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Gloria Govrin:
A Balanchine ballerina looks back
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this month
photo courtesy of highclere castle
M A R C H
56
ELEGANCE REIGNS SUPREME WITH HIGHCLERE CASTLE GIN
62
A CONVERSATION WITH LADY CARNARVON FROM HIGHCLERE CASTLE
2 0 2 2
Downton Abbey fans can celebrate the new movie release with a Highclere Castle Gin cocktail
march 2022 7
departments photo courtesy of la llorona
TASTE 29 The spice is right
A local chef with food stories to tell
32 La Llorona
From name to menu, La Llorona brings taste of Mexico to Niantic
36 Restaurant listings 37 Chef Profile
32 CORRESPONDENCE 10 E ditor’s note 11 Reader Letters 11 Catching up
Corrections and updates from previous issues
IN THE SPOTLIGHT 13 A Balanchine Ballerina
looks back… and ahead
Eastern Connecticut Ballet Artistic Director Gloria Govrin passes on dance master’s technique
PEOPLE & PLACES 21 Do we take Long Island Sound for granted?
24 Horses helping humans Therapeutic riding in Old Lyme improves lives
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44 Timeless architectural style
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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
50 Griswold vs. Connecticut
Estelle Griswold’s fight for women’s rights
54 Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame
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88 Girls’ getaway
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correspondence | EDITOR’S NOTE Gilette Castle, East Haddam. photo by amanda lawrence
dear readers,
F
or me, March symbolizes the beginning of
Balanchine created specifi-
spring. This month awakens new possibili-
cally for Govrin.
ties and brings with it longer days, warmer temperatures, and the sun.
March happens to be Women’s History Month.
Before I talk about our March issue, I must
Just a few short years ago,
take a moment to thank our incredible free-
I would not have been con-
lance writers for their efforts to make The Day Mag-
sidered for the job of editor
azine so special. They have quite literally brought
based on the fact that I am
this magazine to life with their in-depth telling of
female. Many people worked
phenomenal stories with every attention to detail. I
tirelessly throughout history to create the changes
am so grateful that they take on story ideas I throw at
that we benefit from today. Our story “Griswold vs.
them with enthusiasm, and they always go the extra
Connecticut” shares the narrative of Connecticut
mile to deliver their very best work.
resident Estelle Griswold and her fight for women’s
Speaking of great work, please read Ann Baldelli’s
rights in marriage. We need to hear stories like hers
carefully crafted article, “Elegance Reigns Supreme
now more than ever and we need to honor and remem-
with Highclere Castle Gin.” I think you will find the
ber the work these courageous people carried out so
Anglo-American link between Lord and Lady Car-
we can sit where we are today.
narvon and Centerbrook resident Adam von Goot-
In addition to these three articles, there are so
kin quite intriguing. The way von Gootkin began
many other topics you need to devour this month. I
a gin business with the Carnarvons is a story that
hope you take the time to sit with each one. It remains
could have been plucked from the pages of a novel. I
our goal to include a story for everyone among the
am still pinching myself that I was able to interview
pages of TDM. Please continue to share your ideas
Lady Carnarvon, the Countess who lives in Highclere
for future articles and features so we can print what
Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed.
you want to read. We truly love hearing from you. I
I mentioned being a balletomane in the first issue. Any other ballet fans out there? I think we can all agree that George Balanchine redefined ballet in
can be reached at s.cushing@shorepublishing.com
Happy March!
America and more specifically, New York. Southeastern Connecticut is lucky to have one of Balanchine’s former students, Gloria Govrin, continue his legacy as the Artistic Director of Eastern Connecticut Ballet. Check out the story on page 13 to see which ballet roles
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Shannon Cushing, editor
READER LETTERS
Spectacular! That’s what I feel about your second issue. I read it from cover to cover! What a wonderful array of topics and areas you chose in and around New London county. It was so well written and photographed. I am so impressed. Keep up the good work!
| correspondence
IN RESPONSE TO “What could have been: How racism and poor timing stopped the founding of Connecticut’s Black college”
WHAT
honoring black
history month
COULD
HAVE BEEN
Tory Christian, mystic
Every feature was of interest, particularly the Prudence Crandall article. I was so happy that I got a look at Holiday House. I have always wanted to see it from the water, and there it was. Also Sift. What a wonderful American success story. Louise Clemens, waterford
I was so impressed with the January issue of The Day Magazine—the interesting, varied, and well-written articles, along with such amazing photographs. I never expected the February issue to top it! But once again, I couldn’t wait to read it from cover to cover. And again, every article grabbed my attention. Looking forward to making the beet salad shown on Page 62! And now I can’t wait to see the March issue! Well done … an unexpected and appreciated addition to our subscription.
I 46
How racism and poor timing stopped the founding of Connecticut’s Black college
magazine
South Carolina’s power elite feared that Blacks who could read and write would be able to orchestrate more uprisings against their White captors. South Carolina’s Negro Act of 1740 restricted the already onerous limitations put on enslaved people by making it a crime to give them the right to literacy. This piece of legislation would be adopted in other states during the colonial period and after the Revolutionary War. Within Connecticut, where slavery was not abolished until 1848, the state’s free people of color found their educational opportunities limited. Black children were denied the ability to share a classroom with their White counterparts, resulting in the rise of segregated education, and no school of higher education would admit a Black student.
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Dear whoever at The Day made the decision to publish this article during Black History Month: Thank you and do, please, take a bow. As for the writer of this timely, stunning, and mercilessly factual gem: Thank you, too, of course, and please take several bows. HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
- Spotlight on Black-owned businesses - The story of Connecticut’s unrealized Black college - Explore Connecticut’s Freedom Trail
What to binge watch this winter
Bud Bray, via web
We need to know about the past so we can learn from it and not make the same mistakes again. It humbles us and hopefully makes us more compassionate towards one another. We are learning history, all of it, and that is good. Anne Nelson, via web
Wow what an article. Thank you. Also what a reminder that we champion “The North” winning the civil war... history has almost been re-written as if it wasn’t still racist up here.
Jeanne Thomas, niantic
catching up:
written by phil hall
n 1831, Connecticut had the opportunity to become the first state to establish an institution specifically designed to offer undergraduate education to the disenfranchised Black population. But the proposal was violently rejected by the White ruling class and for many years this unfortunate aspect of the state’s experience was rarely cited in its history books. Providing education to Blacks had been a sore point since the colonial era, dating back to South Carolina’s Stono Rebellion of September 1739 when a literate enslaved person named Jemmy coordinated a rebellion that resulted in the deaths of 25 White South Carolina residents and between 35 and 50 enslaved Blacks.
In February’s “Local Finds”, a couple of the editor’s picks had misspellings. The wine should have been 2020 Pindar Viognier, and the mug was inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Robin Dauda, via web
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.
march 2022 11
in the spotlight E N T E R TA I N M E N T
C U LT U R E
photo by ellyett photography / courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet
ARTS
balanchine ballerina Gloria Govrin
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in the spotlight
A Balanchine Ballerina looks back….and ahead EASTERN CONNECTICUT BALLET ARTISTIC DIRECTOR GLORIA GOVRIN PASSES ON DANCE MASTER’S TECHNIQUE
written by traci neal
G
loria Govrin knew by age 6 she’d dance, and by the time she was 8 she had her sights set on the New York City Ballet—and George Balanchine,
the prolific and groundbreaking dance instructor and one of the greatest choreographers of all time. “I never wanted to do anything else,” says Govrin, who grew up in Newark, N.J., where she took her first ballet lessons as a small child. “I only wanted to dance. And then, I only wanted to dance for him.” Govrin would eventually go on to
left Gloria Govrin as Coffee in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, 1965. photo by martha swope / courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet below From left, Eastern Connecticut Ballet guest faculty Wendy Whelan, ECB Artistic Director Gloria Govrin and ECB Founder and Executive Director Lise Reardon photo courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet
study under the ballet master himself, Mr. B as he was known, at his School of American Ballet, and train to dance for Balanchine’s company, which she did with renown from 1959 to 1974. “He saw something in me,” she says of Balanchine’s eye for the unique. Govrin, at 5-foot-10, stood inches above the other girls. People told her she was too tall for ballet, that she should leave New York to become a Las Vegas show girl. But Balanchine, inspired by her stature and impressed by the way she moved, instead staged solo roles just for her, essentially, she says, “creating my career.”
march 2022 13
in the spotlight top left Gloria Govrin instructs an Eastern Connecticut Ballet Level 7 student. photo courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet center left-right Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s Artistic Director Gloria Govrin in Stars & Stripes with New York City Ballet, 1973; George Balanchine instructs Gloria Govrin at the School of American Ballet, circa 1964. photo courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet bottom left Gloria Govrin teaching some of her Level 8 students at Eastern Connecticut Ballet. photo by ellyett photography / courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet top right George Balanchine with Gloria Govrin backstage during New York City Ballet’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1964. photo by martha swope / courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet bottom right Gloria Govrin instructs the tiny dancers during a dress rehearsal for Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s The Nutcracker. In 2021, the company combined live and filmed performances to bring the ballet to audiences and keep dancers safe. photo courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet
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magazine
Govrin, now considered one of the leading masters of the Balanchine Technique, continues to pass along what she learned to young dancers as artistic director of Eastern Connecticut Ballet. She is among several former Balanchine mentees to tell their stories in a 2021 documentary, In Balanchine’s Classroom, which ECB plans to screen in March. The film features archival footage of Balanchine at work during rehearsals, classes, and in preparation for his most seminal works. “He believed dance could stand on its own, it didn’t need a story or plot but needed good dancers and good material, which he provided,” says Govrin of Balanchine. The Russian-born “father of American ballet” came to America at age 29, co-founding the School of American Ballet in New York City a year later, and eventually launching the New York City Ballet, where he continued to produce what would become a body of more than 450 works until his death in 1983 from a rare brain disorder. The George Balanchine Foundation writes, “Balanchine revolutionized the look of classical ballet. Taking classicism as his base, he heightened, quickened, expanded, streamlined, and even inverted the fundamentals of the 400-year-old language of academic dance. This had
“When Balanchine taught, he used to use food as a metaphor a lot, and I do the same with my students: how they need to hold their arm up with strength so it’s not like a piece of celery that’s been in the fridge for two days.” GLORIA GOVRIN
an inestimable inf luence on the growth of dance in America.” For Govrin, learning to teach Balanchine was just as all-consuming as learning to dance it. “He started me off teaching at the School of American Ballet and I taught every year there until I retired (in 1974). I knew when I retired what I was going to do,” she says of teaching. “I learned so much from him. I was taking his class in the morning and then teaching it at night. I learned how to teach by watching him and having him teach me and in that way, his work is passed on from generation to generation.” After retiring from the stage, Govrin opened her own school and dance company in Bucks County, Pa., later becoming principal teacher at the Rock School, the school of the Pennsylvania Ballet, and in 1999, landing at the San Francisco Ballet School. “When Balanchine taught, he used to use food as a metaphor a lot, and I do the same with my students: how they need to hold their arm up with strength so it’s not like a
march 2022 15
image courtesy of zeitgeist films
in the spotlight piece of celery that’s been in the fridge for two days,” says Govrin. “He taught me when I teach, he would say, ‘Dear’—he called us Dear— ‘You have to go up and correct them, even if it’s the same correction you’ve been giving all month, as if it’s the first time you’re giving it. Don’t get annoyed. Be patient. They’ll get it.’” Govrin was little more than a toddler when she stepped into her first ballet studio in Newark. “I think my mother wanted secretly to be a ballerina, so when she had a little girl, she took me to this ballet school when I was 3,” says Govrin. When the studio closed, Govrin enrolled in Garden State Ballet, a nonprofit school run by Fred Danielli, an early Balanchine student who taught his technique. “He brought in teachers like MarieJeanne, who was one of Balanchine’s first ballerinas, to teach our pointe classes,” recalls Govrin of her first lessons in Balanchine’s athletic, tightly
FILM SCREENING, Q&A WITH GLORIA GOVRIN PLANNED
sive style. While in high school, Govrin began
Eastern Connecticut Ballet invites the public to a screening of the
attending Balanchine’s School of Amer-
documentary film, In Balanchine’s Classroom, (2021, Zeitgeist Films) followed
ican Ballet, traveling into the city by
by a Q&A with ECB Artistic Director Gloria Govrin on Sunday, March 13, at
herself on weekends for class, then
The Kate in Old Saybrook.
sneaking into New York’s City Center,
Govrin, a student and leading master of the Balanchine Technique, is
the then-home to NYCB, to watch Bal-
one of several former Balanchine dancers interviewed for the film, which features never-before-seen archival footage of Balanchine at work during rehearsals, classes, and in preparation for his most seminal works. ECB students range from age 3 to adults and the school offers several community outreach programs, including free performances for local schoolchildren, ticket giveaways to social service agencies, and an adaptive ballet program. The nonprofit is funded through grants, donations and corporate sponsorships. For information, visit easternctballet.org.
16
choreographed and musically expres-
magazine
anchine’s dancers perform. “I went every weekend when I was in New York studying ballet,” she says, “and I got everyone’s autograph. I had them plastered all over my wall. They were like movie stars to me.” When she graduated high school at 16, she says, “It was like, the jig is up, you either get into the company or go to school. I needed to know.” So, the
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tions, but I didn’t want to dance there, I wanted to dance with Balanchine. “He told me to take me into the company would be expensive. They’d have to get all new costumes because I was really at least three inches taller than
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any other girl in the company, maybe even four.” Partnering would be difficult because Govrin was taller than many of the male dancers, too, she says. “I went home very depressed and cried,” she recalls, “and that night I got a phone call and he made me an
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apprentice.” Balanchine had recognized something in the statuesque dancer that was special and unique. And Balanchine loved unique, says Govrin. “He was always looking for people who inspired him,” she says. “He once said to me he never saw anybody my size move the way I moved.
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I was very strong. I could do everything and I never worried about not making a pirouette or coming down from a jump. I had a strong technique, but I also was very comfortable onstage. I never felt nervous and I just loved to dance and couldn’t wait to get out there.” Every season, Balanchine made two new ballets, sometimes more, and there was almost always a spot for a Govrin solo: Hippolyta in A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Coffee in The Nutcracker, the princess in Firebird, and La Bonne Fee in Harlequinade.
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march 2022 17
in the spotlight “He knew I was never going to have a career like all the other ballerinas,” she says. “Because I was so tall, I couldn’t do all this partnering because the boys were not as tall, and so he created my career. Without Balanchine, I don’t think I would’ve had a career, but he made it possible for me. I’m forever grateful because it’s been my entire life.” Govrin came to ECB about 11 years ago after the former AD left for a job with Cirque de Soleil. ECB Founder and Executive Director Lise Reardon had been asking around and a mutual friend recommended Govrin. So Reardon called her. “We were on the phone close to two hours,” Reardon recalls. “It was the most wonderful conversation. I invited her to Connecticut and … she taught a class for me, and 15 minutes into that class I realized how extraordinary she was.” When Govrin danced for Balanchine, Reardon says, “he was preparing her to be a teacher. She learned everything she knew from him, and as you know he was a genius. Gloria’s one of the surviving masters. Her depth of knowledge, her ability to work with dancabove Gloria Govrin, back row, with guest artists from the New York City Ballet. photo courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet
ers of all abilities, it’s special. Her cho-
right George Balanchine with some of his New York dancers, 1964. photo courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet
she knows how to choreograph to the
reography is very thought-out, very musical, very organic and fluid, and strengths of the dancers.” Govrin says dancers today are different from those of even 50 years ago, largely due to Balanchine’s now-worldwide influence. “Ballet has changed because of George Balanchine,” she says. “He’s
18
magazine
the person who built the bridge from the 20th to the 21st century with ballet. … I think there is a heavy concentration on technique today, and that all started with him.” And, she suspects, ballet will continue to evolve. “Is there going to be another Balanchine? I would think so. Maybe not in my lifetime, but as long as you feed the art form, hopefully there are geniuses out there who will contribute to it all. “I have to believe it will morph into something new because your audience changes and what people want to see changes,” she says. Govrin notes how ECB navigated the COVID surge as it prepared for its 2021 Nutcracker performance over the winter, ultimately adapting it as a hybrid production. “The whole first act was filmed a couple of weeks prior because many of the dancers were children who couldn’t be vaccinated,” she says. “The live portion of the show was all vaccinated people. It worked.” She hopes for the same success as ECB plans an upcoming spring show, Ballerina Swan, based on a book by fellow NYCB dancer Allegra Kent about a swan that longs to dance, she says. “It’s funny, it’s sweet, and it’s a chance for younger students to get on the stage and show what they’ve learned,” says Govrin. The show is scheduled for May 22 at the Garde Arts Center. above Gloria Govrin teaching George Balanchine’s technique at Eastern Connecticut Ballet. Govrin was a student of Balanchine’s School of American Ballet and a star soloist for the New York City Ballet under Balanchine. photo courtesy of eastern connecticut ballet
march 2022 19
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20
magazine
equine therapy at High Hopes
people & places
Do we take Long Island Sound for granted?
