
72 Turning pages
Writers from a repressive era
74 Local finds
Shop unique. Shop local.
77 Periodontal plastic
surgery: the solution for a “gummy smile”
85 Planetariums in CT
offer insight to our solar system
90 Provincetown
Pride capital of New England
IT’S YOUR DAY 95 Constance Kristofik Founder of OutCT
photo courtesy of provincetown tourism
photo courtesy of Tiny Foundations Northeast LLC
LIFE CYCLES
EXPLORATIONS
Brought to you by Shoreline Periodontics
78 The teenagers are
attempting to create inclusive communities...
…they’d like the adults to help
82 Hempstock 2022
90
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correspondence | EDITOR’S NOTE Pleasure Beach, Waterford. Photo by Giovanni Adavelli
dear readers,
I
turn forty on June fourteenth. To me, this feels
A l s o i n t h i s i s s ue , we
like a milestone birthday for many reasons.
talk to Stuart Woronecki
Mostly because I still feel 21 with the rest of my
of Stonewall Apiary about
life ahead of me. More importantly, it’s one year
the a r t of ra ising bees.
older than the age of my Aunt Lee at her death.
Woronecki tends to about
I am left with sadness that she never lived
350 bee colonies and says he
beyond her 30’s, that her children will never know
gets stung up to ten times
her as an older woman. I was 17 when she died, and
a day! Go behind the scenes of a beehive and see
I still remember it like it was yesterday. Her loss is a
how these insects work their magic in “The Buzz
wound that has not yet healed.
on Bees”.
Turning 40 has given me perspective, a chance
Perhaps you’re inclined to host an outdoor sum-
to look back on the way things were and where
mer party this season! We have curated delicious
we stand now. I grew up as a teen in the late 90’s,
recipes straight from Chef Colt Taylor of Los Char-
immersed in the ballet world. I had many friends
ros Cantina in Centerbrook. Pair the chef’s delicious
who felt they could not come out of the closet for
food with gorgeous outdoor dining sets from Walker
fear of being bullied, their parents’ disappointment,
Loden and Mix Design Store and you have yourself a
and negative peer opinions. I remember feeling so
summer soirée!
sad but unsure of what to do for them beyond being
Are you as interested in the tiny house trend as I
their ally, a safe space for them to be their authen-
am? In the article “Small on Size, Big on Efficiency”
tic selves. In this month’s issue, we celebrate Pride
G.A. Peck explores tiny house living and how you
month, recognize how far we have come, but also
can gain mobility, energy, and cost efficiency living
know how far we still must journey. We celebrate the
in a tiny house. Less is more sounds very appealing.
small victories and recognize that everyone deserves
I wish you all a healthy and happy summer.
to feel seen and loved for who they are. We have
With gratitude,
included stories about the history of the Pride flag, how teens are creating LGBTQ+ inclusive communities, and how Sky Casper has helped bring change and entertainment to Connecticut’s social scene. Shannon Cushing, editor
10
magazine
CATCHING UP
| correspondence
Hi! I’m Shannen Barnard and I manage TDM’s social media accounts! It is so much fun to work on this project with such an amazing team. From reading interesting local stories that our writers and editors create, to looking at the beautiful layout and awesome photographs (including the always captivating cover!), each edition is exciting to unfold.
This month we are featuring summer party recipes and challenge you to share your party hits! Give us a follow and share your favorite recipes with us for a chance to be featured! As always, feel free to comment or DM us your thoughts or ideas, we love to hear from you! Cheers!
@TheDayMagazine
meet our press TRACI NEAL is a lifelong Connecticut resident and a journalist covering news and features for regional and national magazines and newspapers since the late-1980s. She has worked as an editor and reporter for several area organizations, including the Middletown Press, Hartford Courant, Hartford Advocate, Journal Inquirer, Catholic Digest magazine and currently, as an editor for Connecticut Farm Bureau. She may be reached at tracineal110@gmail.com.
@TheDayMagazine
At the wonderful suggestion from some of you, we wanted to provide more details about the talented writers of TDM. JENN MCCULLOCH, a native of the shoreline area, has won numerous awards for sports and feature writing throughout her career, working many of those years with Shore Publishing as the sports editor and later as a correspondent. She spent several years as the coordinator of the North Branford Potato and Corn Festival before recently taking a position as the events and marketing coordinator with The Hometown Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to supporting the community through five core initiatives: animal welfare, emergency response personnel, major illness, military, and individuals in need or with intellectual disabilities. Jenn, a mom of four kids (and three dogs), enjoys traveling, spending time on the water, concerts, and reading.
from our readers
The monthly magazine is excellent. It’s so well done and full of really great, useful, interesting stories and information. Kudos to The Day! Mary Flynn, gales ferry
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.
june 2022 11
in the spotlight E N T E R TA I N M E N T
C U LT U R E
Ferry Landing State Park, Old Lyme, CT. Photo by Jen Ferraro
ARTS
Sky Casper’s drag productions
12
magazine
in the spotlight
All the world’s a stage for Sky Casper by phil hall | photos courtesy of sky casper entertainment
“Before I started producing events I worked as an assistant at a finance company. Now I wrangle drag queens for a living.” SKY CASPER
F
or a n outsider look ing in, Connecticut can be defined in a patchwork of industrial realms: hedge funds in Greenwich, insurance in Hartford,
education in New Haven, defense manufacturing in Groton, etc. For Sky Casper, however, Connecticut is a statewide stage—occupied by drag performers. The West Hartford native has secured a distinctive niche as the producer and promoter of a series of revues where cross-dressing entertainers bring comedy and music to audiences seeking a happy distraction. “After high school, I attended college but quickly knew what I was actually meant to be doing: paying men to dress like women who then take tips from men and women,”
TC Lynn performs at brunch
Casper quipped. “Before I started
It starts with the sign…
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june 2022 13
in the spotlight
producing events I worked as an assistant at a finance
music and comedy resonated in
company. Now I wrangle drag queens for a living.”
a market where this type of outrageous entertainment was pre-
Casper launched his Sky Casper Entertainment with “Hartford’s Gay Social Saturday,” a weekly
viously lacking. In the New Lon-
happening that premiered in September
don area, “Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch” has been a sta-
2014.
ple at The Social for the past
“Every week I changed the theme,” he said. “I did this for two reasons: 1) I have a
four-and-a-half years.
short attention span, and 2) I have a short attention
When asked what goes into
span. Also, I hoped to create something unique
creating a successful drag revue, Casper begins to rival the insouciance
where people in our community could socialize.”
of his heavily mascaraed, regally-wigged
Casper’s first offering was a “white
stars.
pa r ty ” where attendees wore white—after Labor Day, no
“Tipping!” he laughed. “I kid, sort of. You
less!—while black lights
don’t want to be backstage when a queen has
created a glow ing ef fect
gotten stiffed by an audience. I think that vari-
on the partygoers. As he
ety is the most important thing to focus on
recalled, “I went on to present
Pat ty
Bo u
rrée
costume parties, game nights, drag shows, speed
thing is getting the audience engaged in the show,
dating, etc.”
particularly when it comes to tipping. Did I men-
But it was the drag shows that clicked with local
14
when building a cast. The next most important
tion tipping?”
audiences. Presented under the banner “Pink Eggs &
One of the popular staples of Casper’s shows is
Glam Drag Brunch,” Casper’s raucous line-up of live
Patty Bourrée, who began drag performances
magazine
three-and-a-half years ago after moving from New
fun to incorporate a person like that into the show if
York to Boston for graduate school.
they are down to play with you and don’t take things
“I was in a new place where I knew practically no one, so I started going and performing in drag at open stage shows,” Bourrée stated. “I came to drag from a
too far. It makes the show more live.” Even more disruptive to the shows was the COVID19 pandemic.
musical theater background—I got my BFA in Musi-
“The pandemic started out pretty rough—I got
cal Theater from NYU and have worked as an actor in
COVID before it was trendy,” Casper said. “I had to
New York and at regional theaters across the coun-
cancel and refund tickets for a good amount of shows
try—so I had a lot of performance experience already
that I had planned. I was able to do a certain amount
and naturally gravitated to more campy, theatrical
of virtual shows and provide some income for my
material.”
queens—but, as they say, there ain’t nothin’ like the
Bou r rée pra ised Ca sper for t a k ing h is work seriously.
real thing. I am so happy that we can gather together safely again.”
“Sky’s shows are run very professionally and he’s great at matching talent to audience,” Bourrée continued. “I never wonder if a Sky audience is going to get my references or like my material because he wouldn’t put me in a situation where my drag won’t go over well. Also, Sky makes sure his audiences come loaded with dollar bills, which makes an early morning drag brunch emotionally tolerable. He also has a great team of folks who he works with and also laughs at my jokes—most of the time.” Casper has also broadened the scope of his offerings, providing a diverse range of LGBTQ+-focused entertainment. “I also book all of the entertainment for Southington Pride and West Hartford Pride, which just won an award last year for best festival of the year,” he said. “On top of that, I run queer stand-up comedy shows, big pop-up events, and new shows in Hartford,
Casper has 75 events planned for 2022 and is
Bridgeport, New Haven, etc. I’m busier than a Kar-
focused on booking entertainment for a total of 150
dashian at an attention convention!”
shows. Simultaneous to his live events, he is also
But not everyone has been appreciative of the presentations. “One time Will Smith came out of nowhere and
managing Pangina Heals, the larger-than-life host of Drag Race Thailand and a finalist on the recent RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World.
smacked me,” Bourrée joked before somberly noting,
“I put together her touring schedule and do my best
“There’s very often audience members at drag shows
to keep her out of jail as she tours around the coun-
who want to make it all about them. I’ve had peo-
try,” Casper laughed. “Most of my other events are
ple rip the microphone out of my hands only so they
based in Connecticut, but I love to spread the joy as
could proclaim they like my makeup or that it’s their
much as possible. I’ve brought shows to Boston, New
cousin-in-law’s birthday. But when you’re on stage in
York, and Providence. I also book drag queens for pri-
drag, you’ve got a lot of power to say sit down and shut
vate gigs around the East Coast. I’ll book a show in
up. Most of the audience just wants the show to keep
any state where there isn’t an enforceable restrain-
going, so they’re on your side with that. It also can be
ing order. Call me!”
june 2022 15
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magazine
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people & places ENVIRONMENT
FINANCE
PEOPLE
N E W & N O TA B L E
photo courtesy of loving life boutique
BUSINESS
Spirit Gallery Tattoo remembers late owner
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magazine
all sizes welcome at Loving Life Boutique
people & places
New Orleans-inspired tattoo gallery LARI MOSTRO LIVES ON THROUGH SPIRIT GALLERY TATTOO By Jenn McCulloch photos courtesy of michael dodd
W
hen Spirit Gallery Tattoo moved to
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.
its new space at 377 Colman Street in New London in 2019, owner Lari Mostro was excited to build the shop around his vision of a spa-like atmo-
sphere, his love for the art of tattooing, and decorating with a New Orleans vibe, giving a nod to one of his favorite places and cultures. COVID-19 then challenged every industry, though Spirit Gallery Tattoo moved through the pandemic mostly unscathed. Just as it seemed the pandemic was moving into the rearview, though, came the most devastating blow yet when Mostro suddenly passed away early in 2022. “There was never a question of if we’d keep it going,” said Michael Dodd, Mostro’s longtime partner who has since taken over with Mostro’s husband Frank Kucienski. “There’s so much evidence of him still being around and I really think he’s finishing this work from the other side. It could be crazy, but that’s how I feel and there’s ample evidence and a lot of signs we are going in the right direction.” Dodd and Kucienski are now forging ahead as a duo, after spending the last 32 years with Mostro. Dodd remembers them encouraging Mostro to take over the tattoo shop where he was working as a body piercer. “Lari was a body piercer for 20 years before getting into the management of the tattoo shop—he’s always been obsessed with body art and 95 percent of his body was covered in ink,” said Dodd. “He’d
june 2022 19
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.” 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 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.” 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 priabove 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.
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.” Whi le 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 custom designed, but during COVID, the separate rooms allowed for social distancing between clients, allowing Spirit Gallery to continue to operate. With the artists putting their personality into their rooms, Mostro put his stamp on the lobby. Mostro, Dodd, and Kucienski fell 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 decor was inspired by ‘The Big Easy.’
20
magazine
The New London Beautification Committee presented Spirit Gallery Tattoo with an award for their gardens.
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people & places “We put in gardens and all kinds of stone so it’s a park-like setting,” said Dodd. “We did it because we wanted to, but it’s set a new standard for the community and the New London Beautification Committee gave us an award for our gardens.” With the new location gaining traction, there were plans to expand the business. Spirit Gallery Tattoo was looking at creating a retail space, Spirit Gallery Esoterica, with a focus on occult goods. “He was building that shop for me to run—an occult goods store with a focus on people who work with spirits in any capacity, and with a small chapel dedicated to the Santa Muerte in the back,” said Dodd. “At the time of his passing, we were deep in the planning and early execution of a retail space, but it is now on hold for at least a year.” Dodd notes that while Mostro loved tattoos, he wasn’t artistic and not a tattoo artist himself—and
Shop owners and life partners Frank Kucienski, Michael Dodd, and Lari Mostro enjoyed spending time in New Orleans.
Because Spirit Gallery had started to garner a following at the time Mostro purchased it, they decided not to change the name. As the years went by, the name began to fit the space and the vibe of the shop more and more, especially with the many nods to New Orleans, including a portrait of Marie Laveau, who is known as voodoo queen of New Orleans. “Lari just fell in love with the city and the culture, 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 once a year. “There are a lot of spirits in voodoo so with the New Orleans connection, it’s something we focus on even more now.” The personal touches don’t stop inside the shop. Dodd was a f lorist for several years and when they decided to buy the property the shop is located on, Dodd took over the landscaping and gardens.
