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Hidden gems The Block Island glass float project
tulips Tip-toe through the
Preston flower farm helps the community bloom
Tales from a
Mohegan Tribe medicine woman
Memories of an asylum Norwich State Hospital
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on the cover Blooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors at Wicked Tulips in Preston. photo by ann baldelli
this month 2 0 2 2
photo courtesy of the glass station
M A Y
50 TIP-TOE THROUGH THE TULIPS 58 HIDDEN GEMS
The Block Island Glass Float Project
at Wicked Tulips in Preston
may 2022 7
departments photo by christine rockledge-philips
20
TASTE 27 On the grill
Professional chefs offer advice for grilling at home
32 Pink Basil
Ricky and Tai Au bring taste of the east to Mystic area
36 Restaurant listings
HOME & GARDEN 41 Ready, set, offer!
The spring real estate market remains competitive, especially in the under-$350,000 category
CORRESPONDENCE
44 Gardens by the sea bloom anew!
10 E ditor’s note 11 Meet our press
A beloved Stonington Garden Club event returns to the Borough this June
Get to know some of our writers and contributors Reactions and feedback from readers
12 Catching up
Corrections and updates from previous issues
12 Introducing Sundae the cat
Meet the newest (and cutest) member of the TDM family
PEOPLE & PLACES 15 A medicine woman heals everyone
Mohegan Tribe passes on history, culture, and healing practices
20 Memories of an asylum
A look back as cleanup resumes at Norwich Hospital
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magazine
photo courtesy of pink basil
11 From our readers
32
TRENDING 65 Seven podcasts you need to listen to
68 Turning pages
Celebrating great mothers in literature
70 Local finds
Shop unique. Shop local.
73 Team approach to dental implants
Brought to you by Shoreline Periodontics
74 Getting better ZZZ... 78 Four tips for juniors in thinking about their college search
Brought to you by Mission to Admission College Consulting
80 Lap of Love
Saying goodbye to your furry friend from home
84 Saying yes to hope
Natchaug offers addiction treatment and mental health services
photo by catherine dzilenski
LIFE CYCLES
89 EXPLORATIONS 89 An open door in paradise
Connecticut expatriates operate yoga retreat in Costa Rica
IT’S YOUR DAY 95 Renee Touponce
Executive chef, Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic
JoinOur Our Caregiver Join Our Caregiver Team Join Caregiver TeamTeam
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USS Nautilus, Groton. photo by jack knox
correspondence | EDITOR’S NOTE
dear readers,
M
ay is one of my favorite months. The
Today you can get to know
smell of summer is upon us, and we
the island as the scene of
can enjoy spectacular outdoor adven-
Eben Horton’s Glass Float
tures before it gets too hot and sticky.
Project. Horton hides glass
We celebrate Mother’s Day on May 8th
orbs on the island as little
and I want to wish all mothers a won-
treasures for people to find
derful day. Watching my children grow is my great-
to brighten their day. For
est blessing. I also realize that Mother’s Day can be
more details, read “Hidden
difficult. We just lost my mother-in-law this Feb-
Gems”.
ruary and her absence still stings. For those of you
I am a sucker for abandoned buildings. I think
who have also lost a mother, I am thinking of you as
they hold secrets, treasures, and stories within
we “celebrate” what can be a tenuous day for some.
their walls. I have always been curious about Nor-
To the readers grieving a child or longing to be a
wich Hospital and the patients and providers. Tra-
mother, my heart also extends to you.
ci Neal had a chance to talk with Christine Rock-
Flowers can often bring feelings of peace. Spring
ledge-Philips, author of “Images of America: Nor-
bulbs are finally (or almost) in bloom, like the tulips
wich State Hospital” and was able to get many inter-
found at Wicked Tulips in Preston. Do yourself a fa-
esting details about the abandoned former asylum.
vor and take a visit to see over 600,000 tulips at the
We explore sleep in this issue and why it is so im-
farm. Read more about the Wicked Tulips’ mission
portant to get the right hours of zzzzs. Sleep can re-
and how the business gives back in the story “Tip-
ally make a difference in our physical and mental
Toe Through the Tulips”.
well-being. Anyone else struggle with not watching
Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, Medicine Woman of the Mohegan Tribe talked to Jennifer Carmi-
the next episode of your favorite show even though you know you should stop?
chael about the Tribe’s healing methods which have
Lastly, we introduce you to Sundae this month,
been passed down from generation to generation.
the newest member of the TDM family. See if you can
Tantaquidgeon Zobel explains how these traditions
find her throughout the magazine.
help heal people spiritually, societally, and physical-
With gratitude,
ly through an indigenous woodland pharmacopoeia. Check out her story “A Medicine Woman Heals Everyone.” Maybe you know Block Island for Claudio’s Clam Bar. Maybe you know it as a summer fun destination.
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Shannon Cushing, editor
LETTERS, UPDATES, ABOUT US
meet our press
At the wonderful suggestion from some of you, we wanted to provide more details about the talented writers of TDM. In the next few issues, keep your eyes open for their bios and headshots. Enjoy!
Freelance writer CRIS CADIZ loves sharing the journeys and dreams of people she meets and the places she has treasured, from her backyard in northeast Connecticut to across the globe. As a longtime tourism writer, she cheerleads for noteworthy people, organizations and small businesses throughout southern New England. An avid traveler and outdoor activity enthusiast, she’s always planning her next adventure. Read more of her work at chanticleermedia.com/journalism. MORGAN RIZZO is currently a junior at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island with a double major in English communications and creative writing & publishing, with a marketing minor. At school, she can be found taking photographs for her role as the social media assistant and helping students as a writing consultant. In her free time, she loves getting a good coffee with her friends, going on drives to watch the sunset, and spending time with family in her hometown of Westerly, RI.
BETTY J. COTTER is a fiction writer, college instructor and former newspaper editor. She is the author of the novels Roberta’s Woods (Five Star, 2008) and The Winters (which earned her a fiction fellowship from the R.I. State Council on the Arts). The first chapter of her novel Moonshine Swamp was selected for the premiere issue of Novel Slices (2020) and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She holds an MFA in writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and teaches at Three Rivers Community College and the University of Rhode Island. PHIL HALL is the author of 10 books, the host of the WAPJ-FM radio show “Nutmeg Chatter,” the host of the SoundCloud podcast “The Online Movie Show” and a writer with credits in the New York Times, New York Daily News, Hartford Courant and, of course The Day. ERICA MOSER has been a reporter at The Day since 2017 and lives in Westerly. She grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and studied journalism at Northeastern University in Boston. In her free time, she enjoys singing in the Chorus of Westerly, reading, trying new local restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.
from our readers IN RESPONSE TO OUR APRIL ISSUE
Good morning, Shannon My name is Marie Wiley and I am a local wedding officiant and realtor! Just wanted to tell you that today’s magazine was just beautiful and packed to the gills with great information!
| correspondence
I don’t know how you put out a magazine of this size and frequency with such high quality. You’ve put a lot of Connecticut places on my radar this summer. Donna Harrington-Lueker, rhode island
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.
Marie Wiley, mystic
may 2022 11
correspondence | EDITOR’S NOTE
catching up CORRECTIONS
• The image on page 32 was taken by Catherine Dzilenski from Idlewild Photo Co. • The photo cutlines on pages 36-37 should have read:
left With warmer weather coming, the patio at Engine Room will be open to enjoy the wide variety of beers. right Burgers made with locally sourced beef are a menu staple at Engine Room.
• The photo cutlines on page 38 should have read:
right While the menu has a variety of items, Engine Room is known for its burger selections. below Engine Room is available for large parties of offers off-site catering through 85th Day Food Community. • The photo cutline on page 40 should have read: clockwise from bottom left
• The photo on page 49 was courtesy of Valentino Tailors • The photograph on page 94 of the April edition was taken by Pia Kroes and is of Tiffany Farms in Lyme.
introducing
Sundae
We could not wait to introduce you to the newest member of the TDM family. Meet Sundae, our kitty companion and newest face of the magazine. Sundae will be a monthly staple in the publication and brings with her a wealth of knowledge about things to do, where to shop, and what to see in southeastern CT. She is a gray domestic short-hair tabby with piercing green eyes and is super excited to meet all of you. Sundae will host various special features from time to time, and she will also pop up throughout each issue of the magazine to add her uniquely feline perspective to articles and topics. Look for her Sundae Approved stamp on our Local Finds page, and check out Sundae’s Tips & Tricks on some of our articles.
e my imag t) Look for ecial fon p s is h t (and I ut what to find o ics t the top u o b a k thin agazine! in this m
We think Sundae is the “purr”-fect addition to TDM and we hope you do too! In July, Sundae is sponsoring an “Ice Cream Sundae” spotlight. If you are an ice cream shop and want to be featured, please contact thedaymag@theday.com.
12
magazine
Shannon & Barb Editor & Layout Editor
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people & places ENVIRONMENT
FINANCE
PEOPLE
N E W & N O TA B L E
Riverview Farm, Uncasville. photo by maren schober
BUSINESS
mohegan tribe medicine woman
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magazine
memories of Norwich State Hospital
people & places
A medicine woman heals everyone
MOHEGAN TRIBE PASSES ON HISTORY, CULTURE, AND HEALING PRACTICES written by jennifer carmichael
T
he Medicine Women of the Mohegan Tribe have passed on Mohegan history and culture since memory. They healed people both spiritually, societally, and physically, through an indigenous
woodland pharmacopoeia and Native philosophy. Whether shifting a person’s energy by prescribing basket weaving or beading for stress and depres-
sion to bringing people together to see different perspectives, their role has been to create a healthier person, tribe, and greater community. Mohegan’s current Medicine Woman Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel was trained in these Tribal oral traditions, traditional lifeways, and spiritual beliefs by her great-aunt (who she refers to as her spiritual grandmother), Dr. Gladys Tantaquidgeon. Her grandmother was a Mohegan med-
left Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel. photo courtesy of medicine woman melissa tantaquidgeon zobel below Historic belt, made by Martha Uncas who was born in the 1770s and passed down first to Fidelia Fielding, who lived until 1908, then to Gladys Tantaquidgeon. The belt is now on display at the Tantaquidgeon Museum. p hoto courtesy of tantaquidgeon museum bottom Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel with members of her screenplay, Flying Bird’s Diary, which had a reading in NYC with native actors in 2018, about the life of Mohegan language preserver Fidelia Fielding, who kept diaries in Mohegan. photo courtesy of medicine woman melissa tantaquidgeon zobel
icine woman, BIA social worker, anthropologist, author, tribal council member, and received an honorary doctorate from both the University of Connecticut and Yale. It was Tantaquidgeon Zobel’s natural curiosity and openness to hearing her ancestors’ stories that led her to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps. “Gladys loved to tell a story about one day, when she was a girl, attending a family dinner with her elderly great-aunt Fidelia, who jumped up from the table, saying, ‘I have to go talk to someone in a tree,’” says Tantaquidgeon Zobel. “So, a lot of the kids chuckled, thinking, ‘Crazy Fidelia. she thinks she’s going to see the Makiawisug, the Little People of the woods, and they don’t exist.’ But Gladys didn’t laugh. She wanted to know more about the
may 2022 15
people & places Makiawisug and see with the eyes of the ancients in which ancestors, mystical beings, spirits, flora, fauna, and fungi of these woods are all connected and in communication with one another.” It’s this longing to see in this ancient way and not being dissuaded by mockery for so doing that made Tantaquidgeon Zobel herself a good mentee to train. Like her grandmother, she didn’t assume that everything in this world that’s obvious to mainstream eyes is all there is. Tantaquidgeon Zobel spent her time after school and weekends at the Tantaquidgeon Museum, above Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel with guests at the Mohegan Cultural Preservation Center, a building completed in 2019 that stands opposite the Tantaquidgeon Museum in Uncasville. p hoto courtesy of the mohegan tribe left Gladys in regalia at the museum. photo courtesy of tantaquidgeon museum below Turtle shell rattle. Now on display at the Tantaquidgeon Museum. photo courtesy of tantaquidgeon museum
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the oldest to be owned and operated by Native Americans and located in Uncasville. Her grandmother co-founded the museum at the height of the Great Depression, with her father (John) and brother (Harold). Artifacts, which are hundreds and thousands of years old that belonged to the Mohegan people and carry their spirit, are showcased here.