Juvenile black sea bass in Long Island Sound. photo by peter auster
A
written by morgan rizzo
Auster and retired operations manager of UConn’s
small worm hits the rippling water as a
Department of Marine Sciences, Bob DeGoursey.
father and son cast their fishing line hop-
With scuba certifications and years of work experi-
ing to catch flounder for dinner. White foam rises and slowly falls along the
rocky shore as little kids splash in the shallow water. Piping plovers peek out from the protective dune grass that lines the sand. Sunscreen is lathered on the backs of sunbathers hoping to soak in the sun rays without frying into a red
“Climate change is here and it’s not something that’s a future state. It’s happening now.”
lobster. All seems well on the coast
PETER AUSTER
of Connecticut. Yet, little do the
ence as researchers, the scientists can analyze what most don’t realize changes beneath the surface. Diving to collect sediment samples, surveying fish species and their habitats, and coming face to face with a beluga whale only make up a few of their interesting stories of their underwater dives. A passion for underwater photography guided the two researchers to travel deep into the depths of
fishermen and beachgoers know that numerous feet
the Long Island Sound observing the beauty in the
beneath their shiny boats and steps off the sand is an
diversity of species that inhabit the area. Their doc-
abundance of diverse marine life whose existence is
umentation throughout their careers showcases the
linked to how humans treat the natural world.
drastic changes marine life faces in the Long Island
Exploring the waters of the Long Island Sound is
Sound that people tend to overlook.
not only a job, but a lifetime commitment for marine
Stretching over 600 miles, the Long Island Sound
ecologist at Mystic Aquarium and UConn, Dr. Peter
is home to over 1,200 species of invertebrates and 170
march 2022 21
people & places
species of fish. It additionally supports life for birds,
Higher temperatures keep predators active making it
reptiles, and mammals who inhabit the region. Ducks
harder for winter flounder to survive and reproduce.
and gulls make up only a small number of the 92 total
“In the fifty or so years since I started diving, I’ve seen
bird species. Whales, dolphins, and seals comprise 26
changes going on in the Sound that are happening at
species of mammals that are seasonally observed in the
an unprecedented rate ecologically,” says DeGoursey.
Sound. From 174 species of fish like flounder to 183 spe-
Where species lower on the food chain struggle to
cies of mollusks, like mussels and oysters, the waters
maintain their population due to warm waters, preda-
provide space for a diversity of marine life.
tors like the black sea bass have increased in numbers.
Long Island Sound is an estuary which by definition
There is now a massive influx of black sea bass making
has major changes in temperature and salinity. Organ-
them one of the dominant fish species on rocky reefs
isms that live in estuaries are adapted to these changes,
in Long Island Sound. The black sea bass is adapted to
yet are still facing negative consequences from climate
warmer waters from locations further south. Rising
change. Rising water temperatures over a short period
temperatures of Long Island Sound’s water allows the
of time, have a profound impact on the abundance, dis-
fish to thrive. “Black sea bass are intense fish eaters
tribution, and ultimate survival of the plants and ani-
who are eating juvenile cunner, blackfish, and crusta-
mals living there. “Climate change is here and it’s not
ceans,” says Dr. Auster. “Warming waters have allowed
something that’s a future state,” states Dr. Auster. “It’s
black sea bass to increase in abundance on Long Island
happening now.” As the numbers on the thermometer
Sound, but their ecological role is affecting distribu-
increase over time, the population of species living in
tion changes.”
Long Island Sound respond, with some decreasing and others increasing. “In the 1950s and early 60s when I was a child fishing in Long Island Sound with my dad for an hour or
22
“Increasing temperature is the 800 pound gorilla in the room, but species interact with each other and changes in numbers of one species has cascading effects on others,” says Dr. Auster.
two, I would come home with ten or twenty winter
Yet, the effects are both global and local. Climate
flounder” reflects DeGoursey. “I haven’t seen a winter
change and warming waters on top of local effects
flounder anywhere in my travels in the last 15 years in
of human land use patterns, runoff, and exploitation
Long Island Sound.” The population of winter flounder
of species causes detrimental effects on the fish and
is highly depressed. The flatfish is able to produce in
other species. While marine life is being negatively
shallow estuaries along the coast. However, when they
effected at a rapid rate, the 20 million people who live
migrate into the Long Island Sound, mortality rises.
within 50 miles from Long Island Sound are generally
magazine
unaware of the issue. “People don’t have a mental pic-
is a great spot for boating, fishing, and swimming,
ture of the habitats where blackfish or striped bass or
they don’t realize how their actions may be impacting
winter flounder live,” says Dr. Auster. “Their experi-
marine life. Human activities play a major role enhanc-
ence often involves the species deep fried next to fries
ing the effects of climate change.
and coleslaw on their plate.”
“Most of the public is concerned with the price of
What seafood is being served at restaurants and
clams and lobsters at the local fish market and if it’s a
whether the tide is good to swim in are the thoughts
good day at the beach,” says DeGoursey. Simple actions
of humans who live and frequent the area. Yet, they
like recycling plastic and monitoring fertilizers peo-
fail to see both the beauty and devastating impacts of
ple use in their backyards can save the lives of marine
what is happening hundreds of feet underneath their
species. While picnicking with family along the shore,
boats. While many people may think Long Island Sound
vacationers can pick up their trash and not disturb the home or the species themselves. Locals of the Connecticut area can additionally be informed of the diversity of species in multiple galleries in the Mystic Aquarium. Live touch tanks with organisms, photographs from DeGoursey and Dr. Auster, and pledges for members to participate help inform those of the importance of protecting an area so close to home. While reflecting on his inspiration, scientist Jacques Vyves Cousteau, DeGoursey quotes, “for most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.”
top, l-r The moonjelly is one of multiple species of gelatinous animals that propel through the water column in search of prey they capture with stinging cells in their tentacles. photo by dr. peter auster; The Benthic community is a typical hard rock community in the eastern Sound with hard coral, blood starfish, anemones, and hydroids. photo by bob degoursey; Nudibranchs feeding on hydroids. photo by dr. peter auster left A scientist uses underwater photography to collect images for analysis of the diversity of seafloor organisms. photo by dr. peter auster
march 2022 23
people & places | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Horses helping humans THERAPEUTIC RIDING IN OLD LYME IMPROVES LIVES
Anya Mummert, a program participant and volunteer, with Arthur. photo by michael fanelli
24
magazine
F
written by traci neal
“The problem with hip prosthetics is that they’re
or most of the equestrians at High Hopes in Old
‘dumb,’ they don’t know how to work with each other
Lyme, horseback riding is much more than a rec-
because they don’t have nerve endings, so you have to
reational activity—though it’s that, too.
teach them,” says Cohen, who volunteers in the barn
The therapeutic riding facility, nearing its 50th
and office. “Anyone who’s had extensive orthopedic
year in operation, has become like a second home
corrections done loses balance, loses strength. When
to many who go there to learn not only horsemanship
working with a horse on a walk, I found there’s a motion
but self-confidence, social skills, communication, even
that makes your body do a PT exercise.”
muscle memory.
Physical therapy treatments incorporating equine
“The overarching theme here is acceptance,” says
movement are recognized as an effective tool to treat
Kitty Stalsburg, executive director of the nonprofit,
functional mobility and balance. A recent study outlined
“The horse and human interacting on the ground has a powerful impact on mental and emotional health, helping and assisting with character development, teamwork, educational goals. Being with the horse on the ground, brushing, leading, or whatever, there are a lot of different ways to interact with the horse.” KITTY STALSBURG which is funded by grants,
in the Journal of NeuroEngi-
foundations, corporate and
neering and Rehabilitation
individual giving, and pro-
found that riding enhanced
vides adaptive riding pro-
functional mobility in chil-
grams and other equine
dren with cerebral palsy.
assisted services to people
“Since the horse’s gait at
with disabilities, veterans
a walk mimics the human
and the community.
gait, this type of treatment
“The property was built
may provide individuals with
specifically for therapeutic
CP, who have abnormal gait
riding,” says Stalsburg of the
patterns, an opportunity for
127-acre facility, “with indoor
their neuromuscular system
and outdoor arenas … and a trail system designed to provide sensory activities
Margaret (Mac) Mummert, High Hopes’ board chair, and Kitty Stalsburg, High Hopes’ executive director. photo courtesy of high hopes
to experience a typical gait pattern,” the researchers wrote. “The horse’s move-
for participants when they’re out there riding or car-
ment at the walk are consistent, cyclical, rhythmical,
riage driving.”
reciprocal and multi-dimensional, all of which can facil-
For Judith Cohen, an adult participant and volunteer
itate motor learning.”
at High Hopes, riding became her therapy after two hip
Cohen agrees. “It provides a type of physical ther-
replacement surgeries. “Riding a horse moves the rider’s
apy exercise you’d never want to do 1,000 times your-
pelvis in a way that mimics walking, providing a work-
self, but if the horse is walking and I’m sitting, my gait
out for underused muscles and nerves,” says Cohen.
becomes better, my balance becomes better because
march 2022 25
people & places | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
above photo by michael fanelli
right A summer riding class. photo by michael fanelli
we’re working together. You have to control your legs
retardation, visual and hearing impairments, multi-
because that’s how you communicate with a horse.”
ple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and amputation.
“High Hopes was founded in 1974 by Mary ‘Sis’ Gould
“Many of the children and adults we serve, including
as the Lower Connecticut Valley Educational Rid-
disadvantaged young people from inner cities, have
ing Association to give therapeutic riding lessons to
learning or behavioral disabilities,” Stalsburg adds.
eight students with disabilities from a local elementary school,” says Stalsburg.
26
“A number of riders are children on the autism spectrum,” she says, “and working with horses, whether
“The organization was always designed to serve
riding or brushing, driving a carriage or leading, helps
people with disabilities. Sis’ mom was an amputee
them regulate their body’s sensorial needs. Constant
and still loved to ride. They had some background
input from the horse might allow them to make eye
affiliations with a UK organization called RDA, Rid-
contact with a person, for instance.
ing for the Disabled Association, and Sis was aware
“There are many, many, many different ways it
and recognized that being with horses had a positive
helps,” Stalsburg says of equine therapy. “The horse
impact and helped kids with learning disabilities, lan-
and human interacting on the ground has a powerful
guage issues, problems with attention and focus, and
impact on mental and emotional health, helping and
it improved educational goals. That’s still true today.”
assisting with character development, teamwork, edu-
High Hopes hosted the equestrian events in the 1995
cational goals. Being with the horse on the ground,
Special Olympics World Games, and was the first inde-
brushing, leading, or whatever, there are a lot of dif-
pendent therapeutic riding center—and one of only six
ferent ways to interact with the horse.”
facilities nationwide—approved to teach the instruc-
The organization, governed by a 20-member vol-
tor training course for the Professional Association of
unteer board and managed by a team of 12 full- and
Therapeutic Horsemanship International, the creden-
13 part-time employees, serves more than 200 par-
tialing organization for accrediting centers and certi-
ticipants every week (pre-COVID), with hundreds of
fying instructors and equine specialists.
volunteers.
Participants include people with attention deficit
Anya Mummert is both a volunteer and a rider. The
disorder, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Down
29-year-old with special needs began riding at High
syndrome, spina bifida, developmental delay, mental
Hopes as a preschooler.
magazine
“She just fell in love,” says her mom,
“It’s been rather challenging both
Margaret (Mac) Mummert, who was
for staff and participants because they
recently named High Hopes’ board
just love coming there,” says Mummert.
chair. “She’s an animal lover and a horse
“What we’re mainly trying to deal with
lover so that was her happy place.”
is trying to keep everyone safe. We
Anya rode at High Hopes through
have to be careful because we have
high school and has since become a
a more vulnerable population that we
volunteer.
serve. It’s been challenging but we’ve
“It was always one of the places where
been pretty successful with that.”
she could go and feel part of a group,”
Stalsburg says that anyone interested
says Mummert, who’s also a small-an-
in volunteering, participating, or just
imal veterinarian in Groton. “She was
visiting the facility is welcome, though
able to make friends there— and that’s
COVID continues to cause schedule dis-
so important for kids—and develop
ruptions, so call ahead. The High Hopes
some social skills and be who she was
website features participant stories,
without feeling like people were mak-
pictures of the horses, and much more
ing fun of her or staring at her. They
information, at highhopestr.org.
accept who you are.” “Watching Anya make friends and grow into an accomplished horsewoman,” Mummert says, “is a wonderful feeling as a mom. None of us want our child to be isolated and left out.
Providing solutions to help you achieve your goals
She and a group of other girls rode together for five years and all the parents became close, we’d go out for pizza, it was a wonderful opportunity for both me and her to have that peer group.
Homebuying / Auto Purchase / Debt Consolidation / Retirement Planning / Increase Savings / Youth and College Support / Refinancing Opportunities
It’s sort of become our second home.” Mummert adds that Anya volunteers once or twice a week as a horse leader or in the barn. “They gain a lot of self-confidence and they’re learning also to take care of another living being,” she says. “It’s something she can do well and something she can be proud of, and with kids with special needs, that’s hard to find— something you can be good at. It’s an empowering feeling.” COVID has hit the facility hard, forcing it to temporarily close to group classes and community events.
877 860 6928 • scientfcu.org
Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.
®
march 2022 27
CUISINE
R E S TA U R A N T S
FOOD & DRINK
photo courtesy of la llorona
RECIPES
taste
spice it up with Chef Jay
28
magazine
La Llorona’s authentic mexican
taste
The spice is right A LOCAL CHEF WITH FOOD STORIES TO TELL written by jennifer carmichael photos courtesy of chef jay illard Royal Lewis, Jr., also known as “Chef Jay,” started out with a desire to create. From first ordering a chafing dish on Amazon to catering small events, to forming his own food company, FUD Inc.; launching a spice; and self-publishing a cookbook, he’s always followed his passions. And today, all the components under this entrepreneur’s brand are blending together with the launch of his latest cookbook Delicious in the Diaspora: The Ethnobotanical, Spiritual and Culinary Heritage of the African Diaspora, along with a website by the same name. “I can’t tell you how thankful I am for the path that I’ve taken,” says Lewis, who was born on the Naval Sub-
working in the restaurant industry, he went to Cen-
marine Base New London in Groton; grew up in New
tral Connecticut State University (CCSU), graduat-
Britain and Windsor; and served eight years in the
ing with a degree in Philosophy and African Ameri-
United States Army and Connecticut Army National
can Studies. On the Delicious in the Diaspora’s web-
Guard. “I didn’t go to culinary school in the traditional
site, Dr. Felton Best, chair of the Philosophy depart-
sense. I studied under real chefs. In my formative
ment at CCSU, and a Distinguished African Ameri-
years, I worked for Billy Grant in West Hartford at his
can Professor says, “He really is Genius.”
restaurant, Grants. I would come in two or three hours
During his time at CCSU, he wrote and self-pub-
before my shift started, and I stayed two or three hours
lished his first cookbook, The Gentleman’s Cookbook,
after my shift ended. And I would just ask questions
which not only offers a slew of delicious classic Amer-
and take notes. I was able to learn techniques and see
ican and Italian recipes, but also is a guide to being
what happens behind the scenes that people who did
a gentleman with instructional tips. Selling out at
go to culinary school didn’t know.”
Barnes and Noble, the book’s success brought larger
Not just a culinarian, who’s cooked for the likes of Smokey Robinson, Soledad O’Brien, and more, Lewis
contracts and caused celebrities to take notice. And it’s what Lewis considers his first breakthrough.
has become a powerful voice in the field of social jus-
When cooking for celebrity clients, he’d create dif-
tice philosophy, sustainability and the gastro-eth-
ferent spices and use them in his recipes. With celeb-
ics of hunger and nutritional disparity. In fact, while
rities and others saying he should bottle it, he did.
march 2022 29
taste And “Baby J’s Errr-Thang Spice,” because it tastes
best human he can be. Featuring 100 healthy recipes,
good on everything, is in grocery stores across Con-
with about 98 percent of them plant based, it will be
necticut and Massachusetts.
released digitally in April with hard copies available
“As I’m expanding my culinary reach, I’m becoming
a few months after that.
more acquainted with the history of food, the philos-
“I knew the relationship that I wanted to have with
ophy of food, the cultural impact of food,” says Lewis.
food was not as a restaurateur, caterer, or celebrity
“This is where my Philosophy and my African Amer-
chef,” remembers Lewis, who will be donating a por-
ican Studies degree began to shape the way I thought
tion of every sale of the book to charity. “I wanted
more about my relationship with food and what do I
to be an educator, and I wanted to be someone who
want that relationship to be.”
used what I could do with food to help people.”