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magazine
Spirit Gallery Tattoo has been located at 377 Colman Street in New London since 2019.
both Dodd and Kucienski supported the shop in
When Mostro wasn’t working, Dodd said his
the background, helping with paperwork, poli-
favorite way to relax was cooking. He often made
cies, and more. With Mostro’s passing, both Dodd
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.
at the front desk.
“He did a lot of things over the years but was
“She’s a very close and old friend of ours,” said
most proud of the work he did with his tattoo
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-
They are also planning to continue an annual
wise. Now we’re honoring his memory by carry-
event called Honor Ink, which is a fundraiser
ing on the vision that he had and keeping up his
for Guardians of the Purple Heart. Dodd noted
standards.”
that “it was Lari’s favorite event to host with the veterans being a cause dear to his heart.” Mostro was also involved with various business organizations and sponsored New Lon-
Spirit Gallery Tattoo 377 Colman Street, New London, CT 860-443-0484 | spiritgallerytattoo.com
don pride.
“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.” MICHAEL DODD
june 2022 23
loving
people & places | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
“This is a place where there is absolutely no judgment, and we are here to serve everyone.” LAUREN RICHMOND Jeans and tops that are sold at Loving Life Boutique are displayed on hangers in the shop.
24
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life
boutique
BRINGS INCLUSIVITY TO SHOPPING half-remodeled kitchen, to her basement, to eventually
by ann baldelli Photos courtesy of loving life boutique
space in the Slater Mill in Jewett City. She had bought
auren Richmond started her now-thriving Pawca-
approvals to run her business from it, but her sales grew
tuck women’s boutique in the Nashville airport.
so quickly she bypassed the shed for the Jewett City
After a discouraging shopping trip to nearby
and stylized a “she shed” for her yard and received town
location instead.
Franklin, Tennessee while on a Nashville get-
Richmond did have a head start in attracting online
away with friends in the fall of 2018, Richmond
followers. For years she had been on Facebook and
decided to create the shopping experience for others
blogging, sharing her life as a plus-size woman, and
that she couldn’t find for herself.
later, as a health and fitness coach for an international
“I wanted it to be inclusive,” said Richmond, the
company.
owner of Loving Life Boutique at West Broad and
When she decided to start her inclusive-size online
Mechanic streets, the first storefront passersby on
boutique, she put out a call on social media and in two
busy Route 1 see when they leave Connecticut headed
hours had 600 followers and a week later, more than a
toward Westerly, Rhode Island.
thousand.
“I knew if I was going to do this it was going to be
The online boutique she started in October 2018
size small to 3X, or extra small to 4X, but whatever the
quickly morphed into a brick-and-mortar location,
sizes, I knew I wasn’t going to sell something if Becky
when she remodeled half of her space in the Slater
can’t wear it but Tara can,” said Richmond. “I knew it
Mill to a walk-in shop for customers. She had intended
had to be inclusive.”
to use the space as headquarters for her burgeoning
With encouragement from a friend and support
online business, for warehousing and occasional pop-up
from her husband, Bill, Richmond logged onto the IRS
sales, but said she had always dreamed of having a
website from the Nashville airport to get her Employer
shop like the one she has now.
Identification Number and then onto the Connecticut
Last month, Richmond celebrated her first anniver-
Secretary of the State’s page, to register her business.
sary at her Pawcatuck Loving Life Boutique. It is not
She started online from her Voluntown home, invest-
your ordinary store.
ing $500 in eight blanket scarves that she sold in 30
“What our Loving Life brand really means is lov-
minutes. With her proceeds, she bought shirts, vests,
ing yourself for where you are at,” said the 39-year-
and dresses, and hosted another online sale which also
old Richmond. “It is truly a brand that is centered and
immediately sold out.
focused on loving your moments where you are despite
“In less than six months, I had a six-figure business,” said Richmond, who would move from her
what the scale says, what your jean size says, or what society says.”
june 2022 25
people & places | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 1
2 clockwise from left 1. Summer is coming and there are seasonal options to consider at Loving Life Boutique. 2. Many of the accessories sold at Loving Life Boutique are made by women-owned businesses, including a line of jewelry called Unique by: Cynthia Louise made by Cynthia Theroux, the mother of shop owner Lauren Richmond. 3. Fun beaded purses on display at Loving Life Boutique. 4. A rack of tops and jackets on display on the shop. 5. Lauren Richmond, owner of Loving Life Boutique. 6. Looking in through the big showcase windows at what is inside at Loving Life Boutique.
6
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3
What she has learned, she said, is that regardless of size every woman doubts herself. “No matter whether you are a size 0 or size 26, we all have a negative conversation,” said Richmond. “And people bring their negative conversations in and we all interject and stop the con-
4
versation and redirect it to positive, encouraging words.” The “we” she is talking about are her employees, including her mother, Cynthia Theroux, who makes a line of inclusive-size jewelry sold at the boutique and who Richmond credits for helping
5
to instill her confidence and sense of style. At her boutique, it is always a nurturing shopping experience, Richmond said. “Our team is mission-focused on taking care of women. We are a non-pressure sales environment, and we have a lot of fun, and we laugh and cry together…This is a place where there is absolutely no judgment and we are here to serve everyone,” she said. Richmond and her operations manager, Joellyn Rojas, are recently back from the Dallas Market where they went “to touch and feel and get an idea on proper sizing,” and where they placed orders. Of the thousands of vendors in Dallas, and at similar markets, Richmond estimated that less than 20 carry their lines in sizes small through 3X, and perhaps 10 of those have every item in every size. Finding quality clothing for her all-sizes-inclusive shop is time-consuming, but slowly, Richmond said, the market is growing.
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people & places | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Her boutique looks and feels a like a friend’s home, and that, she said, is intentional. “I wanted a space where people could come in
super expensive. We want our customers to keep coming back and we want them to layer, accessorize, and intermix our pieces.”
and be themselves. Where they could walk out of the
Women of all sizes are shopping at Loving Life Bou-
dressing room with their shoes off and they could walk
tique. Online sales—in addition to her website sales,
around and go grab new pieces,” she said. “I wanted a
Richmond hosts a live sale every Thursday night with
space where people felt at home.”
new merchandise—tend to attract more plus-size buy-
All of the accessories that she sells—graphic T-shirts, self-tanners, lotions, perfumes, purses, hats, and jewelry—come from woman-run businesses.
ers but in the boutique, she said it’s a pretty equal split between customers of every size. “To really feel good on the outside you have to feel
The clothing she buys from vendors across the
good on the inside,” said Richmond, the mother of
country in Los Angles, New York, and Texas. She
two teenage daughters. “You have to feel good about
describes her line as dressy, casual, bohemian, coun-
yourself no matter what size you are in.”
try, and causal.
She is especially proud of the jeans she sells which are
“Our typical customer is a woman looking to
stylish, flattering, comfortable, and available in sizes 0
enhance her style and just shine,” said Richmond.
to 26. Customers who haven’t worn jeans in many years
“We have some higher-end brands but we are not
have cried when they tried them on, she said.
below, left to right Clothing and accessories are always artfully display at the boutique; Owner Lauren Richmond, left, with her mother, Cynthia Theroux, who makes custom jewelry sold in the shop and who Richmond said has been a huge inspiration to her; American Darling bags on display at Loving Life Boutique
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magazine
“One of the most rewarding things is being a mom with daughters and all being able to shop together,” said Richmond. “Because I never had that. My mom and I would shop, we loved that, but never in the same place. So, for me and my mom to be able to wear the same jeans and the same clothes, or very similar styles, well that’s great.” 2 Mechanic St., Pawcatuck, CT lovinglifeboutique.com Instagram: @lovinglife_boutique
right The entrance to Loving Life Boutique at West Broad and Mechanic streets in Pawcatuck
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june 2022 29
E N T E R TA I N I N G
R E S TA U R A N T S
FOOD & DRINK
Groton. Photo by Joe Nahass
RECIPES
taste
wings are king at Hot Rod Cafe
30
magazine
host a fiesta-style summer soirée
SPONSORED CONTENT
taste
Woodfellas moves into 2 Wives location in New London
brought to you by woodfellas pizza & wings
W
oodfellas Pizza has expanded to New London, taking over what was formally known as 2 Wives Pizza. Robert “Bob” Currier started making pizzas in 2010 when he creat-
ed The Rolling Tomato, which he sold to one of his employees in 2017. In 2018 he created Woodfellas Pizza & Wings, a known and loved establishment, which is located inside The Velvet Mill in Stonington Borough. Currier is a certified Pizzaiolo (pizza chef) using woodfired ovens. He is excited about the New London location. His mother worked at many landmark restaurants in the area for years and passed the love of the restaurant business to her son. Bob’s slogan is “it’s the wood that makes it good!” Along with the traditional wood-fired pizzas, Bob will also feature wood-fired wings and the Hughie’s love salad, a New London tradition! Check out his new venture, Salute Bar Cart, stop in for a delicious pizza, or let him serve you at any event with his mobile wood-fired pizza truck, it’s a real Rolling Pizza
Brought to you by Woodfellas Pizza & Wings 45 Huntington Street, New London, CT (formerly 2 Wives Pizza) 860-447-9337 | Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. 9 p.m., The Velvet Mill, 22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington, CT woodfellaspizza.com | 860-715-9663 Open Wednesday-Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 4-8 p.m., Closed Monday-Tuesday
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june 2022 31
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
32
magazine
wingin’ it FROM WALL STREET TO BANK STREET, LOCAL RESTAURATEUR PENS CHILDREN’S BOOK ABOUT ACCEPTANCE
by jenn mcculloch photos courtesy of rod cornish ike his family generations before him, Rod Cornish
next nine months, he went to classes five days a week, learning to cook under Mario Lungo, as well as learning the operational side of the industry.
grew up in New London and now not only lives in the
“He was a really cool chef who took me under his wing,”
area, but owns one of Bank Street’s restaurants, Hot
said Cornish, who worked at The 99 and Outback Steak-
Rod Cafe, which features American cuisine, including
house. “He suggested I work at some chains to figure out
an extensive wing menu. While Cornish has run the
how to do things properly as far as standards, measur-
restaurant since December 2005, the hospitality industry
ing, methodology. I was a server, bartender, and worked in
was not his first—or last—
the kitchen. I wanted to
career trajectory.
learn every position in
Cornish studied
the house.”
finance, earning his MBA,
When it came time
and worked in the field
for Cornish to open his
for about 15 years. After
own restaurant, he was
9/11, his company, Merrill
first drawn to a barbecue
Lynch, offered severance
menu, but then decided
packages to employees.
he wanted a broader
“I grabbed the package
focus . With Hot Rod
and went to Europe for a
Cafe, Cornish and his
few months,” said Cor-
executive chef, Carlos
nish. “I thought I’d call
Paucar, have designed a
it a year off, travel, and
menu of American cui-
explore the world. Even
sine featuring a variety
when I left my job, I didn’t
of salads, sandwiches,
know I wanted to work in
burgers, wraps, and
a restaurant.”
wings.
During his time away,
He opened Hot Rod
Cornish wanted to learn Spanish and enrolled in a school in
Cafe in 2005, implementing many of the lessons he learned
Spain, studying the language for nearly three months. He
through his schooling and his experience in the field. Now
returned to America in 2002 and was drawn toward getting
in his own restaurant, everything is measured, and timers
involved in opening a restaurant or bar.
are used on dishes to maintain consistency.
With little experience in that industry, Cornish enrolled
Though there is a great variety of dishes on the menu,
in the adult education program at Grasso Tech. For the
Hot Rod Cafe may be most known for its wings. In the
june 2022 33
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
beginning, there were a few variet-
has been with the restaurant for fifteen
ies, but early on, The Day featured Hot
years, took second place in the National
Rod Cafe in an article called ‘Super
Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New
Wings for the Super Bowl’ and Cornish
York. They have also won top prize in
notes that as a turning point for the
several regional contests.
restaurant. “It was a great article and more peo-
cooking show called ‘Winging It!’ The
ple started coming in—it really put us
show provides tutorials on creating
on the map,” said Cornish. “I met Stew
different dishes such as chili, seafood
Leonard once and he said, ‘It doesn’t
stuffing, herb-baked chicken wings,
matter what you want to sell, but what
and more.
customers want to buy—always listen
“Every contest we’ve ever won is from
to the customer.’ Now we have 31 fla-
Carlos’s recipes,” said Cornish. “We also
vors of wings.”
cook different things on our YouTube
The wings aren’t only popular among
34
The pair has also created a YouTube
show and that’s been fun.”
the New London customers, but region-
Cornish has not only seen the menu
ally as well. Cornish and Paucar, who
and customer base grow over the years,
magazine
May 21 – September 18
96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Connecticut FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org • 860.434.5542 This exhibition has been made possible by
Dana Sherwood, The Confectionery Lives of Artists
generous support from Connecticut Humanities,
and Other Organisms, 2021. Resin, clay, glass bell
the Department of Economic and Community
jars with snails, natural material, and cake. Courtesy
Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts, The
of the artist and Denny Dimin Gallery, New York.
Aeroflex Foundation, and Bouvier Insurance.
Photograph by Paul Mutino
june 2022 35
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
“I met Stew Leonard once and he said, ‘It doesn’t matter what you want to sell, but what customers want to buy—always listen to the customer.’ Now we have 31 flavors of wings.” ROD CORNISH but the actual space of the restaurant as well. Hot Rod
changed in March 2020 when COVID-19 hit. Like every
Cafe moved from a small space on Bank Street to its cur-
restaurant, Cornish and his staff had to adjust and deal
rent location at 114 Bank Street, right on the Thames River.
with supply chain issues and rising costs.
In 2019, Cornish worked with Dave Preka of Advanced
“It was definitely a struggle for a while,” said Cornish.