Jackie Lefebvre Independent College Counseling “The Mohegans refer to these ancient objects as relations, for they carry the spirits of the ancestors,” says Tantaquidgeon Zobel, who enjoyed learning from her family, and was open to communicating with the ancestors, listening to dreams, visions, spirits,
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and anything else that came her way. Plus, she, too, wanted to preserve traditional Mohegan spirituality, work to save traditional Native ceremonies and artforms, preserve the meaning of tradition-
We can create the kitchen or bath of your dreams.
al Mohegan symbols, and pass on old Native American stories. In addition to learning under her g ra nd mother, Ta ntaquidgeon Zobel graduated from The Williams School in New London; earned a BSFS in history/diplomacy from Georgetown University, a masters in history from the University of Connecticut, and an MFA from Fairfield University in creative writing. Writing on Native issues has always been a constant in her life. She has won numerous awards for her books, screenplays, stage plays, and other contributions to the success and survival of the Mohegan people. And she’s a frequent speaker at area universities and high schools. “Years ago, I was giving a talk on Mohegan history at Norwich Free Academy and it was going fine until I started to talk about Gladys becoming a Medicine Woman, the Little People in the woods, and the ancient beliefs,” she laughs. “This older man got up and said,
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people & places
top left Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel discussing Mohegan history. photo courtesy of melissa tantaquidgeon zobel bottom left Mercy Ann Nonesuch Matthews, one of Gladys Tantaquidgeon’s mentors. photo courtesy of tantaquidgeon museum below Gladys Tantaquidgeon in regalia during her youth. photo courtesy of tantaquidgeon museum top right Rattle with painted diamond, a symbol of protection. Now on display at the Tantaquidgeon Museum. p hoto courtesy of tantaquidgeon museum bottom right Emma Baker, a Mohegan Medicine Woman and one of Gladys Tantaquidgeon’s mentors. photo courtesy of tantaquidgeon museum
“Once another culture invites you to experience a new way of seeing the world, it grows your heart and mind and ability to see more of this world.” MELISSA TANTAQUIDGEON ZOBEL 18
magazine
‘Well, you were doing fine, girly, until you started talking about the little people.’” She exposed herself to that mockery intentionally. Part of medicine is encouraging people to open themselves up to things and give those things a chance, she says. “Once another culture invites you to experience a new way of seeing the world, it grows your heart and mind and ability to see more of this world,” says Tantaquidgeon Zobel. “So, if you actually want to preserve the complex ancient beliefs of a place or an ancient way of living, you have to pass those stories on that might be complicated, difficult, or unpopular.” Tantaquidgeon Zobel notes that her grandmother would always say, “You can’t hate someone that you know a lot about.” Keeping the ancient stories of this region alive and educating others was something that her grandmother and the co-founders of the Tantaquidgeon Museum all believed was the best cure for prejudice. Tantaquidgeon Zobel believes too in the importance of sharing knowledge and culture. Another one of her grandmother’s sayings is “We must all stand in love for the tribe.” “The idea is that whatever you’re doing should stem from love,” notes Tantaquidgeon Zobel. “If you love someone, you want them to be better and want to help them. Let’s understand everyone’s perspectives. Let’s try and get everyone to consensus. Let’s stand in love for one another and then work from there. Because that’s the most medicine you can give, right?”
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people & places
above Broken glass frames the view of the administration building from inside the Salmon building at Norwich Hospital. below, left to right 1. The handcrafted tiled fireplace inside the administration building. The tiles were removed and numbered for preservation, but left at the abandoned site, where many were cracked or destroyed by vandals. 2. First floor of the Awl building, a residential facility that was closed to residents in the 1970s. 3. A bowling alley was located in the basement of the Russell Occupational Therapy Building, which remained in use until the hospital closed in 1996. 4. A basketball court and clubhouse was built for employees who worked and sometimes lived on the sprawling Norwich State Hospital campus. 5. Remnants of patients’ clothing left behind in storage rooms in a residential ward basement. 6. One of the most iconic, remembered and photographed places inside Norwich State Hospital was this grand auditorium on the top floor of the amusement hall building. It was demolished around 2011.
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magazine
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Memories of an asylum
A LOOK BACK AS CLEANUP RESUMES AT NORWICH HOSPITAL written by traci neal photos by christine rockledge-philips
A
take a look back with local author and hospital advocate Christine Rockledge-Philips, author of Images of
fter more than a two-year delay, work re-
America: Norwich State Hospital. Rockledge-Philips
cently resumed on cleanup of the nearly
spent years researching the hospital, talking with
400-acre former Norwich Hospital site in
former staff and patients and their families, and giv-
Preston in preparation for the property to
ing presentations about the history and significance
be conveyed to the Mohegan Tribe. Plans
of the site and the work that went on there.
for the tribe’s riverfront development include out-
Her book is sold at local bookstores in the Norwich
door and indoor attractions, hotel and retail space,
and New London areas and by online retailers, and
restaurants, housing, a marina, RV park and more.
signed copies may be purchased directly from Rock-
The Norwich Hospital for the Insane opened to pa-
ledge-Philips by messaging her through her Face-
tients in 1904 and over the next decade the campus
book page, facebook.com/norwichstatehospitalbook
expanded to accommodate the growing number of
or via email, rox.christine@gmail.com.
patients. Through the first half of the century, new
ings. After the hospital closed in 1996, many of the
Q: How did you come to research the hospital? When and why did your interest start? A: The first time I ever laid eyes on the property
buildings fell into disrepair, were vandalized, burned
was at the end of 1996, just a couple months after it
or knocked down, and the campus was in ruins.
closed. I was leaving Mohegan Sun Casino at 4 a.m. I
buildings went up to serve as staff and physician residences, laboratories, patient housing and farm build-
As cleanup continues and plans are made to re-
saw the tops of the Administration Building, Salm-
place the historic architecture and peaceful grounds
on and Awl buildings in the darkness, backlit against
with modern buildings and consumer offerings, we
the bright lights of the casino. One of the people I
4
5
6
may 2022 21
people & places Over a decade passed before Norwich came back
Q: What was it like to walk around the abandoned hospital during your research? A: It was always so peaceful and beautiful in ev-
into my life and stole my heart. I say it stole my
ery season, any time of day or night. You could
heart because unless you’ve been there and spent
see the care that was put into the design and con-
time there, like myself, friends and, of course, for-
struction of each building and the way the campus
mer staff have—it’s something that’s nearly im-
was laid out. You could feel that care as you ven-
possible to explain. I’ve had this conversation with
tured through the buildings and tunnels. There
so many friends and former staff that 100 percent
was something that said, “This was put here for
agree with me—there is something about Norwich
a reason.”
was with gestured toward the buildings and said something about it being a mental hospital.
Hospital that grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go.
Each building was its own time capsule with regard to what was left behind inside, giving a bit of a clue as to when life ceased there. Some buildings were certainly closed by the 1950s and 1960s. One example of that which will always stick out in my mind is a building that had a small cabinet labeled “hair tonic.” Various other items found in that building, such as refrigerators and the like, were indeed from the 1950s. Even the patient clothing left behind was the style from that era, both men’s and women’s clothing. Venture to the modern buildings such as Russell, Lodge, Kettle and Ribicoff, and it was apparent that those were in use right up to closing.
Q: What surprised you? A: It was the way the campus was laid out. How beautiful and peaceful it was. The items left behind. How the contents of each building were like a time capsule. How I always felt relaxed and at peace there. How I always felt something that’s so hard to put into words but I’ve found over the years that I’m not the only one who felt that way. Christmas gift donation boxes alongside a foam Christmas tree remained in a closet inside Brigham, a residential building that closed in the 1970s.
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The Southeastern Mental Health Authority occupied office space at Norwich State Hospital for about a year after the hospital closed in 1996.
So many know exactly what I’m talking about. So many
homes and into their past and shared their memo-
things made me come away with a million questions
ries to help me better understand the hospital, to
that I had to find the answers to.
bring it to life for me, and to help me piece everything together. I never expected to meet such gen-
Q: How did your research proceed? A: Researching the hospital and getting the inti-
erous, warm people whom I’m still friends with to-
mate answers I needed took about a decade. Internet
Norwich Hospital alumni.
day. My twin daughters’ first birthday party was all
searches were useless. All those brought up were a
I wrote the book because I was frustrated that I
bunch of ghost stories and fabricated tales. I want-
couldn’t find the information I wanted so badly about
ed actual historical fact. I spent a lot of time in ar-
Norwich Hospital, because I felt that what I had discov-
chives. I found a large number of former staff and
ered and experienced needed to be shared, and for all
their family members who welcomed me into their
the people who made the hospital what it was.
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people & places Q: In your presentations and social media posts, it’s clear that you’re an advocate for the hospital. A: You are correct. I’ve always been an advocate for Norwich Hospital. At the start of my research, I was working with a man whose uncle had suffered from severe mental illness. This man and his family credit Norwich Hospital with treating his uncle compassionately and patiently, and finding the right combination of medication and outpatient therapy so he could rejoin society and live his life happily. This man’s uncle would barricade himself with cereal boxes at the kitchen table in a crippling state of paranoia. It took multiple inpatient visits and a variety of medication adjustments to help him with his illness, but his story is one of success, and it’s not the only success story I’ve heard from personal friends who had loved ones that were patients at Norwich Hospital. It goes without saying that not every patient’s experience at Norwich Hospital was a positive one. I don’t see the hospital through rose-colored glasses. I never wanted to. In my research, I wanted the truth, which is both the good and the bad. I’ve spoken to many former patients that did not care to share their experiences with me beyond stating that their time there was not good or beneficial. I respect that.
Q: It’s not the typical response when the hospital is mentioned—that it’s haunted or spooky or creepy. A: I’ve never been one for ghost stories and blitherings about psychiatric institutions being haunted from the start. It wasn’t until I started speaking with people, be it former staff, patients, family with connections to the hospital, etc., that I really took on a strong disdain for the talk about ghosts and hauntings. Yes, suicides did occur at Norwich Hospital, and they also did in every psychiatric institution across the country. Abuses of patients physically, mentally and sexually occurred there. I know some of the victims of abuses personally and I can’t even begin
24
magazine
to fully understand how they are affected. These tragedies are to be respected. I personally feel that people who say psychiatric institutions are haunted and are filled with ghosts, who claim to have orbs in their photos and videos or claim to see some shadow y f igure in a window and what have you, are disrespectful to the anguish those with mental illness live with. Put yourself in that person’s shoes and try to imagine living in a way that is not “normal,” like everyone else. For all those involved, it’s hell. top left A hallway inside the Lodge building. bottom left Sunset on a sun porch inside the Brigham building, a housing facility on the Norwich Hospital campus. The last patients moved out of Brigham in the early 1970s. above Brigham, a residence hall built in 1907 for Norwich Hospital patients, in winter 2010. right A patient’s pillow in the Galt building, where geriatric male patients lived until the 1970s. below Sunrise over the Brigham building.
Q: As we approach a new chapter in the site’s history, why is it important to preserve the memory of the hospital? A: No institution is perfect. Norwich Hospital was established with the intent to try to provide the best care possible and to try to succeed at restoring people to mental health and to help those aff licted live the best lives they could. Norwich Hospital ended on that same note. I feel like if history’s strides are not remembered and honored, we as a society won’t remember how we got to where we are today and what we can do to better in the future. The system is broken. Especially at a time like this now—where I see articles in the news quite often about how the pandemic has affected the mental health of adults and children—not forgetting our past errors and faults to build a better system is crucially important.
may 2022 25
RECIPES
taste
E N T E R TA I N I N G
Grilling season is here
26
magazine
R E S TA U R A N T S
FOOD & DRINK
asian-inspired cuisine at Pink Basil
On the grill “For me, I’m a purist. When it comes to grilling seafood, just lightly season with salt. It’s really about the natural flavors of the fish speaking.” COLT TAYLOR
written by jennifer carmichael
W
when grilling is cranking up the grill and trying to get
ith the weather getting warmer and the
it done fast. “Grills are meant to be a low and slow to
sun setting later, it’s time to get outside
medium and slow cooking destination. And depend-
and fire up the grill. Whether it’s your
ing on what type of grill you’re using, whether charcoal
first time grilling, or you’d like a refresh-
to pellet smokers, the food can have so many different
er course on the basics, we’ve curat-
layers of flavors,” says Taylor, who likes to use pok pok,
ed some pro tips and tricks for newbies and seasoned
a Thai charcoal made from rambutan trees because it’s
grillers alike.
sustainable, affordable, clean burning, and high heat.
According to Chef Colt Taylor of The Essex Restau-
Another mistake he says that people make is put-
rant in Old Saybrook, the biggest mistake people make
ting cold food on the grill. Take out of the fridge what
may 2022 27
people & places you plan to grill and let it rest at room temperature
fresh seafood to local chefs, fish markets and con-
before grilling. Secondly, be sure to have a hot, clean
sumers at affordable prices. Located at 45 Williams
grill. Then, let it go, and don’t be tempted to move the
Avenue in Mystic, the market offers a wide selection
food around. Just let it cook until it releases itself nat-
of fresh fish and shellfish.
urally from the grates.
a healthy option. It’s high in protein and omega-3 fat-
sure you know your grill. You should have heat
ty acids, while being low in saturated fat,” says Alli-
zones—hot for searing, medium for cooking, and
son Cole, co-owner of J&R Seafood Market with busi-
low for longer cooking/resting,” says Taylor. “Typi-
ness partner Andrew Maderia.
cally, you want to grill seafood in more of the medi-
The market is ready for the grilling season, offering
um range where you can let it go for longer without
its “Fire Up the Grill” bundle to customers. Choose
overcooking, charring, or burning.”
from tuna, swordfish, salmon or shrimp with bundles
“There are lots of different approaches to grilling,”
for two or four people. It also comes with crab cakes
continues Colt. “For me, I’m a purist. When it comes
or stuffed clams; bacon wrapped scallops; and an in-
to grilling seafood, just lightly season with salt. It’s
sulated J&R tote bag that gets customers five percent
really about the natural flavors of the fish speaking.”
off any future order when they bring it into the shop
And if you’re looking for high quality fish to throw on your grill, J&R Seafood Market in Mystic delivers
Chef Colt Taylor’s most important grilling tips:
• Always start with a hot, clean grill (regardless of type, before the food is put on). • Remove proteins from the fridge 1-2 hours before grilling and bring them to room temp for the best sear. • A great nonstick hack: Cut a raw potato in half and rub over the grill grate (potato starch prevents sticking). • Don’t be afraid to experiment with rubs and marinades with meats—this should be the fun part. • Let your food rest after cooking before slicing. • Keep seafood simple: Olive oil, herbs and citrus will highlight fresh quality product. • Choose your meat cuts well, and get to know your butcher. Lesser known cuts go a long way on the grill—like teres major. • Treat green vegetables like seafood, treat heartier vegetables (squash, for instance) and mushrooms like meat.
