INK MAGAZINE - APRIL 2021 by Ink Publications

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Vol 16 Issue 183 inkct.com

A guide to finer living in Connecticut & abroad

APRIL 2021

April 2021

Vol. 16 Issue 183

Feature Stories

Departments

Hands on the Land

CT River Museum & Lyme Art Assoc. Collaborate

Rocks 21 Mystic

It’s Time to Celebrate!

Ask Ashley - Spring Clean Your Mind Crusty Old Diver - Spring Trout on the Salmon River Music Mirth & Mojo - Selwyn Birchwood Hopping around CT - Niantic Public House.

Ben Parker

His Business is Folding

39 Murals for 39 Years

in Honor of MLK

The Cheesemonger - The 12 Families of Cheese, Part 2 On the Vine - Phyllexora, Enemy of the Grape

SPRING! This year more than others hope really does spring eternal. As I write this I have had the good fortune of getting my first round of vaccine and by the time you read this will have already received the second. I am not sure what if anything I expected from the “experience” of getting the shot. It was however, an experience. Middlesex Health did a fantastic job. Lets just get that out of the way. I went alone. Sitting from the detached vantage point of “behind my mask” it was a surreal thing. I found myself feeling like a spectator. I remember being very conscious of the fact that I was witnessing history being made. Something that will be remembered a hundred years from now. I thought about the almost miraculous speed in which the drug companies formulated a battle plan to create something that did not exist and then have to physically touch nearly every person on the planet. Humans never cease to amaze. When we are all pulling on the same end of the rope it is amazing the amount of weight we can pull. Mostly I remember the beaming of relief coming from behind the masks of others as they walked out from taking their part in history.

Contributors 46

Ideal Skate Shop

The Soul of Skating is this “Yes” Man

14 32 44 60 62 64

Ashley Alt - ask ashley Susan Cornell - editorial Caryn B. Davis - editorial/photography Alison Kaufman - music mirth & mojo Jim Lalumiere - editorial Art LiPuma - on the vine Chelsey Lilly - events

Jeffery Lilly founder / publisher

Rona Mann - editorial Daniel Lev Shkolnik - editorial Carolina Marquez-Sterling - design Paul Partica - the cheesemonger John Tolmie - editorial Kate Tolmie - photography Jan Tormay - editorial

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Hands on the Land

Connecticut River Museum and Lyme Art Association Collaborate by Susan Cornell

hen humans arrived in the Connecticut Valley 12 million years ago or so, the landscape began to change. This began slowly, but over time, accelerated as people harvested natural resources to meet the changing needs of the changing population. Indian practices for horticulture and managing game; English settlement of towns and the demands of trade; European trade in furs - all these transformed the valley landscape long before the turn of the 19th century. Then the scale and pace of environmental decline slid out of control. Canals, cities, dams, industries, and even industrial pollution were considered signs of economic progress. Today, the gains made during the environmental movements of the last century are threatened by governmental abatement of previous efforts and climate change.

This is to give you some historical context behind a first-time collaboration between the Connecticut River Museum in Essex and the Lyme Art Association in Old Lyme. The Museum and the Association have worked together to present a traveling exhibition titled,“Hands on the Land: Art & the Environment in the Connecticut River Valley." The 40 pieces of original artwork reflect artistic visions of human impact on the Connecticut River and its valley, specifically the impact on the environment. A total of 40 works, accepted from a juried pool of entries, focus on the concepts of change, impact, inspiration, reflection, or other vision of “man’s hand on the land." The show is currently running through mid-October at the Connecticut River Museum and then heads downstream to the

Lyme Art Association, where it will be on view through early 2022. Connecticut River Museum Curator, Amy Trout explains the inspiration for the exhibit: “Museums try to stay relevant and current with what’s going on in the world, but we’re a history museum primarily. We have a dual mission of the history of the river and the valley but also of being good stewards of the river – so that means environmental history and talking about the importance of the river and its health and beauty.”