Group, LLC, to complete a “huge renovation.” In addi-
“Now we’re trending in the right direction and getting
tion to updating the bathrooms, they added a patio and
back to where people can sit down and have a beer at
a rooftop bar.
the bar so this summer we’ll be right back in it.”
“He said with a beautiful spot on the water, we should
Cornish is looking forward to bringing back special
go up,” said Cornish. “We were just getting rolling pretty
events as well. He has been working DJ E@zy for the
good and had a few good years in a row, so we said,
past 10 years. Hot Rod Cafe also hosts other events like
‘Let’s do this’ and he did the whole thing in 31 days.”
karaoke, trivia, and more.
The renovations were completed in time for New
Cornish’s favorite part about his restaurant is the
London’s annual Sailfest with the outdoor spaces
relationships he has formed with his staff and his cus-
being used through the fall. After a busy season, Cor-
tomers. The walls of Hot Rod Cafe are adorned with
nish rewarded his staff with a trip to New Orleans, even
photos of customers and staff.
bringing a few “great customers.”
36
“It’s a special place and aside from the great food,
As Cornish and his staff returned and began to count
we have great bartenders and a great staff who have
down to another warm-weather season, everything
been there a long time as well as customers who
magazine
have become family—we’re one of New London’s bars, like Cheers,” said Cornish. “It’s a no-nonsense, fun place with all different walks of life, all races, and all kinds of people.” Diversity and acceptance has always been important to Cornish, and he has always tried to instill that in his son, Roen, who was a model from four months old until age five. They were walking in New York City after one of his jobs, and Cornish realized his son had fully absorbed the lesson when Roen was just four years old. “He turned to me and said, ‘Dad your skin is darker, mine’s lighter, but we’re all just the same’,” said Cornish. “He’d figured something out at four years old that some grown-ups still can’t.” On the train ride back home, Cornish was still thinking about his son’s comment and documented it in his Notes app. Over the years, he continued to revisit that conversation and it inspired him to
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thing on my own time.” 114 Bank Street, New London, CT hotrodscafenewlondon.com 860-447-2320
june 2022 37
taste
a summer
Photo Courtesy of Los Charros Cantina
38
magazine
soirée LOS CHARROS CANTINA ST YLE
N
by jennifer carmichael othing beats dining outdoors in the summertime with great food, cocktails, and conversation. The season affords an opportunity for casual, stress-free entertaining. For the best al fresco dining, Chef Colt Taylor, own-
er of Los Charros Cantina in Centerbrook, says that you can’t go wrong with the authenticity and spice of traditional Mexican cuisine. He shares how we can bring his restaurant’s simple, affordable, fun food straight to your backyard. “One of the most popular and festive themes for a summer soirée is tacos and tequila,” says Chef Taylor. “They’re a crowd pleaser as well as the perfect hosting backdrop, since guests can assemble their own dish, and the proteins can come right off the grill. Add a pitcher of margaritas, and you have a true summertime fiesta!” For an on-point, fiesta tablescape to set the perfect mood, head over to Mix Design Store in Guilford.
june 2022 39
taste The boutique has a great selection of quality items that you won’t find at a big box store. You’ll find dinnerware by Q Squared that’s made from Melaboo™, a blend of melamine and bamboo, creating a beautiful texture that your guests will probably mistake for artisanal pottery. It’s also BPA free, stain resistant, but most importantly for outdoor dining—it’s shatterproof. “We have a range of offerings and a mix of fabulous finds to inspire the perfect summer soirée,” says Maggie Moffett, owner of Mix Design Store, located on the Guilford Green. “There’s a lot to consider and plan when hosting a party, but it doesn’t have to be stressful—or too fancy! We have everyday pieces that still feel special and unique and make for easy entertaining at a palatable price.” In addition, you can find tablecloths made in Mexico on a backstrap loom. They measure 60x90, and retail for $85. Mexican throws by Nativa, which showcase the talent of amazing fair trade artisans located throughout remote villages in Mexico, can double as a tablecloth or picnic blanket ($70). Either are the perfect backdrop for the earthy design and organic feel of the Potter Stone Melaboo™ collection. And don’t forget pretty candles to add a touch of elegance. These citronella ones in a stylish, glass pot, screen-printed with a dragonfly, will illuminate the backyard, and deter unwanted bugs from crashing your party. They are hand-poured soy candles formulated to be used outside. Prices range from $48-$88. Over at Walker Loden with locations in Madison and New Haven, they have everything you need to set the table, including a taco tray and a serving tray that’s perfect for chips and dip. The boutique also sells beautiful reversible plastic placemats in a ton of styles. All are easy to wipe to keep the party mess free.
CHEF TAYLOR’S SUGGESTIONS FOR THE
ULTIMATE GRILL AND GO PARTY: Chips, salsa, and guacamole A nice taco salad Margarita and Paloma pitchers, or perhaps some Guadalajara Punch (see page 42)! Elote (grilled street corn) Shishito peppers, grilled and finished with lime and ancho powder Skirt steak, fish, shrimp, and chicken legs (or breasts) marinated in lime juice, orange and adobo
40
magazine
These Mexican throws work great as either a tablecloth or a blanket when the sun goes in. photo Courtesy of Mix Design Store
Guacamole (Mexico City Style) INGREDIENTS 2 ripe avocados, roughly mashed 1/4 cup spring peas Lime juice and zest from 3 limes 1/4 red onion 1/4 bunch cilantro (with stems) 1/2 Serrano pepper, seeded and diced In a mortar with pestle, combine all ingredients. Season to taste with honey and salt.
“This unique version adds peas for a touch of sweetness and a firmer mouth feel. It’s also much more stable in the sun.” CHEF COLT TAYLOR
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Fine Gifts, Collectibles & Jewelry Since 1975
Olde Mistick Village 7A Mystic , CT 06355 860-536-2964
georgetti.com
june 2022 41
taste Pineapple Salsa
INGREDIENTS 1 pineapple, peeled 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar 2 Serrano peppers, seeded and diced 10 tomatillos, diced 1/4 white onion, diced 1/4 red onion, diced 1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup olive oil Toss pineapple in salt and sugar. Roast for 20 minutes in a 400° oven, or on the grill. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit in a bowl for one hour. Dice the pineapple, place in a bowl, and add remaining ingredients.
1
Guadalajara Punch
INGREDIENTS 1 liter Tequila Blanco 1 bottle Rosé or Prosecco 6 limes, juiced 12 oranges, juiced (or 1.5 liters fresh orange juice) 1 large can pineapple juice 1-2 liters Jarritos Mandarin Soda (or other orange soda) 1 fresh pineapple, cubed 4 oranges, cut into wedges 1 watermelon, cut into chunks 3 lemons cut into wedges 6 limes, quartered 3 kiwis, cut into wedges 2 star fruit, sliced Mix the tequila, wine, lime, orange, pineapple juice, and Jarritos soda into a large pitcher. Add all the fresh fruit. Let it sit for an hour, and chill before serving.
2
Ancho Marinade
INGREDIENTS 3 Ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded, soaked in cup of hot water 1 Pasilla pepper, stemmed and seeded, soaked in cup of hot water 1 Cascabel pepper, stemmed and seeded, soaked in cup of hot water 5 Pequin pepper, stemmed and seeded, soaked in cup of hot water 1 cup orange juice 1 cup lime juice 2 tomatillos, roughly chopped 1 onion, roughly chopped 2 garlic minced 1 teaspoon cumin 4 tablespoon olive oil Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Marinade at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight in a Ziploc bag.
“This marinade is perfect for giving a smoky and flavorful pop of excitement to all of your grilling treats. It works well with shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, and fish.” CHEF COLT TAYLOR
42
magazine
3
4
5 clockwise from far left 1. Find everything you need for the perfect tablescape at Walker Loden in Madison, like these patterned placemats. photo courtesy of Walker Loden 2. Light up your backyard with citronella candles that not only look good, but deter the bugs too. photo courtesy of Mix Design Store 3. photo courtesy of los charros cantina 4. Dinnerware with a blend of melamine that’s perfect for outdoor dining. photo courtesy of Mix Design Store 5. Find taco holders and everything you need for the perfect tablescape at Walker Loden in Madison. photo courtesy of Walker Loden
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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
44
magazine
Take out
Breakfast
Brunch
Delivery
Entertainment
Lunch
Outdoor dining
Cash only
Fresh, contemporary fare, seasonally influenced. Fresh seafood, steaks & 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 2nd 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
I know pets aren’t *really* supposed to eat human food, but sharing is caring!
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. june 2022 45
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 & 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
Brunch Outdoor dining
Cash only
Lunch
90 Halls Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 860-434-2342 facebook.com/TheStumbleInne
Dinner
Kids’ menu
Alcohol served
Call ahead
Aot Grueysawat, Bartender
C
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 06379 860-599-2034 | ccobriens.com
Price range Online ordering
THE STUMBLE INNE
Open late
W S NE RES D AD
ome be served by Aot Grueysawat at the newly renovated Samurai Noodle in Downtown Mystic. Grueysawat says “The most popular drinks definitely are the Mai Tai, Scorpion Bowl and CT Rum Punch - and spicy miso ramen
is a customer favorite.” Grueysawat, originally born in Korat, Thailand, came to Connecticut 7 years ago to live near his aunt Tai (owner of Samurai Noodle) and experience life in the US. He hasn’t looked back since. “Expect to see lots of new food, and an exciting atmosphere here at Samurai.” Happy Hour is every day from 4-6 p.m.
SAMURAI NOODLE Open 7 days a week 27 W Main St, Mystic, CT 06355 860-415-9317 samurainoodlemystic.com
Relocated to 147 Water Street,
Stonington Borough Wine is our passion but being a part of this community is a lifelong commitment that we consider both a privilege and an honor.
Call us today at
(860) 980-6069 to place an order!
WE OFFER FREE LOCAL DELIVERY! 46
magazine
A place where food becomes a delightful experience At The Spice Palette we pride ourselves on exemplary hospitality and culinary expertise to bring you perfectly crafted cuisine with the best cocktails and food pairings. The Spice Palette menu encompasses the harmony and diversity of the Indian subcontinent by bringing together a plethora of Indian flavours and tantalizing spices. Our uniquely crafted menu offers Indian delicacies complimented with a hint of rare south Indian fusion. Entice your palette in the next and best of Indian cuisine, with the added garnishing of spectacular service and elegant fine dining in the laid-back setting of New London CT.
929 Bank Street New London CT 959-201-6913 june 2022 47 thespicepaletteus.com
monthly feature
the
on
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magazine
By Ann Baldelli photos courtesy of stonewall apiary
A
bee sting is no big dea l for Stua r t Woronecki of Stonewall Apiary. “I get stung all the time; 10 times a day,” said the Hanover-based beekeeper, who tends to about 350 honeybee colonies in
eastern Connecticut and teaches hobbyist beekeepers how to get started. This is the busy season for Woronecki, as blossoms start to bloom and honeybees become active. “I once heard a beekeeper say that a single hive needs 15 acres of continually blossoming flowers in the warm season to keep it alive,” said Woronecki.
“But you can’t plant any 15 acres that will blossom all summer long, so that’s why honeybees fly up to 5 miles.” They can actua lly f ly far ther than that, he
far left Beekeeper Stuart Woronecki examines a deep frame with brood and honey stores. above Honeybees in a busy hive ignore the inspection going on around them. below An up-close look at honey comb before it’s capped over. If you look closely, you can see Woronecki’s reflection.
explained, but the effort takes so much energy that they’ll starve to death trying. More often, bees from a single hive will forage within a couple-mile radius, he said. Woronecki didn’t start out to be a beekeeper, and in fact has a PhD in music theory and music education. He used to be an elementary school music teacher in the town of Franklin, and later, when he was working on his master’s degree and PhD at the University of Connecticut, taught at UConn. His interest in honeybees developed at an early age, when he helped an elderly neighbor in Somers, where he hails from. “There was this neighbor, and he was very old when I knew him. He was born in 1897, and he was a hobbyist who had a small orchard, maybe 12 trees, and a couple of beehives,” said Woronecki. When the beekeeping neighbor died, his wife offered Woronecki his hives and equipment, but he was in college then and the timing wasn’t right for him. But later, when Woronecki was married, living in Sprague and teaching, he realized beekeeping was a good fit with the academic year. As honeybees were emerging from hives and foraging the first blooms of spring, the school year was winding down.
june 2022 49
American Fusion Cuisine
fresh, local, organic, sustainable, artistically driven ingredients
Casual Fine Dining
inviting & contemporary bar atmosphere, seasonal outdoor dining By about 2000, when Woronecki was working on his PhD, he had about 20 hives. After supplying honey to friends and family, he set up a card table on the side of the road with an honor box for passersby who wanted to buy his honey. “And then I would take that money and buy more hives with it,” he said. Today, Woronecki’s hives are all over eastern Connecticut, including at the Coogan Farm Nature and Heritage Center and the Denison
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Homestead in Mystic, as well as at farms, orchards and some backyards. The benefit is pollination—the act of transferring pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma. Honeybees accomplish pollination through their quest for nectar, when the pollen of one flower sticks to the hairs of the bee’s body and then rubs off on the next one. Their efforts create rewards for everyone. The farmer gets his crops pollinated which means they will reproduce, the honeybees get nectar, and Woronecki gets the honey. He’s been at it full time since 2013, when post Great Recession there were fewer academic jobs for him, but an opportunity, he believed, to make a living at beekeeping. Now, in addition to keeping bees, he also supplies live bees to hobbyists, produces queen bees, sells all the necessary beekeeping equipment, and teaches the art of beekeeping.
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left Overwintering honeybees gather on a dry sugar food supply to eat when it’s too cold for syrup. above Woronecki teaches beginning beekeeping classes in the wintertime and also hosts monthly informational field days for students like this one at his Stonewall Apiary
“There is no one rooting harder
“The learning curve is very steep,”
for hobbyist beekeepers than Stu-
said Cholewa. “Nature can be tough.
art himself,” said Brendan Cholewa
She’s not always nice. I lost my first
of Griswold, one of his students and a
hive. Maybe it was mites, but I was
passionate beekeeper himself.
devastated. It was like losing a kid.”