28
“Grilling fish is perfect any time of the year, and it’s
“A lot has to do with temperature control, so make
magazine
and use it.
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Step 1. Marinade tuna steak for at least 30 minutes. We suggest our market-made Sesame Soy dressing for this. It is the perfect flavor profile for a fresh piece of tuna. Step 2: Turn your grill on high and let it heat up. Make sure your grill grates are clean and spray heavily with non-stick spray before placing the tuna on. Step 3: Apply tuna to the grill and allow to sear for approximately 30 seconds and rotate 45 degrees for another 30 seconds to achieve perfect grill marks. Flip over and repeat to the other side. Pull off the grill and let rest for 1 minute before slicing. Step 4: Using a very sharp knife, slice into ¼” pieces and enjoy over rice, a salad, on a crisp wonton, or simply by itself! You can also set some extra sesame soy dressing aside and use it as a dipping sauce.
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taste Bulgogi Teres Major (Serves 4-6)
chef colt taylor, the essex restaurant Teres major is a lean cut of beef that sits on the shoulder blade. Its similarity to tenderloin makes it an excellent and more affordable substitute for filet mignon. INGREDIENTS 1 pineapple, cut into chunks 1 cup soy sauce, plus extra for finish ½ cup sesame oil 1 knob ginger, sliced 6 cloves garlic, crushed 1 Vidalia onion, sliced ½ cup brown sugar 5 pounds teres major beef * Scallion greens, cut into 1” pieces Chili crunch (available in Asian markets) Mirin DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, mix together pineapple, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, onion and brown sugar. Slice meat across the grain into one inch chunks. Add to the bowl, cover and marinate overnight. Place meat on skewers with 1 inch scallion greens in between. Grill on hottest part of grill for 3 minutes on each side. Finish with chili crunch, soy sauce and mirin for the best sweet and spicy combo. * Note: For a vegetarian option, substitute king oyster mushrooms for the beef and prepare as above.
Bulgogi teres major (vegetarian alternative using king oyster mushrooms at top). photo courtesy of the essex restaurant
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magazine
Grilled octopus skewer. p hoto courtesy of the essex restaurant
Grilled Octopus (Serves 4-6) chef colt taylor, the essex restaurant INGREDIENTS 1 whole fresh octopus (6-8 pounds) 2 lemons, halved 2 large carrots 4 celery stalks 10 scallions, whites only (greens reserved for garnish) 2 tablespoons olive oil Juice from 1 lemon Cornstarch Pepper Jelly Chili flakes Fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS Place octopus, lemons, carrots, and celery in a large pot filled with water. Simmer for one hour. Remove and allow octopus to cool. Cut the tentacles from the octopus and place them on skewers in 2-inch lengths with 2-inch scallion whites in between. Squeeze lemon juice and drizzle olive oil over the octopus, then coat lightly in corn starch. Grill over high heat for four minutes, to char each side. Finish with pepper jelly, chili flakes and additional fresh lemon juice to taste.
may 2022 31
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
pink
basil
RICKY AND TAI AU BRING TASTE OF THE EAST TO MYSTIC AREA
F
written by jenn mcculloch photos courtesy of pink basil or as long as he can remember, Ricky Au has been drawn to the hospitality industry. Growing up in Mystic, he has fond memories of spending time at his grandparents’ restaurant—Chinese Kitchen in Groton—where he enjoyed helping.
“I grew up working there and began visiting there at a
young age—it was inspiring to me and had a big impact on life,” says Au. “I’ve always enjoyed serving people and the fun environment, especially working with family and seeing them work hard.” While Au had always enjoyed the restaurant industry, it wasn’t until he met Supawan—who is known to most in the community as Tai—when she came to America from Thailand in 2004 as an au pair that he considered opening his own restaurant. The couple got married in 2006, settling in Au’s hometown of Mystic. Within the next year, they opened Thai Sawasdee in Groton. Though they closed their first venture in June 2021, the couple opened three restaurants since then, which they continue to operate in Mystic and Groton.
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magazine
“With my family history and Tai’s passion for cooking, we wanted to open up a business together,” said Au. “When we started Thai Sawasdee, we enjoyed the environment so we kept expanding.” The Spice Club, located in Niantic, opened in 2012, specializing in Thai cuisine. The couple then decided that they wanted to bring their passion for Asian and Thai cuisine to their hometown of Mystic, opening Pink Basil in 2015 and Samurai Noodle in 2018. “We’ve always loved Mystic and wanted to open a location here,” said Au. “Not only is it home for us, but it has become a great food town and we wanted to be a part of that. Growing up in the Mystic area, it feels great to be able to contribute to the community I grew up in.” Samurai Noodle is in the midst of a rebranding process as the couple transitions it into a “more upscale restaurant.” Au is working on updating the menu and a name change for the downtown location. Pink Basil is one of the nine restaurants housed in Olde Mistick Village, which originally opened in 1973 and in the nearly 50 years since “has since grown significantly. Local residents and visitors
may 2022 33
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT from all over the world come to enjoy everything the
like to think every item on our menu is well thought-out
Village has to offer. From its humble family begin-
and stands out. Everything is made to order and made
nings, the beloved community of shops and restau-
fresh like a chef came to your house and prepared it
rants has continued to operate out of love,” according
on the spot.”
to oldemistickvillage.com.
When it comes to cocktails, Pink Basil boasts an
“Our atmosphere is a little throwback to the colonial
Asian-inspired menu with a selection of tropical tasting
times so it matches the Village theme, but also a little
drinks. Along with the full bar, some specialties offered
modern with some hints of pink,” said Au. “We named
include mai tais, coconut martinis, and ginger martinis.
it Pink Basil because of my wife’s obsession with the
One of Au’s favorite things about his career in the restaurant industry is the number of relationships he
color pink.” In addition to the touches of pink and nods to old-
has built since opening Thai Sawasdee 16 years ago.
en times, Pink Basil boasts two large patios. Au not-
He has enjoyed working with the Chamber of Com-
ed that the patios were especially embraced by guests
merce of Eastern Connecticut. Au has also seen his
throughout the pandemic when outdoor dining rose to
customer base continue to support each of their ven-
new heights.
tures over the years.
Specializing in Asian cuisine, some of Pink Basil’s
“Starting with Thai Sawasdee, we developed a great
menu offers appetizers, salads, soups, and sides, as
customer base that has moved with us and having a
well as chef’s select entrees, curries, noodles, wok-pre-
group of fans who like our
pared selections, a variety of fried rice options, and su-
food always helps,” said Au.
shi. Au said that some of Pink Basil’s most popular dish-
“What keeps people com-
es are pad Thai, pho, spicy ramen, kai kaphrao chick-
ing back is a combination
en, and an array of curries and sushi. Many of the dish-
of our cuisine, atmosphere,
es are inspired by the Au’s trips to New York City where
location, and our staff. I
they enjoy trying different restaurants and dishes.
can’t say enough about our
“Our cuisine standout is a collection of some of our
staff. Our customers love
favorite things to eat when we go to the city—New
them, they always try to
York has so many different cultures and cuisine right at
provide the best customer
your fingertips and sometimes we recreate food at our
service, and always have a
restaurants that we had tried in the city,” said Au. “I’d
smile on their faces.”
PINK BASIL POPULAR PICKS Pink Basil Noodles Stir-fried flat noodles topped with bell peppers, onions, basil, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes and your choice of meat.
Pad Thai Noodles Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro, ground peanuts, a side of lime and your choice of meat. Kai Kaphrao Stir-fried ground chicken with basil, onions and bell peppers. Topped with a fried egg. Served with brown rice. Pink Basil Signature Entree Stir-fried your choice of meat, basil, bell peppers, green beans, scallions, onions and mushrooms. Served with jasmine rice.
Spicy Ramen Noodle Soup Slow cooked pork with ramen noodles, bok-choy, and vegetables. Served in a spicy miso soup.
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magazine
PINK BASIL
27 Coogan Boulevard, Building 3B, Mystic 860-245-4470 pinkbasilct.com
THE SPICE CLUB
239 Main St., Niantic 860-451-8121 thespiceclubct.com
SAMURAI NOODLE BAR & GRILL
27 West Main St., Mystic 860-415-9317 samurainoodlemystic.com
Fine Gifts, Collectibles & Jewelry Since 1975
Olde Mistick Village 7A Mystic , CT 06355 860-536-2964
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Float Therapy
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15 CHESTERFIELD RD., SUITE 213, EAST LYME, CT 06333 860-451-8040 | TRANQUILBALANCECT.COM may 2022 35
taste | RESTAURANT LISTINGS ASIAN
FAMILY STYLE
GIULIANO’S BAKERY
PINK BASIL
GROTON TOWNHOUSE RESTAURANT
Hometown bakery known for crispy bread, rolls, and pastries. Also serving breakfast sandwiches. Come see us for our large diverse variety of baked goods. Open daily 5 a.m.-8 p.m.;
Our menu reflects the time-honored traditions of authentic Asian cuisine. With influences from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, our dishes can transport you around the world in one bite. Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; SaturdaySunday 12-9 p.m.
284 Main Street, Niantic, CT | 860-739-5495
27 Coogan Boulevard, Building 3B, Mystic, CT 860-245-4470 | pinkbasilct.com
BARBECUE
NOBLE SMOKEHOUSE
We are a family-style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. We also have a large assortment of freshbaked pies and cakes daily. Open daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m. 355 CT-12, Groton, CT | 860-449-0355 grotontownhouserestaurant.com
FINE DINING
85 MAIN
BAKERY
DEKE’S BAGELS
WE LIVE, BREATHE, AND SMOKE BARBEQUE! With a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University, our Chef Christopher Lusk is excited to present our unique sauces and flavors to you. Open Wednesday & Thursday 12-7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 12-8 p.m.; Sunday 12-7 p.m.; Monday 4-7 p.m.; Closed Tuesday
Deke’s Bagels sells fresh bagels, sandwiches, muffins, coffee, smoothies and more. Order online or come visit our Niantic or new Guilford location. Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
4 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic, CT 860-415-9564 | noblesmokehouse.com
157 W. Main Street, Niantic, CT 1013 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 860-739-9509 | dekesbagels.com
Price range Online ordering Open late
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magazine
Take out
Breakfast
Brunch
Delivery
Entertainment
Lunch
Outdoor dining
Cash only
Fresh, contemporary fare, seasonally influenced. Fresh seafood, steaks & locally grown produce. High quality sushi and full raw bar. Enjoy creative cocktails while dining on our patio, weather permitting. Open Sunday-Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. 85 Main Street, Putnam, CT 860-928-1660 | 85main.com
Dinner
Kids’ menu
Alcohol Served Twitter
Call ahead Instagram
ITALIAN
BUON APPETITO RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA
Family owned and operated Italian restaurant serving an eclectic mix of northern Italian dishes with the best service, food, and presentation. Enjoy a true dining experience with a Tuscan flair. Open Tuesday & Wednesday 3-9 p.m.; Thursday 12-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 12-10 p.m.; Sunday 12-9 p.m.; Closed Monday 386 Norwich-Westerly Road, North Stonington, CT 860-535-2333 | buonappetitoristorante.com
PAN-ASIAN
NANA’S BYREK
SPICE CLUB
We serve healthy, home-cooked Thai, sushi, and Pan-Asian cuisine in a casual, familyfriendly environment. Open since 2012. Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 pm and 4-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 12-9 p.m. 239 Main Street, Niantic, CT 860-451-8121 | spiceclubct.com
At Nana’s Byrek everything is made fresh daily, in house. We offer the following: pizza, byrek, entrees, grinders, paninis, quesadillas, salads, dessert, catering, birthday parties. Kids make their own pizza. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 12-8:30 p.m.; Closed Monday 316 Boston Post Road., Waterford, CT 860-437-3030 | www.nanasbyrek.com
PIZZA
184 PIZZERIA
MEDITERRANEAN
WOODFELLAS PIZZA
PICK POCKETS
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 860-910-0235 | pickpocketsdeligroton.com
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 860-245-0800 | 184pizzeria.com
Woodfellas opens 2nd location in New London in the former space of 2 Wives! Serving quality food! Contact us regarding our Rolling Pizza Truck and New Mobile Salute Bar Cart! Open Wednesday-Friday 4-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 12-8 p.m.; Closed Monday & Tuesday The Velvet Mill, 22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington, CT 860-715-9663 | woodfellaspizza.com
To advertise your restaurant on this page, email thedaymag@theday.com. may 2022 37
taste | RESTAURANT LISTINGS
UNDER CONTRACT
SEAFOOD
Deer Run Old Saybrook Representing the Buyer
SPORTS BAR
J & R SEAFOOD
C.C. O’BRIEN’S
I’m not just your neighbor, I’m your Realtor
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.
Friendly Irish Sports Cafe serving a variety of pub food. Award winning Burgers & Wings with Sports on 23 TVs! Pool & Darts. 28 draft beers. Serving food Tuesday 3-9 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday 11 a.m.-9.p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 12-9 p.m. Bar open later 8 Mechanic Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379 860-599-2034 | ccobriens.com
Contact me to help you sell your home 860.235.2665 jacqueline.hoyt@cbrealty.com
45 Williams Avenue, Mystic, CT 860-415-4656 | jrseafoodmarket.com
THE STUMBLE INNE Retired Armed Forces Association
FRIDAY FISH FRY
Dr. Pecher’s Family Medical Center offers quality care at our Walk-In at our Urgent Care facility.