Top Left: Paul Loescher,“Winter Sunlight Under the Baldwin Bridge” Watercolor 21” x 25” Top right: Robert Sweeney “Riverside Barn”Whately , oil Above: Del-Bourree Bach, A Little Help From My Friends , acrylic on panel,10x16

Leif Nilsson, Essex , oil, 9” x 24”

“With the current issues at hand in the world like climate change and pollution which are ongoing, we thought that’s something we could address. We could really put our mission to work and talk more about the importance of a healthy environment because we all want a healthy beautiful Connecticut River Valley,”Trout says. “Instead of doing it through traditional science (although we’re all for that), we thought we might approach it and make it more palatable – that is, take this controversial topic and make it more palatable to a wider audience by using art to talk about

changes to our river valley over time, or just different artistic visions of what our future might be or what changes have happened over time.” Trout worked with Lyme Art Association’s Executive Director Laurie Pavlos who concurred, “That’s kind of what we’re trying to do, too – trying to bring things more current and relevant to our members,” Trout said of Pavlos’ take. “We hope to make people more aware of our natural world and the importance of it regionally and hope that art will do that for us.” Submissions were not limited to historical. “We like to give people the opportunity to present things through a timeline if they want to, but we really wanted the artists to speak for themselves as to what their visions are.”

Karen Israel, Nyad , pastel, 24” x 18”

Art, she feels, “can sometimes really open conversations that science sometimes can’t because science has its own language, its own vocabulary, where art can open up the vocabulary a little bit and bring it to all ages and all perspectives. So, if someone feels very strongly about climate change, that’s great...they can present that through their vision and it doesn’t have to be through hard data, it doesn’t have to be through a scientific approach that may seem cold.”The hope is that people will be more reflective and more engaged. So that there was no question of favoritism, a guest juror for “Hands on the Land” was selected. While Dick Shriver, the publisher of the quarterly magazine Estuary: Life of the Connecticut River is not a professional artist, he is, however, passionate about the environment. “We thought that would be a great approach – to have someone who is just looking at it from what the art means to him as an environmentalist. Of course, we want art lovers

Susan Termyn, Winter Impression-the Lieutenant , oil, 12” x 16”

them as part of the landscape, like rock walls. On the other side, some see the impact on the land as more desecration. There’s a range of feeling about this topic, and there’s a real gray area. We weren’t looking for all enhancement or all desecration. There’s quite a range – from bridges and sailboats to some that are a bit more an expression of concern or distress," she says.

Lyme Art Association’s Executive Director, Laurie Pavlos points out, “It can be a little tricky to express this one because this is a gray area – some of the things human beings have done to the landscape we see as respectful of the landscape or, because of their longevity, we see

Pavlos adds, “I know our artists are delighted to have their work in front of a different audience and in a different space all the way across the river, a different continent! It’s an interesting space for them to be showing.” To learn more, please contact: Connecticut River Museum 67 Main Street Essex, CT 06426 860.767.8269 Lyme Art Association 90 Lyme Street Old Lyme, CT 860.434.7802

but we also want people who are from different walks of life looking at things from a different perspective, looking at it from how does this speak to me about the natural environment around me. He’s a good match.” Guest Juror, Dick Shriver says,“Collaboration is the keyword for the future of our environment.” The Connecticut River is, he points out, “a great source of art and has been for hundreds of years. The beauty of the river changes every mile as you go from Long Island Sound all the way to Canada. It’s very seasonal. You have year-round activities that are all different depending upon the season.” To Shriver, “The feel of the painting itself is important and the style – does it go back a hundred years, or is it some new style? These are modern painters – will they choose an old style or their own unique style? From an evaluation standpoint, the challenge is as you go from one style to the next to say what’s best given these different styles – is it the painting that’s imaginative or the one that’s realistic?”

Clockwise from top left: Cean Youngs, From a Young Boy’s Heart, pastel, 20” x 26” Serena Bates, Survivor (Front), Barrell Fired Ceramic, 12H x 9W x 21L Jack Broderick, Winter's Turn , oil, 18” x 24” Sarah Stiﬂer Lucas, Fathers and Sons , oil, 10” x 20”