“Stuart wants to keep people in
He decided to step up his game and
beekeeping. He wants to spread the
he and his wife, Janee, took Woronec-
husbandry of beekeeping. He is prob-
ki’s class.
ably the most intelligent man in Con-
“I knew I needed a higher level of
necticut, maybe New England, when
teaching,” Cholewa said. “And Stuart
it comes to bees.”
covered every topic and challenge. He
Five years ago, Cholewa decided he wanted to try his hand with a hive of
validated things I was doing right and also my flaws.”
bees. Like Woronecki, he had been
His second season he had two hives
introduced to the idea by an elderly
and two disasters. The third year, he
neighbor. So, Cholewa learned every-
moved his hives to a friend’s prop-
thing he could about beekeeping on
erty that he considered a better habi-
YouTube and bought a hive and bees
tat and upped his hives to three. One
from Woronecki.
of the three survived.
Sundae Says BENEFITS OF BEEKEEPING
• It helps the environment and the economy
• It’s a fascinating subject to study
• It passes on great lessons to kids
• It can provide a great sense of community
• It’s relaxing and can calm stress
• Improves pollination of
garden crops and flowers
• Bees can fit anywhere • You get to dress like an astronaut
• Bees produce a bunch of goods
• Honey has health benefits credit: beekeepinginsider.com
june 2022 51
monthly feature Cholewa has kept at it. He has increased the number of his hives each year, and had more successes and fewer failures. This year, he plans to split one of his hives and introduce a new queen. “It’s the closest connection and relationship I have ever had with nature other than hunting,” he said. “I can literally watch these bees forever. With no traffic control, they are in sync together to get one goal done. To survive the winter and to continue the colony itself. Individuals will die but the superorganism survives.”
above At Stonewall Apiary they sell a variety of products including wildflower honey, honey butter, beeswax candles, beeswax wood polish, and more. There is also an observation hive.
Woronecki is also captivated by bees. “In the past, I had an observation hive in my office, and I would sit there and I would try to work and I would find myself, even after all these years, just fascinated,” he said. He has concerns about honeybee health and insect survival. “Remember when you were a kid driving
right There is a single queen in a colony and she is the largest bee. Here she is surrounded by worker bees.
with your parents and having to pull over and wash the windshield off?” Woronecki asked, adding, “That doesn’t happen anymore.” It’s a combination of many things, he suspects, but for honeybees in particular there is a parasitic mite called Varroa that infiltrates honeybee colonies and feeds on adult bees and larvae, passing on viruses and destroying colonies. He is doing all he can to keep them
“I get stung all the time; 10 times a day.” STUART WORONECKI
What should you do if your pet gets stung by a bee?
Bee stings are often relatively mild. If your pet gets stung by a bee, Check for a stinger. Bees are the only insects that leave stingers behind. Remove it by scraping a credit card over your pet’s coat and flick it off. Avoid using tweezers, as they may squeeze more venom out of the stinger. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the sting site to soothe the pain. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes to reduce swelling. Monitor your pet for any signs of a serious allergic reaction. credit: vcahospitals.com
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at bay, and sharing what he knows with hobbyist beekeepers. His business has grown through the pandemic as people have looked for more at-home and leisure activities, and his classes continue to be ver y popular. It’s not a cheap hobby, Woronecki said, explaining it costs about $650 to get started with the proper equipment, protection, hives, and bees. He traveled to Georgia in March to get 500 packages of bees that he sells to his customers. A package is a wooden box filled with about 10,000 bees. They arrive in the boxes mostly clustered in a ball, around a feeder container of sugar syrup.
below When COVID-19 struck, Woronecki moved his beekeeping classes to online, and later, did hybrid classes with some participants at the apiary and others on their computers. Woronecki has a PhD in music theory and music education and he is a former teacher. right Stuart Woronecki regularly visits orchards, gardens and farms to check on hives.
Cholewa said when the queen bee is laying eggs, the
and both a wood polish and hand salve made from beeswax.
hive can grow to 60,000 to 70,000 bees. Typically, there is one queen for each hive and
Woronecki likes to think of bees as the legs of
the vast majority of others—about 96 percent—are
plants, moving from one blossom to another, doing
female worker bees. The drones are male bees.
their mating for them. And, after all these years, he
In the summer, the job of the worker bees is to forage, defend the hive, raise the brood, and take care of the queen. In the winter, they keep the queen fed
still marvels at the fact that the queen in a hive is the mother of all the bees living and working there. Honeybees perform something called a waggle dance. It’s a type of figure-eight movement they do to
and warm. The summertime job of the worker bees is so gruel-
share information about the direction and distance of nectar-filled blossoms and other things
ing that their lifespan is about 42 days. Woronecki is an expert on everything about honey-
with fellow honeybees. Woronecki does his own
bees and in January 2021, he broke ground on his new
balancing act, teaching others the ins and outs of bee-
Stonewall Apiary headquarters, where he has all his
keeping, of keeping a hive healthy and thriving, of tak-
beekeeping supplies, his production facilities, offices,
ing just the right amount of honey and leaving enough for the colony to survive, and shar-
a retail sales shop, and, outdoors, thriving beehives. In addition to beekeeping paraphernalia, he sells honey, creamed honey, comb honey, and chunk honey, as well as honey butter, beeswax candles,
“I just think honeybees are pretty amazing,” he said.
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monthly feature | CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH
Love
is love,
and it’s beautiful THE HISTORY OF THE GAY PRIDE FLAG
A
54
By Morgan Rizzo
The f lag was created in honor of the Stonewall
ctress, Judy Garland, sings, “somewhere
Riots, also called the Stonewall Uprising, in New
over the rainbow, way up high, there’s
York City in June of 1969. There were violent con-
a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.”
frontations between police and gay rights activists
K now n a s t he icon ic cha racter Doro-
after the police invaded the Stonewall Inn, a gay club
thy singing, “Over the Rainbow,” Garland
in the city because homosexual relationships were
adapted this song as one of her signatures for her-
illegal at the time in New York City. Gay night clubs
self and the LGTBQ+ community as one of Ameri-
served as a hidden space for the LGBTQ+ community
ca’s first gay icons. The message of love and support
to express their sexuality. This invasion sparked six
that “Over the Rainbow” brings to its listeners, res-
days of protests and riots in the streets of New York
onates with the most powerful symbol of pride, the
City, starting the support of the
rainbow flag.
gay rights movement.
SEX LIFE HEALING SUNLIGHT NATURE ART HARMONY SPIRIT
The gay pride flag was originally designed by Gil-
Originally, the gay pride f lag
bert Baker, an openly gay man and drag queen who
consisted of eight stripes of dif-
drew inspiration from Garland’s song. Baker was
ferent colors, each with a unique
additionally inf luenced by Harvey Milk, the first
meaning. Hot pink was for sex.
openly gay elected official in the United States to cre-
Red represented life. Orange
ate a gay pride symbol for their community. Rain-
meant healing. Yellow embodied
bows are able to represent the LGBTQ+ commu-
sunlight. Green equaled nature.
nity members of all ages, races, and genders with its
Turquoise signified art. Indigo
nature and beauty. “It’s a natural flag,” Baker once
expressed harmony. Violet for spirit. And these col-
said. “It comes from the sky.”
ors made up the rainbow symbol synonymous with
magazine
the LGBTQ+ community and their rights. This first version of the pride flag was flown at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978, where Milk, elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, gave his “Hope Speech” advocating for his “gay sisters and brothers to make the commitment to fight” against discriminatory legislation. Sadly, Milk was assassinated on November 27, 1978, which catalyzed a call for an increase in the production of the rainbow f lag. Since then, the flag has been reduced to six colors by removing pink and turquoise and replacing it with blue for easier manufacturing. The contemporary flag with the six colors of the rainbow is recognized worldwide as a symbol of identity and support. Today, the gay pride flag has been adopted to become more inclusive by representing all races, genders, and sexual identities. Some gay pride flags can be seen with the additional colors of brown and black for people of color, who were not originally represented in the gay rights movement. Light blue, light pink, and white stripes are also added to include transgender and gender non-conforming people to show the inclusion of all people. There are over 50 different adaptations of Gilbert Baker’s original pride flag, symbolizing both diversity and unity, paving the way for more progress to be made.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Here are some of the terms you might hear when learning about the LGBTQ+ community. from hrc.org/resources/ glossary-of-terms
ALLY A term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the LGBTQ+ community who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community). CISGENDER A term used to describe a person whose gender identity aligns with those
typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. “Cis” is commonly pronounced like “sis”.
GENDER BINARY A system in which gender is constructed into two strict categories of male or female. Gender identity is expected to align with the sex assigned at birth, and gender expressions and roles fit traditional expectations.
GENDER-EXPANSIVE A person with a wider, more flexible range of gender identity and/
or expression than typically associated with the binary gender system. Often used as an umbrella term when referring to young people still exploring the possibilities of their gender expression and/or gender identity.
GENDER EXPRESSION External appearance of one’s gender identity, usually expressed
through behavior, clothing, body characteristics or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine.
GENDER IDENTITY One’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither—how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One’s gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. GENDER NON-CONFORMING A broad term referring to people who do not behave in a way that conforms to the traditional expectations of their gender, or whose gender expression does not fit neatly into a category. While many also identify as transgender, not all gender non-conforming people do.
QUEER A term people often use to express a spectrum of identities and orientations that are counter to the mainstream. Queer is often used as a catch-all to include many people, including those who do not identify as exclusively straight and/or folks who have nonbinary or gender-expansive identities. This term was previously used as a slur, but has been reclaimed by many parts of the LGBTQ+ movement. QUESTIONING A term used to describe people who are in the process of exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity. SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH The sex, male, female or intersex, that a doctor or midwife uses to describe a child at birth based on their external anatomy.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people. Note: an individual’s sexual orientation is independent of their gender identity. TRANSITIONING A series of processes that some transgender people may undergo in order to live more fully as their true gender. This typically includes social transition, such as changing name and pronouns, medical transition, which may include hormone therapy or gender affirming surgeries, and legal transition, which may include changing legal name and sex on government identity documents. Transgender people may choose to undergo some, all, or none of these processes. june 2022 55
monthly feature | CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH
Gilbert Baker’s original pride flag
First used in the late 70s, this flag was created by Gilbert Baker—an activist, drag queen, and artist—who described his rainbow-striped design as “something beautiful, something from us… it really fits our diversity in terms of race, gender, ages, all of those things.”
LGBTQ+ pride flag
The familiar rainbow flag represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) and queer pride, as well as LGBTQ+ social movements. The colors of the pride flag, also known as the gay pride flag or LGBTQ+ pride flag, depict the LGBTQ+ community’s variety as well as the “spectrum” of human sexuality and gender.
Philadelphia pride flag
The city of Philadelphia approved a redesigned version of the flag created by the marketing agency Tierney in June 2017, which adds black and brown stripes to the top of the traditional six-color flag to call attention to concerns affecting LGBTQ+ people of color.
Here are a few of the many variations on the pride flag. adapted from queerintheworld.com/different-lgbtq-flags-and-meaning/
Agender
Agender refers to a person who does not identify themselves as having a particular gender. Other words used to describe agender include genderfree, neutrois, gender blank, or genderless.
Aromantic
relationships.
Aromantics have no interest in or desire for romantic
Asexual
An asexual person is someone who has no sexual feelings or desires or who is not sexually attracted to anyone.
Bigender
A bigender person is someone whose sense of personal identity encompasses two genders. It literally translates as ‘two genders’ or ‘double gender,’ and these genders could be male and female but could also combine non-binary identities.
Bisexual
A bisexual person is someone who is sexually attracted to both men and women.
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Demigender
A demigender (from demi “half” + “gender”) is an umbrella term for nonbinary gender identities and denotes individuals who feel only a partial connection to a particular gender identity.
Demisexual
A demisexual is someone who only experiences sexual attraction to people with whom they have close emotional connections.
Gay
Gay is a term for someone who experiences sexual or romantic attraction to other men or between men.
Genderfluid
Simply put, a genderfluid person is someone who does not identify themselves as having a fixed gender.
Genderqueer
A genderqueer person does not subscribe to conventional gender distinctions but still identifies with neither, both, or a combination of male and female genders.
Intersex
Intersex is a term that may be used to describe a person with both male and female sex characteristics at birth.
Lesbian
A lesbian is someone who experiences sexual or romantic attraction to other women or between women.
Non-Binary
While the term “nonbinary” or “enby” can mean different things to different people, it is typically used to describe someone whose gender identity isn’t exclusively male or female.
Pansexual
A pansexual is not limited in sexual choice concerning biological sex, gender, or gender identity. They will often refer to themselves as gender-blind, explaining that gender and sex do not determine their romantic or sexual attraction to others.
Polysexual
A polysexual person is someone who is sexually and/ or romantically attracted to multiple genders.
Progress pride flag
This ever-changing flag features black and brown stripes to portray marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color and baby blue, pink, and white to incorporate the trans flag in its design. It has been updated to be even more inclusive—specifically of the intersex community.
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Queer
Queer is an identity in and of itself that more and more people are choosing to identify with. It is a sort of label for those who don’t want to put themselves in a box. Often considered a movement, queer people are those who fall outside of and/or renounce the cultural norms around sexuality, gender identity, and/ or gender expression.
Straight Ally
A straight ally is a cisgender or heterosexual person who recognizes the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community due to their gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. They are not themselves part of the queer rainbow family but support LGBTQ+ causes and fight for a more inclusive world.
Transgender
A transgender person is someone whose gender identity is different from the gender they were thought to be at birth.