“The Country Doc”
Open to the public every Friday. Enjoy Chowder, Lobster Rolls, Fish & Chips and more! PLUS Join us on the second Saturday each Month from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. for breakfast. Open Friday 3-8 p.m.
Great food, happy hour, live music, pool tables, darts, trivia, karaoke. Nominated for best burger! Open Monday-Saturday 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday 1-10 p.m. 90 Halls Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 860-434-2342 | facebook.com/TheStumbleInne
135 Garfield Avenue, New London, CT 860-447-0055 | armedforcesretirees.org/home
Dr Stefana Pecher, MD/Holistic Physician and her team of professionals provide traditional and holistic medical services.
The Wellness Center is Now Open! We offer an array of therapies including: Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, Infrared Sauna Therapy, Reiki, Sensory Deprivation (Float) Tank, Halotherapy, CBD Products
391 Norwich-Westerly Rd, North Stonington, CT 06359 Price range Online ordering
Breakfast Take out
Call ahead
magazine
Delivery
Open late Facebook
38
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Outdoor dining Entertainment
Kids’ menu Alcohol Served
Cash only
Call today 860-389-2697 or visit us at
https://www.country-wellness.com/
A place where food becomes a delightful experience At The Spice Palette we pride ourselves on exemplary hospitality and culinary expertise to bring you perfectly crafted cuisine with the best cocktails and food pairings. The Spice Palette menu encompasses the harmony and diversity of the Indian subcontinent by bringing together a plethora of Indian flavours and tantalizing spices. Our uniquely crafted menu offers Indian delicacies complimented with a hint of rare south Indian fusion. Entice your palette in the next and best of Indian cuisine, with the added garnishing of spectacular service and elegant fine dining in the laid-back setting of New London CT.
929 Bank Street New London CT 959-201-6913 may 2022 39 thespicepaletteus.com
home & garden GARDENING
DECOR
ADVICE
photo by dodie bump
R E A L E S TAT E
finding an affordable home
40
magazine
Gardens by the sea in bloom
Ready, set, offer! THE SPRING REAL ESTATE MARKET REMAINS COMPETITIVE, ESPECIALLY IN THE UNDER-$350,000 CATEGORY
A
written by g.a. peck
Magazine reached out to her in March, she’d just
s yellow, white and lavender crocus-
listed a one-bedroom condo in Norwich’s Cove
es sprung forth in yards across south-
View Towers. “It has one-f loor living, which is
east Connecticut, signaling the seasonal
hard to find anywhere, period,” she noted. “It’s
change, so too blossomed the spring real
on for $194,900, and it is one-of-a-kind in this
estate market. The past year in residen-
area, because of the two high-speed elevators and
tial real estate has seen the full impact of the pan-
beautiful views down the Thames River. You can
demic, with so few homes available for sale. But
buy one-bedroom condos in Norwich for under
spring renews and restores, and more homes are
$100,000, but not in this building.”
destined to debut, as prospective sellers decide to take advantage of the market’s height.
Russ suggested that buyers be patient—as much as they can be—with the market and to
Sue Russ is a Realtor with William Raveis
keep an open mind about a property’s possibili-
Real Estate’s Niantic brokerage. When The Day
ties. For example, if a buyer finds a property that
The open-plan living area at Unit 403, 586 West Thames Street in Norwich opens out to a balcony overlooking the Thames River. s ubmitted photo
may 2022 41
is otherwise attractive but maybe doesn’t have the two-car garage on the buyer’s wish list. But maybe the property affords the acreage to add one in the future. Buyers should weigh these “give and takes.” It also helps if buyers broaden their geographic targets. Not every southeastern Connecticut town will have fresh inventory each week, she noted, while others may see more seller action. “No one is priced out of the market, and all towns in New London County have properties come up for sale under $350,000,” she assured buyers. “If they are open to look in several towns, it is a little easier to find what they are looking for—and they can get more for their money inland.” Russ does expect one thing to remain consistent through the spring market: It will continue to be highly competitive for buyers. “Usual-
NANCY MESHAM HEIDI HOSS HILARY REID WENDY VISGILIO
ly, it is ‘highest and best’ offer within a few days,” she explained. Buyers will sometimes encounter this stipulation right in the listing description—that they should be earnest, ready to buy, and come in with a high offer. Low-ball offers are just time wasted. Realtor Tara Crossley, who’s affiliated with Key Real Estate, expects the market to be competitive, as well, but she said there are ways that buyers can make their offers “stand out against others.” “ There a re so ma ny ways to ma ke a n offer competitive,” she explained. “You can increase your earnest money deposit, or shorten
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home & garden “No one is priced out of the market, and all towns in New London County have properties come up for sale under $350,000.” SUE RUSS Tara Crossley, a Realtor with Key Real Estate, is the listing agent for 208 Baltic Road in North Franklin. This under-$350,000 property—$325,900 at the time of deadline— comprises a four-bedroom Cape colonial house, an Amishbuilt horse stable and a shed built by Carefree Small Buildings, on 1.46 acres. p hoto courtesy of key real estate
your inspection period. Do an informational-only in-
Connecticut: “I recommend starting
spection; offer an appraisal gap; come in $10,000 to
your search where work will be. If you
$30,000 over asking.”
work from home, I recommend centering
Crossley recently listed 208 Baltic Road in North
your search around your interests. At less than
Franklin, a house she referred to as “neat and unique.”
$350,000, you can still find homes anywhere, mostly,
“It is antique and offers all of the charm you’d ex-
but expect stiff competition. You may be ‘kissing a lot
pect in an antique home. There are not many four- or
of frogs’ before you find one. Buyers should expect to
five-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath homes at this price
put in at least five offers before they get an acceptance.
point,” she noted.
… Patience, patience. It is a numbers game. Don’t give
Crossley offered some practical advice for buyers
up! Be persistent!”
who are beginning their home search in southeastern
may 2022 43
home & garden
gardens 44
magazine
I
written by g.a. peck t’s hard to imagine a more beautiful seaside spot—no matter the time of year—than Stonington Borough. The light is special here, fine artists will attest, and the views from Stonington Point are awe-inspiring. The Borough, as locals know it, is a quintessential New England coastal community, tight-knit in spirit and geogra-
phy. The homes here range from grand to cottage-like, many of them historically significant, and each year, a select group of homeowners welcome the public to tour their magnificent gardens. Deborah Dodds will be completing her two-year term as the Stonington Garden Club’s president in June.
by the sea
blossom anew A BELOVED STONINGTON GARDEN CLUB EVENT RETURNS TO THE BOROUGH THIS JUNE “I’ve loved it. I’ve been a member since 2015,” she said. “It’s exciting, because every month the club has a different educational opportunity. We have our monthly meeting—sometimes during the day, sometimes during the evening—and we always have an outside speaker or a handson workshop for members and friends. These are events that you always go away from feeling better and with a sense that you’ve learned something beautiful.” The Stonington Garden Club’s history dates back to the 1920s, and other than a pause prompted by WWII, the club has carried on its tradition and philanthropy since, Dodds said. Typically held every three years, the Stonington Garden Club’s “Gardens by the Sea,” returns this year, June 9-11, 2022, after a pandemic pause. This year, the “Gardens by the Sea” festival kicks off with a Preview Party on June 9th. “We’ll have art on display, and we’ll reveal the nine gardens that are featured on the tour. So, if you attend the preview party,
En plein air artists will be painting live at select gardens on the tour, and their artwork will be displayed at the Preview Party on June 9th. p hoto by dodie bump
then you get to find out firsthand which gardens are on the tour,” Dodds noted. “If you go to the preview party and have tickets to the tours, you’ll be able to pick up your tour guide book, which saves standing in
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home & garden
46
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The beautiful Stonington Borough, a charming community on the Connecticut’s coast of Long Island Sound, is the site for “Gardens by the Sea,” hosted by the Stonington Garden Club, a gardening and philanthropic organization that dates back to the 1920s. photo by dodie bump
line on Friday or Saturday morning, which for some people is worth the price of admission.” Ticketed tours of eight residential gardens and the COMO Children’s Learning Garden—the club’s primary community project—will be held on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11, 2022. Throughout the gardens, attendees will find labeled plants, landscaping garden plans and club members, who will be on-hand to answer questions. This year, the event also features “Artists in the Borough”—en plein air artists from across New England, who will be painting in gardens on the tour. There will be a tented marketplace at historic Wadawanuck Square, with local vendors of garden-inspired products, clothing, jewelry, art and furnishings. Four community partners—Coogan Farm Living Garden, Avalonia Land Conservancy, the UConn Master Gardener Program and the UConn Master Composter Program—will also be on-hand to answer questions about regenerative gardening techniques, conservation, composting and more.
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home & garden
above “Gardens by the Sea,” hosted by the Stonington Garden Club, invites the public into the carefully curated gardens of participating Stonington Borough residents. photo by jill corr below When it was last held in 2017, “Gardens by the Sea” drew more than 2,400 attendees across the two-day event. Stonington Garden Club’s president, Deborah Dodds, expects the attendee numbers to be even higher this year. p hoto by jill corr right This garden, in all its colorful glory, was one of the tour stops from the 2017 “Gardens by the Sea” event. p hoto by jill corr
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magazine
Tickets are also available for a celebrity speak-
the community. “Almost all of it gets funneled
er series. Charlie Nardozzi, an Emmy award-win-
right back into the community, in terms of dona-
ning garden writer and radio/TV personality will
tions and grants that we give to other nonprof-
be speaking at the Stonington Yacht Club at 1 p.m.
it organizations or to community projects. Some-
on Saturday and Sunday.
times, we host speakers, open to the public,” Dodds
The Stonington Garden Club labors benef it
explained.
the community in two ways. They maintain gar-
The last “Gardens by the Sea” event drew more
dens around the Borough and also fund some lo-
than 2,400 attendees, the club president reported.
cal organizations.
She said they’re expecting this year’s event to far
“We maintain the garden at the lighthouse, the
exceed that number.
Wayland’s Wharf Rain Garden. … We maintain a
Tickets to the Preview Party, garden tours and
little plot of flower garden in front of the post office,
celebrity speaker series are available through
and then our signature project is the children’s
Eventbrite, and tickets will also be available “at
garden,” Dodds said. This charming spot at the
the door,” with cash or credit card payment. Note:
Stonington Community Center (COMO) is a learn-
Parking is free. Not all the gardens are wheelchair
ing garden, where children learn how to plant, har-
accessible, due to uneven surfaces.
vest, cook and savor what they’ve grown. Proceeds from “Gardens by the Sea” and other Stonington Garden Club events directly benefit
may 2022 49
monthly feature
hidden THE BLOCK ISLAND GLASS FLOAT PROJECT
I
written by ann baldelli t was almost 30 years ago when the idea was hatched for what is now an immensely popular interactive public art installation on Block Island. Eben Horton, a classically trained Venetian-style glass maker, was 17, maybe 18, at the time, and working for a
glassblower in Providence the summer before he left for college. They were working on paperweights that day and they hadn’t turned out perfect. “They had little checks in them, little cracks on the inside,” said Horton, now 47, and the glass artist responsible for the Block Island Glass Float Project, explaining how it all got started. “The guy I was working for said he couldn’t sell them and he was going to throw them away, and I said, ‘No, no, no! I’m going to take those.’” So, he did. Horton filled his backpack and headed for the shoreline. “I hid them all over Little Compton’s beaches,” he said, “And I just thought, whoever is going to find these is going to be so excited. They are going to think, like what is this doing here? Obviously, someone left this here. But they wouldn’t know why and they might not have even known there was something wrong with them. “It was great fun and it was my random act of kindness,” said Horton. Almost 15 years would pass before Horton recalled the joy of hiding those paperweights. It would come back to him after he had studied glassblowing at the School for American Crafts at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and at the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, as well as others. It was after he had trained weekly for four years with William
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gems One of the glass floats hidden on Block Island as part of the Glass Float Project. photo courtesy of the glass station
may 2022 51
monthly feature Gudenrath, internationally recognized as one of
He proposed making baseball-sized spheres,
the foremost authorities on glassmaking tech-
similar to the floats attached to Japanese fishing
niques of the ancient world.
nets that sometimes wash up on beaches. There
Horton had his own glass studio and retail shop
were questions, and some opposition, but Horton
in Wakefield, R.I. when the Great Recession oc-
won approval for his idea and in 2011, he inaugu-
curred in 2007-2009. Like many others, his suc-
rated The Glass Float Project by hiding 150 of his
cessful business took a hit.
studio-made, glass balls. Every year since, he has
“All of my accounts that were ordering glass from me, all of the galleries, just slowed way down
every one of them is numbered and dated.
when the Great Recession happened,” Horton
Most of the f loats are clear glass, but a select
said. “And I had this idle time and I thought, you
number—depending on the year—include color.
know that thing I did years ago was really cool and
For example, in 2020, 20 of the 550 contained col-
I think I will do it again.
or, and 530 were clear. In 2016, 16 had color, and
“I was doing it for me, it was a little pick me up for me,” he said.
52
put out 550 more between June and October, and
the rest were clear. This year, 22 of the floats will be colored.