Here’s when his interaction with the food indus-
At its core, the cookbook seeks to assist people of
try began to change. He started doing a lot of charity
any race, any nationality or ethnicity in getting more
work for the American Diabetes Association and his
acquainted with the African Diaspora — the cultural,
own boys’ elementary school. Around this time, in
traditional, spiritual influences along the path where
2019, when the longest government shutdown in US
Africans have tread, both east and west.
history occurred—35 days—he, along with his dear
“Commonly, we think of the African Diaspora as
friend, mentor, and businessman Curtis Robinson,
being easily traced through what we understand to
fed hundreds of federal workers who had been fur-
be the old routes where they used to take captive
loughed and out of work. CNN wanted to talk to him
Africans from the west coast of Africa over the Atlan-
about what he was doing.
tic Ocean,” says Lewis. “But the Diaspora is much,
Soon after appearing on CNN, he started writing
much larger than that. Our rich and diverse history
his second cookbook, Delicious in the Diaspora, which
throughout the diaspora is not limited to the innova-
he says was born out of a love of food, a love of philos-
tions and achievements of Africans in captivity in the
ophy, and a personal desire to give back, and be the
United States, despite being held in perpetual enslavement. It certainly involves that. But it also involves things far grander, and far more wide ranging such as being kings, queens, rulers and influencers in India.” The last half of the cookbook offers a study on ethnobotanical heritage (the study of how people of a particular culture and region make use of indigenous plants). By following the tamarind — a leguminous tree bearing edible fruit that is indigenous to Uganda — through a string of stories, Lewis tracks African heritage and culture. He also talks about Ayurveda, an ancient form of alternative medicine of India that helps people understand what you should eat for the best digestive health.
30
magazine
“If you have a certain digestive constitution, then you should eat these fruits, these vegetables, these nuts, these oils. You should stay away from this or stay away from that,” says Lewis. “I put this in at the end for people to customize this book as perhaps they would have done thousands of years ago in India.” The Delicious in the Diaspora website, which launched just a few months ago, is an extension of the cookbook, and the beginning of a lifestyle brand and a global movement. Membership will range from free memberships under special circumstances to premium packages costing around $10 per month. With membership comes access to a suite of experiences from editorial content to programming such as global meditation and cooking classes, and guest speaking events. Each monthly membership is a micro-donation to many localized charities and worthy causes, including helping to make the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals a reality throughout the African Diaspora. “I want to make it my vision to introduce the African Diaspora in a new way to people of all different backgrounds,” says Lewis. “I want them to have an appreciation and understanding for the contributions of African descent. And that doesn’t just mean Americans of African descent. That of course, means people from all over who have come into contact with other parts of the world other than Africa and what they brought to that culture. How then do all of these global experiences translate into a brand-new beautiful culture? That’s at the heart of Delicious in the Diaspora: recognizing all these different patinas and hues, brilliant highlights, and beautiful shadows, that create dishes. And then tell that story.”
march 2022 31
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
LA LLORONA
FROM NAME TO MENU, LA LLORONA BRINGS TASTE OF MEXICO TO NIANTIC written by jenn mcculloch photos courtesy of la llorona
O
32
Beatriz Garcia (customer relations). Family members grew up in a small town called
n April 7, La Llorona will celebrate its one-
Heroica Ciudad De Zitacúaro in the state of
year anniversary after a group of family
Michoacan in South Mexico. After moving to the
members realized their dream of open-
United States, the family met Chris Herbert who
ing a restaurant. The family-owned Mex-
later became part of the family when he married
ican restaurant—located at 13 Hope St. in
Gabriela, who noted, “our little town is predomi-
Niantic—honors their Mexican heritage in a number
nantly Purepecha and you can see this embedded
of ways: from both the food and cocktail menu with
in its folklore and, of course, its food.”
specialty ingredients, to the name, to the decor.
When it came to settling on a name for their new
“Our focus is on all of Mexico’s cuisine and
venture, the family was looking for a nod to their
cocktails with multiple states of Mexico fea-
heritage. Translated to English, La Llorona means
tured throughout our entire menu—our menu is
crybaby, but the name is based on a Mexican story
as authentic as it gets in Mexico,” said Chris Her-
with origins in the Goddess Tonantzinor, or Cihua-
bert, a chef. “That theme is throughout the entire
coatl, the female serpent. The folklore tells the tale
restaurant with paintings that are most recognized
of the mixing of the Aztec and Spanish cultures and
from that state.”
the first woman to convert to Christianity.
In addition to Herbert, the restaurant is run by a
“To speak of La Llorona is to speak of a per-
host of family members including Gabriela Herbert
son that has inspired legends and stories that
(CFO/ server), Oscar Yanez (chef), Kristel Yanez
have transcended over time, and that in today’s
(front of house manager), Ricardo Yanez (general
day form part of the identity of millions of Mex-
manager), Noemi Marchan (bar manager), and
icans,” said Gabriela Herbert. “The legend of La
magazine
Llorona is told all over Mexico. For this reason, there are different points of view, however, what stands out is that these stories are centralized in the culture of Mexico. The legend is an indisputable story whose pre-Hispanic origin and cultural pride signifies enrichment of the myth, legend, and traditions of Mexico.” Now Herbert and her family are sharing those traditions and more with customers through their “progressive Mexican cuisine.” As the restaurant’s chefs, Christopher Herbert and Oscar Yanez aim to create a menu full of traditional, regional, cultural, and seasonal foods of Mexico with dishes bringing different spices and traits of each state of Mexico. Some of La Llorona’s authentic dishes are Mole Oaxaqueño, Tacos Al Pastor, Carne Norteña, Tostadas De Tinga, Pipián De Puerco. Inspired by the Oaxaca Southern state, La Lloronas recently featured Tacos De Chapulines—Oaxaca-style crispy grasshopper tacos. The family has seen these become some of their customers’ favorite dishes. The chefs noted that some of the most popular items on the menu include Parrillada La Llorona, Paella Mexicana, Carne Norteña, Chiles Rellenos, Tacos Al Pastor, Mole Oaxaqueño, Enchiladas, Nachos, and Pipián De Puerco. “Based on what our customers seem to like the most, we [Chris Herbert and Oscar Yanez] put our ideas to work to not only spice up those popular dishes but also to create new authentic ones to surprise the palate of our regular and new customers,” said Oscar Yanez. “This allows us to take foods of Mexico and bring them into a new light with passionate, creative, artistic execution of traditional flavors, regional plates from all of Mexico with cultural respect for the dishes, while always forward thinking with seasonal products.” In addition, La Llorona brings its “progressive” approach to the bar with Mezcals, tequilas, margaritas, Mexican cervezas, sangrías, and Spanish wines. Specialty cocktails feature seasonal fruits and unique sugar and salts, such as Sal de Gusano—worm salt. Unique specialty cocktails that
march 2022 33
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
customers can find on the menu include a Jala-
were better equipped to face the challenges as
peño Margarita, Sangría, La Llorona Margarita,
we all got back to our new normal,” said Ricardo
and Oaxaca Cucumber Mezcal.
Yanez. “The most prominent issue has been the
“Sal de Gusano comes from the state of Oaxaca in Mexico and we use it to rim our glasses for
the void in the workforce in our industry.”
our refreshing Mezcal cocktails,” said Noemi
Kristel Yanez worked in several restaurants
Marchan. “We also make our own secret Mez-
throughout the area before opening La Llorona
cal and tequila and fruit infusions to make some
with her family. Now approaching a year in busi-
of our most popular cocktails. To us, progressive
ness, she has enjoyed getting to know the commu-
is not just about food and beverages; it is also
nity and their customers, already knowing many of
our goal to provide exceptional service, to con-
their regulars’ favorite orders.
stantly grow, adapt, and change to the desires of our guests.” The family brings a lot of experience to the table as all of them have previously held manage-
34
side effect of finding staff as COVID helped fuel
“The community has welcomed us with open arms, and they are just wonderful,” said Kristel Yanez. “We’re a family business and we love being together. This is our life, our hearts.”
ment positions in other restaurants prior to open-
Working on the customer relations side of the
ing La Llorona. They saw the challenges of COVID
restaurant, Beatriz Garcia has also enjoyed get-
firsthand in those positions. “We went through all
ting to know the community while working along-
of it in the beginning [in our other positions] so we
side her family.
magazine
“The favorite part of this journey has been not only including every member of our family, but also transmitting that dream to them,” said Beatriz Garcia. “Seeing our family, friends, and this community so invested and proud of what we have been able to bring them has been the most amazing experience that not even in our wildest dreams we saw coming.”
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“Our focus is on all of Mexico’s cuisine and cocktails with
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multiple states of Mexico featured throughout our entire menu—our menu is as authentic as it gets in Mexico.”
STOP IN FOR A BITE, A BREW, & A GROWLER FILL TOO!
Fresh Beer, Brewed Here! Willimantic Brewing Company Restaurant and Pub Brewery 967 Main St, Willimantic, CT 860.423.6777 • willibrew.com
CHRIS HERBERT march 2022 35
taste | RESTAURANT LISTINGS BAKERY/CAFE
FINE DINING
DEKE’S BAGELS
PIZZA
85 MAIN
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. 157 W. Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357 1013 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, CT 06437 860-739-9509 | dekesbagels.com
184 PIZZERIA
Family owned and operated, located in the Haley Brook Plaza, on Rte. 184. Check out the GRAB & GO fridge - varieties change daily. Pizzas, grinders, sandwiches, wraps, calzones. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Closed Sunday 2440 Gold Star Highway, Mystic, CT 06355 860-245-0800 | 184pizzeria.com
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 St, Putnam, CT 06260 860-928-1660 | 85main.com
SEAFOOD
J & R SEAFOOD
FAMILY STYLE
MEDITERRANEAN
GROTON TOWNHOUSE RESTAURANT
PICK POCKETS
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 06340 | 860-449-0355 grotontownhouserestaurant.com
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 214 CT-12, Groton, CT 06340 860-910-0235 | pickpocketsdeligroton.com
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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 06355 860-415-4656 | jrseafoodmarket.com
Lunch
Dinner
Outdoor dining Entertainment
Kids’ menu Alcohol Served
Cash only
CHEF PROFILE
SPORTS BAR
C.C. O’BRIEN’S
| taste
Sous Chef Antonio Burley
I
have been part of the StoneRidge culinary family for 31/2 years in the capacity of cook and was promoted to sous chef in 2020. As a native of Texas, I relocated to Connecticut in 1997. I started my professional culinary career in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Archerfish as a mess specialist. I married in 1998 and now have four children with my beautiful wife. I spent my career in many local restaurants including Stonington Country Club, Breakwater in Stonington, Steak Loft in Mystic, The Knickerbocker in Westerly, RI, and Azu in Mystic. In addition
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 p.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday 11 a.m.-9.p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Bar open later 8 Mechanic Street Pawcatuck, CT 06379 860-599-2034 | ccobriens.com
THE STUMBLE INNE
to being well versed in every aspect of the StoneRidge kitchens, I am the founder of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, which started in February 2020, and I currently serve as co-chair. As a direct result, Life Care Services, our managing partner, took this lead and started a Diversity & Inclusion Committee at the corporate office.
STONERIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 186 Jerry Browne Rd Mystic CT 06355 877-295-3747 | stoneridgelcs.com
We’ve got you
covered
100% satisfaction guaranteed
Great food, happy hour, live music, pool tables, darts, trivia, karaoke. Nominated for best burger! Sunday 1 p.m.-12 a.m.; Monday-Saturday 12 p.m.-12 a.m. 90 Halls Rd, Old Lyme, CT 06371 860-434-2342 | facebook.com/TheStumbleInne
To advertise your restaurant on this page, email thedaymag@theday.com.
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home & garden GARDENING
DECOR
ADVICE
photo courtesy of william pitt sotheby’s international realty
R E A L E S TAT E
the benefits of staging a home
38
magazine
connecticut’s unique architecture
home & garden
Making the best first impression STAGING, EVEN IN VIRTUAL FORM, CAN HELP PROSPECTIVE BUYERS SEE A HOME’S BEST FEATURES
Realtor Patricia Williams of William Raveis Real Estate in Niantic counsels her clients on how to prepare a property for the market, including a less-is-more approach to decor. photo courtesy of william raveis real estate, niantic
written by g.a. peck
W
hen selling a home, dilemmas
investment, no matter the property’s price point or condition.
abound: What’s needed to get the
Patricia Williams is a sales associate with Wil-
property ready? What’s my home
liam Raveis Real Estate in Niantic and the leader
worth? How should I price it? How
of the Patricia Williams Team of Realtors. Asked
do I make sure that it gets noticed by
about how valuable staging is as a marketing tool,
buyers? And, should I invest in staging my home?
Williams cited data from the National Association
Staging a home—decluttering, placing or mov-
of Realtors (NAR), which found that staged homes
ing furnishings, and adding some interior design
often sell for 3% over list price, and they sell, on
flair—is intended to beautifully present a home—
average, 87% faster than non-staged equivalents.
online and in person—and to enable prospective
“There are several factors for sellers to keep in
buyers to imagine their style and furnishings in
mind,” Williams said. “Does the staging create
the interior spaces.
value compared to the cost?”
The Day Magazine spoke with three local Real-
When staging is wise but not within the budget,
tors about home staging and why it may be a smart
Williams said she can work with clients to achieve
march 2022 39
NANCY MESHAM HEIDI HOSS HILARY REID WENDY VISGILIO
the next best thing. She’ll strategically recommend decluttering, making repairs, freshening up wall colors, editing the furnishings in a room. William Raveis clients may also leverage “Raveis Refresh” to help make repairs and design improvements, like updating kitchens and baths. “The costs are paid by the homeowner at closing, interest free,” Williams noted. “Virtual staging is less expensive, and currently, a lot of people are online shopping in advance of physically visiting a home. Some homes are being sold sight-unseen, though that is not as common,” Williams reported. “Realtors are also required to disclose when and what image[s] have been virtually staged.” “Whether staging a home with tangible décor or virtually filling the interior spaces, the goal is the same: to make an impact and a great first impression,” Williams said.
We’ll be the first to welcome you home.
NANCY MESHAM (860) 227-9071 nancymesham.com
860.227.9071 | nancymesham.com | 86 Halls Road | Old Lyme, CT 06371
40
magazine
home & garden
Fresh paint color and simple staging techniques transformed this home’s main entryway. Nancy Mesham of Coldwell Banker was the listing agent for the property; she provided the “before” (left) and “after” (right) photos. photos courtesy of coldwell banker realty
“A home can evoke different feelings, such as peacefulness, escape, warmth, family, or entertaining to name a few. The stager will determine the best way to bring out those attributes, so potential buyers can experience it as they walk through the home.” JONATHAN RODGERS “The home needs to be appealing to the highest number
baths.’ It’s a home. Buyers want to love where they live. If
of potential buyers, which helps to sell a property more
it looks terrific online and it feels the same in person, buy-
swiftly and for more money—two of the most important
ers are more apt to offer— and offer more in a competitive
goals for nearly all sellers,” she explained.
market, because of that emotional investment.”
Still, staging needs vary. There are homes that may require reinventing all the interior rooms, through the
It is a misconception that only high-dollar luxury-market homes are stage-worthy.
lens of a designer’s eye. Other properties may call for that
“Every home at every price point benefits from an objec-
level of care for just a few rooms. Williams said that the
tive eye,” Mesham explained. “When we live in a home, our
NAR suggests sellers anticipate an average staging cost of
furnishings and collections are personal. It’s what makes
1% of the home’s list price.
it ‘ours.’ Neutralizing and editing enhances architecture,
SETTING THE STAGE
Nancy Mesham is a luxury property specialist and team
light and space, and allows a buyer to imagine themselves living here. Many people think staging is exclusive to the higher end, but it is effective at every price point.”
lead at Coldwell Banker Realty in Old Lyme. “Nearly every
“Often, homes need physical modifications to enhance
one of my listed homes is staged, even minimally, at every
value, and we can arrange that. I’ve had great success
price point,” Mesham said. “The adage, ‘a picture is worth a
with Realvitalize. It’s my in-house program that allows
thousand words,’ is especially true in real estate marketing.
us to make modest modifications, including staging for
It’s not ‘3,200 square feet, four bedrooms and two-and-a-half
no upfront fee to the seller,” Mesham noted.
march 2022 41
home & garden STAGING DESIGN, CUSTOMIZED
“Home staging can play a very important role in
the sales process; however, as with many aspects of real estate, it depends entirely on the individual property,” according to Jonathan Rodgers, a Realtor with Randall Realtors-Compass in Mystic. “Staging can be especially helpful with homes that are empty and don’t have furniture or other furnishings, whether it be a newly constructed property or a house where the current owners have moved and taken everything out. By staging a home, a designer will seek to accent the living areas to showcase features, such as a view or a fireplace and create a mood that invites a potential homebuyer to imagine themselves within the space. “Staging may be less important with homes that have furniture; however, a good designer can transform an existing space into something truly special,” Rodgers continued. “By removing clutter, arranging furniture differently, adding points of color with throw pillows or artwork, the home can stand out amongst the competition.” Putting a design spin on a room can help create a mood. “The goal of physical staging is initially to provide great listing photos, but then more importantly enhance the home’s natural attributes,” Rodgers explained. “A home can evoke different feelings, such as peacefulness, escape, warmth, family, or entertaining to name a few. The stager will determine the best way to bring out those attributes, so potential buyers can experience it as they walk through the home.” In scenarios where physically staging the home isn’t possible, virtual staging can afford a lower-cost option. “A well-staged home will create more initial buzz when it hits the market and then help make in-person showings more successful and lead to offers,” Rodgers concluded.