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home & garden GARDENING
DECOR
ADVICE
Smith’s Acres, Niantic. photo by G.A. Peck
R E A L E S TAT E
compact living in tiny houses
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magazine
Container gardening for food and flair
home & garden
Small on size, big on efficiency TINY HOUSES APPEAL TO HOMEBUYERS WHO WANT MOBILITY, ENERGY AND COST EFFICIENCY, AND A MORE SIMPLIFIED WAY OF LIFE By G.A. Peck | photos courtesy of Tiny Foundations Northeast LLC
A
ccording to iPropertyManagement.com, interest in tiny-houses—fully functional, perfectly livable, small square footage homes, often portable—is on the rise. Increased popularity in recent years
may have been inspired by a number of factors. More homeowners who’ve chosen this lifestyle have shared their stories through HGTV-type shows and documentaries, broadening exposure to the architectural and design possibilities. This all comes at a time when it’s much more expensive to build or buy a traditional house, and maintenance and energy efficiency are weighty concerns. Christopher Steines said the modern roots of tiny-house living can be traced to the American west, where the concept first gained traction in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s only been in recent years when they became popular in the northeast corner of the nation.
“It’s insane what it costs to live in a home these days, and I think the tiny-house movement is a viable option to make it more attainable to live in your own home and not pay rent routinely.” CHRISTOPHER STEINES
Tiny Foundations Northeast LLC takes a modular approach to tinyhouse builds. Customers have the option to choose from three mobile models, with interiors that can be completely customized
june 2022 59
Steines’ wife, Wendy, first learned about tiny-house living from a Netflix documentary she encouraged her husband to watch. The couple had spent some time living in an in-law apartment, and generally didn’t like the idea of paying rent long-term. “We were looking for an alternative. At the time, we couldn’t afford a traditional home, and we didn’t really want to take on a full mortgage, either,” he said. They decided to build their own tiny house and embarked on “a whole bunch of research and a whole bunch of planning.” Even though their friends and family thought they were “crazy,” the couple not only built their own home, they launched their own business, too: Tiny Foundations Northeast LLC. They partnered with Trailer Made Custom Trailers, which provides the mobile foundations for three foundational designs. They can be pre-built, ordered as kits and completely customized. The majority of Tiny Foundations Northeast’s customers are spread throughout most of the northeast states—New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Though their company remains based
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magazine
home & garden
left Christopher and Wendy Steines founded their tiny-house business after searching for a mobile, small-home option for their own family. Today, they build small, portable homes for clients across the Northeast. above The mobile small-living dwellings created by Tiny House Foundations Northeast appeal to customers who appreciate financial freedom from a mortgage payment or rent obligation, as well as the ability to live simply and efficiently.
in Connecticut, very few customers come from their
Tiny Foundations’ clients are often motivated
home state. Steines said there are a few reasons why
by the desire for “financial freedom,” mobility and
Connecticut towns are reluctant or slow to adopt
efficient living. Roughly 25% hope to create a fully
ordinances allowing for more tiny homes. Trailer
off-grid living experience, but most tend to prefer
parks are often seen as less favorable than other
a more hybrid approach to energy—electric by way
residential communities, and tiny houses, many of
of public utility, supplemented by solar, perhaps.
which are mobile, are associated with trailers.
Steines has seen a rise in the number of clients
“I think the other reason that there’s hesita-
who’d like a tiny-house solution for multigenera-
tion is, because they’re not permanent structures,
tional living. A tiny-house outbuilding as a com-
there’s not the property tax money coming in as
plement to a main house could serve any number
you’d see from a traditional home,” he explained.
of purposes, including as an in-law apartment or
He’d like to see other states, including Connecticut, take the approach that Maine has adopted.
creative studio. The post-pandemic economy has been plagued
“Maine is probably the most welcoming,” he
by supply-chain obstacles and rising construction
said. “They’ve actually worked on passing legis-
material costs. That’s been challenging for their
lation that make tiny houses legal. Unless there’s
business, too. They’ve seen material lead times
a specific exclusion within a town, any property
double, and costs triple. “But our demand has gone
that you can build a normal house on, you can live
through the roof,” he said.
in a tiny house.”
Steines relishes the creative and consultative
With the residential real estate market continu-
part of his and Wendy’s job, including working
ing to be challenged by diminished inventory—
with clients to choose and customize their per-
the number of homes available for sale—and the
fect tiny house. They work together to tailor the
costs of those homes on the rise, development and
home based on the client’s lifestyle expectations,
planning committees might consider how ordi-
and they cleverly maximize every inch of space
nances are preventing residents from leveraging
and design multi-use solutions whenever possible.
this housing option.
“Every home is different,” Steines said. “Even if
“It’s insane what it costs to live in a home these
we’re building one of the three designs you’ll find
days, and I think the tiny-house movement is a
on our website, we always end up making modifi-
viable option to make it more attainable to live in
cations to suit the particular needs for our clients.
your own home and not pay rent routinely,” Steines
There’s not a cookie-cutter home that is going to
suggested.
work for everybody.”
june 2022 61
home & garden
SPONSORED
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t may not be required before a homeowner starts the
spoke with Tom Morgan about Pre-Listing inspections.
I
sales process, but a pre-listing home inspection can offer several important benefits. At the top of this list is the sense of confidence a homeowner receives
in not only knowing what issues their home might have before entering negotiations with a buyer, but also get-
Do you recommend that a homeowner have their home inspected prior to listing it?
We definitely recommend it. It provides them with a
ting this information at a time when repairs can either
valuable opportunity to discover any potential issues
be addressed or factored into negotiations so that they
or concerns their home might raise at a time when
don’t become deal-breakers.
they can be addressed without interrupting the sales
With more than 30 years of home inspection experi-
process. After we’ve performed a thorough pre-listing
ence, Sound Home Inspection President, Tom Morgan,
inspection, we present the homeowner with our report.
is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors
Most issues are generally minor, but getting them on
(ASHI) and has a depth of knowledge of the pre-listing
the table instills confidence in both buyers and sellers.
Do you have real estate agents who recommend to their sellers that you inspect their homes prior to listing them?
We have several seasoned real
estate agents with whom we’ve been working for a long time. They approached us through ASHI, our national organization. We’ve been fortunate to have been part of their sales process on numerous occasions, so we’ve had numerous opportunities to observe the major benefits of pre-listing home inspections. Not only does our inspection report bring an increased level of trust between the homeowner and the potential buyer, but it photos by kate mercer
62
magazine
CONTENT
also can assist with faster closing times, which, of course, benefits real estate agents, too.
Does a seller have to disclose that a pre-listing home inspection has been done and what its results are?
Ultimately, it’s up to the seller, who should
consult with their listing agent.
What is the turnaround time on the inspection report for a prelisting inspection?
It’s qu ite rapid , ac tua l ly. G enera l ly,
between 24 to 36 hours. The water report takes a little longer because, as a certified water sampler, our samples are transported to a qualified lab for analysis. The sample is usually in their possession for about three days before their findings come back to us via an emailed, formally written report.
In addition to a pre-listing inspection, are there any ancillary services that you recommend be performed at the same time?
We do have recommendations—espe-
cially for certain communities in southeastern Connecticut. We’re a licensed septic inspection firm and we’ve seen firsthand just how important a septic inspection can be. Suppose it turns out that you do have septic issues that require repair. Dealing with these issues as early as possible can not only limit the damage they might cause, but since there can be a fairly long lead time to
So, it sounds like there are multiple benefits for a pre-listing home inspection. Do you see any downsides?
No. No downsides at all. Just upsides. With the confidence pre-listing
get a septic contractor to your property, the
inspections instill in both the homeowner and potential buyer, as well
repairs can be scheduled in advance, so that
as the time they can save on the closing process, they’re really a great
they don’t interfere with the closing process.
benefit to everyone concerned.
Brought to you by Sound Home Inspection LLC. Visit SoundHomeInspections.com or call 860-445-1236 to schedule a pre-listing inspection today!
june 2022 63
home & garden
Creative container gardening EVEN IN SMALL SETTINGS, GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD CAN BE A FUN, FRUITFUL PASTIME
This display on container gardening provides the gardener with an at-a-glance look at what they’ll need to get started, as well as some suggestions on the types of vegetable, fruits, herbs and flowers they might choose to plant. photo by G.A. Peck
story and photos By G.A. Peck
T
with which to work. In those settings, container
he COVID-19 pandemic inspired many of
gardening can be a smart solution.
hobby, erecting deer-proof raised beds and turn-
den that produces color and sustenance all sea-
ing over patches of earth for rows of fruits and
son long.
us to reflect on what we sometimes take
In late April, The Day Magazine visited with
for granted—our own health, where our
Teri Smith, co-owner of Smith’s Acres—a nurs-
food comes from and how fragile the
ery and garden center in Niantic—and her col-
food chain can be. For many homeown-
league, “Veggie Girl” Vanessa Bunnell, to bet-
ers that translated to taking up a new gardening
ter understand how to plan out a container gar-
vegetables. That luxury of space isn’t afforded to residents of smaller homes with modest yards, or for residents of apartments and condominiums, who may only have a balcony, patio, or terrace
64
magazine
THE SETUP
Start on a small scale, they suggested. Try two
or three containers this season; experiment with
different types of plants and see what works best in the space you have. There are a few options for containers that work well for small settings, like balconies or small terAdobe stock photo
races. Pots, deck boxes, even modified whiskey barrels can work well. The important thing to consider is their weight and moveability. Depending on the time of the season, the length of sunlight you get in the space throughout the day, and pending weather events may require that you move plants inside or from one spot to another to maximize sunlight. “I used to do water gardening,” Bunnell recalled.
ADD SOME FLAIR
To make your container gardens even more
“To ‘winter over’ fish required a pond that was
appealing—for you and for pollinators—consider
18-inches deep.” She suggested following the same
adding some flowers to the mix. “Alyssum is a fan-
rule for containers, choosing vessels that are at least
tastic cross-pollinator plant that will attract bene-
18-inches deep and 18-inches wide.
ficial bugs,” Bunnell said. Another excellent choice
Smaller containers require more frequent water-
is lavender, which gives a pop of color to the con-
ing and terracotta planters tend to dry out faster,
tainer when in bloom, and pollinators find bright
Smith noted.
colors irresistible.
“Don’t count on only the rain to water your plants.
Flowers not only contribute to the pollinator path-
It may not provide them with the water and nutri-
way, some varieties, like violas are themselves edible.
tion the plants need. Assume that they’re only get-
Perhaps a great way to start is to begin with a
ting that from what you’re giving them,” she added.
“ready-to-cut salad” in a container, featuring let-
Smith also recommends placing balcony containers close to the side of the building or house, which can help protect breakage caused by wind. Begin with organic soil, they agreed. “I top-dress my plants every year with compost,” Bunnell said. So, add a layer of natural organic lobster compost to the top.”
tuces, herbs, and tomatoes. Container gardening is an educational activity for children, as well. They get to learn how to grow and harvest their own food—and they’re more likely to eat what they’ve grown, Smith explained. “Kids love cherry tomatoes,” she noted. “They’re sweet, like candy.” that catnip I bet you didn’t know d other biting repels mosquitoes an and purple. bugs. It’s also pretty add flair to y It’d be a great wa garden. r ine nta co to your
KNOW WHEN TO PLANT
Southeast Connecticut falls in one of three plant-
ing zones: 6a, 6b and 7a. It’s critical to know the distinctions, because one of the greatest threats to a successful garden—whether planted in the ground or in containers—is being too eager to plant outThe greenhouse at Smith’s Acres in Niantic is cleverly organized, with stations for herbs, container gardens, exotic plants, gardening supplies, and more. photo by G.A. Peck
side. Hearty vegetables, like broccoli, lettuces, and cabbage may be planted as early as April, but most
june 2022 65
home & garden
vegetables and herbs shouldn’t go in until Moth-
Smith recommended keeping a gardening note-
er’s Day, and in some cases as late as Memorial Day,
book, as well, which serves a number of purposes.
Smith advised.
It can help you become a more disciplined gardener,
“Don’t plant basil before Memorial Day,” she said.
keeping tabs on watering and fertilizer schedules.
“Hardening off ” plants is a good practice, they
It can be a reminder, from season to season, about
suggested. Early in the season, you may wish to take
what’s worked well in the environment.
your containers in and out of the house—a couple
Pay close attention to changes in your plants. For
of nights outside, then a couple of nights inside—
example, some varieties of tomatoes are more susceptible to “blossom end rot,”
in effect, tempering them and giving them a better chance of acclimation. Naturally, it’s important to choose fruits and vegetables that don’t require a lot of space to grow. Though not impossible, it may be a bridge too far to grow things like pumpkins or
“Alyssum is a fantastic cross-pollinator plant that will attract beneficial bugs.”
watermelons. But there is a long
VANESSA BUNNELL
little calcium in the soil or inconsistent watering. Cont a i ner ga rden i ng can be serious business. After all, it’s a way to grow, harvest, and eat your own food, with the assurance of knowing
list of vegetables that do perfectly well in small set-
precisely what you’re putting in your body, Bunnell
tings, as long as they’re given water, fertilizer, and
noted. But it’s also an opportunity to get creative and
some aeration to thrive—lettuces, peppers, varieties
have some fun with container design.
of tomatoes, blueberries, even eggplants.
66
which can be the result of too
The creative aspect of their business at
When you buy plants, make sure to retain the tags
the nursery was on full display when Smith
that accompany them. It will help you remember
and Bunnell spoke about the excitement and
specific care instructions and what you’ve planted,
build-up of the off-season, when they begin planning
and they will better inform your purchases and
what they’ll stock at Smith’s Acres come springtime.
plans for the next season.