Horton went to the Block Island Town Council to
The first f loat each season—the one marked
ask permission to randomly hide some of his craft-
# 1—is special. The inaugural year it was coated in
ed glass on the public beaches and trails of Block
gold leaf; in 2020 it was a coronavirus, and in 2021
Island, so that visitors could find and enjoy it.
a lobster pot buoy.
magazine
far left Eben Horton and his wife, Jennifer Nauck, in their glass studio in Wakefield, R.I. The couple and their team at The Glass Station make more than 550 glass floats that they hide on public walkways on Block Island each year. Searching for the glass floats has become a popular pastime for many people. photo courtesy of the glass station left The floats are baseball-sized and hidden along public trails, beaches and walkways. Most are clear glass, and a few have color variations. p hoto courtesy of the glass station above Two glass floats resting on driftwood on Block Island. p hoto courtesy of the glass station
Presents
A live performance of the children's story! Written by Allegra Kent
At the Garde Arts Center May 22, 2022 at 1:00pm
To purchase tickets, visit gardearts.org may 2022 53
monthly feature And for several years now, he’s been visiting the island in the fall and hiding pumpkin-like floats, which are coveted by collectors and not easily found. They are a Halloween treat, he said, and added, “I hide them really well.” The floats are about the size of an orange and the bottom of each one is stamped with the pear-like shape of Block Island and the words “glassfloatproject.com.” The hunt for these palm-sized treasures—which many call orbs— has become a craze. The phenomenon has been written up by the national press and reported on by network television shows. There’s a Facebook page dedicated to the project and the Block Island Tourism Council maintains a site where people who find an orb may register their name, the number on their float, and designate the year it was hidden and where it was found. The list is not guaranteed to be accurate—some people may not report the floats they find—but it gives a sense of how many unfound orbs might still be out there, and clues about where to look for them. Horton, who is passionate about the pristine beauty of Block Island, used to hide the floats himself. But as people have come to recognize him, and watch his every movement when he’s on Block Island, he’s dispatched friends who do the job instead.
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magazine
top, left to right A clear glass float nestled in field thistle. photo courtesy of the glass station; Eben Horton with his dog, Hugo. The family adopted the dog late last year and soon after, Horton noticed Hugo’s markings are similar in shape to Block Island. photo by ann baldelli; Another glass float, called orbs by many, in spring flowers near Block Island North Light. photo courtesy of the glass station left Eben Horton works in his glass studio. Horton is the glass artist behind the Block Island Glass Float Project. p hoto courtesy of the glass station
He asks that people only take one float a year and that they respect the island, and if they can, pick up trash while searching. “I ask that they take photos and leave just footprints,” he said. The project costs money—Horton estimates $20,000 to $30,000 a year for materials, gas, drills and everything else involved. Early on, there was a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts to help defray expenses, but in recent years, the sale of raffle tickets each October for the chance to win glass float project merchandise and other items supports the effort. Horton’s wife, Jennifer Nauck, who is also a glassblower and helps with the project, said one of the remarkable things about it is the way it has brought people together. “There’s this feeling of comradery among strangers and the only things they have in common is their love for the island and this project,” she said. “It has just brought people together in a very interesting way. Friendships have developed around the float project, and we have met the most incredible people because of this.” Horton knows that not everyone is a fan of The Glass Float Project, and that some people would prefer it ended. “I’d say the vast majority of islanders love the project, but there are people out there who want that island to themselves and they wish that the ferries didn’t run,” said Horton. “But my logic is, what would you rather have on that ferry, a bunch of people going to get
may 2022 55
monthly feature
drunk or a whole bunch of nature loving hikers who want to go out and enjoy the island?” Horton’s team at The Glass Station will make floats that will start going out in early June, and continue to be hidden along the beaches and public greenways until October. He’s been blowing glass since 1989, when he
tience and the ability to hyperfocus. A glassblower relies on muscle memory and must become ambidextrous. “Learning is incredibly frustrating,” he said, explaining that the greatest glassblowers in the world all started before the age of 20.
was 15. He wanted an afterschool job and found
“I had a huge advantage by starting when I was
one at a glass studio in his hometown of New-
not even able to drive,” said Horton. “If I were to
port, R.I.
start now, by the time I were 80, maybe I could
He swept the floor and helped to keep the stu-
56
Glassblowing, he said, requires extreme pa-
get to where I am now.
dio clean, but he also watched the glassblow-
He enjoys what he is doing and plans to contin-
ers working and soon assisted them with sim-
ue the Block Island Glass Float Project as long as
ple tasks, gradually progressing. By the time he
it makes him happy. Late last year, his family ad-
went to RIT, he was already a competent glass-
opted a new dog and soon after Horton realized
blower, which gave him a head start over his
that Hugo has what looks to him like an image
classmates. While they learned the basics, he
in the shape of Block Island in black fur over his
was developing his own, personal style.
coat of white hair.
magazine
left A glass float tucked into abandoned wood on a beach on Block Island. p hoto courtesy of the glass station below A float with some color rests on a stone wall. Each summer, Horton makes as many colored orbs as the year. This season, 22 of the more than 550 will have color. Last year, 21 had color. photo courtesy of the glass station bottom Jennifer Nauck assists her husband, Eben Horton, in their glass studio. p hoto courtesy of the glass station
“We didn’t notice it until we had him a couple weeks, and then I said, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s a big Block Island on his side.’ It was a wink from the universe, that was my wink,” said Horton, explaining it was a sign to him to keep making and hiding the floats for others to find. “It will end when I get really sick of it, but I’m not sick of it,” he said. “So, it will go on until I get sick of it or the island gets sick of me.” For more information visit theglassstationstudio.com or glassfloatproject.com. To see a list of floats that have been found visit blockislandinfo.com/glass-float-project.
may 2022 57
monthly feature
o i t t p- e
tu through the
photo by ann baldelli
58
magazine
s il p R ES P N I S P I L D TU AT WICKE
I
TON
written by ann baldelli
magine planting 600,000 pick-your-own tulips with the expectation that more than a couple hundred thousand will never be harvested.
That’s the thinking at Wicked Tulips’ Preston operation, where
tulip farmer Jeroen Koeman wants a palette of vibrant colors in his
field when visitors come to pick their blooms.
“Our goal is to have this wonderful experience of picking flowers in the blooming tulip field,” said Koeman. “We don’t want more than 60 percent picked.” If you do the math, that means about 240,000 will be tilled over along with the bulbs of all the tulips that have been picked when the growing season ends. But not before Wicked Tulips gifts bouquets to deserving recipients. Last year, they handed out 10,000 stems and estimate that in recent years they have gifted more than 30,000 tulips to health care workers, convalescent home residents, veterans, and other deserving people.
may 2022 59
monthly feature “We have always believed in being a business that
Princess is a gorgeous rose-pink tulip with deeper
helps the community,” said the Dutch-born Koeman,
pink f lames. Big Smile lives up to its name—with
who hails from a large family of tulip growers. “We
enormous golden yellow blooms.
want to provide happiness in the community. We
Each variety has its own name and characteristics:
don’t just want to be a prosperous business; we also
Miranda, City of Vancouver, Apricot Parrot, Blushing
want to be a blooming success in the community.” Last fall, Koeman and his tulip team planted more than 1 million tulip bulbs—about 600,000 at the Preston farm and another 500,000 at their second location in Exeter, R.I. If Mother Nature cooperates, both farms should be a full riot of color this month. Koeman timed the Exeter farm to bloom first in late April-early May, and the Preston one soon after.
“Leave the cute shoes at home…wear your mud boots, not stilettoes.” LEAH HILL
Those who want to visit must pre-purchase tickets for a specified time and date. All the information is
Lady, and Orange Princess. They are all as pretty as
on the Wicked Tulips website (wickedtulips.com), in-
they sound; some even mimic lilies or peonies.
cluding “Bloom Reports” and “Visitor 101.”
Blushing Lady is a favorite—with lily-shaped
There you can find tips on the best footwear for tu-
petals that are a soft-blush pink that flush into an
lip picking—muck boots are better suited for navigat-
even softer yellow, and Beauty of Spring sprouts ex-
ing the fields than high heels—and the proper tech-
tra-large blossoms of pale yellow with feathered edg-
nique for picking blooms—grasp the stem as close to
es of crimson. It’s the Finola, with pink and white
the ground as possible and pull straight up. No need
double blooms that makes you think it’s a peony. “People gasp,” said Hill, when asked about the ini-
for scissors. There is also information about “#GivingBack,” where visitors can nominate community servants such as health care workers or veterans who may be chosen for a free bouquet of tulips.
tial reaction when visitors arrive at Wicked Tulips and the field is in full bloom. “I do that myself a lot of times,” she added. “You just
Along with daffodils, tulips are among the first
get that r ush of a
f lowers of spring, and they are the most colorful.
whole field in bloom.
Leah Hill, a manager at Wicked Tulips, said near-
We take a lot of time to
ly every color imaginable will be available for picking this year. They ’ve pla nted Fla m ing Pa r rot s —a tropical-looking tulip with ruffly edges and red stripes, and Queen of the Night, a more traditional bloom that is so deep purple it appears to be black. Pretty
After you bring home your incredible tulips, make sure to supervise your pets when they’re around the flowers. Tulips (part of the lily family, along with hyacinths and irises) are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested. above photo by ann baldelli right photo courtesy of wicked tulips
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magazine
Dennis Palmer of Stonington with just-picked tulips at Wicked Tulips in Preston in spring 2021. photo by ann baldelli
Scan QR code for Schedule
may 2022 61
monthly feature
think how it will look when we lay it out. We have a color plan and we come up with mixes that we think will look cool.” Hill emphasized the importance of pre-buying tickets and wearing the right shoes. “Leave the cute shoes at home,” she said. “Wear your mud boots, not stilettoes.” Wicked Tulips opened in Rhode Island in 2015, and last year expanded to leased space in Preston at the Chuck Hill Farm off Route 164. The Preston operation went so well, that this season, Koeman has doubled the number of bulbs planted there. In early March, he said he saw his first tulip sprout poking through the cold earth, and explained that the weather, especially in April, determines when his tulips will erupt and be ready for picking. Tickets go on sale just a few days in advance, and the number of visitors is limited every hour to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. If you sign up for email alerts from the Wicked Tulips website, you will get a notice when it’s time to buy tickets. In addition to pick-your-own, there are opportunities for Yoga in the Tulips (check the website) and if you are so inclined, you may volunteer with benefits
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magazine
left A customer walks through the tulip fields at Wicked Tulips. photo courtesy of wicked tulips bottom left Wicked Tulips owner Jeroen Koeman with son, Kees, at the tulip farm. photo courtesy of wicked tulips below A closer look at a blooming tulip. photo by ann baldelli right Colorful tulips come in many colors and varieties. p hoto by ann baldelli
l i k e a Tu l i p
Tickets are $20 for adults and include 10 steams. You
Tea m t-shir t
can pick more, as many as you want, for $1 for each ad-
and 10 pick-your-
ditional flower. Tickets for children aged 5 to 17 are $5,
own stems. This season, Koe-
and do not include any tulips. Kids under 4 may enter for free.
man is also planning an
In 2020, the pick-your-own farm only sold already
event that will feature his cous-
picked bouquets, with COVID keeping visitors out of the
in, Linda Koeman, who hails from
field. Last season, people could pick their own, but staff
Holland and is a practitioner of the Wim Hof
wrapped the bouquets. This year, visitors will pick
Method, which involves a dunk in an ice-filled pool, or in
and wrap their flowers, the way it used to be before the
this case, a tub in the middle of the tulip field.
pandemic.
“It’s a bathtub full of ice and there are breathing ex-
Both Koeman and Hill cautioned visitors not to be
ercises,” Koeman said. “There are health benefits to it.”
scared off by a little rain, and said without bright sun
These events are tentatively scheduled for early Sun-
overhead, the tulips are even prettier. If you want to pack
day morning May 8 and May 15 in Preston, but could
a lunch, there are picnic tables, although you’re asked to
change dependent on the growing season. Check the
take your trash home with you.
website for updates. Tickets will be required.
Koeman and his wife, Keriann, have been in the tulip
“Wim Hof ’s breathing, mindset and cold expo-
business since 2009. They started in Virginia selling tulip
sure techniques have been credited with great break-
bulbs, and added a small pick-your-own farm with their
throughs in physical health and well-being,” said an
extra bulbs. In 2015, they relocated to Rhode Island and
email message from Wicked Tulips. “Wim Hof is a folk
renamed their business Wicked Tulips. Since then, they
hero to many, and led a 48-hour world-record breaking
welcomed a son, young Kees, and expanded their business
climb of Kilimanjaro, that included Linda (Koeman) and
to two locations and more than a million tulips.
some of Jeroen’s relatives.”
“People are crazy about tulips,” said
It will be another adventure in the tulip field, at the
Koeman. “They just have this magical at-
height of the growing season. Once the tulips bloom,
traction. They are the first colorful blast
they last about 18 to 20 days, Koeman said.
in spring after the winter.”
may 2022 63
SHOPPING
APPS
FA S HIO N
BE AUT Y
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock, New London. photo by amanda lawrence
BOOKS
trending
listen to these podcasts
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magazine
turning pages book reviews
MEDIA
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Seven podcasts you need to listen to
W
written by kitty williams
hen podcasts rose in popularity, they did so with a fiery force. There are so many podcasts right now, that whether you realize it or not, you are probably no more than two degrees from a podcast host.