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6 Ways Detox Your Mind, Body Soul This Spring 6 Ways To To Detox Your Mind, Body && Soul This Spring after the For Your Mind — the had the Winter air! After theAfter It’s FINALLY Ah, Spring. after had — we’vewe’ve the Winter in theinair! It’s FINALLY Ah, Spring. For Your Mind and sunshine weather this warmer — warmer had year we’ve damndamn prettypretty feels feels and sunshine weather this had — year we’ve well-deserved. well-deserved. the Winter all know me.allWe toWe new term is a term Blues” The “Spring (a (a BluesBlues the Winter know to me. is a new Blues” The “Spring Blues? the Spring butSpring sadness, summertime and even too well), little Blues? the but sadness, summertime even and well), too little and refreshing, out, decluttering, for clearing is notorious season The Spring and refreshing, out, decluttering, for clearing is notorious season The Spring can we how importantly, and more are they, the hootenanny inhootenanny What we can how importantly, more and they, are the in What ourselves busying Cleaning.” “Spring the term with with prevent them? ourselves busying we’rewe’re WhileWhile Cleaning.” “Spring the term hencehence prevent them? it would I thought and Itees, with lighter bins lighter sweater swapping it would thought and tees, knits knits bins with sweater bulkybulky swapping home. the for just isn’t Cleaning Spring that everyone remind to keen be be keen to remind everyone that Spring Cleaning isn’t just for the home. anxiety experience people reason the primary to Lifespan, According anxiety experience people reason the primary to Lifespan, According as well. the mind, formind, It’sthe as well. It’s for “Most in weather. the change because is simply the Springtime “Most in weather. of theofchange because is simply in theinSpringtime level on a certain brings any change sochange an extent, to fear change people level certain a on brings any so extent, an to change fear people to it is connected the mind by now, well aware all aware weallare —all — of anxiety. Because we have no control over the weather, when the most to it all is connected the mind by now, well as weasare And And most the when weather, the over control no have we Because anxiety. of what including connection, mind-body-soul the that embodies everything connection, including what the mind-body-soul that embodies everything the environment, is occurring change and inescapable obvious we we in theinenvironment, is occurring change and inescapable obvious we hang whohang and we we work, howwork, we move, howmove, we wear, eat, what wewhat out out can feel lost and depressed.” and who how we how we we wear, we eat, depressed.” and lost feel can simple. The answer, all?answer, do itThe why the question, — begging with To To simple. it all? wedodowe why do the question, begging with — feel good. feel good. straightforward, are pretty the Spring to combat Makes straightforward, are pretty BluesBlues the Spring to combat WaysWays sense.sense. Makes spending cleaning, exercising, before: heard we haven’t nothing time time spending cleaning, exercising, before: heard haven’t we nothing the real to re-enter (but surely!) we slowly furthermore, the real to re-enter beginbegin (but surely!) as weasslowly furthermore, And And diet. your in with and checking to relax, time making outside, diet. your with in checking and relax, to time making outside, gatherings, and in-person Zoom?) (farewell, live meetings real,meetings withlive gatherings, and in-person Zoom?) (farewell, with real, worldworld our pre-Covid to regain we need just what be what mayjust a mind-body our pre-Covid to regain we need may be detoxdetox a mind-body (1) setting your mind of detoxing way concrete a more But perhaps an an is (1)issetting your mind detoxing way of concrete a more But perhaps and pizazz. conﬁdence and pizazz. conﬁdence reminder your daily as daily your intention of intention the season. forseason. intention reminder as your of your ThinkThink for the intention or phrase a word Identify season. this Spring to achieve you want of what or phrase a word Identify season. this Spring to achieve you want of what negativity to scrub 6 mind-care I bring that reason, For reason, and and negativity to scrub ideasideas mind-care you 6you I bring For that achieve. to want you something of feeling overarching the describes that achieve. to want you something of feeling overarching the describes that this season. for good outgood this season. out for doubtdoubt personal. it’s more maybe it’s business-related, Maybe personal. it’s more maybe it’s business-related, Maybe