This year, they were excited to introduce some new
magazine
left Smith’s Acres’ Vanessa Bunnell and Teri Smith discuss the infinite number of possibilities for container gardens, with options to add vegetable and fruit plants and edible flowers. photo by G.A. Peck
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june 2022 67
SHOPPING
APPS
FA S HIO N
BE AUT Y
Bluff Point State Park, Groton. Photo by Renee Marquand
BOOKS
trending
disney reimagines the villain
68
magazine
turning pages book reviews
MEDIA
trending
A new type of Disney villain By Kitty Williams
G
Gaston begins as a
aston from the 1991
narcissist, as did the
animated Disney
Prince—on whom the
f i l m B e a ut y a n d
beastly curse is placed.
the Beast consid-
However, as the f ilm
ers himself a post-
progresses, Gaston’s
er child for many things:
s i l l y s e l f- o b s e s s i o n
h is sl ick nes s, h is qu ick-
turns into entitlement
ness, and his neck’s incred-
and violent rage while
ible thickness (to name a
that of the Beast attenu-
few). What we, as viewers,
ates as he learns his lesson. Gaston is not only
consider him to be a poster child for is quite different. He is cruel, entitled, aggres-
the reason for Belle’s misery, but for the Beast’s near-
sive, self-absorbed, and violent. He’s a true villain with
death. Though Gaston ultimately dies, it is not at the
no redeeming qualities.
hands of our protagonist; he slips and falls to his death
No child walks away from watching Beauty and the
after stabbing the Beast.
Beast admiring this particular character. Many hate him
Scar, from the 1994 film The Lion King, has a similar,
and others have a different feeling—one of amusement
and perhaps more intense, reputation. He is the reason
at the silliness of singing a ballad about how he’s better
for the death of our protagonist’s father, and therefore
than everyone else.
the reason for our protagonist’s pain. He is murderous,
Scan QR code for Schedule
june 2022 69
trending power-hungry, and manipulative. Most children
years old. Ten years after the power-deprived
walk away from The Lion King not only hating Scar,
fifth birthday, she is struggling with feeling left
but also fearing him.
behind, particularly in the eyes of her grand-
Scar wants his brother Mufasa’s throne, so he
Alma tragically lost her husband when she was
his attempt to save his son, Simba. Scar then leads
younger and would have died also if it were not
Simba to believe it had been Simba’s fault that his
for magic that saved her. This magic is the same
father died. In the end, Simba confronts Scar, and
magic that created this home for her family and
though he doesn’t hold back the anger he feels, he
that gifts powers on fifth birthdays.
shows mercy on his uncle. Scar’s death ultimately comes at the hands of his “sidekick” hyenas.
Alma’s trauma, because it has never been addressed, is visited upon by other generations,
We’re good at recognizing these characters as vil-
particularly those she raises. It is a depiction
lains. It’s easy to recognize the evil in characters
of what we as viewers know to be generational
who are caricatures of what we imagine a villain to
trauma. Mirabel’s sisters, though they have pow-
look like. Though viewers may verbally recognize
ers, struggle still. Luisa must overcome the pres-
the faults of the villains, few would look at Gaston
sure to carry everyone else’s burdens, and Isa-
and think “Have I been that unkind before?” We are
bela must overcome the pressure to be perfect.
uninterested in aligning ourselves with such morally reprehensible characters. In Elif Batuman’s novel The Idiot, the protagonist shares, “I found myself remembering the day in kindergarten when the teacher showed us Dumbo, and I realized for the first time that all the kids in the class, even the bullies, rooted for Dumbo, against Dumbo’s tormentors. Invariably they laughed and cheered, both when Dumbo succeeded and when bad things happened to his enemies. But they’re you, I thought to myself. How did they not know? They didn’t know. It was astounding, an astounding truth. Everyone thought they were Dumbo.” Fast forward to a new generation of Disney, and the villains are almost unrecognizable. In fact, sometimes they aren’t even characters. Encanto is a 2021 Disney film that has risen to popularity not least for its catchy song called “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Our protagonist is a young girl named Mirabel. Unlike her siblings, she didn’t receive a special power when she turned five
70
mother, Alma.
orchestrates a situation in which Mufasa is killed in
magazine
The film’s “villain” isn’t easy to spot because it lives in complex characters who aren’t built
to be caricatures of evil. Though Alma has passed along her trauma and Mirabel feels frustrated with her grandmother, Alma is not a villain (and she is redeemed in a beautiful and emotional conversation with her granddaughter). In an age in which therapy is more openly discussed and personal growth is a more common goal, this generation of filmmakers is perhaps one of the first with the skills to communicate and understand their own generational trauma or faults. We are now coming to know and understand the villains we encounter in our everyday lives and even within ourselves. When we see Gaston and Scar, we think “I’m not cruel because that’s what cruel looks like and there’s no way I am like that.” Now that our villains are more complex, will we be able to recognize when we carry their traits? And if so, will we be better prepared to pursue growth and redemption?
june 2022 71
trending | TURNING PAGES
Writers from a repressive era
F
by Betty J. Cotter or modern readers, it is impossible to exaggerate how coded discussion of gender and sexuality was in the mid-20th century. In works by Carson McCullers and Tennessee Williams, the dilemmas posed by closeted gay writers were worked out in subtle, symbolic ways. These writers attempted to speak frankly about what it was like to be nonconforming in the age of ultimate conformity, the 1940s and 1950s. One result of their self-imposed censorship
were characters both strong and memorable. Consider the awkward preteen Frankie in The Member of the Wedding, the hunchback Cousin Lymon in The Ballad of the Sad Cafe, the tomboy Mick Kelly and deaf-mute John Singer in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. In these works and more, McCullers intentionally focused on society’s misfits; because of her own gender fluidity, she identified as one of them. Williams, too, sublimated his gay identity in sensitive portrayals of abused women, from Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar named Desire to Laura Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie. Like McCullers, the playwright wrote with deep sensitivity about those whom society had wounded. His characters are often literally and figuratively damaged. Blanche, reduced to seducing younger men, quakes at the brutality of her brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski. Laura is hopeful that her gentleman caller will see beyond her limp. Writers in this more repressive era had to play a game of hiding in plain sight. No one was really fooled, but somehow social mores were preserved. Today writers are looking back on the lives of many closeted artists with new interpretations of their work. Our selections this month focus on the challenges faced by people who had to cloak their identities in more repressive eras.
My Autobiography of Carson McCullers by Jenn Shapland (Tin House Books, 2020) In this meditative mixture of memoir and biography, Shapland explores her own gender identity while pricking holes in the lies that have been told about McCullers. The official deniers want evidence, as though McCullers should have left a signed affidavit about her sexuality. “But to know that Carson was a lesbian … is to open up all of history: everyone may have been a lesbian, no matter what the marriages or records show,” she writes.
72
magazine
Sometimes You Have to Lie: The Life and Times of Louise Fitzhugh, Renegade Author of Harriet the Spy by Leslie Brody (Seal Press, 2020) For the Baby Boomers, Harriet the Spy was a beloved childhood novel. Unlike her fictional predecessors, Harriet is bold, saucy, and adventurous. Her spying on classmates does not end well, of course, but we admire her grit. In this thorough biography, Brody explores the life of the woman behind Harriet. Fitzhugh lived with a woman and dressed like a man, but felt the need to be discreet about her relations. In Harriet, she could unleash all of her frustration at a world that was trying to make little ladies out of bold, intelligent girls.
Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh by John Lahr (W.W. Norton, 2014) In this extensive biography, Lahr probes behind the play characters Williams created to measure the price they exacted on the playwright. Williams admitted to a “difficult co-existence” between his literary persona and his private self. Lahr notes that Williams put more of himself into his female characters. In Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the closest Williams came to creating a gay character is the conflicted Brick, who sees his friendship with his high school buddy Skipper as exalted and pure. But it is Brick’s frustrated, tormented wife, Maggie the Cat, who best exemplifies the author’s inner struggle.
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters (Riverhead Books, 2014) Perhaps no writer today better than the British Sarah Waters combines the genres of suspense and historical fiction to draw realistic characters struggling in a closeted society. This tale of two women trying to cover up a murder is set in London in 1922, where Frances Wray and her mother have taken in boarders—a husband and wife who will shatter their staid, predictable lives. Frances’s relationship with the wife, Lilian, is the dynamite that sets off a series of events that can never be unraveled.
The Master by Colm Tóibín (Scribner, 2004) That Henry James was attracted to men but could not act on his desires is no revelation, but in this novel the celebrated writer Colm Tóibín plumbs the depths of James’s loneliness and frustration. With a cadence steady and authentic, Tóibín is able to channel the voice of James without sounding cheap or imitative. Whether writing the ultimate ghost story in The Turn of the Screw or his intelligent novels of manners, such as The Portrait of a Lady, James was only at home on the printed page.
june 2022 73
trending | LOCAL FINDS
Shop unique. Shop local. B
A
C
C
f out and Take all the stuf x please! bo e th leave me
A. THE “KITCHEN ESSENTIALS” GIFT BOX
This is the perfect gift for the kitchen enthusiast. The box is elegantly packaged and includes a set of four tabletop measuring cups, a handmade wooden herb stripper, a handmade oil cruet, and a cotton flour sack tea towel. Based on availability, items may be substituted if a particular piece is unavailable. $140 Azalea Home & Gift, 301 Main Street, Niantic, CT 860-460-5838 azaleahomect.com
74
magazine
B. MOTHER OF PEARL NECKLACE
Handmade and lovely mother-ofpearl necklace is the perfect summer statement necklace. Designer Mia Mhoor can also make custom jewelry and her vision is to make amazing products that will bring her clients energy and love. $23.95 Mia Mhoor, 165 State Street, Suite 220, New London, CT miamhoor.co
C. GRAY NIANTIC CIRCLE HAT
This gray trucker-style hat features a white and navy rubber patch made of cotton twill, mesh backed, and with a pre-curved visor and classic snapback. The perfect hat to block the summer sun. $24 Coastal Crab at Coastal Gifts on Main 266 Main Street, Niantic, CT 860-451-8566 coastalcrabco.com
Don’t miss our May picks. As always, shopping local keeps our town centers beautiful and thriving. Be sure to tell these shop owners that TDM sent you their way!
Keep an eye out for Sundae’s pawprint of approval on any item that might be purr-fectly suited for a cat to enjoy!
Happy shopping!
You’ll also find out why I like it!
Contact thedaymag@theday.com to feature your product.
E
D
D. TRILOBITE FOSSIL
Trilobite fossil meaning “Three lobed” are a fossil group of extinct marine arthropods that form the class Trilobita. This fossil is over 475 million years old. $340 CEL Fine Collectibles and Appraisers 321 Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357 860-333-4260
E. ROOT BEER FLOAT
The quintessential summer treat! With scoops of vanilla ice cream floating in bubbly, foamy root beer. $3.99-4.75 Scottie’s Frozen Custard, 327 New London Road, Colchester, CT 860-537-1265 scottiesfrozencustard.com
F
F. HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER
Our High Perch™ hummingbird feeder is the perfect way to attract hummingbirds to any yard. It allows hummingbirds to comfortably rest, providing you with better, longer views. It comes with a built-in ant moat to deter crawling bugs from reaching the nectar solution. It’s easy to fill, clean and hang. From $21.99 Wild Birds Unlimited, 190 Flanders Road, Niantic, CT 06357 860-739-7302 mywbu.com/niantic
birds are Humming watch! to so fun
june 2022 75
SENIORS
PETS
E D U C AT I O N
H E A LT H
Chelsea Garden, Norwich. p hoto by Michael Dubenetsky
FA MILIE S
life cycles
LGBTQ+ teens focus on acceptance
76
magazine
WELLNESS
life cycles
SPONSORED CONTENT
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june 2022 77
life cycles
THE TEENAGERS ARE ATTEMPTING TO CREATE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES...
…they’d like the adults to help
S
By Bridget Shirvell
ad. Worried. Anxious. Angry. But also a little
not owe them anything,” said Cal, another mem-
hopeful. Those are just a few of the compli-
ber of Alliance for Acceptance. “Kids do not have to
cated emotions settling on LGBTQ+ teenag-
come out to their parents. Kids should be allowed
ers and their allies.
to be themselves without questioning or need for
“We’re sad about Texas. We’re worried
justification.”
about it spreading to other states. About laws in
“I’ve come out to everyone but my parents because
the works. About taking minors out of gender care.
she would be like, ‘This is my daughter, she’s gay,’”
About forcibly detransitioning people,” said Fiona
added another student. “I think she wouldn’t know
and Teddy, two Stonington High School Alliance for
how to handle my private information with care.”
Acceptance members. The LGBTQ+ and ally club promotes LGBTQ+ awareness and equality, works to educate the community, combat hate and discrimination, and create a safe space for all students and staff.