Since podcast libraries are an embarrassment of riches, it can be overwhelming to know which podcasts are worth listening
image courtesy of radiotopia
to. Whether you’re interested in fashion, history, movies, or personal growth, these podcasts are certainly worth your time.
1 EAR HUSTLE
Hosted by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods
Ear Hustle is a podcast that is recorded from inside San Quentin State Prison. At the time the podcast began, Nigel Poor was a visual artist volunteering at the prison, and Earlonne Woods was incarcerated. Though it is about life in prison, at its core, the podcast is about people.
image courtesy of we can do hard things podcast
Throughout its many episodes, listeners get to know the men who are incarcerated through interviews, stories, and even performances of original songs in the prison yard. Each episode signs off with the required (but enthusiastic) approval of Lt. Sam Robinson, the prison’s public information officer.
2
WE CAN DO HARD THINGS
Hosted by Glennon Doyle
Glennon Doyle, the author of The New York Times bestseller Untamed, hosts We Can Do Hard Things along with her sister Amanda. Together, they discuss hard things in life with guests such as Glennon’s wife, Abby Wambach; founder of Me Too Movement, Tarana Burke; and relationship therapist Esther Perel. In the weekly episodes, the podcast addresses topics such as anxiety, addiction, sexuality, and every other this-wouldbe-hard-to-talk-about conversation you can think of.
may 2022 65
trending
3 REVISIONIST HISTORY Hosted by Malcolm Gladwell
In this podcast, Malcolm Gladwell revisits the past in order to assess it more accurately. He does extensive research and thorough interviews for each episode, allowing you to feel like an expert after hearing his findings. He has episodes dedicated to why we shoot basketballs overhand, what
image courtesy of pushkin
we got wrong about the Toyota-acceleration scandal of 2009, why the McDonald’s french fry used to be perfect but no longer is, and why Elvis could never sing this one song without slipping up.
4 GET IT ON
Hosted by Dawn O’Porter
Dawn O’Porter is an author and television presenter who is known for her passion for vintage clothing. In her podcast, she sits with a friend each week to talk about style. She is less concerned with trends or what looks good, and more concerned with why people wear the clothes they wear. She talks with everyone from stylists
image courtesy of acast
and celebrities, to friends and her own sister about the clothes they feel most like themselves in, the different phases they have gone through, and what they are now trying to express through their wardrobe.
5
FILMS TO BE BURIED WITH
Hosted by Brett Goldstein
Brett Goldstein is known for his role as the grumpy Roy Kent on the Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso. In his podcast, he interviews former costars, current costars, friends, and filmmakers about movies. Though his guests are typically in the film or television industry, he talks with them mostly about their movie experiences as viewers. Brett is interested in how we relate to movies on
image courtesy of acast
the deepest level as he explores what it means to live and
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contemplate death.
magazine
6
THE BOWERY BOYS
Hosted by Greg Young and Tom Meyers
Just like everyone who moves to New York City, Greg
image courtesy of the bowery boys podcast
Young and Tom Meyers became fascinated with its history and have dedicated nearly 400 episodes to sharing that history with listeners. They do extensive explorations into neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, landmarks like Lincoln Center, historical events like the Stonewall Riots, and architects like Richard Morris Hunt, who is also known for his work in Newport, Rhode Island.
7
A SLIGHT CHANGE OF PLANS
Hosted by Maya Shankar
After a pandemic that has changed everything for so many people, this podcast is a fascinating look into why we change and how we respond to change. In each episode of her podcast, Maya Shankar talks with her guests about the moments that changed their lives and how they have
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responded to those moments. She speaks with people who have experienced every type of change: medical diagnoses, leaving cults, imprisonment, quitting, loss, and shifting political views.
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trending | TURNING PAGES
Celebrating great mothers in literature
M
written by betty j. cotter y mother was a reader. Most of our books came from the tiny village library, and we would pass them around, my mother to my sister to me: Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. The humorous stories of Jean Shepherd. Her reading was inextricably linked to her writing, another activity that infused our environment: There was her manual Royal typewriter, which she had bought with ration coupons during
World War II and on which she typed her poems and my term papers. On the coffee table rested a stack of The Writer magazine, with its geometric art on the cover. In her 80s and 90s, when her eyes failed her, my mother listened to audiobooks that my sister withdrew from Westerly Library. She gobbled these up three a week, and my sister resorted to keeping a record of the ones she had already read, so as not to duplicate. The list survives, 40 notebook pages of novels, biographies, mysteries and romances. From A (The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton) to Z (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig). How well I remember arriving at the house one day to take Mother to the doctor’s, finding her so absorbed in Stephen King’s massive Under the Dome that she didn’t want to leave. Occasionally I peruse her list, cheered to find books we both read, doubly so when I’ve taken the very same audio copy from the library. My mother gave me a love of words, for which I will be forever grateful. This month, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, I’ve collected a list of titles that celebrate mothers as individuals as well as caregivers.
Jewel by Bret Lott (Pocket Books, 1991) When Jewel has her sixth and last child, Brenda Kay, she believes she is done with childbearing. What she doesn’t yet know is that Brenda Kay, developmentally disabled, will remain forever a child. Jewel and her husband Leston could not be less equipped to deal with this: Although the year is 1943, the Depression still has its grip on this backwoods corner of Mississippi. But Jewel’s strength is her conviction that by keeping her daughter close she can give her a life that is both safe and love-filled. This lyrical novel, an Oprah Book Club pick, is based on the life of Lott’s grandmother.
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Caroline: Little House, Revisited by Sarah Miller (William Morrow, 2017) In the Little House books of Laura Ingalls Wilder, beloved by children for generations, the child Laura is the focal point. In this authorized retelling of Little House on the Prairie, we get the story of the Ingalls’ move to the plains of Kansas from the viewpoint of Laura’s mother, Caroline. It cannot have been easy for the real Caroline Ingalls to follow her husband, Charles, on his wanderings across the American West, and Miller delivers the gritty reality of a mother facing sickness, pregnancy and the hostility of Native Americans rightly disturbed by the settlers’ arrival.
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry
Ryan (Simon and Schuster, 2001) Reading this memoir just a month after my mother’s death in 2012, I was struck by the parallels to her life. Ryan’s mother Evelyn had a much bigger family (10 children), but her relentless pursuit of sustenance by entering jingles contents was achingly familiar. (Over the years, my mother used her writing chops to win a sewing machine, wristwatch and camera, among other prizes.) You won’t soon forget the image of Evelyn Ryan composing ditties at the ironing board.
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout (Random House, 2016) Strout, who won a Pulitzer Prize for Olive Kitteridge, is masterful at creating nuanced, unlikable mothers who nonetheless confound us with their insistence on being heard. The mother in My Name is Lucy Barton is no exception. Lucy, the narrator, is confined to a hospital bed when her mother appears to sit vigil with her as she recuperates. The mother’s long stories about the past put the conflicting realities of mother and daughter in sharp relief, a contrast that was captured masterfully by Laura Linney when she portrayed both characters on Broadway in 2020.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (various editions) Is there any more iconic mother than this classic novel’s Marmee? But reread Little Women and you will find that she is much more than a stereotypical angel in the house keeping her daughters close. She tells tomboy Jo that it is better to be “happy old maids than unhappy wives,” and she confesses to being “angry nearly every day of my life.” And no wonder, with a feckless husband who can’t support the family and relatives like Aunt March, whose philanthropy always comes with a tart lecture. Based on the real Abba Alcott, the character of Marmee is a tribute to women everywhere who have struggled to raise children amid the obstacles of poverty and sexism.
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Don’t miss our May picks.
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SENIORS
PETS
E D U C AT I O N
H E A LT H
WELLNESS
photo by nancy perry
FA MILIE S
life cycles
tips for better sleep
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crossing the rainbow bridge with Lap of Love
recovering from addiction
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Team approach to dental implants BEFORE
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A
life cycles
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This process is called osseo-integration, and allows the
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cally. With careful diagnosis, planning, and teamwork, the implant surgeon and restorative doctor can work together to achieve beautiful results. Our featured patient is Jessica, a 21-year-old woman who had congenitally missing lateral incisors, which means the permanent teeth had never formed. Following or-
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cessful functional and esthetic results by utilizing the most appropriate surgical and restorative methods. Meticulous communication allowed us to capitalize upon the expertise of each doctors’ diagnostic and therapeutic skill sets. We have found that pa-
thodontic treatment, Jessica was left with empty spaces
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veloped to create a final result that would support optimal esthetics and harmony to Jessica’s smile. We determined the best approach would involve a minimally invasive single surgery approach. Dr. Daren attended the surgery and immediately created temporary teeth following the placement of dental implants. With this approach, Jessica was able to leave the office with her first set of new teeth on the same day. The advantage of the temporary restoration phase is that we can critically evaluate our progress during healing and make any modifications prior to the final restorations. After approximately 4 months of healing, the
Brought to you by Shoreline Periodontics New London 860-443-2428, Westerly, RI 401-596-0000 shorelineperio.com Dr. Gregory Toback is a board-certified dental specialist in the field of periodontics and dental implants. Dr. Toback focuses on state-of-the-art treatments for gum disease, dental implant surgery, full arch rehabilitation, and esthetic soft tissue surgery. Treating patients with anxiety and apprehension holds special interest for Dr. Toback. He offers a variety of sedation options for his patients, who are treated in a calm, caring, and comfortable environment.
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g n i t t ge
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r e t t e b
written by bridget shirvell
W
e’ve become a little obsessed with sleep. OK, more than a little. We swap texts on
SO WHAT IS A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP?
You’ve probably heard that adults should get 7 to 9
how well we slept (or didn’t), spend billions
hours of sleep a night, but that’s not necessarily accurate.
of dollars a year worldwide on sleep aids—I
“You want to get enough sleep to function and feel well
see you weighted blanket—and sometimes
rested,” said Dr. Khanna. “Some need 6 hours, some peo-
even wear our lack of sleep as a badge of honor. It’s no
ple need 8, some people even need 12-14.”
wonder we can’t stop talking about sleep. It is, after all,
It also doesn’t have to be all at night.
essential.
“A nap in the day can be restorative and it counts to-
“We take it for granted but there are so many important processes taking place while we sleep,” said Dr. Amit Khanna, the Medical Director of the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Sleep Center. Not only do our immune systems depend on sleep, said
wards those hours,” said Dr. Khanna.
ALRIGHT, BUT HOW DO WE GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP?
Getting a good night’s sleep, night after night sounds
Dr. Khanna, but recent studies have shown that not get-
simple, but we know it’s not. Some days we lie awake try-
ting enough good sleep can make immunizations less ef-
ing to sleep or wake up at 3 a.m. and stare at the clock or
fective, are linked to dementia, poor memory and concen-
doomscroll, unable to fall back to sleep; other days, we
tration and may even result in weight gain.
simply wake up unrested.
may 2022 75
life cycles
Routines can help. Having a regular bedtime and
good with standard sleep patterns, it’s easy to get
ritual that goes with it, such as meditating before
fixated on the data. Don’t lose sleep over what your
bed, making a cup of tea, or reading, can all help you
wearable tech tells you, especially if you only have
wind down for the night. But having a regular wake-
a bad night or two.
up time is essential too.
na, adding that one night or two here and there of
into place as your body will start to tell you when
less sleep than you’re used to getting is likely fine.
it’s time to go to sleep,” said Dr. Khanna.
As a society, though, we are sleeping less, and it
If you frequently struggle with sleep, you also
can be dangerous not only for us but others. Studies
want to pay attention to light sources and electron-
show that sleep deprivation can impair the ability
ics. You can consider cutting out electronics at least
to drive the same way as drinking alcohol.
30 minutes before bed, but also make sure you’re
“If it’s affecting you at work, or affecting your rela-
exposed to natural sunlight during the day and less
tionships, your mental health and is pervasive, last-
light at night, so your body knows it’s time to sleep.
ing 3 months or more, start to think of seeking help
Oh, and mind those sleep trackers. While, according to Dr. Khanna, wearable tech does pretty
76
“Our bodies are pretty resilient,” said Dr. Khan-
“A regular wake-up time helps your bedtime fall
magazine
from a health professional,” said Dr. Khanna.
SUNDAE’S
fun facts
ANIMAL SLEEPING HABITS Bats sleep upside down, gripping their perch with their talons. This keeps them away from predators and allows them to fly away quickly if necessary.1 Sea otters sleep while floating on their backs, wrap themselves in seaweed, and hold hands to keep from drifting away in the current.1 Giraffes sleep standing up for a few minutes at a time. They generally get 30 minutes to 2 hours of sleep a day.1 Ducks sleep in rows with lookouts on either end. The ducks on the outside of the line sleep with one eye open while the others are able to shut both eyes.1 Dogs typically get around 10-12 hours of sleep each day, but they often get their rest in several short naps during the day instead of all at once like humans.2 Cats often sleep 12-18 hours per day. Cats are generally more active at dawn and dusk, but they can also shift their sleep schedules to match their humans’ or to fit around mealtimes. If they want to.3
onekindplanet.org/top-10/unusual-sleeping-habits 2sleep.org/sleep-questions/how-much-do-dogs-sleep sleep.org/sleep-questions/cats-sleep-habits
1
3
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life cycles
SPONSORED
Four tips for juniors in thinking about their college search brought to you by mission to admission college consulting
N
ow that May 1 st has passed, and high school seniors have submitted their college deposits, it’s time for juniors to start building their college lists. I often ask students to explore colleges be-
yond the initial 25 that they may have heard of before. Students should consider such things as major, location, school size, financial aid, career possibilities, and even school culture in assessing colleges. Here are some of the considerations that I ask students to consider in creating a college list:
1. KNOW THYSELF:
I often ask students to think deeply about who they are
and explore how they learn best. Not all schools offer the same kind of learning environment or even majors. Try to find colleges that match who YOU are, rather than trying to become someone different. • W hat are your strengths? Do you already have a major or field in mind? Are you thinking about STEM or humanities majors? • W hat do your grades and rigor say about you? If you’re interested in Engineering, how are your math and physics grades? • W hat size college are you hoping for? Note that some large colleges may not offer the same kind of faculty interaction that smaller colleges might. • How do you learn best? In lecture halls, seminars, or project-based learning? • Do you seek out working one-on-one with teachers or are only a few office hours enough? • W hat kind of financial funding might you need? Do you need scholarships? • Do you want a fraternity or sorority culture? • Does the school offer the kind of clubs that interest you or might they provide a way for you to start one?