42
magazine
above Decluttering a home, adding a fresh coat of paint, and staging it with edited decorative items ensures that a property shows its best. photo courtesy of william raveis real estate, niantic below Through the magic of virtual staging, furnishings and little pops of color can make an otherwise unfurnished room present well online. photo courtesy of randall realtors-compass
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march 2022 43
timeless architectural
home & garden
200 Clapboard Ridge Road in Greenwich is an example of Georgian Revival architecture from the 1930s. The house was built by architect Mott Schmidt, known for Gracie Mansion and private homes he designed for the Rockefellers, Astors and Vanderbilts. Sotheby’s International Realty is the listing brokerage for the property, priced at $17 million. photo courtesy of sotheby’s international realty
44
STYLE magazine
This Victorian home at 26 Barton Hill Road in East Hampton debuted in 1872 and remained in the original owner’s family until the early 1970s. The house was fully restored and became a bed-andbreakfast in 2015. It’s now listed for sale for $1.35 million. photo from mls
The farmhouse kitchen at 88 Old Roxbury Road opens to a dining area and striking “keeping room,” with wide-plank floors, a post-and-beam structure, with custom windows and five sets of sliders that open out to the yard. photo courtesy of william pitt sotheby’s international realty
Unrestrained by the passing of time and style influences, Connecticut’s architectural history is long and varied
The Thomas Lee House is one of the oldest wood-framed houses in Connecticut. Expanded over the centuries, the original part of the house dates back to 1660. photo courtesy of the east lyme historical society
march 2022 45
home & garden
T
written by g.a. peck
here are cities and regions of the country that have become synonymous with architectural styles prevalent in their communities. Think of Brooklyn’s brownstones or the shingle-style beach homes of
the Hamptons. Art deco reigns in Miami’s South Beach, and adobe-inspired residences dot the desert southwest. Conversely, Connecticut’s architectural heritage is as diverse as its regions and towns and population. From the coastline to the big cities, to the rolling country hills beyond, travelers will pass by authentic Colonial-era homes, iconic shingle-style coastal houses, ornate Victorians, Mid-Century modern homes, charming Tudors and sleek contemporaries—a veritable feast of architecture styles, some dating back centuries. A tour of Connecticut’s post-colonial architectural past should begin at the beginning, in the Niantic neighborhood of East Lyme. Known today as The Thomas Lee House, it’s one of the oldest wood-framed homes in Connecticut, with the original part of the structure dating back to 1660, according to the East Lyme Historical Society. The house was reportedly expanded in 1700, doubling its size. It was expanded a third time in 1765, creating the house as it has been preserved and restored since. In 1915, the property was opened to the public, with a ceremony featuring guest speaker President William Howard Taft.
THE COLONIAL FARMHOUSE
Nestled among the rolling hills of Roxbury in
Litchfield County is a Colonial-era farmhouse at 88 Old Roxbury Road. Jeff Phillips, a Realtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s in Washington Depot, Connecticut, is the co-listing agent for the property— listed for $2.785 million in mid-January 2022. “This was the original homestead in the area, with past owners’ names still used as road names today,” Phillips explained. The original part of the house dates back to 1790— six years before the town was incorporated—and in the centuries since, it has been expanded three
46
magazine
above The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum in Stonington looks out across Stonington Harbor. The house was built in 1854, blending Greek Revival and Victorian Italianate styles. photo courtesy of the stonington historical society below This contemporary at 37 Forest Hills Drive was built in 1978 and fully renovated in 2016. The property is listed for $1.45 million with Berkshire Hathaway New England Properties. photo from mls. bottom This Tudor-inspired home was built in 1930 at 49 Toilsome Hill Road in Fairfield. The 1.32-acre property is listed for $1.649 million by the Vanderblue Team at Higgins Group Real Estate. photo from mls
times, with the most significant ren-
Closed 39 Front St., Noank $1,350,000
ovation work completed in the 1990s, according to Phillips.
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Today, it affords four bedrooms and 3,623 square feet of interior living space that perfectly balances the rustic antique charm of its yesteryear with the contemporary func-
“Jacquie always went above and beyond what was expected.” Paul & Vivian
tionality and amenities of a luxury-market home. For example, it now has an open-plan kitchen, breakfast room and “keeping room,” with wide-plank flooring, antique posts and beams, a cathedral ceiling, and lots of light, courtesy of rustic Palladian windows and exterior doors that open out to the grounds. “The light is absolutely mesmerizing,” Phillips remarked about the space. “The way the sun comes
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through the original windows, it bounces all around the room at all times of the day. It is very peaceful.” The property also includes an antique smokehouse and barn, with pastures and paddocks for horses. Beyond the site of the house and barn, the land is topographically varied, with a stream, pond and pine forest. The 23.94-acre lot on which the house is sited is also special, Phillips pointed out. The house is set back, down a quiet lane. “It’s one of the most perfect flat pieces of land—a gentle, rolling parcel, rare in the Litchfield hills.” Iconic to Connecticut, fieldstone walls mark boundaries, and the property abuts the Roxbury Land Trust. Not only will it never be developed, it affords fascinating nature watching and walking trails.
march 2022 47
home & garden THE PREENING VICTORIAN
During the Victorian era in America, architecture
then, many of the grandest shingle-style homes date back to before the turn of the century.
became more ornate, fancier and formal. Entertaining
Victoria Fingelly, a Realtor with Higgins Group Pri-
spaces were at top-of-mind, evidenced by large parlors
vate Brokerage, is the listing agent for the nine-bed-
with high ceilings and fascinating millwork. To beat
room 8,880-square-foot shingle-style home that sits
the summer heat, architects of the time incorporated
waterfront on the Sound at 1227 Pequot Avenue in
prominent front porches and sleeping porches, extend-
Southport. The house debuted in 1908 and is comple-
ing the practical living space of a home.
mented by a stone-and-shingle carriage house.
Grand Victorian homes dotted the Connecticut coast and in the interior of the state, often near or in the state’s major cities of the era. The Victorian home at 26 Barton Hill Road in East Hampton is a fine example of a Victorian mansion.
POPULAR REVIVALS
Pre-WWII and through today, architects across Con-
necticut unveiled an array of architectural homages to Tudor, Greek and Georgian Revival styles.
Built in 1872 in the Second Empire style, it remained
Locals and tourists visiting the southeastern part
in the same family until 1971. In 2015, it was restored
of the state may know the Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer
and became The Bevin House, a bed-and-breakfast.
House, a museum in Stonington, which dates back
It is currently listed for sale. Realtor Jack Pragosa of
to 1854 and blends Greek Revival and Victorian Ital-
Agnelli Real Estate is the listing agent. At deadline,
ianate styles.
the asking price was $1.35 million.
NEW ENGLAND PRACTICALITY
A fine example of a Tudor-inspired home is found at 49 Toilsome Hill Road in Fairfield. The 6,744-squarefoot manor, built in 1930, conjures images of the English
From Greenwich to Stonington, Connecticut’s coast-
countryside, but with all the amenities you may expect
line is known for its shingle-style architecture, born
from a luxury-market home. The property is currently
out of the necessity of unkind salt air and coastal
listed for sale, with an asking price set at $1.649 mil-
storms. Shingle-shake homes have proven durable and
lion. Julie Vanderblue and Melissa Montagno of Hig-
beautiful for more than century. Considered “cottages”
gins Group Real Estate are the seller’s representatives.
above left Realtors Jeffrey Phillips and Mark Madonna of William Pitt Sotheby’s are the co-listing agents for 88 Old Roxbury Road in Roxbury, Connecticut. The 23.94-acre property, farmhouse and barn are listed for sale. The asking price was $2.785 million at deadline. photo courtesy of william pitt sotheby’s international realty above right 1227 Pequot Avenue in Southport sits waterfront on Long Island Sound. The shingle-style home is currently listed for sale, with an asking price of $9.45 million. Higgins Group Private Brokerage represents the seller. photo from gmls
48
magazine
In 1949, Architect Philip Johnson designed a Mid-Century Modern masterpiece on a site in New Canaan, taking full advantage of the natural surroundings by crafting the home of glass. photo by michael biondo / courtesy of the glass house
Built in 1934, 200 Clapboard Ridge Road in Greenwich exemplifies the period’s proclivity for Georgian Revival
furnishings of the era are highly desirable among collectors today.
architecture. The six-bedroom brick home sits lakefront
Today, The Glass House is a National Trust Historic
on 8.14 acres in the private Khakum Wood Association.
Site, with 49 acres and 14 structures that host art exhib-
Listing Realtor Janet Milligan of Sotheby’s represents
its. Tours of the property are given seasonally, from April
the seller of the property she refers to as “a legendary
through November. It’s a popular attraction; reserva-
grand dame landmark,” built by Architect Mott Schmidt,
tions are recommended.
who built magnificent mansions for the Rockefellers, Astors, and Vanderbilts. The property is listed for sale, with an asking price set at $17 million.
A NATURAL PART OF THE LANDSCAPE
THE MODERN-DAY CONTEMPORARY
Contemporaries aren’t particularly prevalent in Con-
necticut, but residential buyers with an affinity for the style will find they come to market from time to time. The architectural style, which germinated in the decades
Architect Philip Johnson began con-
leading up to the 1970s, when it flourished across the
struction on The Glass House in 1949.
nation, is defined by the use of earthly construction
He’d chosen New Canaan to build his
materials, angular lines, and a reverence for the natu-
Mid-Century Modern masterpiece,
ral setting, akin to Mid-Century Modern architecture.
which exemplifies the architectural
There’s a contemporary home for sale in Madison at 37
style, leveraging natural elements like
Forest Hills Drive. The three-bedroom home was built
wood, stone and—to an extreme case
in 1978 and completely renovated in 2016. The property
here—glass. The use of glass breaks
is listed for $1.45 million by Maureen Walker, a Real-
down the visual and stimulatory barriers
tor with Berkshire Hathaway, New England Properties.
between living space and a home’s natu-
The home’s interiors are bright, thanks to an abun-
ral surroundings. There is a starkness,
dance of windows and skylights, and an extra-special
simplicity and practicality to Mid-Cen-
feature of this contemporary is its heated indoor swim-
tury Modern architecture, and authentic
ming pool.
march 2022 49
march is women’s
Griswold vs. Estelle Griswold’s fight for women’s rights
50
magazine
history month
Connecticut I
written by phil hall
habit of taking rejection easily—after graduat-
n 1879, the Connecticut legislature passed
ing from high school, she took a job in a bank
a law that outlawed the manufacture,
to earn money to study singing at the Hartt
sale, and use of contraceptives within the
School of Music. Desiring to make a name for
state. The law was sponsored by P.T. Bar-
herself on the stage, she moved to Paris in 1922
num, the circus impresario who did dou-
to study voice, despite the very strong disap-
ble-duty as a legislator when he wasn’t entertaining the public.
proval of her parents. Unfortunately, her Parisian adventure
Over the years, attempts to over-
became physically and emotionally
turn the law within the legisla-
tumultuous—she contracted
ture and the courts repeat-
tuberculosis, which put her
edly failed. Lawsuits related
studies on hold, and she began
to the contraceptive ruling
a relationship with a writer
were brought to the U.S.
that ended shortly before
Supreme Court in 1943
they planned to marry.
and 1961, but the jus-
She left Paris after receiv-
tices found fault in the
ing word that her moth-
respective filings and
er’s health was deterio-
dismissed the cases.
rating—both of her par-
The onerous law was
ents died shortly after her
eventually overturned in
return, and she opted to
1965 by the U.S Supreme
remain in America.
Court, thanks largely to the
Estelle sought to revive
unlikeliest advocate: Estelle
her hopes for a singing career,
Griswold, a one-time singer who
but steady work eluded her. She
took a nonprofit job for which she had no qualifications and only accepted
became reacquainted with Richard Griswold, a classmate from her days at Hart-
because she needed money after her husband
ford High School who went on to attend Yale and
became too ill to work.
find work in the advertising industry. They mar-
She was born Estelle Naomi Trebert on June 8,
ried in 1927 and relocated to New York, where
1900, in Hartford. Her father was a toolmaker of
Estelle found radio singing jobs on the NBC Red
limited financial means, and her working-class
Network. The couple later moved to Washing-
household was unable to support her dreams of
ton, D.C., where she gave up her music career and
becoming a singer. But Estelle was not in the
began pre-medical studies at George Washington
above Estelle Griswold. photo courtesy of connecticut women’s hall of fame
march 2022 51
march is women’s University, later gaining employment at school as a medical technologist. During World War II, Griswold left his job to join the U.S. State Department’s Office of Political Affairs. At the end of the war, he was transferred to Europe and Estelle joined him. Eager to help in the humanitarian efforts on the war-damaged continent, she sought employment with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (UNRRA) but was rejected by the human resources department. Undeterred, she bypassed the department and appealed directly to the
director at the Planned Parenthood League
agency’s executive officers, who hired her.
of Connecticut—her volunteer work with the
In her work with UNRRA and in later posi-
Human Relations Council and the infertility
tions with church-based humanitarian organi-
and marital counseling programs at Yale were
zations, Estelle observed the struggles faced by
enough for the organization to entrust her with
European refugees and by the generationally
its leadership.
impoverished in North Africa and Latin America.
Estelle initially organized so-called “border
Her work shaped her views on population con-
runs” that took Connecticut women to New York
trol, and she believed that the lack of informa-
or Rhode Island to obtain birth control prod-
tion on contraception fueled the social and eco-
ucts that were illegal in the state. But she tired
nomic crises in the poorer regions of the world
of the laborious efforts to circumvent the law
and her own country.
and decided to challenge its constitutionality.
The Griswolds returned to Connecticut in the
In 1961, Estelle teamed with Yale professor Dr.
early 1950s, but Richard’s health began to dete-
C. Lee Buxton to open a birth control clinic in
riorate due to emphysema and Estelle needed to
New Haven that distributed contraceptives. They
bring additional funds into their home. Although
were arrested and convicted under state law, and
she had no experience running a non-profit, she
each were fined $100. Their convictions were
was offered and accepted the job of executive
upheld by the Appellate Division of the Circuit Court, and by the Connecticut Supreme Court. The case, known as Griswold vs. Connecticut, made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. But whereas earlier attempts to involve the court to challenge Connecticut’s law ended in dismissal, the justices accepted the case. Unlike the earlier dismissals of the challenges to the Connecticut law, the justices agreed to hear the case. On June
The U.S. Supreme Court as it was composed from September 28, 1962-July 26, 1965. Front row, L-R: Tom C. Clark, Hugo L. Black, Earl Warren (Chief Justice), William O. Douglas, and John M. Harlan. Back row, L-R: Byron R. White, William J. Brennan Jr, Potter Stewart, and Arthur J. Goldberg. photo by leffler, warren k. , public domain, via wikimedia commons
52
magazine
5, 1965, the court ruled 7-2 in Griswold’s favor. Justice William O. Douglas, writing the majority decision, argued the Connecticut law violated marital privacy, which he defined as “older than the Bill of Rights.” Justice Arthur Goldberg
history month concurred by linking the right to privacy to the Ninth Amendment, while Justices Byron White and Justice John Marshall Harlan II authored opinions stating the right to privacy was protected by the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In their dissent, Justices Hugo Black and Potter Stewart claimed there was no specific mention of a right to privacy in the Constitution, with Black complaining, “I like my privacy as well as the next one, but I am nevertheless compelled to admit that government
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• Home Furnishings • Consultations • Project Management • Floor Plans • Space Planning
ited by some specific constitutional provision.” Today, constitutional scholars view Griswold v. Connecticut as the steppingstone for Supreme Court rulings related to privacy invasions, most
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notably 1973’s Roe vs. Wade and 2003’s Lawrence vs. Texas. For Estelle Griswold, the court victory was a bittersweet triumph. Her leadership of Planned Parenthood was marked with tensions within the organization on how she managed expenses, and during this time her husband’s health declined rapidly;
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Richard Griswold died in 1966. She resigned her executive director’s position shortly after the Supreme Court ruling and withdrew from public life. Estelle Griswold passed away in Fort Myers, Florida on August 13, 1981 at the age of 81. In 1994, she was inducted in the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame with a citation that noted, “Gris-
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wold’s courage and determination continue to pave the way for further protection of women’s rights, as her landmark case set tremendous precedent for future Supreme Court deci-
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sions.”
march 2022 53
march is women’s
Connecticut
Women’s Hall of Fame written by shannon cushing
I
n celebration of women’s history month, we at TDM would like to shine a light on women from Connecticut who have changed, shaped, and helped make progress
in the state. In an interview with Girls in Tech, 4-1415, Joan Bradley Wages, President & CEO of the National Women’s History Museum said, “Men have the benefit of knowing their history for hundred, if not thousands, of years. They can draw inspiration, courage and ingenuity
54
magazine
history month
from their forefathers and build on that foundation
the impact of these women in history and support the
towards a brighter future.
efforts of modern-day trailblazers.