78
“Parents need to understand that their kids do
HOW PARENTS CAN SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN
When kids are little, it’s easy to think we, as par-
Remember high school? Wasn’t it hard enough
ents, know everything about them, that we’re enti-
when you were focused simply on friends, grades, and
tled to know everything about them. And many of the
extracurriculars? Having to worry about dehumaniz-
roughly 20 states that have introduced some form of
ing laws seems like a burden we shouldn’t also ask of
“Don’t Say Gay,” laws this year have done so under the
teenagers, yet here we are. And they’re responding by
guise of parental rights. Yet, health experts say the
working to create more inclusive communities, and
laws are dangerous for both the mental and physi-
even offering up a bit of grace for the adults while at
cal health of young people. According to a Morning
the same time making it clear that they are entitled
Consult and The Trevor Project survey, 85 percent
to be themselves.
of transgender and nonbinary youth, and two-thirds
magazine
of all LGBTQ+ youth, say “recent debates about state laws restricting the rights of transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health.” It’s impossible to ever know
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every little detail about a person, even your own child. However, it is possible to create an inclusive environment so that kids never feel the need to hide who they are. It’s pretty normal for parents to find LBGTQ+ topics uncomfortable, especially if it wasn’t something they grew up around. “We have to think that the word queer, 30 years ago, was derogatory, and very negative and something no one wanted to be. On the other hand, in 2022, the word queer is very positive,
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said Katie Ziskind of Wisdom Within Counseling which specializes in working with transgender teenagers, same-sex couples, and children who are gender questioning. The percentage of U.S. adults
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who now self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or something other than heterosexual has doubled since 2012, to 7.1% according to Gallup. And while Gallup only polled those over 18, of Gen Z (1997-2012), one in five Gen Z adults identified as LGBTQ+. Many parents and child caregivers are just starting to understand that sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and relationship status are
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UC Berkeley UCLA UC San Diego University of Connecticut UNC Chapel Hill University of Massachusetts University of Richmond University of Rochester Washington and Lee Washington University (St. Louis) Wake Forest University Wesleyan University Yale University
june 2022 79
life cycles all very different aspects of who we are. Ziskind and
You may have heard the term “gentle,” “conscious,”
Barbara Althen of PFLAG Southeastern CT, an organi-
or “respectful” parenting. It’s become the latest parent-
zation for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families,
ing philosophy buzzword of late. The basic idea is it’s
allies, and the teenagers interviewed, all said one of
a parenting approach based on a partnership between
the best things parents and
child and parent. A willing-
families can do is educate
ness on the parent’s part to
themselves and others.
work with the child as they develop and see them for
“The day kids come out
who they are.
to their parents, with the f a m i l ie s we s e e a lot of
“We all know that every
times their parents are ok,
family has drama and
but they don’t know what
t r o ub l e at s o m e p o i nt .
they’re ok about as they
Kids should not be left out
don’t know enough,” said
of it. Make them par t of
Althen. “The parents we
the solution, for instance
see that do the best are the
‘grandma is sick here’s one
ones that were child direc-
of the things you can do
tive all along. For instance,
that would make her feel
they don’t say ‘this is what
better,’” said Althen. The SHS students said it
we’re doing,’ they say’ we’re
was helpful when parents made gender identity and
trying to decide.’”
expression a seamless part of their upbringing by
SET A TONE OF ACCEPTANCE FROM A YOUNG AGE
explaining same-sex relationships to their kids, and also with inclusive books and toys.
Creating an inclusive environment starts with
“We need to combat the prejudice against learn-
including your child and meeting them where they are.
ing about being gay,” said Oliver, a student at SHS. “It’s
5 RESOURCES FOR CREATING INCLUSIVE HOMES HANG A RAINBOW FLAG Place a rainbow outside the front door or hang one inside the house somewhere. “This helps children and family members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community to know that their home is a safe place. They know they will receive tolerance and acceptance in their home,” said Katie Ziskind of Wisdom Within Counseling. GOOGLE THE LGBTQ+ GENDERBREAD PERSON Plot yourself and have your child plot themselves, keeping in mind that some things may change over time. genderbread.org
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magazine
ADD INCLUSIVE TOYS AND BOOKS TO YOUR HOME Allow kids of any gender to use trucks, giant Lego® bricks, dollhouses, make-up, dress up, etc. Add books, such as The Prince and the Dressmaker, a graphic novel about gender expression, or Julian Is A Mermaid, a picture book about a grandmother who is an affirming figure. You can find a list of additional book suggestions on the Wisdom Within Counseling resources page: wisdomwithinct.com/resources. FOLLOW YOUR KID’S LEAD Allow your kids to change their hair, make-up, and attire, and express their gender however they would like. GET HELP You can find more resources at the Trevor Project, outCT, and PFLAG.
not a choice, it’s not contagious. You’re not gonna
bathrooms and ensure that students have an adult at
become gay by being educated. Kids aren’t going to
school that they can go to for well-being check-ins.
turn gay by knowing it’s a thing. But they are going
They also have lists of additional resources and orga-
to accept people and be better empathetic human
nizations both students and parents can reach out to
beings.”
for additional support.
WITHIN THE SCHOOLS
Acceptance mentioned not feeling like the school
Schools, where kids spend most of their waking
Still, many of the students from Alliance for system was doing enough to address hate speech.
hours five days a week, are a window into what a
The students interviewed mentioned that teach-
community at-large values. Many within southeast-
ers can make school feel safer by asking for preferred
ern Connecticut are working to either refine or cre-
names and pronouns at the beginning of the school
ate resources around gender identity in the hopes of
year, using the names and pronouns mentioned, and
fostering a sense of inclusiveness and acceptance.
addressing the use of slurs and hateful speech.
The Stonington Middle School, for example, has
“Being accepting and asking the kid what they
a gender support plan in place where they work
need is incredibly helpful,” said Fiona. “Being accept-
with students and families on a case-by-case basis
ing is the minimum, being helpful is the ideal.”
on names, pronouns, use of the bathroom of their choice; the school now has a couple of gender-neutral
june 2022 81
life cycles
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explorations D AY T R I P S
G E TA W AY S
photo courtesy of provincetown office of tourism
T R AV E L T I P S
seeing stars at CT planetariums
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magazine
pride is strong in Provincetown
explorations
Planetariums in CT OFFER INSIGHT TO OUR SOLAR SYSTEM
C
By Phil Hall
And for a fairly small state, Connecticut has a
onnecticut is notable as the home state for
surprisingly high number of planetariums ready
some of the most important astronomers
to introduce residents to the vast wonders of the
in American history. These include Asaph
heavens.
Hall, the Goshen native who discovered the
However, several of the planetariums have yet to
moons that orbit Mars, and three professors
move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and resume
at Yale who were among the most respected women
their full schedules of educational presentations. And
in astronomy: Ida Barney, who plotted the positions
one of the most popular planetariums with younger
of stars; Dorrit Hoffleit, who led the development of
audiences, the Gengras Planetarium at the Children’s
the Bright Star Catalog that lists the stars which are
Museum in West Hartford, is closing at the end of the
visible without the need for a telescope; and Beatrice
summer. According to Ian Robinson, the museum’s
Tinsley, who determined the life span and death spi-
astronomy education coordinator, “The building that
ral of galaxies.
currently houses the planetarium is on land that has
Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport Museum. photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport Museum
june 2022 85
explorations been sold to a developer and will be demolished. Our
GLASTONBURY PLANETARIUM
temporary location will not support planetarium oper-
95 Oak Street, Glastonbury, CT
ations, so there will not be a planetarium experience at
860-652-7925 glastonburyplanetarium.org
the museum for at least two years.”
Located at the Glastonbury-East Hartford Ele-
Despite these challenges, there are still multi-
mentary Magnet School, this planetarium seats 70
ple opportunities for star-seekers to plumb the
beneath a 40-foot dome. The planetarium offers adult
astronomy realm from the comfort of a Connecticut
education classes on astronomy and free virtual
planetarium.
planetarium shows; prior to the pandemic the venue
COPERNICAN OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM
CCSU Campus, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 860-832-2950 web.ccsu.edu/astronomy/ Named in honor of the groundbreaking astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, this venue is on the campus of Central Connecticut Statue University (CCSU).
hosted the Cosmic Concert Music Series, which took full advantage of its 5.1 surround sound system, but these have yet to return to its schedule. School groups are welcomed to book the venue for their students.
SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY’S DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER AND PLANETARIUM
In the pre-pandemic era, the planetarium offered free
4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT
shows to the public at 8 p.m. on the first and third Sat-
203-416-3521 shudiscovery.org
urdays of each month (except when those days fell on
This Bridgeport institution opened in 1962 as the
the Christmas and New Year’s holidays), and the pub-
Museum of Art, Science, and Industry. The facility
lic was invited up to the roof to view the night sky
closed in 2020 when the pandemic began in March
through telescopes on weather-appropriate evenings.
2020, and in January 2021 the venue’s operation
The planetarium reopened on April 4 after being closed
was taken over by Sacred Heart University in Fair-
for roughly two years due to the pandemic, and it is
field. The center reopened last September and its
advised to contact the venue for current showtimes.
crowning glory is the full-dome Henry B. duPont III
Robert K. Wickware Planetarium at Eastern Connecticut State University. photo courtesy of ECSU
86
magazine
THE ROAD CHURCH
Planetarium, which presents a mix of programming designed for elementary school children and families. The venue also offers the Challenger Center, an immersive mock space sta-
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www.fccstonington.org
demonstrations related to space engineering.
LEITNER FAMILY OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM
We can create the kitchen or bath of your dreams.
355 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 203-432-3000
leitnerobservatory.yale.edu/ Situated on the campus of Yale University, this facility is part of the school’s Department of Astronomy. In-person planetarium shows are still on hold, although outdoor observatory sessions are still conducted on Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. as the weather permits. The planetarium’s YouTube page includes episodes of its previous virtual presentations.
ROBERT K. WICKWARE PLANETARIUM
83 Windham Street,
Willimantic, CT 860-465-4317 easternct.edu/physicalscience/ planetarium/ Based at Eastern Connecticut State University (ESCU), this 50-seat planetarium is primarily used by the school’s astronomy students and only offers a limited number of shows for
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explorations school and scout groups. Public star shows were held
projector with several custom designed special effects
three or four times per semester before the pandemic,
projectors. The planetarium seats 25 and is mostly used
with post-show telescope viewings after the presenta-
for astronomy coursework by UConn’s Department of
tions, but public shows have yet to resume. However, the
Physics, although it is available for special shows for stu-
venue provides offices and community groups the oppor-
dent and other interested groups can be arranged by
tunity to book their own private shows for free, with an
reservation.
appreciative request for a “small donation” to the Eastern Science Club.
STAMFORD OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM
39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 203-977-6521 stamfordmuseum.org/planet-ed.html
WESTSIDE OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM
43 Lake Avenue Extension, Danbury, CT 203-837-8672 wcsu.edu/graduate/eps/obsws.asp Located atop a 5-acre hill on the Westside campus of Western Connecticut State University (WCSU),
Based in the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, the
the observatory’s telescope is used for astrophysical
observatory is used as a research facility by the Fairfield
research by undergraduate and graduate students and
County Astronomical Society, and the public is invited
faculty. The 40-seat planetarium is primarily used for
on Friday nights to view the skies through their 22-inch
presenting science programs to school and scout groups,
research telescope. The planetarium is available for
but as of this writing it has yet to resume its presenta-
school programs, scout groups, special events and pri-
tions for the general public.
vate parties, but it does not host shows designed for the general public.
TREWORGY PLANETARIUM
75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 860-572-0711 mysticseaport.org/explore/planetarium This planetarium opened in 1960 And is located in Mystic Seaport and admission is free for those visiting the historical maritime site. The planetarium celebrates the historic role that astronomy played in navigation and the golden eras of exploration and transoceanic travel. Every weekend, the planetarium’s full-dome projector provides astronomy-focused documentaries in an immersive environment, and special classes are conducted that enables today’s GPS-reliant crowd to master the art of celestial navigation.
UCONN PLANETARIUM
196A Auditorium Road, Storrs, CT 860-486-4915 phys.uconn.edu/~cynthia/planet.html Built in 1954, this venue on the University of Connecticut’s Storrs campus is the oldest planetarium in Connecticut, with a 16-foot dome and a planet Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport Museum. photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport Museum
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magazine
CLUBBING WITH THE STARS
In addition to the planetariums, there are eight amateur astronomy clubs in the state that offer considerations of the heavens in either open-air viewing or private observatories. These include the following: Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford in Coventry asgh.org
photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport Museum
Astronomical Society of Greenwich in Cos Cob - astrogreenwich.org Astronomical Society of New Haven - www.asnh.org Boothe Memorial Astronomical Society in Stratford - facebook.com/Boothe-Memorial-Astronomical-Society121301611237519 Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club in Litchfield - lhastro.org Mattatuck Astronomical Society in Waterbury - mastransit.shutterfly.com Thames Amateur Astronomical Society in Gales Ferry - taasct.weebly.com Westport Astronomical Society in Westport - was-ct.org
june 2022 89
explorations | GETAWAY photo by dan mckeon
n i v o r P C
By Cris Cadiz
olor and music, dancing and drama, pageantry and glamour… Provincetown, Massachusetts, has long
been a fantasyland of fun for the LGBTQ+ com-
munity. Poised at the end of the arm of Cape Cod, this former fishing village beckons visitors of all
backgrounds to enjoy stunning natural beauty, authentic
warmth, and open arms. Rainbow flags snap in the breeze to announce it joyfully: Provincetown is a place where tolerance is the norm, where everyone can feel safe and welcome, where you are part of a celebration of diversity. Historically, Provincetown has cultivated creativity,
open-mindedness, and unconventional lifestyles. Charles W. Hawthorne founded the Cape Cod School of Painting photo courtesy of provincetown office of tourism
90
magazine
there in 1899, establishing a community of writers and
“When I drove down Commercial Street, which was
artists living a “bohemian” lifestyle. Today, Province-
not the tourist destination it is today, I looked out the
town is America’s oldest continuous art colony, still
window at the guy with a pirate bandanna and an ear-
drawing creatives inspired by ocean and seashore,
ring,” recalls Henriques of his first visit in the 1970s, “I
quality of light, and like-minded culture. In the 1960s,
knew there was something different about this place.”
the gay and lesbian community began visiting to expe-
Henriques’ husband Kevin Bernier first visited in the
rience a place where locals were unafraid of differ-
1990s—the year he came out. “It was the first time in
ences. The gay community was not only tolerated, they
my life as a now-identified gay person that I saw the
were welcomed. And they never left.
norm was same-sex couples being affectionate with
n w o t e c “Today, this colorful tip of the Cape continues
to draw its energy and spirit from members of the
one another… The world had f lipped. It was a place where it was OK.”
LGBTQ+ community who come here year after year,
After many vacations on the Cape, Henriques and
some for the first time, and many who stopped count-
Bernier now own a historic home in Provincetown.
ing long ago,” Provincetown’s tourism website states.
They spend time at their second home all year long
Both David Henriques and Kevin Bernier, a gay couple
and rent it out for the summer season.
from Connecticut, visited Ptown as young men. For both, the first time was a revelation.