2. GET TO KNOW THE COLLEGES: • This is intuitive, but students should be using this
time to get to know more about colleges they might be interested in. They can explore more about majors, campus life, residential programs, and school culture. If possible, students should try to see a campus when classes are in session to get the feel of a
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CONTENT college. While the pandemic made visiting colleges more difficult, they are just now returning back to normal. • Visiting colleges can be a great bonding time for students and parents. Make the visit fun! Don’t only look at the college; also explore the city or town where the school is located. Look at more than the reach schools. • Learn about college financial aid programs. Some colleges might offer full financial need, where others provide a huge gap. Students should learn about these policies before applying. • It should also be noted that many colleges have been tracking student “demonstrated interest.” They do this through tracking student participation in online tours and information sessions, college visits, fall high school information sessions, and even whether students have opened their emails. Students should be checking emails from colleges once each day.
through early programs, thus making the regular pool ultra-competitive. This year Northeastern, for example, had a 7% regular decision admit rate. If you have a favorite school within range, think about applying early, which can often offer an advantage for particular programs. Be careful of
3. MAKE YOURSELF STAND OUT:
reaching too high or you might waste your chance
tive university shared that in many cases it’s diffi-
• Make sure you apply to a range of colleges. Many
cult to differentiate between highly talented stu-
students have no problem coming up with reaches.
dents who are active in the same kinds of activities.
What’s more difficult is intelligently evaluating tar-
She suggested that students find extra-curricu-
gets and safer schools. Make sure you have a range
lars that make them stand out in the pool. Perhaps
of colleges that you like so that you’ll have several
students can try scientific research, internships,
options come May.
• Over a decade ago, an admissions officer at a selec-
working in a soup kitchen, or working for a political campaign.
at using the early advantage.
I wish you all good luck with your search!
• Gone are the days that students will be accepted to college based on grades alone. Colleges increas-
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Jackie Lefebvre with Mission to Admission College Consulting
pella groups, or publications. In some cases, a stu-
LLC has served as a college counselor for the past 20 years.
dent may get lucky if a school is looking for students
She has a BA from University of Pennsylvania and an MA in
with a particular talent.
English from Boston College and has taught writing at Boston
4. STRATEGIZE!
• Think about applying early. Many colleges are accepting half of their freshman incoming class
College and Fordham University. She works one-on-one with students throughout the college process, helping students with creating college lists, writing college essays, and completing applications.
may 2022 79
life cycles | PETS
Lap of Love SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR FURRY FRIEND FROM HOME
W
written by morgan rizzo hile sisters Lissa and Emily were away at college, their 18-year-old cat, Teto, had difficulty breathing and their mother brought him to a pet clinic. There was not much they could do and the only option for the suffering cat was euthanasia, which did not al-
low Emily, who had loved the cat since kindergarten, a chance to say goodbye. Lissa and Emily’s mother begged the vet to keep the cat comfortable until a formal goodbye could be said, but her pleading was to no avail. Today, Dr. Lissa Bender helps animal owners in New London County find closure with the passing of their beloved pets. Dr. Bender was always an animal lover and spent time as a member of her school’s equestrian team and as a volunteer at local shelters. She received a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and biotechnology at Delaware Valley University, and after working in preclinical research, earned her veterinary degree at Mississippi State University. This is where she learned about Lap of Love. With locations nationwide, Lap of Love allows dogs and cats to fall asleep peacefully snuggled under their favorite blanket, or nestled in the arms of their loved ones. The network of veterinarians provides hospice services, in-home euthanasia, and grief support systems for those facing the end of their furry friend’s life. From the start of the company in 2009 to today, Lap of Love has sat bedside with more than 250,000 pets and their families. “Most of the people that are coming to us are already to that point where it’s time to say goodbye,” says Dr. Bender. Veterinary care coordinators at Lap of Love first talk to the pet owners to hear the full story, ask what the patients are seeking, and then connect them with an available veterinarian. Once connected, the doctor observes what is happening with the pet, and asks the owners what brought them to this point in
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may 2022 81
life cycles | PETS the process. Affirmation is important to make sure the owners are ready to allow their pet to pass on. When the family is ready, the first dose of medicine is given to the pet to put them in a relaxed state, alleviating any pain and anxiety they may have been feeling. While the pets are comfortable, the owners cuddle with them as they slowly drift off to sleep. This time allows for the veterinarian to clip a lock of fur to put in a small container with a heart on it and to take paw print impressions. “Once the pet is ready, we then give a second medication to help them pass on and get their wings. This lets them be the angels that they are to cross over the rainbow bridge,” says Dr. Bender.
left Daisy Rose Baldya, a 15-year-old female Maltese, crossed the rainbow bridge on February 24 at home surrounded by her family. photo courtesy of Dr. Lissa Bender top Lap of Love allows families to have a paw print impression of their pet to keep if they wish. Dr. Lissa Bender tells a story of how she took four paw impressions of a passing pet for a family with young children. p hoto courtesy of Ross Taylor above Dr. Lissa Bender’s cats Mazi and Lagniappe who had a peaceful passing at home. P hoto courtesy of Dr. Lissa Bender
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Dr. Bender will then step out of the house to allow for the fam-
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being a “paw bearer” and bringing the animal out to the car. Dr. Bender creates a warm and inviting environment for the animal to travel, covered in soft purple throw blankets surrounded by flowers and flameless candles. The veterinarians at Lap of Love make a burdensome process easier for the family by guiding and creating a comfortable setting for both the family and pet. Although there is much sadness and grief, the job is rewarding because the owners and com-
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passion, and understanding.” Dr. Bender never takes a family’s decision to say goodbye lightly and tries to provide more time if the family needs it.”I know myself what it’s like having to do that drive, take them in, and to be there in a strange and unfa-
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miliar place,” says Dr. Bender. “Even though it may be a place your pet goes frequently, it’s still not home. To be able to be in your house is life changing.”
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may 2022 83
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Saying yes
above Tonya Cutler during her time as a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) at Natchaug Hospital. photo by jeff evans / hartford healthcare right Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield Center. photo by jeff evans / hartford healthcare
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to
hope
NATCHAUG OFFERS ADDICTION TREATMENT AND
I
“
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
written by kitty williams
would look at the instructions on the bottle that say take as needed. So I took it as
needed,” says Tonya Cutler. She just happened to need it all the time.
Addiction crept its way into Cutler’s
life after she was prescribed painkillers to address her migraines and arthritis. Then the anxiety came and benzos followed. “It didn’t get super bad until the last few years; that’s when the cocaine started coming in as well,” she says. Cutler’s addiction lasted for 14 years, but the pattern broke on a Thursday night when her teenage son approached her. He was clearly distraught, but unable to say what he needed to say until she asked
“The hardest part was finding the help when I finally was ready to ask for it,” says Cutler.
him, “Is it me?” He started sobbing and she knew.
After many discouraging phone calls and ‘no’s,
“He said he was afraid that instead of him being
she finally found a man named Tom Greaney, a li-
the one to come home and find me passed out and
censed drug and alcohol counselor, who pointed
then carrying me up to bed, that he’d be the one
her in the right direction. “I connect with him every
to come home and find me dead,” she says, getting
year since, to thank him for being a total stranger
emotional. “So he asked me to get help.”
who was willing to help me,” says Cutler.
After that conversation, she stepped into the
At his suggestion, she searched for local provid-
bathroom and looked into the mirror at herself—
ers of Suboxone, a medicine that treats opioid de-
an image she had been avoiding for so long. “I said
pendency. She found a place called Rushford. When
to myself, ‘You’ve always been willing to die for your
she called, they were able to get her in for an as-
family…. But are you willing to live for them?’” says
sessment that same day for the Medication Assist-
Cutler. “And the answer was yes.”
ed Treatment Close to Home (MATCH) Program.
She didn’t tell her family what she had committed
She asked her husband to drive her to a doc-
to for fear it wouldn’t work out. By Sunday, she was
tor’s appointment, and only when in the car, did
experiencing tremendous pain from withdrawals.
she tell him where they were really going. He was
“I had never prayed so hard in my life as I did Sun-
relieved. She gets emotional as she ref lects on
day,” says Cutler. Though Sunday’s pain was tough,
the support she has received from her husband
Monday’s rejections were tougher.
and children during this time. “I had what a lot
may 2022 85
life cycles
The entrance to Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield. photo by jeff evans / hartford healthcare
of people don’t have, and I am very appreciative of
me,” she says. Cutler found herself returning to Rush-
that,” says Cutler.
ford, the same place that had fostered her own heal-
The emotions she had numbed for 14 years have come back to her in recovery, and she celebrates that
ing, as an RSS. She then worked at Natchaug, where an RSS program was just beginning.
she is able to get emotional over something such as
Cutler recognizes that not everyone’s road to recov-
this. “I’m feeling,” she says. “That’s a beautiful thing.”
ery is the same, and Natchaug has always been cognizant of that—which is something Dr.
Cutler participated in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP),
program, she began one-on-one
“You’ve always been willing to die for your family…. But are you willing to live for them? And the answer was yes.”
therapy sessions. “That first year
TONYA CUTLER
which involved group meetings that were crucial to her recovery. “It wasn’t until my peers started opening up about their own experiences that I started opening up,” says Cutler. After spending one year in the
was about the physical aspect of
ical director, takes pride in. “Recovery is a spectrum,” says Dr. Schnitzlein. “[We’re] making sure that we have that spectrum of care so we’re meeting people where they’re at.” Natchaug’s spectrum ranges from inpatient to outpatient and medical to holistic. “Addiction doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” says Dr. Schnitzlein. Natchaug
my recovery: eating; showering; just good, healthy
not only offers treatment for those in such situations,
habits,” says Cutler, “but going into that second year
but it also offers resources to help address the under-
was that mental health component and what was re-
lying issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
ally driving all of this.”
86
Carla Schnitzlein, Natchaug’s med-
Before the patients even enter a program, the prior-
As her recovery progressed, she discovered the Re-
ity for the facility is saying ‘yes’ to those who seek help
covery Support Specialist (RSS) certification, which
from them. “‘Yes’ is a hopeful word,” says Dr. Schnit-
allowed her to help others with their own recovery.
zlein. (Cutler agrees: “That is what saves lives.”) Dr.
“Saying I’m an RSS… there’s empowerment in that for
Schnitzlein is proud of the work Natchaug does and
magazine
is hopeful for the future. Her biggest hope is to “identify what the community needs and grow in that direction.” Cutler cherished her time as an RSS at Natchaug, but when an opportunity presented itself to work at the Recovery Leadership Academy, she knew she would regret not taking it. She smiles as she describes the work she does overseeing internships, supporting new RSSs, and working on an initiative that provides services for underserved parts of Connecticut. “The more I learn in my recovery, it benefits me in my role as an RSS,” she says, “and the more I learn as an RSS, it benefits me in my recovery.” When thinking of those who are yet to begin their recovery, she says, “I want people to get to a point where they don’t fear the concept of recovery: to know that it is an opportunity to be empowered again and discover parts of yourself that you lost or that you never knew existed.” What began on a Thursday night with a tear-filled conversation has grown into eight full years of recovery thanks to her family, a kind stranger on the phone, a ‘yes,’ and her commitment to hope. If you are looking to take the
What We Offer:
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may 2022 87
explorations T R AV E L T I P S
D AY T R I P S
G E TA W AY S
ex-pats settle in paradise
88
magazine
explorations
An open door in paradise
I
written by cris cadiz n 2018, Gail Rakitnich and Brian Degerness were ready to “escape the rat race” of living in the United States to seek adventure and see the world. No strangers to hospitality and custom-
er service—having owned bars, restaurants and a gym in Oregon—they planned to become expat entrepreneurs. They had set their sights on Ecuador and hired a realtor to help find an ideal property. Then, they got sidetracked in Costa Rica, where their dreams became curiously entangled with another expat’s dream at a place called Mango Tree Villas. This small hotel is located on the southern Pacific coast, a region known for beaches, jungle, and Marino Ballena National Park, a marine conservation area where whales migrate and turtles nest. Mango Tree Villas was run-down but had potential. “We looked at each other and said, ‘I think we can do this!’ … It was kind of a dare,” Brian admits, laughing. His background was in buying failing businesses, making them successful and then selling them, while Gail had a career in customer service. Always active and fit, Gail had fallen in love with yoga at age 18 and practiced off and on for 50 years. In 2013, an unexpected career turn and some free time allowed her to follow her dream to become a yoga instructor. Mango Tree Villas was an ideal facility in which to teach and certify
Mango Tree Villas owners Gail Rakitnich and Brian Degerness. photo by Cris Cadiz
may 2022 89
explorations | GETAWAY other yoga teachers, so she completed the rigorous 500hour program in Costa Rica. “I only have this window of time left to have adventures, so we need to do it now,” Gail had told Brian. She wanted a place to offer yoga and wellness retreats. Brian wanted to be in the jungle and have lots of projects. Mango Tree Villas was perfect. Close enough to the Costanera Highway for easy access but situated in a tiny village called Tres Ríos, Mango Tree Villas perches on a steep, jungle-covered hillside above a huge, old mango tree. The location offers peace, serenity, natural beauty, wildlife and tropical breezes. Nearby are miles of nearly deserted beaches, rivers, waterfalls and places to hike. Good restaurants and other activities are available in neighboring towns. “This place has good energy,” said Gail. “Everyone who comes here says that.”