Women don’t have that advantage. As one historian
The induction ceremony for the 2022 members of the
told me—every generation of women has to recreate the
Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame will take place on
wheel because they don’t know about their past.”
Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the Connecticut Conven-
If you have not already done so, please visit the Con-
tion Center. The theme this year is Women in Sports. All
necticut Women’s Hall of Fame at cwhf.org. According
are welcome to attend the ceremony and more details
to the site, “The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame hon-
can be found at cwhf.org.
ors the achievements of women by celebrating their leg-
In addition to honoring inductees and offering valu-
acies and telling their powerful stories, inspiring women
able programs, the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame
and girls to realize their limitless potential.”
continues to give back through the Eileen Kraus Scholar-
With a diverse group of over 133 inductees, with more
ship. This scholarship is awarded every year to a deserv-
women added to the list every year, the Connecticut
ing female high school student living in Connecticut
Women’s Hall of Fame works to educate the state on
and intending to enroll in their first year of college. For
integral women in history who worked or work to trans-
Eileen Kraus’s story or to apply, please visit cwhf.org/
form life for others. With inductees like film director Mar-
educational-programs/eileen-kraus-scholarship.
tha Coolidge (born in New Haven in 1946), and the last
If you are interested in physically exploring more
speaker and preserver of the Mohegan Pequot language,
of women’s history in Connecticut, you can find
Fidelia Hoscott Fielding (born in Uncasville in 1827 and
information about the women’s heritage trail at
died in 1908), the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame tells
cwhf.org/heritage-trail. The site details significant land-
the stories of many women from our state who deserve
marks in Connecticut that can be visited in person.
recognition and further study. The organization offers educational programs and webinars to help understand
The more we share these important stories, the more we can continue to make positive changes.
left Inductees and Spotlight Recipients from 2021: “Leaders For Social Justice”. L-R: Inductee Kica Matos, Spotlight recipients Lady Pamela Selders, Rabbi Donna Berman, Callie Gale Heilmann , Pat Baker, Khalilah Brown Dean, Glynda Carr, inductee Teresa C. Younger, and Ewa Wolynska (accepting the award for posthumous inductee Jerimarie Liesegang). photo by steven wang photography above Volunteers from Southern Connecticut State University. photo by steven wang photography
march 2022 55
legance E reigns Lord & Lady Carnarvon at Highclere Castle. photo courtesy of highclere castle library
56
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D
ownton Abbey fans have more to celebrate than the release of the new movie. There’s a gin with a local connection that is
winning international acclaim and is made by Lord and Lady Carnarvon, the owners of Highclere Castle, with botanicals grown on the sprawling estate that happens to be
supreme with Highclere Castle Gin
Downton Abbey fans can celebrate the new movie release with a Highclere Castle Gin cocktail and learn more about the spirit’s Connecticut connection
where the series and movies are set. You may want to fix yourself a gin martini to salute the release of the sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, on March 18 (As of press time, the U.S. movie release date was moved to May 20th). Highclere Castle Gin, a partnership of Centerbrook businessman Adam von Gootkin and the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, who live in the castle that inspired Downton Abbey and where some scenes are shot, is the recipient of more than 50 gold and platinum awards and in the estimation of its creators is on its way to becoming one of the most desired gins in the world. Distilled at the historic Langley
written by ann baldelli
Distillery in the north of Britain, in
cocktail recipes by luis coelho, head butler, highclere castle
an antique copper still dating back to the 1800s, the gin is made with orange, lime flower, lavender, juniper, angelica root, cassia bark, cardamom, and oats. Those are the same oats grown at Highclere to feed the thoroughbred race horses at the Highclere Castle stud farm, as well as many of the other finest thoroughbred race horses around the world. The oats are what give Highclere Gin its smooth finish, said von Gootkin, and it was the idea of Lord and Lady Carnarvon who partnered with him to add the grain.
march 2022 57
left Highclere Castle Gin co-founder and CEO Adam Von Gootkin. photo by langston bowen right Lord and Lady Carnarvon and their beloved dogs. photo courtesy of highclere castle lord and lady carnarvon
a prosperous distillery in the 1800s that was shuttered by the government after a relative was caught avoiding paying federal taxes on barrels of whiskey shipped to Canada. Later, during Prohibition, according to von Gootkin, the family had a hotel in Middletown on the Connecticut River, where steamship ferries made daily runs to and from Manhattan, sneaking forbidden spirits on board that were served in the Chafee Hotel’s speakeasy. So, about 2009 when the now 38-year-old von Gootkin got out of the music business and decided to make moonshine instead, he was surprised when his grandmother told him the family’s colorful history in the trade, which he had never heard before. Apparently, spirits are in the family’s blood, he “Scientifically, it doesn’t make sense to add oats to a gin with the botanical blend, but the Lord and
Onyx took off, but von Gootkin was looking to cre-
Lady have excellent palates so I said ‘Let’s give it a
ate a spirit with worldwide appeal that had history and
shot’ … and that’s why we got that creamy finish out
was authentic and he decided, why not ask the owners
of it,” he said.
of Highclere Castle, who have other business arrange-
Juniper has grown wild around Highclere since the
ments, if they wanted to partner with him.
property was occupied by the Romans, but it is pro-
“I was introduced to Highclere Castle via the
tected in Britain so the gin’s juniper is sourced else-
show Downton Abbey, like 250 million other fans
where. But the other botanicals are straight from the
around the world, and I was so inspired by the place
castle property, like the lavender from the Monks’
that when I learned it was real, I reached out to the
Garden and the citrus peel from the orangery.
castle,” said von Gootkin, at Highclere Castle Gin’s
But how is it that a onetime Connecticut moon-
American headquarters in Centerbrook. There is
shine maker has now partnered with the own-
also an office for the gin business at Highclere Castle.
ers of the stately, 200-room Highclere Castle to
“It was a very random email, to like the general
make a highly acclaimed gin? As preposterous as
email logs,” he said. “And the next thing you know,
it seems, von Gootkin, who started in the spirits
Lord Carnarvon called me and we had a wonderful
business with his Connecticut-based Onyx Moon-
conversation and two weeks later I was on a plane to
shine distillery, sent the Carnarvons an email to
go stay for the weekend.”
pitch the idea.
58
said.
That was five years ago.
His moonshine was selling well in Connecticut, but
What he told Carnarvon, he said, is that he was an
von Gootkin wanted to create a spirit that had global,
American spirits entrepreneur who visited England
not just local, appeal. He is of English descent on his
regularly and very much enjoyed his time there,
mother’s side, a Chafee—his mother’s cousin is for-
and believed that the castle, with its rich history
mer Rhode Island governor and U.S. senator, Lin-
and its expansive gardens was the perfect inspira-
coln Chafee—and von Gootkin said the family ran
tion for a new gin.
magazine
fun thymes mistletoe’s bliss
the perfect brand and the perfect gin, is you have these two main
components,” said von Gootkin. “On the one hand, you have the castle with hundreds of years of entertaining the world’s most famous
and interesting people. They have hosted royalty, celebrities, states-
men, scientists, poets, many of the world’s most fascinating individuals, and the Lord and Lady Carnarvon still do it today.”
And then there are the gardens, where many of the plants used to make the gin thrive naturally, and have for centuries.
After his first visit to Highclere, von Gootkin said he returned
many times to forge a friendship and business deal with the earl and the countess.
“When you are there for dinner you never know if you’re going to
be next to the ambassador to Egypt and across the table from a princess from mainland,” he said. “So, you know they very much bring
people from all corners of the world and all walks of life and pro-
fessions together, to forge friendships and relationships. And those
evenings, going back at least to the late 1800s, always start with gin cocktails,” he said.
INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz. Highclere Castle Gin Juice of a blood orange (regular orange is fine) 2.5 oz. artisanal tonic Large sprig of rosemary DIRECTIONS Fill glass with ice. Add Highclere Castle Gin and juice of a blood orange, and stir. Top with tonic water and a fresh sprig of rosemary.
go with gin cocktails on a tray expertly mixed by the head butler,
photo by omakase cocktails
“When the guests arrive, the butlers are lined up and ready to Luis,” von Gootkin said.
photo courtesy of highclere castle gin
“What’s so beautiful about Highclere Castle, the reason it makes
INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz. Highclere Castle Gin 1 oz. thyme-infused triple sec 1 oz. lemon juice Rosemary foam DIRECTIONS Add all ingredients (except rosemary foam) to a shaker with ice. Shake for 12 seconds and strain into glass. Top with rosemary foam.
ROSEMARY FOAM Make a strong rosemary tincture by filling a jar with fresh rosemary and topping with gin. Leave for a few days. Add a few drops to an egg white and a few ice cubes. Shake hard until the mixture has foamed up.
march 2022 59
It was at one of these parties where the guests gathered with their drinks after dinner to enjoy
barcode or SKU—it is staggered to look like Highclere’s towers.
cigars that von Gootkin got an idea for anther busi-
The gin has been receiving very good reviews
ness opportunity with the Carnarvons. He reached
and is being helped by an influx of new gin drink-
out to a friend who is a renowned Nicaraguan cigar
ers. “Even through the turbulence of the past two
blender and asked if he could try to replicate a cigar
years, gin proved to be the tonic for many, with the
described in an old invoice that had been found in
Wine and Spirit Trade Association reporting a 22
the castle’s archives.
percent rise in sales from the previous year,” said
Yes, the cigar-maker told him, he could.
thedrinksreport.com in a December 2021 story.
“Six months later, Lord Carnarvon and I are in the
When COVID hit and people hunkered down in
jungles of Nicaragua like some episode out of Indi-
their homes, the Carnarvons participated in virtual
ana Jones, and we are tasting our final blend,” von
cocktail parties on social media and hundreds of
Gootkin said, adding, “And now it is one of the top-
thousands of viewers tuned in, von Gootkin said. “Our team at the castle broadcast live with Luis
rated cigars in all of the United States.” But it was alcohol that was the primary focus and after about three years of work, the partners launched their gin in 2019, just a few months before the global pandemic struck.
the butler making them a cocktail and them just having fun,” he said. There is a booklet both published and online, called A Butler’s Guide to English Cocktails, that
Everything about their product is British, from
includes a brief history of the castle, a message
the ingredients, to the distillery, distribution center,
from Highclere’s butler, and gin drink recipes like
and even the bottle’s shape—it mimics the castle’s
The White Lady, The Negroni, a British 75, and, of
tallest tower—and its color, royal purple—even the
course, a gin and tonic and a gin martini. “Lady Carnarvon found in the archives of the
photo by chris van howten
fog city negroni
castle this old handwritten butler’s notes of cock-
INGREDIENTS 1 oz. Highclere Castle Gin 1 oz. Earl Grey tea infused campari 1 oz. Cinzano sweet vermouth rosso 1/8 oz. whole milk DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients and filter through a chemex. Once strained, add to a mixing glass with ice, and stir until well chilled. Strain into a low ball glass over a large ice cube.
60
magazine
tails from the 1920s,” said von Gootkin, about how the book came into being. Those recipes have been handed down for decades from one Highclere butler to the next one. Today, those cocktails are made with gin from a bottle bearing Highclere Castle’s name and image. “We have sent the gin out to many of the most prestigious tasting panels in the world and as of yesterday we were up to 51 international gold, double gold, and platinum awards with most of our scores coming in around 95 or 96,” said von Gootkin in mid-January. “So, we are on our way to becoming the most highly rated gin in the entire world.”
top right An aerial view of the sprawling Highclere Castle estate in England. photo courtesy of highclere castle photo library right The Noble, Highclere Castle Gin over ice. photo by chris van howten
hanky panky INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz. Highclere Castle Gin 1.5 oz. sweet vermouth 2 dashes Fernet-Branca Dash of fresh orange juice Orange peel to garnish
DIRECTIONS Mix all together (except garnish) and strain into a cocktail glass.
photo by chris van howten
british 75
ADAM VON GOOTKIN
photo courtesy of highclere castle gin
“When you are there for dinner you never know if you’re going to be next to the ambassador to Egypt and across the table from a princess from mainland. So, you know they very much bring people from all corners of the world and all walks of life and professions together, to forge friendships and relationships. And those evenings, going back at least to the late 1800s, always start with gin cocktails.”
Invented at the Savoy Bar London, the Hanky Panky relies on the balance of the Italian herbal digestivo FernetBranca which is full of botanicals such as cardamom, rhubarb, chamomile. To counter-balance it, sweet vermouth is added.
INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz. Highclere Castle Gin 1.5 barspoons simple syrup .5 oz. fresh lemon juice 2.5 oz. champagne
DIRECTIONS Pour gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker full of ice. Shake ingredients for 10-15 seconds. Straight into champagne flute. Top with bubbly, and garnish with a lemon twist.
march 2022 61
Lady Carnarvon A conversation with
from Highclere Castle
N
“
written by shannon cushing
photos courtesy of highclere castle photo library
othing is perfect. There is joy in imper-
to walk forward as a team.” She shares that there are
fection.” Lady Carnarvon smiles on our
huge amounts of laughter, jokes, hilarity, and banter
Zoom call, sitting in an office in High-
at the castle which is a way of dealing with more dif-
clere Castle, having just come in from
ficult situations.
gardening and apologizing for her lack
of make-up. I had not even noticed.
62
Difficult situations like living through a pandemic.
Lady Carnarvon mentions how these circumstances
She describes the castle (which happens to be the
forced us all to recognize and come to terms with our
filming location for the popular series Downton Abbey)
priorities. She describes the last few years as a time “…
as “…not just a building, but a family, a friendship, a
when our friends, drinking together, eating together
community.” Lady Carnarvon confirms that there is
[were] all stripped away.” She worked through these
still very much an upstairs/downstairs organization at
hard times by finding joy in simple things like getting
Highclere Castle and that the Castle today embod-
up to walk her dogs. “The dogs were simply amaz-
ies the same essence that is seen on Downton Abbey
ing to me, because you have to get out every morn-
and notes, “the strength of the program is the diver-
ing and take them for a walk. They remind you it’s a
sity of the people in it.”
lovely, new day.”
As the real-life lady of the castle, managing and
To connect with others during isolation, she started
leading the team is all about “…taking the time to
a podcast to share anecdotes from the castle under
work things out, to listen to other people, it’s not dic-
extraordinary circumstances. “Particularly during
tating, but working with…Being in the trenches and
COVID, many of the people who felt challenges…
understanding other people’s lives as well as your own,
[issues] bubbled to the surface…everyone has been
magazine
put through such a strange and challenging time.”
of people, new friends, old friends, quirky friends, mad
There have been challenging things even for people
friends. We started it with a Lavender Lady, a High-
with the title “Countess.” Lady Carnarvon got her title
clere Castle cocktail. It’s just delicious and so pretty.
by marrying an Earl (George Herbert, 8th Earl of Car-
Just heaven…when you offer someone a cocktail to
narvon). She clarifies that if she were to write a let-
start with, it just says party time.”
ter, she would sign it Countess, but if someone were to address her, they would refer to her as “Lady.”
Speaking of gin cocktails, Lady Carnarvon confirmed that Adam von Gootkin did indeed contact
“Geordie’s [Lord Carnarvon’s] parents never lived in
them via email about starting a liquor business. “Geor-
the castle. His grandfather did. When his father died
die and I have done mad things just responding to peo-
in 2001, it took a couple years to sort out. And I just
ple. I remember it very clearly.” She goes on to explain
thought, I don’t want to preserve a museum, because
that the day he received Adam’s email Geordie was
it’s a stately home. That word ‘home’ means a lot to
in the process of moving out of his office because
me.” So, she and Geordie moved in and discovered
the ceiling was about to fall and needed repair. She
how the home lived and breathed, they made sure
remembers him coming down the stairs saying, “I think
the bathrooms worked, and turned the bedrooms
I might reply, in fact I might phone him up.” Shortly
back into usable spaces instead of rooms stacked
after sending the email, Adam and his wife Regina
with furniture.
flew to Highclere and the rest is history.
When asked if she thinks the castle is haunted, Lady
Of Highclere Castle Gin, Lady Carnarvon remarks
Carnarvon quickly responds with “I wrote about this
“It’s a great journey. I’m very proud of the Anglo-Amer-
in Christmas at Highclere. I saw a particular ghost I
ican endeavor. On a more serious note, such joint proj-
didn’t want to see again, and I asked the monk from
ects…are more important in a broken world, a frag-
Westminster Abbey [Father Peter] to come down. He
ile world. Part of this venture is bringing together
blessed the entrance, and the dining room where we
the garden, the fields, the tables, the glass. Bring-
eat, he blessed one of the bedrooms…” She went on
ing Americans and the English together with some-
to share that we sometimes must look back in order
thing that brings people pleasure and fun. That is the
to understand our lives and the lives of those in the
beauty of life.”
past. This information can help us understand why
Lady Carnarvon’s Podcast: ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/
someone, a spirit, may be “stuck.”