OF L A T I P CA PRIDE
ND A L G N NEW E
photo courtesy of provincetown office of tourism
june 2022 91
explorations | GETAWAY “Today, this colorful tip of the Cape continues to draw its energy and spirit from members of the LGBTQ+ community who come here year after year, some for the first time, and many who stopped counting long ago.”
photos courtesy of provincetown office of tourism
PTOWNTOURISM.COM
“There is a community of families who’ve lived in Ptown for generations but feel very comfortable with everyone else,” says Bernier. “As a gay couple, we find this so inspiring. We have friends there who have nothing to do with being gay. It’s just people interacting with people.” Henriques enjoys watching families discover the safety and warmth of Provincetown, which offers Family Week. Established in 1995, it’s the largest gathering of families in the LGBTQ+ commuKevin Bernier & David Henriques dining at one of their favorite spots on the bay in Ptown. P hoto by Glen Cunningham
nity in the world. “It’s cool to see parents bring their children who are clearly trying to find their identity…to see the parents trying to make this happen for their kids.” While Ptown draws crowds especially in summer, the town is also small and intimate, lacking large hotels and resorts. Most visitors stay in guest house rentals. “It offers an opportunity to be yourself and be immersed in a culture that welcomes everyone,” says Kevin. He and David love time spent at small gems like Pepe’s, at the rail overlooking the wharf. “It’s one of the places where you can see the magic of Ptown—where you strike up conversations with strangers who literally sailed into town sitting next to you while watching sunset with cocktails and oysters.” Ptown is known for its festivals. Since the annual June Portuguese Festival was founded in 1947, numerous events have
photo courtesy of provincetown office of tourism
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magazine
been added to make it a yearround tourist destination, from Fan Fair Transgender Week in October (Ptown’s oldest LGBTQ+ event founded in 1975) to Holly Fol ly i n w i nt er. I n s u m mer, something is happening every single weekend. Many events are geared to the LGBTQ+ community, such as Bear Week, Girls Splash, Carnival, and the annual Pride celebration in June. Most Provincetown events are simply fun for everyone, gay and straight, trans and bi, non-binary, and undecided. There is something for ever yone: ar t, music, shopping, great food, and beverages, gorgeous beaches, nature h ikes, h istor y, wha le watches, and much more. If you enjoy people in all their diversity,
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if you want to be yourself and celebrate others reveling in the freedom of acceptance, you’re welcome and invited to explore the wonders of Ptown. Anthony Fuccillo, Director of Tourism for Provincetown, sums it up: “Provincetown is a small community, but we’ve got the biggest hearts in the world. Visitors from all walks of life are welcomed and accepted today, as they have been from the beginning. It’s a place where everyone can be themselves without any
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judgement. We’re looking forward to sharing another colorful, fun summer with those lucky enough to be here.” For more information on visiting Provincetown, see ptowntourism.com.
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it’s your day INFLUENCERS
Downtown New London, June 30. P hoto by Jean Michael Coronado
Q&A
get to know Constance Kristofik
94
magazine
Constance Kristofik FOUNDER OF OUTCT
T
By Traci Neal
gathered a diverse board of directors who created a mis-
he founder of OutCT Constance Kristofik has
sion and vision for OutCT, began planning the first New
spent most of her 53 years advocating for and or-
London Pride Festival, and created the OutCT youth pro-
ganizing within the LGBTQ+ community, first in
gram, which offers monthly space for gay, lesbian, bisex-
Pennsylvania where she grew
ual, transgender, queer, questioning, and
up, and later, here in south-
allied youth in southeastern Connecti-
eastern Connecticut, where she relo-
cut. (The Day is a partnering sponsor of
cated in 2006 to be with her partner Jo-
the Pride Festival, which is scheduled for
anne Muick and earn a master’s degree
Aug. 27.) OutCT quickly evolved to encompass
in public administration from the Uni-
much more. The organization, Kristofik
versity of New Haven. There was little support for a gen-
says, is at the heart of a network of peo-
der queer kid in rural Pennsylvania
ple, programs, and events that not only
in the 1980s and early 90s, and Kris-
recognizes and honors the diverse spec-
tofik had few opportunities to be her “authentic self,” she says, or meet other
photo courtesy of Constance Kristofik
trum of gender identities and sexual orientations but celebrates them.
LGBTQ+ teens in her conservative hometown. She aimed
In addition to the youth group and the Pride Festival,
to change that, becoming involved in activism and orga-
OutCT also partners with corporations and community
nizing events in her home state before settling down in
groups for education and outreach, publishes an annual
Connecticut and bringing her talent for creating commu-
resource guide, donates to other community groups, and
nity to the shoreline.
has recently secured its first physical space in the Dewart
As a graduate student at UNH, Kristofik conducted a
Building on State Street in New London. Though she no
feasibility study on whether southeastern Connecticut
longer sits on the OutCT board, Kristofik talks about the
could support a Pride Festival. Soon after, at the urging
path that led her to found the organization and the impor-
of New London’s then-Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, Kristofik
tance of the work it is doing in the community and beyond.
TDM: Can you tell us a little about growing up in a conser-
in Rhode Island for college. I later divorced him to come
vative, rural area as a gender queer kid in the 1980s?
out of the closet. We did not have any children and have
CK: I spent the formative years of age 10 through 17 in a
remained on good terms. My family is still in Pennsylvania,
rural Pennsylvania town. My school district was conserva-
and I am in contact with friends from Northwestern High
tive, and I longed for diversity. My gay friends and I were
School and from my pride organizing days in Allentown.
not out then, but I did find some solace in theater and the adelphia and New York on occasion. In the middle of my
TDM: What brought you to Connecticut? CK: I met my partner through an online dating site. We
senior year, I moved to Bethlehem, which exposed me to
had a long-distance relationship for a while, and then
more people and experiences; but it was still part of the
I decided to move to New London to be with her. I was
“swing state” that is Pennsylvania. Despite some nega-
eager to move away from my hometown because of its
tivity, the farmland is beautiful and it is commutable to
conservative attitudes. I also had previously lived in
NYC and Philly. In my 20s I was married to a man and lived
Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and liked New England.
goth/punk scene. My friends and I would also go to Phil-
june 2022 95
it’s your day | Q&A TDM: What made you become inter-
town was smaller than the place I
of directors. It included community
ested in organizing and activism?
came from and that the LGBTQ+
leader Kia Baird, who I met through a
CK: When I first came out in the late
community was quiet. It was nice
marriage equality committee. When
90s, it was Pride festivals that gave
that New London had two gay bars,
we were forming OutCT’s mission
me a sense of community and a safe
but I no longer went to bars at that
statement, the board realized we did
space where I could be my authen-
stage in my life. I used Yahoo Groups
not just want to be a pride organiza-
tic self. It is where I also learned
(pre-Facebook days) to connect with
tion. We wanted to do more than a
about LGBTQ+ resources and politi-
other LGBTQ+ folks. The New London
festival, including social, educational,
cal issues—such as equality—that we
Peoples Forum regrouped for a short
and cultural programs. The OutCT
still do not have. I lived in Boston for
time, and I participated in those meet-
mission has recently broadened as
a while and loved all the queer activ-
ings. Mystic Women had monthly out-
the organization adapts to changing
ities that were available to me. When
ings and PFLAG-SECT was another
terminology.
I returned to Pennsylvania in 2001, I
place for LGBTQ+ connections. I
decided to get involved rather than
organized a gay skating party through
TDM: How does the nonprofit operate
complain. So, I became a pride orga-
PFLAG and also co-hosted some epi-
financially?
nizer (Pride of the Lehigh Valley) and
sodes of a cable access television
CK: OutCT gets its funding from
a facilitator for a queer youth group
show, The New London Peoples Forum,
sponsorships, grants, and ticket sales.
(Haven Youth Group). In addition to
with bisexual activist and author Ron
We have some individual giving but
the annual Pride Festival, I produced
Suresha.
would like to increase those donations
a queer film festival and co-founded
along with grants.
the Prizm Prom for queer youth. I
TDM: Why did you decide to start
also started the Pride of the Greater
OutCT?
Lehigh Valley Rainbow Scholarship
CK: I longed for queer culture and
cut responded to OutCT and to the
with friends Liz Sherry, Brad Wentz,
decided to take action. During grad-
New London Pride Festival?
and former classmate and celebrity
uate school at the University of New
CK: The city of New London and its
Carson Kressley, who hosted OutCT’s
Haven, I conducted a feasibility study
community leaders have been amaz-
Born This Way Fashion Show in 2016.
on whether New London could sup-
ing! So many people helped us get
TDM: How has southeastern Connecti-
port a Pride Festival. The study was
started. Even participation in the
TDM: How would you describe your
completed in 2010 but it wasn’t until
feasibility study was plentiful and
first experiences in Connecticut’s
2012 when former Mayor Daryl Jus-
diverse. In addition to encourage-
LGBTQ+ community?
tin Finizio encouraged me to make it
ment by former Mayor Finizio, cur-
CK: When I first moved to New Lon-
happen. I then used connections from
rent mayor Michael Passero, who was
don, I was disappointed that the
the feasibility study to create a board
a lawyer and firefighter back then,
NEW LONDON PRIDE FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST The Annual New London Pride Festival at Ocean Beach Park is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27. In collaboration with local businesses, OutCT is coordinating a day of festivities in southeastern Connecticut to celebrate our differences. The New London Pride Festival is expected to feature an array of events, including free HIV testing, LGBTQ+ artists, musical entertainment, vendors, resource booths, a dance party for our LGBTQ+ youth, a “diva” center, and more. The OutCT Pride Festival offers a space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning people, and their allies to find social and peer support. You can be part of our Pride Festival at Ocean Beach Park by joining us in support of LGBTQ+ awareness and our mission: building a community through educational, cultural and social programming that promotes acceptance, tolerance and understanding of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Visit OutCT’s website at outct.org to learn more.
96
magazine
and provided pro bono legal advice to
current board of directors and commu-
shared their experience and knowl-
help us obtain our 501c3 status. We
nity at large. I have plans to conduct
edge so the attendees could become
got it in three months too. Downtown
another feasibility study to see what
better community organizers and
organizer Barbara Neff provided us
that looks like.
LGBTQ+ leaders.
with tons of resources when we were considering a waterfront event. She
TDM: Why is your work important,
TDM: Why is it important for
also welcomed us to Sailfest and the
particularly for the area’s LGBTQ+
OutCT to network heavily within the
St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Steve and
youth?
community?
Jeanne Sigel at The Garde Arts Center
CK: There is not just one fit or
CK: To me, networking is a natural
were full of connections for us; and,
resource that helps LGBTQ+ folks.
element of being part of a commu-
I have nothing but praise for David
OutCT tries to provide a variety of
nity. It is really about connecting to
Sugrue of Ocean Beach Park. He has
programs that support queer identi-
one another and helping each other. It
been supportive of the festival and
ties. The youth group provides safe
is also good to consider that LGBTQ+
the LGBTQ+ community since day
space to explore their identities free
folks come from all segments of life.
one and has helped OutCT in many
of judgement and with peer support.
It is beneficial to interact with various
ways over the years, including meet-
Youth Pride provides another space
groups because we are everywhere
ing space for the OutCT youth pro-
where kids can come together in a
and represent intersecting identities.
gram and Youth Pride. He is one of our
larger social environment. The ven-
biggest advocates. We also found that
dors at the annual Pride Festival also
TDM: What are some of the
there are many people who love their
provide a great service to the com-
LGBTQ+-related issues you see in the
queer friends and family and want to
munity. They include local organiza-
region that you’d like to fix?
spend time together. Our events are
tions, churches, businesses, and politi-
CK: Equality to become federal law.
attended by a lot of allies. Pride, Born
cians who are supportive of LGBTQ+
Transgender awareness and accep-
This Way Fashion Show, Oscar Party
people, which helps people stay con-
tance. Support for LGBTQ+ youth,
and other events are full of individuals
nected to people, places, and things
particularly the homeless.
with a warm heart and open mind. All
that help them thrive. Ocean Beach
are welcome in the OutCT community.
Park provides a non-threatening, open space where someone can learn about
TDM: What are some of your main
TDM: What else are you working on? CK: As a volunteer for New London
the LGBTQ+ community in a welcom-
Landmarks, I am currently produc-
goals with OutCT and the NL Pride
ing and casual setting.
ing a documentary on LGBTQ+ history in New London. It will begin with
Festival?
CK: When OutCT first formed, our
TDM: How does OutCT help the big-
gay peace activists who spent time
immediate goal was to start a Pride
ger picture?
in New London during the 1960s and
Festival, our short-term goal was to
CK: While OutCT impacts individuals
will cover the AIDS/HIV epidemic as
create a youth program, and our long-
greatly, the organization had a recent
well as exploring the many gay bars
term goal was to establish a LGBTQ+
opportunity to help other organiz-
New London has had over the years. It
community center. The Pride Festival
ers. NERP is the Northeast Regional
will include the arts community, poli-
and youth program are now solid, but
Pride Conference, which is part of
tics, religion, social justice, and orga-
we still want them to grow. OutCT just
the global organization Interpride. In
nizations such as PFLAG, New London
got its first physical space this year in
2021, OutCT, hosted the NERP Con-
Peoples Forum and OutCT. The cre-
the Dewart Building on State Street in
ference, which ended up being a vir-
ator of the Electric Slide is also in the
New London. The next goal is to have
tual event due to the pandemic. The
film, which is scheduled to be screened
paid staff. I hope southeastern Con-
program, led by OutCT’s youth group
at The Garde on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
necticut will one day see an LGBTQ+
co-chair Lindsay Gillette, provided
Details to come later in the year.
community center, but it should be
a variety of workshops with profes-
based on the needs and desires of the
sionals and community leaders who
june 2022 97
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