“If you want adventure, if you have a dream, you just have to follow it.” GAIL RAKITNICH
Mango Tree Villas was built by an American expat around 2007. She was an older single woman, an artist and a bit eccentric, according to locals. The hotel had become too much for her to manage and she decided to sell. Gail and Brian were interested, and the time had come to negotiate a price. It was sunset. The local expat ritual was to watch nature’s nightly show and toast to Costa Rican paradise. Gail, Brian, their realtor, and the owner sat on the patio of Mango Tree. They were about to raise a glass to sunset and a handshake deal, which they would officially seal the following day. Suddenly, the owner suffered what seemed like a seizure. They rushed her to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Shocked and saddened by the turn of events, Gail and Brian contacted the owner’s children, who couldn’t come to Costa Rica. Not knowing what else to do, they jumped in to help staff run the hotel until things were sorted out. The local expat community started to arrive to see what had happened. “Well, who are you?” Brian recalled them asking him. “I said, ‘I’m Brian.’ They said, ‘Oh, you’re Brian…. She said you were the ones—you were going to take her dream and make it come true.’” The Mango Tree’s owner had two daughters who lived in the northwestern United States, coincidentally close to Gail and Brian’s home. The daughters asked them to bring some of their mother’s jewelry, artwork and pictures as remembrances. When they all met back in the States, Gail Nauyaca Waterfalls. p hoto by Kim Horn
90
magazine
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explorations | GETAWAY and Brian told them the entire story, including the odd limbo of the business deal. The daughters asked Gail and Brian if they still wanted to buy Mango Tree Villas. “Our mother told us you were the ones. If you want to do this, we’ll do everything we can to help you.” “It was an interesting start, said Brian wryly. By July of 2018, they were owners. “Behind the scenes the place was a wreck but functional,” said Brian, who called the renovation process “triage.” They entertained their first guests in Novemabove Drone photo of Mango Tree Villas and its open air yoga studio. p hoto by Brian Degerness below Women celebrating in the sea during Journey to Enlightenment Retreat at Mango Tree Villas. p hoto by Kim Horn
ber. Then, with COVID sweeping the world, the government shut them down for 10 months. “When it hit, we were banging on all eight cylin-
opposite top Jungle view from the rancho at Mango Tree Villas, p hoto by Cris Cadiz
ders,” he recalls. “The place was full,
opposite middle View of the pool and mural painted by a local artist, photo by Kim Horn
and we had booked back-to-back re-
opposite bottom Yoga and Adventure Retreat at Mango Tree Villas, photo by Kim Horn
treats.” While they waited for tourists to return, renovations continued. Brian also built Gail a beautiful open-air yoga studio. When they reopened, it was for a 45-person local wedding. Today, after three years, the only major project left is to build their own house, for more privacy— plus rebuild their business during a pandemic that won’t quit. While they continue to book hotel guests, most currently from Europe, Gail and Brian are far from a goal of hosting 10 retreats a year. Three of four planned for 2022 were canceled because of travel uncertainty. They do have interest from local instructors who don’t have the facilities to offer a retreat experience. Whether local or from abroad, instructors or retreat organizers can rent the whole facility to run their own
92
magazine
program. They can choose services provided a la carte by Mango Tree, such as a chef, massage therapist, spa treatments, or excursions. Mango Tree Villas would also lend itself well to other retreat experiences, such as writing, art, photography, or birding. “We get used to it but the nature and the energy of this place, it really touches people,” Gail said. Mango Tree Villas’ all-inclusive retreats are a boutique experience, including ever ything from lodging to healthy meals to transportation to COVID testing and excursions. “It’s important for people to know that yoga is for everybody,” Gail said. “People see ‘yoga retreat’ and they think they can’t do it. But you listen to your body and do what’s right for you and have fun. The focus is on wellness—health first, yoga second. It’s about nurturing and nourishing.” Despite the strange route to becoming caretakers of the Mango Tree Villas dream and the challenges of the pandemic, Gail and Brian are happy and confident in their future success. “I don’t know if there’s a grand design, but I do believe in open doors,” said Brian. Like many expats, they heard the “Are you crazy?!” response from friends and family at their plans. “It doesn’t matter how old you are,” said Gail, “if you want adventure, if you have a dream, you just have to follow it.” To learn more about retreats or book a stay with Gail and Brian in their Costa Rican paradise, visit themangotreevillasandspa.com.
may 2022 93
it’s your day INFLUENCERS
Groton Long Point. photo by dana mcnally
Q&A
get to know Renee Touponce
94
magazine
Renee Touponce
E X E C U T I V E C H E F, O Y S T E R C L U B A N D T H E P O R T O F C A L L I N M Y S T I C written by erica moser
R
my family,” she said. “…and I think that’s
that food.”
Oyster Club in Mystic, and says with a
enee Touponce recalls get-
something really cool about food, is
ting asked a lot, “‘What is your
when somebody can eat your food and
thing? What is the one thing
they just have this moment that brings
that you like to cook? ’ Be-
them back to where they were at one
cause it’s like either you cook
point in time. I think that’s really special.” Touponce, 35, is the executive chef at
Mexican food, or you cook this food or
laugh, “I never stop working.”
She says that only recently did she start figuring out her own identity as
The Torrington native was the exec-
a chef, and what she realized was that
utive chef at Firebox in Hartford before
the things that make her feel good to
coming to Oyster Club, where she rose
cook are the foods she made grow-
from working on the middle station to
ing up. Cue the empanadas.
photo by catherine dzilenski
She was making empanadas for her fellow cooks, and that grew into empanada nights at Oyster Club, and she
executive chef, with stints as a butcher and sous chef along the way. She lives
in Westerly with her partner—Jade Ayala, bar director at Oyster Club—and cat.
started making empanadas for different dinners—a tuna
Touponce sat down for an interview with TDM in
empanada for a tuna dinner, a squid empanada, a des-
March—less than 24 hours before the opening of Oyster
sert empanada. Touponce also started making bacalai-
Club’s spot next door, The Port of Call, where she also
tos, or salted cod fritters, something she made with her
serves as executive chef.
family growing up. “They’re this experience, this nostalgic moment, in my food that I’m creating from memory that I had with
fish Someone who cooks my is is Th ts? ca s and like n. ma hu of d kin
TDM: You’ve talked in interviews about growing up in an
of meatballs, a lot of lasagna, a lot of marinara, all that
Italian and Puerto Rican family. What were some of your fa-
kind of stuff. And then with my stepfather, it was the total
vorite dishes to cook and eat, and your favorite memories of
opposite, but I didn’t know that, at the time. You’re young
cooking and eating?
and you’re growing up in a mixed home, I didn’t feel like it
RT: My mother is Italian and my stepfather is Puerto Ri-
was something different. It was just my way of life. But we
can, so growing up, that was a big part of my life. There
always made rice and beans and we always made pernil,
was always a lot of people in my house, and there was al-
which is like an adobo pork shoulder. I grew up eating a
ways rice and beans on the stove, and there was always my
lot of pasteles and tostones and mofongo.
mom making lasagna or meatballs. My grandmother lived with us. I have my brother and three stepsisters, and then
TDM: What are some ingredients that you’re really enjoying
there was always friends coming in and out. My mom was
cooking with right now, or experimenting with?
the kind of mom where you had your friends come over, and
RT: One of my things that I dive deep in here, here in
she would immediately offer you something to eat.
Oyster Club, is fish charcuterie.
I always wanted to help out and be in the kitchen. I
We do have beef on our menu and pork but it’s primari-
would make a lot of pasta with my mom. We’d make a lot
ly fish-focused, so the wheels started turning in that world
may 2022 95
it’s your day | Q&A of: How can I make fish sausages or
person next to you is someone that
need 10 pounds of this.” Then I check
fish chorizo or fish pates? I’ve made
has your back, because some of those
in with my pastry chef. It’s a list of
head cheese, from using fish heads,
kitchens are cutthroat. All of my pre-
checking in with people, and then I
and fish pastramis.
vious chefs I’ve worked with have
get ready and feed my cat and get
been men, and they’ve all, for the
going. You walk through that door
years, been perfecting making tuna
most part, been super respectful to-
and it’s go time.
prosciutto. That’s something that I
ward me, and were good mentors.
I’ve also really, in the last couple of
think people in this area are attracted
so I’m constantly creating. I’ll write
to because it’s different. I think it’s re-
credible chef,” and I wish the world
a menu, and then I’ll delegate to
ally kind of like pushing the boundar-
that we lived in for all people was just
my butcher what he or she needs to
ies, which I like to do. I’m experiment-
based upon your work and your char-
butcher for that day, protein-wise,
ing while I do, and then when things
acter. But I am who I am, and I can
and then I’ll delegate to my sous
work out, it’s refining that and making
only hope that I become a good men-
chefs what the menu is for the day.
it better. Right now, I’ve been mak-
tor and a good leader.
They will take that information and
ing monkfish pastrami, where I take
For me, in my kitchen, I’m just try-
delegate that to the cooks, and with-
whole monkfish and I put it in a brine
ing to create a healthy environment—
in four to five hours, we prep a whole
of coffee shio koji. Koji is a rice mold.
where it’s not about egos, it’s not
menu and then service starts at 4.
From there, we take it and we brush
about (being) super aggressive—and
I don’t think people realize that we
it in this stuff called lees, which is the
try to represent myself in a calm, col-
prep a whole menu in like four to five
leftover from soy sauce, or mash, I
lected way and be kind and respect-
hours and we start service. We do ev-
should say. And then I crust it in cori-
ful. You don’t need to be super aggres-
erything here in-house: We make our
ander and black peppercorn, and then
sive and throw pans and swear and
own pastas, we make everything from
I smoke it and cure it and then you
freak out and be all like macho crazy,
scratch, we do it all. It’s the real deal.
can slice it.
because people will respect you if you
So it’s a lot of hard work, and you real-
work hard and you respect them.
ly rely on everybody in the kitchen to
TDM: Restaurants are obviously a very
96
I’d rather it just be like, “She’s an in-
The menu here changes every day,
play their part.
high-pressure industry. You hear sto-
TDM: What is an average work day like
ries over the years about toxic work en-
for you, in terms of your schedule and
TDM: It’s like putting on a play every
vironments or sexism in kitchens, espe-
what you do?
night. You’re the conductor of your chefs.
cially with the Me Too movement. What
RT: I never stop working. Honest-
RT: And then throughout that, we’re
has that been like for you, being a female
ly, I love what I do, and I always try to
always tasting everything and making
chef in restaurant kitchens, and how has
think what I would be doing if I wasn’t
sure that it is good and it all comes
that evolved over your career?
cooking.
together, and there’s this random per-
RT: There were definitely some kitch-
But an average day starts with me
son that’ll come in and you’ll have to
ens along the way where there was a
waking up at like 7:00 in the morning,
talk to, and things get interrupted or
guy that was totally flirting with you
and I check my phone, and it’s usu-
if something breaks you gotta fix it.
whole time, and there was an ener-
ally a text from our fishermen letting
There’s always the challenges of the
gy of, I don’t know what’s the word to
me know like what fish is available or
day, but we always seem to be ready
say, but all the things you hear about
isn’t available. There’s always some
on time, thankfully. And then we do
restaurants. Different kitchens are
farmers letting me know, they only
a service, and that’s from 4 to 10, and
run differently, and as a female, you
had 10 pounds of this; there’s always
we do roughly around 200 to 250 cov-
definitely have to work harder than
that communication of what’s arriv-
ers nowadays.
the man that’s next to you. You defi-
ing that day. So as soon as I wake
nitely have to assert yourself in this
up, I’m like, “Yes, I do want that,” or
225 people. And then like on a slow-
competent way, and hopefully the
“I don’t need 20 pounds of that; I
er day, we’ll do 100, 150, but in the
magazine
In the summer, that’s every day, like
summer it’s go, go, go. As we grow here, I always want to stay true to what we do. I’m very proud and very thankful for all the hard work of my cooks, because to be able to not cut corners or take shortcuts, and to still really work with all these incredible ingredients and still be able to make delicious food—thoughtful food—at a high volume is not necessarily the easiest thing to do. We’re currently doing that, and I think that’s definitely something that these guys should be proud of.
TDM: What time do you get home at night?
RT: It depends. Between midnight and like 1.
TDM: So you definitely do not get
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RT: I feel like artists have minds like this too, where if you’re super creative, you’re always thinking of what’s next, or your wheels are always turning, so even when I’m home or I’m sleeping, I find that’s where a lot of my creativity comes. It’s a lot. To be a chef is a tre-
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