Lady Carnarvon’s Blog: ladycarnarvon.com/
Lady Carnarvon is the oldest of six sisters and shares that “…we were orphaned too young.” She quickly learned that one of the most important things in life is having family and friends around the table. Now that we are working our way through the pandemic and social events can happen again, Lady Carnarvon recalls a recent engagement that brought a smile. “The joy. We had some friends stay a couple weeks ago…I really appreciated the flow of the evening. The not worrying about the time.” She remembers looking at her watch thinking it was 10 p.m., when in fact it was 1 o’clock in the morning. “It was a mixture
Lady Carnarvon in the Victorian orangery
march 2022 63
trending SHOPPING
APPS
FA S HIO N
BE AUT Y
Stonington Point. photo by paul stiephaudt
BOOKS
award season movies
64
magazine
turn the page for book reviews
trending
right now written by shannon cushing
Wordle
Are you as obsessed with Wordle as I am? Playing this daily word game has become part of my new wake-up routine. My alarm sounds, I grab my phone, run downstairs to hit brew on
my coffee maker, then rush back upstairs to solve the daily word game. At first, I was super speculative about this trend. I have to say that I am now a total fan because it is easy to navigate and play. You can find the game here: nytimes.com/games/wordle. photo by oscar - stock.adobe.com
Tom Brady’s retirement
The G.O.A.T. is leaving the NFL after 22 years and 7 Super Bowl rings. Even if you aren’t a Patriots
or Buccaneers fan, you probably know who TB is and what he has done for the sport. I don’t even like football, but I respect and commend Tom Brady on his stellar career, healthy mindset, and enterprising ways. Happy retirement Tom! photo by ll-pro reels, cc by-sa 2.0, via wikimedia commons
Eating by color
My kids introduced me to this trend as seen on YouTube. Each family member picks a color (mine was green) and subsequently shops for all
(green) food. For an entire day, only that color (green) food can be eaten. The challenge seems simple in theory, but trust me, it’s difficult.
All things twee
Think ballet flats, printed tights, 1960/1970s style miniskirts, thrifting, and an overall Zooey Deschanel aesthetic. Today’s twee (which I am
told is different than the twee of 2014), has gone viral on TikTok and major fashion houses are busy coming up with cute and nostalgic pieces to add some twee vibes to their collections.
march 2022 65
trending | TURNING PAGES
Strong, adventurous women
B
written by betty j. cotter iographies of women are like rock documentaries: There’s a familiar trajectory that seems to chart the path of ambition, success and disillusionment. You know the story. Band gets together and has a brief spell of life-changing creativity before disintegrating into drug abuse, squabbling and sex addiction. If they’re lucky, the bandmates live to have a second act; if not, tragic early death comes in the form of a plane crash, suicide or overdose.
Like the pressures in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, the obstacles that face successful women have a common ring. Early ambition is met with skepticism from family and friends. Sexism, in the form of stifling husbands or
general social opprobrium, makes living a creative life all the more difficult. When the woman does triumph, she is hailed as an exception, and often recognition comes too late, after death. So it’s fitting in honor of Women’s History Month that we examine the lives of some women who have triumphed despite discouragement. These are women who had to conquer not only sexism but also self-doubt to come into their own as public personages. They were trail-blazers, all, and sadly their 20th-century struggles do not seem all that foreign to us. Women’s stories can be told in many ways—through memoir, biography, even fiction. So I’ve selected a mix of titles here. Some are biographies employing traditional academic research. In others, the women tell their own stories through letters or diaries. And some of these women emerge in novels based on their lives. Not all are writers, but each one in her own way took a stand to live a creative life outside the bounds of social constraints. They still have a lot to teach us about the power of the individual to make her voice heard.
Undiscovered Country by Kelly O’Connor McNees (Pegasus Books, 2018) Two novels came out in the same year dramatizing the relationship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and newspaper reporter Lorena Hickok. The other, White Houses by Amy Bloom, offers a detailed sexual relationship between the two, while McNees writes a more nuanced and discreet account that feels truer to Hickok’s voice. What is known about Roosevelt and Hickok is that they wrote thousands of letters to each other, and in 1933 they took an unchaperoned road trip through New England and Canada. McNees captures the voice of “Hick,” as she was known, and the pressures on both women to conform to public expectations at a time when a lesbian relationship would have ruined the Roosevelt family’s political fortunes.
Georgia: A Novel of Georgia O’Keeffe by Dawn Tripp (Random House, 2016) Novelist Tripp spent six years writing this fictionalized account, and she landed on a voice as spare and exacting as O’Keeffe’s desert paintings. Written in first person and the present tense, the novel details O’Keeffe’s early art education, her first encounter with the photographer Alfred Stieglitz and her ambivalent relationship with him, as muse and wife. When she finally reaches New Mexico, we know that her long struggle to come into her own is about to bear fruit.
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magazine
Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath by Heather Clark (Vintage Books, 2021) Clark has written the definitive biography of the ill-fated American poet who died at her own hand in a freezing London apartment in 1963. Resisting the cliches that have surrounded her story—such as blaming Plath’s mother or mental illness for the obstacles she faced—Clark digs deeper to expose the sexism that labeled poetic ambition as pathology. Although the book clocks in at more than 1,100 pages with notes and index, the narrative races along with the furious cadence of a Plath poem. Plath’s husband, the poet Ted Hughes, does not come out unscathed, but the author presents a balanced view of a marriage that started out more equitable than most but descended into violence and infidelity.
Against Wind and Tide by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Pantheon Books, 2012) In this posthumous collection, Lindbergh’s daughter Reeve has collected a last volume of letters and journals of her mother, the writer, aviator and wife of Charles Lindbergh. Published after revelations that the hero Lindbergh had fathered children with two other women during the later years of his marriage, this collection gives new insight into the struggles of his wife. She was a talented writer and adventurer in her own right (she chronicled the couple’s air exploration in a series of books, and her philosophical Gift from the Sea remains in print decades after its publication in 1955). She suffered the loss of their first son, whose kidnap and murder created a media firestorm, and was married to a difficult and enigmatic man whose long absences made raising their five children challenging. “It is only in solitude that I ever find my own core,” she wrote to Charles in 1951. For a complete view of Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s life, see the five other volumes of diaries and letters that chart her unlikely rise from a shy ambassador’s daughter to a navigator to a best-selling author.
Pearl Buck in China: Journey to the Good Earth by Hilary Spurling (Simon and Schuster, Oasis Audio; 2010) More and more, biographers are slicing their subjects’ lives thin, taking a deep dive into one aspect. This engaging biography of the Nobel Prize-winning writer focuses on Buck’s relationship with China, from her early years speaking Chinese as a missionary’s daughter to her return to China as a missionary’s wife, culminating in the writing of her 1931 best-seller, The Good Earth. Simply told, with the devastating details that she remembered from her childhood, Buck’s most famous novel holds up today as a classic parable of the corrupting power of money. Less well known are the travails of her own life, including her disabled daughter, eventual divorce, remarriage, and adoption of seven children. Narrated in audio by the author, who is British, Pearl Buck in China is a vivid account of one woman’s extraordinary life.
march 2022 67
trending
Five movies to watch from home this awards season image courtesy of netflix
W
written by kitty williams
inning your betting pools this awards season has never been more convenient now that you can watch award-nominated films from the comfort of your home (and for free if you are already subscribed to
some of the more popular streaming services). If you prefer at-home movie viewing, these are the movies you won’t want to miss.
THE POWER OF THE DOG (dir. Jane Campion)
Where to watch: Netflix
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Phil Burbank, a 1920s Montana ranch man, in Jane Campion’s latest film. Burbank is an unlikable man, who brother (Jesse Plemons) and obsessively cruel to his brother’s new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her son (Kodi Smit-McPhee). What we come to learn through the course of the film is that Burbank’s behavior is such because he is haunted by the absence of someone from his past. Campion adapted this film for the screen from the novel of the same name by Thomas Savage, and it is her first male-centered film, though it is dripping with the same sensuality as we have come to expect from her filmography.
PASSING (dir. Rebecca Hall)
Where to watch: Netflix
This film adaptation of Nella Larsen’s novel of the same name is the directorial debut of actress and producer Rebecca Hall. In it, Irene (Tessa Thompson) and Clare (Ruth Negga) are Black women living in New York City, but living entirely different lives. Clare is passing for white, not just in social situations but in every moment of her life. The film follows their reconnection after many years, and we now see that they are yearning for different lives. The tension builds with the most incredible acting up to and including the most noteworthy ending.
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image courtesy of netflix
haunts everyone with his presence; he is generally unpleasant to his
image courtesy of netflix
THE LOST DAUGHTER
(dir. Maggie Gyllenhaal)
Where to watch: Netflix Maggie Gyllenhaal makes her directorial debut with this adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel of the same name. The manner in which the film explores the idea of motherhood is groundbreaking. Leda (Olivia Colman) is a mother to two adult children and is on a trip to a beach resort when she meets Nina (Dakota Johnson), a mother of a three-year-old girl. Leda recognizes the fatigue of motherhood etched in Nina’s posture, and the film invites us into flashbacks of a younger Leda (Jessie Buckley) mothering two young girls. As we learn more about Leda’s past, we get a clearer view of why her present is so burdened. image courtesy of amazon prime
BEING THE RICARDOS (dir. Aaron Sorkin)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
In this biopic, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem star as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, famously married in real life and in the hit show I Love Lucy. However, this film focuses on the most troubling times in their lives in which Lucille Ball battles both public accusations of being a member of the Communist Party as well as personal doubts about her husband’s fidelity. It is a portrait of Lucille’s life that you’ve never seen before, and though many biopic transformations can be credited to makeup and hair teams,
image courtesy of apple tv+
there is something about Kidman’s eyes that seems to channel the enchantment of those of Lucille Ball.
CODA (dir. Sian Heder)
Where to watch: Apple TV+ CODA, meaning Child of Deaf Adults, is about a hearing girl named Ruby (Emilia Jones) who has deaf parents as well as a deaf brother. Though she suffers from stage fright, she enjoys singing and takes the plunge to join her school’s chorus, because her crush is in the chorus. It becomes an important part of her life away from her family, who sometimes restrict her growth. As she grows into her talent, she is confronted with a unique problem: if she embraces singing, she isolates herself from her family.
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This magnolia and sea salt scent (think salty floral) is made with 100% natural soy wax, essential, and fragrance oils. This makes for a great host/hostess gift and can be found at Woodees in Westerly, RI. From $22 Woodees a boutique, 33 Broad St., Westerly, RI 401-596-0200 woodeesri.com
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Are you on the hunt for a comfortable yet stylish shirt to take you from winter to spring? The month of March can be one of the more difficult months to “outfit plan”. The Valentina Rib Long-Sleeved top from Grace in Niantic is the perfect choice for style and warmth on the more unpredictable March days. $64 Grace, 46 Pennsylvania Ave. , Niantic, CT 860-738-4333 shopatgrace.com
magazine
D. OFTEN WANDER MAGNOLIA AND SEA SALT CANDLE
Here are a few fantastic discoveries for March. As always, shopping local keeps our town centers beautiful and thriving. Be sure to tell these shop owners that TDM sent you their way!
Happy shopping! Contact thedaymag@theday.com to feature your product.
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E. THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND GREATEST HITS RECORD
If you are lucky enough to own a record player, or if you collect old records, you need to take a trip to Tumbleweeds. Even if Marshall Tucker isn’t your jam, be sure to check out the family owned and operated store that offers a funky selection of records, tie dye, tapestries, incense, and oils. From $6 Tumbleweeds, 325 Main St., Niantic, CT 860-739-9018 tumbleweedsct.com
F. MELISSA AND DOUG DINOSAUR PUZZLE
Need a brain building activity for the little ones in your life? How about a Melissa and Doug dinosaur puzzle from Lee’s Toy and Hobby? This 48-piece puzzle is bright, and easy to assemble for ages 4+. Check out Lee’s for all your unique toy and activity needs. $15.49 Lee’s Toy and Hobby, 935 Poquonnock Rd. , Rte. 1, Groton, CT 860-445-4411 leestoyandhobby.com
G. AV NCK DOG TAG TOG
Who doesn’t love a good statement necklace? Especially one that can elevate a plain top to the next level. This AV nck Dog Tag Tog found at Adore in Mystic is just the jewelry you’ve been looking for. The necklace is available in many different colors and metals. In fact, it might be a perfect complement to the Valentina Rib Long-Sleeve top from Grace! $50-$55 Adore, 26 West Main St.,Mystic, CT 860-980-3908 adore.world
H. ALAN PAYNE BARNEY DRESS PENNY LOAFER
Both stylish and classic, this penny loafer is a true staple for the wardrobe. Imported and made with Italian tanned deerskin, this shoe offers a swoop-back penny strap and is both leather lined and leather soled. $245 At time of print, they were on sale for $122.50 J. Alden Clothiers, 17 Main St., Essex, CT 860-767-7633 jaldenclothiers.com
march 2022 71
SENIORS
PETS
E D U C AT I O N
photo by winter caplanson
FA MILIE S
life cycles
all about organics
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H E A LT H
WELLNESS
life cycles
SPONSORED CONTENT
Spring in full swing AT BENCHMARK SHORLINE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES
Academy Point at Mystic
brought to you by benchmark senior living
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or those in their 50s and 60s, the concept of being an adult child often means looking after the health and well-being of aging parents and other older loved ones. Over the past couple of
years, many adult children have seen first-hand the adverse effects of reduced socialization on seniors. At Benchmark Senior Living communities in Mystic and Niantic, the culture of caring is one in which asso-
Crescent Point at Niantic
ciates share a commitment to getting to know residents
commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, from traditional Irish
and providing them with quality experiences and care
step dancers to their chef’s delicious take on homemade
that enhance their connections and quality of life. This
corned beef and cabbage.
spring, residents will be confidently engaging in beloved
At Crescent Point at Niantic, residents are exercising
traditions and a variety of new experiences surrounded
their creative side and welcoming spring with crafts,
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painting inspired by famous artists, floral arranging,
At Academy Point at Mystic, planting container gar-
and trips to local attractions.
dens that will become fine dining room meals and plants
“We like to say that being next to beautiful Crescent
for donating to a host of local charities are in full swing.
Beach gives us a lot of inspiration,” said Jessica Colan-
“Our residents love being able to continue their pas-
gelo, executive director of Crescent Point. “Our resi-
sion for gardening here. One of our residents is devoted
dents enjoy spending time exploring their creative side
to growing his tomatoes and basil for sharing with oth-
and the outdoors.”
ers,” said Bonnie Pollard-Johnson, executive director of Academy Point. Another spring highlight will be the annual Mystic Irish Parade. Residents and staff spend hours decking out their community van and proudly riding in the
To learn more about how you or a loved one can benefit from quality assisted living or Mind & Memory Care offered at either Academy Point or Crescent Point this spring, call 860-718-4668 or visit BenchmarkSeniorLiving.com.
parade. They will also be hosting many other events to
march 2022 73
organic
life cycles
GOING
What you need to know about what organic means today, why it costs more, and when to choose it
Y
written by bridget shirvell
photos by winter caplanson
ou made a list. Checked the fridge and the pantry twice. Asked your kids for the
umpteenth time if there was anything special they wanted, and now you’re at the grocery store staring at the produce signs. It’s the classic food shopping quandary: to go organic or not to go organic?
Interest in organic foods has grown rapidly over the past few years as consum-
ers worry about the effects of conventional agriculture on their health and the health of the planet. In 2020, U.S. sales of organic grew 12.4% year-over-year, breaking the $60 bil-
lion mark, according to the Organic Trade Association, and while sales growth was lower in 2021 compared to 2020, it still grew.
Yet when you’re staring at those signs in the market and noting that organic is often more
expensive, it’s easy to wonder, is it worth it? Here’s what to know about what organic means today, why it costs more and when to choose organic.
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What does organic even mean today?
Unfortunately, organic can mean different things
depending on where you’re shopping and the specific label you’re looking at and it’s essential to know the differences. At the supermarket, you’ve likely spotted the USDA Organic label on everything from bananas to chicken. Regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it’s one of the more popular labels you’ll find on food (and, yes, I know there are so many food labels it’s easy for our eyes to glaze over when spotting them). But, the USDA certifies that food labeled USDA Organic is free of chemicals, most pesticides, sewage, sludge, and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Beyond the produce aisle, this means that animal proteins were fed 100% organic feed and forage, not administered antibiotics or hormones, and had access to the outdoors. For other foods, such as packaged goods, it means they are free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. You’ll also see food and often wine labeled “Made With Organic Ingredients,” which means the food contains at least 70% certified organic ingredients. Food made with less than 70% organic ingredients may list organic ingredients on the packaging label. It’s a common misconception, however, that organic food contains no pesticides. “The national organic program does allow for the use
published in Nature Food in 2021. Yet, the U.N.’s Inter-
of approved pesticides,” Eric Vukicevich, a professor of
national Panel on Climate Change believes that sus-
sustainable agriculture at Connecticut College. “The dif-
tainable agriculture practices, including organic and
ference is that these organic pesticides must be natural-
regenerative farming, could dramatically reduce green-
ly-derived as opposed to being synthesized chemically
house gas emissions from agriculture. That’s partly
as in the case of many of the pesticides you hear about
because one of the main ideas behind organic is to
in the news. For the consumer, the difference is that,
do no harm.
although there may be pesticides used on organic pro-
“When we farm with reverence for the soil seeking to
duce, it is the synthetics that persist longer in the envi-
do as little harm to the planet as possible, we not only
ronment and that have been linked to disease.”
boost the health of the plants we are growing, but we
It’s also worth noting that many small farmers that sell their products at farmers’ markets or through Commu-
invigorate the health of the communities of people eating our food,” Emma Sutphen of Adesa Farm said.
nity Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs may practice
While the North Stonington-based farm is not certi-
organic farming without going through the hurdle or the
fied organic due partly to expense, Sutphen and part-
expense of getting certified by the USDA.
ner Zachary Murdoch grow various vegetables follow-
Is organic better for the planet?
Agriculture is responsible for more than a third of
global greenhouse emissions, according to a study
ing organic and regenerative practices. They sell their produce and eggs primarily through a spring and summer CSA and to Nana’s Bakery, Stone Acres Farm, and Terra Firma Farm.
march 2022 75
life cycles “I grew up never knowing the damage of tillage practices, so no-till, regenerative farming really opened my eyes to a new way of being. All of our veg-
Whether or not organic food is better for you than
etables are grown in permanent, no-till beds,” Sut-
conventional grown has been an ongoing debate for
phen, who learned about regenerative farming prac-
decades, and evidence is slowly beginning to show
tices from Coogan Farm manager Craig Floyd and
that, yes, organic food is often healthier.
farmers and growers through the Bionutrient Food
When it comes to children, the American Acad-
Association, said. The goal of Bionutrient Food Asso-
emy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that while there’s
ciation growers is to improve the nutritional quality
no evidence (yet) that consuming an organic diet is
of food by improving their soil’s health.
nutritionally better, the less exposure to pesticides,
The reduction—if not the elimination—of pes-
the better for still-developing brains.
ticide use in organic farming benefits pollina-
For those of us with developed brains, an increas-
tors, birds, and other wildlife that live near farms.
ing number of studies show that eating an organic
Organic farming also supports soil health, biodiver-
diet reduces exposure to pesticides. Other studies
sity, and often reduces pollution.
have linked numerous health issues to pesticide
“Large scale, industrial farms are destroying the
exposure, including headaches, cancer, liver disease
planet,” Sutphen said. “It’s easy to turn a blind eye,
and more. Organic animals raised without antibiot-
but one of the simplest ways to support the health of
ics and hormones are less likely to carry drug-resis-
the environment is through supporting local organic
tant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is one of the big-
farmers. Not only are you supporting shorter supply
gest threats to global health, according to the World
chains, but you’re also supporting families who really
Health Organization.
care about the Earth.”
76
Alright, but is organic better for my family and me?
magazine
Here’s a baker’s dozen list of the worst foods to buy non-organic
• Animal proteins • Strawberries • Spinach •K ale, collard greens, and mustard greens • Nectarines • Apples • Grapes • Cherries • Peaches • Pears • Bell peppers and hot peppers • Celery • Tomatoes
Why does organic cost more?
Some final shopping tips
it costs more to produce.
a special place to call home is the variety of local food produced
Simply put, organic food often costs more because
One of the things that make our little corner of the world such
“Aside from the cost of organic certification and
here. While many small farmers might not be certified organic,
record-keeping, some of this has to do with the cost
most follow farming practices that are good for the planet and
of inputs, assuming inputs are purchased from off-
human health. If you can shop at a farmers market or farm stand
farm,” said Vukicevich. “Organic farming also gen-
you can ask directly about the farming philosophy in a way you
erally requires more eyes on the ground if cultural
can’t when purchasing goods from the supermarket.
and biological controls for pests are to be effec-
“I wish that consumers knew how easy it is to grow food in
tive and to perform the cultural controls. The cost
your backyard,” said Sutphen said, “I also wish they knew how
of labor is usually the greatest operating cost for a
much it means to local farmers when you support their growing
commercial farm, so a system that has a greater
practices by choosing to buy from farmers’ markets or enroll in
eyes-to-acres ratio will cost more to run.”
a CSA program.”
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march 2022 77
life cycles | PARENTING
Helping teens navigate mental health in the midst of a pandemic written by jenn mcculloch check-in tips provided by shannon demi, m.ed, bcba, lba, of familywise behavior solutions
T
he onset of COVID-19 has added several layers to every day challenges faced by teenagers and many parents are wondering what they can do to help mitigate some of those issues. Shannon Demi of Family-
Wise Behavior Solutions, with offices in Stonington and Colchester, has not only heard her clients express frustrations with issues caused by the pandemic, but as a mother of three, she has seen the social-emotional effects of COVID firsthand in her own home. “With COVID, it was the perfect storm with not being able to see people in real life and the increase
Find a TV show or series that you can watch together
Take them with you when running errands in technology and social media use and it’s changing our kids,” said Demi. “My daughter has said, ‘I can’t do the things I want to do and feel like it’s taking away my teenage years,’ and I have to remind her this is something no one can control, especially with the changing restrictions. It’s tricky because we want them to be busy as well as engaging with their peers, but still be safe.” The biggest challenge Demi is seeing teens face is the lack of social opportunities and face-toface friendship building activities. With the rise in forced screen time due to COVID, the rise in
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more difficult for these individuals to interact with others and resolve conflict in person,” said Demi. “Social media and all that it exposes us to has dramatically changed our kids and many are creating an online persona that is different from their regular persona.” In addition to creating online personas, Demi has found that many teens are focused on numbers of
Go on a hike or take the dog for a walk to get fresh air and encourage conversation
followers and likes. They have also gravitated toward apps about their interests, connecting with others from across the country or the world. When Demi remembers her childhood, she
communication via social media and building an
recalls pulling the telephone cord under her bed-
online persona are at the forefront more than ever
room door for long phone conversations with her
before. JAMA Pediatrics published a study in November
Have them help meal plan and grocery shop
2021 that found that screen time outside of virtual learning rose from 3.8 hours a day pre-pandemic to 7.7 hours a day during COVID. With so much time spent online for both school and socializing, Demi said that parents have reported that their children have seemed more withdrawn. In addition, she has seen more and more teens needing help in learning appropriate face-to-face social cues and conversation starters. “In a way it is easier for some kids that are nervous about social interactions with peers face to face because, through technology, they can be anyone they want to be. However, this is making it
friends and spending Friday and Saturday nights together on the weekends. Now with many social opportunities shut down due to COVID restrictions and the increase in social media platforms, teens
Give them a hug and tell them you love them every day
are seeing less in-person connections. “They are more likely to seek out other teens online with similar interests and form a friendship via Discord, social media, or texting than faceto-face, which is leading to more withdrawal from face-to-face interaction with family members and friends,” said Demi. “The lack of physical interaction is really hard for them.” To combat this, Demi encourages small group get-togethers or outdoor activities. She has found
march 2022 79
life cycles | PARENTING importance of chatting with teens daily about their day and the simple act of giving your child a hug. “They’re missing out on physical touch—dating has been difficult, and they’re not supposed to hug their friends at school,” said Demi. “Give them hugs,
Let them help you plan fun events with a few friends or family members weekly
tell them what you love about them, listen to them, and be a good listener. It’s hard to stay connected with teens—you have to make an effort as a parent to have family dinners, talk to them in the car,
that sports or hobby-based clubs have provided a good outlet for many of her clients.
and keep that face-to-face interaction.” While the pandemic has led to isolation from
With the increased screen time and many new
friends, Demi has seen her family grow closer as
apps, Demi suggests that parents monitor their
they have been forced to spend more time together.
teens’ technology use and become familiar with the different platforms they are engaging with. She suggests becoming ‘friends’ with your teen on the different platforms or to view their posts. “Many people have no idea what their kids are doing on there,” said Demi. “Parents should also talk to their kids about the effects of what they put out there and who they are through their online presence.” For younger teens, there are various blocks and parental controls that help to filter inappropriate content. Demi noted that inappropriate con-
Have a check-in time at night with your kids where you talk to them about their day and how they are doing
tent can be found anywhere—even apps that are
The lack of other social obligations has given each
geared toward younger kids such as Roblox, which
of her children more time to explore other inter-
is rated 12+.
ests, such as learning to play guitar, researching
The biggest tool for parents to make use of, though, is communication. Demi emphasizes the
crystals, and being inspired by TikTok to create their own clothes. Demi encourages parents to reach out for help if they feel their teen is struggling. Signs that a family should seek help include withdrawal, sleeping more than usual, increased anxiety or depression, staying in their room most of the day, irritability, or drastic changes in appearance or personality. She suggests reaching out to teachers, coaches,
Encourage hosting their friends at your house and observe them interacting 80
magazine
or others that engage with your teen. In finding a therapist, Demi stresses the importance of looking for a good match. Some teens also respond to different relaxation methods such as meditation, journaling, exercise, or pursuing hobbies.
Help them learn new hobbies and enroll them in classes online or in small groups
“With COVID, it was the perfect storm with not being able to see people in real life and the increase in technology and social media use and it’s changing our kids.” SHANNON DEMI
“You want to find a therapist that can specially address the concerns you have for your child
“Parents should also encourage them to
whether it’s anxiety or depression, art therapy, or
find other things they can do for them-
LGBTQ, or something else, it has to be a good fit so
selves to relax or decompress.”
they feel comfortable talking to them,” said Demi.
Setting a positive example for teens is also important. Demi suggests that par-
Eat dinner as a family
ents check their own online presence, be aware of how often they are engaging online instead of in-person and take time to gather with friends or practice self care. “We’re the most important people in their lives even though you don’t feel like it sometimes,” said Demi. “People have to realize that things have changed. You have to make an effort to be a part of your kid’s life and a conscious effort to make that face-to-face connection.”
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life cycles
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explorations D AY T R I P S
G E TA W AY S
photo by elizabeth couchon
T R AV E L T I P S
life tips from a pandemic nomad
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magazine
road trip to Cascade Mountains, WA
explorations
Pandemic nomad advice ONE WOMAN’S THOUGHTS AS SHE TRAVELS HER WAY THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
J
story and photos by julie wernau
ulie Wernau, a former reporter for The Day and a writer for the Wall Street Journal, was expelled from her job as a foreign correspondent in Beijing in March 2020. She arrived in the United States in the middle of a surging pandemic, bought an absurdly tiny used convertible and hit the road for the Journal, reporting on civil unrest, the vaccine rollout, and the fallout from COVID-19. Her reporting and travels brought her to 19 states during a time when many people were inside and confounded by the division and fear they saw playing out around the country. She recently settled down in Brooklyn after a fairly life-altering couple of years. She provided this list of some of the things she learned during her life as a nomad:
Most clothes completely fall apart if you wear them repeatedly over five months. Old ugly floral suitcases from the ‘80s hold up better than modern suitcases when you’re dragging them up and down the stairs at the 72nd Street station in New York City.
You can fit more in the trunk of a twoseater convertible than you’d think but don’t bring a passenger because you’ll need that seat for your work-from-home set up. just Always bring extra You can also derwear underwear in case buy more un your plans change. pretty much anywhere.
Allow your plans to change.
There are places in this country where so many homes are abandoned that they don’t bother with “for sale” signs.
There are places in this country where it’s so easy to sell a home that locals are selling their family homes without a place to live. march 2022 85
explorations There isn’t always a coffee maker. Bring instant everywhere just in case.
My mom always has a pot of coffee ready for me when I wake up in the morning. Moms are awesome. A thermos + refrigeration can turn a leftover half pot of coffee into a great afternoon iced coffee.
Having a cupcake waiting for you when you arrive can mean a lot after a five-hour drive.
Many places don’t have restaurants or food available within a 30-mile radius after 9 o’clock. Always carry snacks. Doughnut shops have the least offensive bathrooms.
Sub sandwiches are the most rational road food.
BBQ is better in the south. They have craft beer in Deadwood, SD that’s just as good as craft beer in Chicago. 86
magazine
ices are a v r e s g in r a Home sh t stays. h ig n e n o r fo bad option t as much s o c s e e f g or 30. t h The cleanin ig n e n o u stay whether yo
With a little cat sitting, subletting, a few work trips and splitting costs with a few good friends, you can save money as a nomad.
An oil change and a haircut in Wise, VA will cost you a total of $80. The same haircut and oil change on the east coast will cost you $300.
You’ll miss your “stuff” less than you think. The stuff you do miss will teach you a lot about what matters to you. The world The world seems seems smaller bigger when when you . n io ot m arrive. you’re in
When you’re in the country, you’ll mis s the people in the city. When you’re in the city, you’ll miss the people in the country.
Either way, you’ll miss your people.
There’s nothing more beautiful and freeing than the open road—make sure you buy a car that lets you put the top down. march 2022 87
explorations | GETAWAY
girls’
getaway
Y 88
written by cris cadiz
CASCADE MOUNTAINS ROAD TRIP
took off my windbreaker. We followed a boot-print path
ou really don’t know a person until you live
across the snow and up winding switchbacks. As we
with them or travel with them. I am blessed
gained altitude, the forest opened up and the sun beat
with friends who are “good travelers.” If you
down, turning snowpack to puddles, rivulets, even
travel often, you know exactly what this
small streams. We stopped to make snow angels and
means. In June 2021, five girlfriends and I
toss snowballs in our shorts and t-shirts. Slick melt-
flew to Seattle to tour the Cascade Mountains. It was
ing snow and ice made the narrow path edged by a pre-
during one of the pandemic’s gentle declines but also
cipitous drop challenging and a little scary. The view at
a terrible heat wave in the northwest.
the top was worth it: a shockingly clear, cerulean body
The trail to Blue Lake in North Cascades National
of water still mottled with ice, cradled by craggy peaks
Park is often still closed in late June, but the unusual
and fringed with deep green firs. We took too many pic-
heat had melted enough snowpack for hiking. We
tures, ate a snack and then tromped back down through
started our ascent in the quiet shade of evergreens
mud and snowmelt.
among snowbanks still piled in the parking lot. I
The hike to Blue Lake was one of many memorable
climbed from our six-passenger mini-van (the per-
stops on our girls’ getaway. Our week-long road trip tra-
fect travel vehicle!), realized I was overdressed and
versed a counterclockwise loop, south from Seattle to
magazine
Packwood, then to the tiny town of Naches in the Yakima Valley and north to Twisp in the Methow River Valley. Finally, we drove through spectacular mountain passes of the North Cascades back to Seattle, where we enjoyed some urban activities before flying home to New England. Unlike many residents of Washington state, we were spared the worst of the heat wave by the cooler mountain climate plus good air conditioning in our vehicle and house rentals. This included Seattle—lucky for us, since residential AC there is rare. By the time we returned to the city, temperatures had reached 100 degrees—unheard of even in summer. I will remember central Washington as a place of rushing rivers, regal mountains and fertile valleys. From Sea-Tac Airport, we drove about 2.5 hours to Packwood in the shadow of Mount Rainier. On the way, we were graced with fine views of the iconic mountain—something I never saw on my last trip to Washington because of cloud cover. River Run Lodge was a comfortable wooden A-frame by the banks of the cold, rocky Cowlitz River. We started our days there with a short walk to the peaceful rivleft Glacier Basin Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. photo by elizabeth couchon
erbank, morning coffee in hand. While in Packwood, we hiked Glacier Basin Trail
above On the waterfront, Downtown Seattle. photo by cris cadiz
in Mount Rainier National Park. This moderately
below Morning on the Cowlitz River, Packwood, Washington. photo by cris cadiz
challenging 7-mile out & back hike to Emmons
march 2022 89
explorations | GETAWAY Glacier started at the White River Campground and ascended through a quiet forest, where we stopped to ogle and hug a few gigantic trees. Cool, mossy freshets tumbling from the upper reaches provided natural AC along the way. We crossed a narrow log footbridge over the rushing White River—milky with “glacial flour” or sediment from glaciers above—and continued to climb more steeply. After reaching the edge of a landslide and a sign explaining the trail wasn’t maintained from there on, we decided to admire the glacier safely from a distance. The view was still remarkable: expansive and wild. Towering trees along the winding roads of Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest were awe inspiring, but we didn’t realize how truly enormous they could grow until we visited Grove of the Patriarchs—an old-growth stand of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar, some nearly 40 feet in diameter and more than 300 feet tall. Located near the Stevens Canyon Park entrance, the trail was a short, easy walk of about a mile. The vibe would have felt more spiritual without the long line of people waiting to cross a swinging suspension bridge one-by-one. But the translucent green water of the Ohanapecosh River and the jaw-droppingly huge 1,000-year-old trees stirred an irrepressible sense of wonder and joy. Flat dirt trails,
top Teapot Dome Service Station, on the National Register of Historic Places, in Zillah, Washington, Yakima Valley. photo by susan benoit
boardwalks and interpretive signage make this self-
above Pike Place Fish Market. photo by cathy cody
guided walk accessible and interesting for all ages. From Packwood, we drove to Yakima Valley, scenic farmland that produces more than forty commercial crops and over 1,000 different varieties of fruits and vegetables. On the way, we stopped at Oak Creek Wildlife Refuge to hike the four-mile Tieton Nature Trail, which follows the glacier-fed Tieton River. The out and back trek was mostly flat and easy but also hot and dusty. The canyon walls of dark, towering basalt are known as the Royal Columns and are popular with rock climbers and bighorn sheep, although we didn’t spot any. Nor did we see any other people, rattlesnakes (luckily) or the famed golden eagles that nest there. The trail did offer scenic views of the pristine river (with narrow, bouncy hanging bridge), wildflowers
90
magazine
below Tipsy Canyon Winery, Manson, Washington, one of Lake Chelan’s many wineries. photo by cris cadiz right The alpine village of Leavenworth, Washington. photo by cris cadiz
and songbirds, and some shady stands of aspen and diminutive white oak. In winter, Oak Creek is a popular place to see herds of elk, which are supported by a winter-feeding program that started in 1945. The refuge sometimes feeds thousands of animals during severe winters. In Naches, we stayed at River Run Lodge, an 1800s log cabin and 3rd generation homestead of the Forgey Family. The cabin didn’t seem incredibly old to us New Englanders, but the structure is quite historic in the West. It features modern amenities and is located on a beautiful 220-acre property on the Naches River that includes hiking trails and a wedding event venue. We tried to cool off in the invitingly chilly river, but the water’s speed unnerved us. We were content to just dip in our feet and legs. Later, my friend who is a yoga instructor led us in a peaceful stretch and flow on the remarkably luxurious lawn. We lay flat in the soft grass to watch a full Strawberry Moon rise over the surrounding golden hills. While in the Yakima Valley region, we visited only a few of the over 120 wineries (this area deserves its own girls’ trip). We stopped at Treveri Cellars near Naches, which
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explorations | GETAWAY specializes in sparkling wines. An outdoor patio with
mountain scenery. There are numerous vacation
huge umbrellas helped ward off the blazing sun with-
homes and house rentals, a vast multi-sport trail sys-
out obscuring sweeping views of vineyards and farm-
tem, a thriving arts culture and the funky “wild west”
land. We also stopped at Tipsy Canyon Winery in the
atmosphere of Winthrop, Washington.
Chelan Lake Wine Valley, which drew us in with a
Like Leavenworth, Winthrop—a gold-rush town
free outdoor concert. We enjoyed grooving to a San-
founded in the late 1800s—restyled itself to attract
tana cover band and another great view from their
tourists. In 1972, North Cascades State Highway 20
hillside location.
was about to be completed. Insightful locals knew
On our drive from Yakima Valley to the Methow River
travelers would arrive and decided to embark on a
Valley, we stopped at the popular tourist destination
“western renovation” of the town. The community
of Leavenworth. During a decline of the local sawmill
effort led to design and construction of Old West style
industry in the early 1960s,
buildings and facades,
town leaders decided to
wooden walkways, hitch-
capitalize on the beauti-
ing rails and other histor-
ful mountain setting and
ically authentic details.
turned the entire town
The effect is touristy but
into a Bavarian-style vil-
also artsy and whimsical.
lage. Here, you’ll find
There’s good food, shop-
Alpine-style buildings,
ping, themed events plus
restaurants serving Ger-
a museum, murals and
man beer and food, a Nut-
other art installations.
cracker Museum and
We enjoyed a good meal
way too many Christmas
and local craft beer at the
shops. You’ll also find a
Old Schoolhouse Brew-
wide array of international
ery and a drink at Three
cuisine. We savored Latin
Fingered Jack’s Saloon—
food and great Daisy Basil
named after a local meat
Margaritas at SOUTH and
cutter (who may have
wood-fired pizza and craft
had one too many while
beer at Blewett Brew-
working?) and the old-
ing Company. We also
est legal saloon in Wash-
enjoyed a wine tasting at
ington State. We would
A Hard Row to Hoe Vine-
have lingered to shop and
yard’s “tasting parlor.” This Lake Chelan winery offers
sight-see but 90+ temperatures drove us back to our
award-winning and “planet friendly” wine plus a titil-
air-conditioned condo to discuss the final leg of our
lating backstory (think mining town brothel), evocative
adventure.
labels and sultry tasting room décor.
92
Our return trip to Seattle was via the North Cas-
Our last rental in the Cascades was at Alpen Trails
cades Scenic Highway (closed in winter). This drive
Condominiums in Twisp, in the heart of the Methow
offers many gorgeous mountain views along the
River Valley. This sixty-mile-long glacial valley is
way. We stopped at Washington Pass Overlook for a
where tourists and Seattleites escape to hike, bike,
short walk on a nicely paved trail to admire spectac-
horseback ride, camp, fish, and cross-country ski.
ular views of Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters
Pronounced “Met-how,” it’s another area that deserves
Spires and Kangaroo Ridge. Later, we stopped to view
an entire trip for lovers of outdoor activities and
the intensely turquoise waters of Diablo Lake from
magazine
far left Ancient hemlocks in Grove of the Patriarchs, Mount Rainier National Park. photo by cris cadiz left The wild west of downtown Winthrop, Washington. photo by cris cadiz below left Diablo Lake Vista on the North Cascade Highway. photo by cris cadiz below right A trail marker giving hikers directions in Mount Rainier National Park. photo by elizabeth couchon
a scenic overlook. Like the White River near Mount
One of my favorite moments in Seattle was relaxing
Rainier, glacial flour from mountain waterways refract
on the rooftop patio after sunset with a glass of wine,
light to create the vivid greenish-blue hue of the water.
chatting and recounting stories of another awesome
In Seattle, scorching temperatures at least made tour-
girls’ getaway. Traveling is normally stressful, and a heat
ist sights less crowded. Despite the heat, we walked
wave plus a pandemic makes for unusual challenges. We
from our Cap Hill location to enjoy the waterfront near
still had a great trip because we all have a good sense of
the Ferris wheel, Pike Place Market, and excellent sea-
humor and are not complainers. Each of us offers our
food and wine at Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar in Pioneer
own talents, whether it’s organizing and planning, mak-
Square. We were grateful for our partially air-condi-
ing reservations, driving, cooking, cleaning up, packing
tioned house with rooftop patio—a cool refuge with
the car, choosing wine or music or hikes or places to eat,
great city view at night. On our last day, we tried to
or just being easy, chill company. Stress slips away as
escape the torrid city on a ferry to Bainbridge Island,
you share silly laughter, a challenging hike, priceless
but the air there was also stifling. We sweated through
views, or a delicious meal. I will travel with these
a wine tasting and light meal on the shaded patio of
women any time to any location as long as we
Amelia Wynn Winery Bistro then reboarded the ferry.
are able! Choose your friends wisely, in life
It was too hot to do anything else. On our return trip,
and travel. With kindness, respect, empa-
the ghostly vision of Mount Rainier hovered over sail-
thy, and a little luck, you will find them and
boats dotting the bay off in the hazy distance.
be grateful for the rest of your life.
march 2022 93
it’s your day INFLUENCERS
Watch Hill Lighthouse. photo by karen parry
Q&A
get to know Lisa Konicki
94
magazine
Lisa Konicki
P R E S I D E N T, O C E A N C O M M U N I T Y C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
written by erica moser
B
Konicki has been president of the
y the time you read this,
Ocean Community Chamber of Com-
Lisa Konicki has proba-
merce for 25 years. The COVID-19 pan-
bly come up with multiple
demic brought new challenges, but she
novel ideas for the Ocean
came up with new ways to help busi-
Community Chamber of Com-
nesses in need and remained stead-
merce since she sat down for an
fast in her habit of not taking no for
interview in January.
an answer.
And those ideas probably
Amid the spring 2020 closure of
came to her at 2:30 or 3:30 in
businesses deemed “nonessential,”
the morning.
a term Konicki found offensive, she
One night, she couldn’t find
started doing 45-minute shopping
her phone right away, so she
videos through Facebook Live at
took a paper plate from the kitchen, wrote down her idea,
local businesses, so viewers could
photo courtesy of lisa konicki
order items for curbside pickup.
and left it on the table next
And in lieu of having large crowds
to her keys. She went into the office later with the
in Westerly’s Wilcox Park for the annual Easter
note-scribbled plate.
egg hunt, she donned a bunny costume and set
The chamber has hosted popular annual events such as the Pawcatuck River Duck Race and Virtu Art
up a schedule to do Easter egg hunts in individual families’ yards.
Festival in Wilcox Park. Its Fusion fundraiser is differ-
“Parents were crying, because it was the first day
ent from the traditional gala or sit-down dinner, fea-
they felt like something joyful was happening in their
turing live body-painting, samples from local brewer-
world during a very terrifying time where everything
ies and restaurants, and live music in the Velvet Mill.
was unfamiliar and their kids were being deprived of
New last year, she created the Stonington Lob-
everything normal,” Konicki said.
ster Trap Tree, a 25-foot creation at Town Dock
She let her events manager go because of event
made from 378 lobster traps decorated with 360
cancellations from the pandemic, and the chamber
custom-painted buoys, some of which were put up
staff is now down to just Konicki and Maria DiMag-
for auction. The BBC put it on its list of “Amazing
gio, membership and operations director.
Christmas trees around the world,” and limited-edi-
“Thank God Maria is along for the ride, because a
tion puzzles of a watercolor that Stonington art-
lesser committed employee would’ve run out the door
ist Susan Scala painted of the tree sold out quickly.
screaming by now,” Konicki said. She also repeatedly
Konicki, 54, grew up in Ledyard and Waterford
credits her board for supporting her, for giving her
and has lived in Stonington for 27 years, and has
“the latitude to interpret our mission in creative ways.”
three adult children. Her first job out of college was for the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and then
Turn the page for some highlights from Konicki’s conversation with TDM in January.
she worked for the Mystic Community Center, now the Ocean Community YMCA.
march 2022 95
it’s your day | Q&A TDM: You said in an interview before,
different events, how does this idea
“I feel like I was made for this job. I
come into your head?
can’t imagine even wanting another
LK: Every one of them is different.
one. I live it. I love it.” What do you
The duck race, for example, I read
think it is about your personality and
an article in The Day that the Ston-
your interests that make this just the
ington Education Fund was giving
perfect fit for you?
up the duck race. They were doing
LK: I’m extremely passionate
it on the Mystic River, and they
about our community. I think we
did it for three or four years, and
live in a beautiful place of the
it grew to the point that the vol-
world, and I have a lot of awesome
unteers associated with the orga-
raw material to work with, when it
nization said, we can’t. It’s just
like to modify and customize to
comes to promoting the commu-
all-consuming.
our community and to our mis-
nity, and so I try to find clever ways
sion as a chamber. I wanted pro-
to take the assets that we have and
was the president at the time—
fessional artists, because arts are
put them together to create some-
and I said, “I have an idea.” I said,
an important part of the commu-
thing that’s unique and that would
“I would like to potentially take
nity, they’re an important part of
be appreciated by the community
it over, but if I did, it would be run
the economy, and they often get
but also would yield dividends for
through our chamber, I would do it
overlooked. The idea of the “starv-
the businesses.
on the Pawcatuck River, because
ing artist” as this sort of romantic
I’m a person that has more ideas
that joins both Rhode Island and
character in a movie or in a book, I
in my head than I have time in the
Connecticut. I’m not restricting it
don’t believe in that.
day to implement, or staff size to
to just your organization. I’m going
Of course, I’m going to include
implement, so there’s always a bee
to go much bigger, and I’m going
the children. We did a first-come,
in the bonnet, as they say. Every
to open it up to other schools and
first-served free workshop. I started
major event this chamber produces,
other nonprofits.”
texting some people that I know
The lobster trap tree, that can
in Stonington saying, “You might
show, River Glow, Fusion. And I just
only be described as a lightning
want to sign your kids up for this,
like the response. When a kid walks
bolt. I’m literally walking down the
because this is like a really cool
into the lobster trap tree, and they
street in Gloucester, Mass. with my
concept,” and now they say to me,
walk in and they look up and go
boyfriend and his mother. We’re
“Oh my gosh, I’m so happy that I
“Whoa!” I love that. Seeing three
shopping, come around the cor-
did that, I had no idea what this
couples now get engaged in that
ner, and I see this giant art instal-
was going to be.” Of course, now
tree, I love that. October was my
lation in front of me. It’s proba-
everybody wants a buoy on the tree
25th anniversary, and it’s as excit-
bly 30 feet tall. It was covered in lit-
next year, and we’re never going
ing to me today as it was the first
tle buoys, all painted by children,
to be able to accommodate the
day I walked in the door.
and I just thought it was so charm-
demand going forward after this
ing, and it made me smile. And so
first year.
I started—the duck race, the art
96
So, I called Claire Gunther—she
TDM: With all those various events
I said, “Someone take my picture,
you just mentioned—which I was going
because I’m going to do this next
TDM: For some other chambers, I
to bring up as well, not just the lobster
year.” If it makes it out of my mouth,
think of them, and I think of maybe
trap tree but Virtu Art Festival, River
it’s happening.
ribbon cuttings or business breakfasts
Glow, the duck race—how do you come
That was an inspiration, but
up with these ideas? For any of these
I like to do things differently. I
magazine
or a lot of workshops to help businesses. And that’s all great, but
Lisa Konicki helps volunteers build the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree in November 2021. The tree consisted of more than 350 authentic lobster pots and more than 350 custompainted lobster buoys. It was more than 25 feet tall. photo by sean d elliot / the day
going to suit up like we’re going off
the beaches, and to the fun, spring
to Mars, we’re going to have every
break-type atmosphere that used to
kind of PPE on us, whatever it takes
sometimes get out of control, 25-30
to make you feel comfortable, and
years ago. Due to lots of efforts—
we’re going in.”
including the Misquamicut Busi-
It was experimental, but we
ness Association especially—Mis-
started calling people, we started
quamicut does not have that image
texting people. We put together
anymore. It’s a family destination,
a schedule. We bought ads on
and it’s safe and it’s clean. As a
the radio, in the newspaper, we
town, I think Westerly is now known
when I think of the Ocean Community
did social media, to make sure
just as much for its awesome down-
Chamber, I think of events. How do
that people would watch them. I
town and the cultural celebrations
you kind of approach your role as a
thought, what the heck? Everyone’s
and traditions that we’re responsi-
chamber here?
in lockdown, they’re stuck at home.
ble for producing, and other groups
LK: They’re not all events, because
Haven’t they had their fill of nega-
that are responsible for producing,
we produce pop-up books, we did
tive news at this point?
the Pops and all those things. Every-
the Facebook Live videos. I like
When we went live at that first
thing’s marketed better.
measurable results. There’s nothing
business, at Capizzano Oils, it
The art show brings 23,000 peo-
that makes me happier than writing
was 10 in the morning, and at like
ple. River Glow brings 15,000 people.
checks to my members. This year,
10:03, we had 160-something peo-
I think we’re viewed as a fun, clean,
we achieved $267,000 in gift certif-
ple watching live. We introduced
beautiful downtown that has a pulse.
icate sales. That is money that we
them and told people where we are,
There’s a vibe, there’s a soul, there’s
sold, it goes in a bank account, we
and we did the, “Guys, it’s COVID,
always something happening.
don’t take one penny.
we want to support the small busi-
We are not just here to run net-
ness, let’s look at what they have,
TDM: What’s next for you? What’s in
working events where you can meet
get the credit cards out.” The phone
the works for the chamber?
other businesspeople; we’re here to
started ringing off the hook. Steve
LK: There’s always more. There’s
have creative opportunities for you
Capizzano had to go in the back
always a front burner and a back
to generate income from the pub-
room and answer the phone. He
burner. I have a back-burner idea
lic, and get significantly increased
never came out again! Because the
that I’ve wanted to do for three
marketing value from our efforts,
calls kept coming in. I was like, oh
years now, but with COVID, I can’t
and there’s nothing better than
my God, it’s working!
do everything I want. You have to
quantifying it.
prioritize, and the lobster trap tree
TDM: In your 25 years here at the
was instant, and I knew I could
TDM: Tell me a bit about during the
chamber, what have been some ways
manage the whole process during
pandemic, all the different ways you
in which you’ve seen the perception
COVID. This other concept I can’t;
shifted to help businesses, whether
of Westerly and Stonington change,
I need to wait a little longer to do it.
it was through these Facebook Live
whether it’s the perception from
shopping videos or through grant
people who live here, or how familiar
happens anywhere in this area. It
programs.
people elsewhere in the country are
sort of checks all those same boxes:
LK: I said, “OK, I’m going to be like
Put it this way: It’s nothing that
with this area?
It’s fun, ties together businesses, it’s
QVC. It’s going to be OCC instead
LK: The perception of Westerly, for
an attraction, people would come
of QVC. And Maria, you and I, we’re
some people, was tied strictly to
from outside the community.
march 2022 97
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