you think of it, it write it down in a place you see often, like your To your detoxsoul, your(4) soul, (4) dwell the good in life. yourIt’s life. It’stoeasy to focus WhenWhen you think of it, write down in a place you see often, like your To detox dwell on theongood in your easy focus bathroom or bedroom, you begin to manifest your set intention on what’s your lifeneed (you aneed new wardrobe, you don’t bathroom or bedroom, so yousobegin to manifest your set intention and and on what’s going going wrongwrong in yourinlife (you newawardrobe, you don’t bringbad thatboy badtoboy have enough money, off about your schedule). work schedule). bring that life.to life. have enough money, you’reyou’re pissedpissed off about your work But But something magical happens you on dwell on what’s something magical happens when when you dwell what’s going going right inright yourin your (2) Schedule timespace and space without technology. It’s important to in life in of place theannoyances daily annoyances (2) Schedule time and without technology. It’s important to life place the of daily we all we feel.all feel. remember that in charge our schedules. own schedules. remember that we areweinare charge of ourofown WhenWhen we’re we’re barraged with incessant and phone calls before had our you make an to effort the bright of things, it you helps you barraged with incessant pings, pings, dings, dings, and phone calls before we’ve we’ve had our WhenWhen you make an effort looktoatlook the at bright side ofside things, it helps it can get abitwee bit overwhelming you set don’t set boundaries. stay focused stay focused the positive and makes the negative seem much coffee,coffee, it can get a wee overwhelming if you if don’t boundaries. on theon positive — and— makes the negative aspectsaspects seem much smaller, possibly even irrelevant. smaller, possibly even irrelevant. The answer? hard no phone/no rule, and sticking to it. Do The answer? SettingSetting a hardano phone/no screenscreen rule, and sticking to it. Do (5) Make with yourself by mending it forsanity. your sanity. Another soul tip? detox (5)tip? Make peacepeace with yourself by mending your your it for your Another soul detox relationships. You know that ick feeling your body? The oneswirls that swirls relationships. You know that ick feeling in yourinbody? The one that way your fromgut your tochest your to chest tothroat? your throat? That feeling is called ideas turninto thisa into habit are taking without your phone, its wayitsfrom togut your your That feeling is called Some Some ideas to turntothis habita are taking walks walks without your phone, guilt. Cousins guilt include and regret aka feeling bad about designating the day same dayweek each to week to be offphone your phone one guilt. Cousins of guiltofinclude shameshame and regret — aka— feeling bad about designating the same each be off your (if one(if day is day too is too something or done, and wanting to it make it right. try a half-day), and designating room your house phones something you’veyou’ve said orsaid done, and wanting to make right. much,much, try a half-day), and designating a rooma in yourinhouse wherewhere phones and tablets off limits, like the dining and tablets are offare limits, like the dining room. room. Usually, feelway thisbecause way because are people! good people! And people good people Usually, we feelwethis we arewe good And good mistakes, too. So, apologize tofriend. your friend. thatstep ﬁrstinstep in make make mistakes, too. So, apologize to your Make Make that ﬁrst rekindling your relationship withmother-in-law, your mother-in-law, andrealizing start realizing rekindling your relationship with your and start that strong, healthy relationships are makes what makes life great. that strong, healthy relationships are what life great. “Working out gives you endorphins. Endorphins you happy! “Working out gives you endorphins. Endorphins make make you happy! don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t.” -Elle Woods, HappyHappy peoplepeople don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t.” -Elle Woods, Takeaway Takeaway Legally Legally BlondeBlonde

Your Body For For Your Body

are numerous ways canour keep our spirits like loving ourselves There There are numerous ways we canwe keep spirits up, likeup, loving ourselves Goodbye frigid temps, and invigorating hello invigorating fresh air! Outdoor workouts Goodbye frigid temps, and hello fresh air! Outdoor workouts despite our imperfections, of grudges, challenging negative despite our imperfections, lettingletting go of go grudges, challenging negative are a welcome the mundane roomworkouts HIIT workouts are a welcome changechange to the to mundane living living room HIIT we’ve we’ve thoughts with positive ones, and being protective over whom we let into thoughts with positive ones, and being protective over whom we let into (3) take become accustomed to this past year. That said, it’s a ﬁne time to become accustomed to this past year. That said, it’s a ﬁne time to (3) take our lives. our lives. your workout outside. your workout outside.

(6) REMEMBER YOUR (6) REMEMBER YOUR WHY.WHY. Whether a group workout or a don’t-look-at-me-when-IWhether you’reyou’re a group workout personperson or a don’t-look-at-me-when-IWhy dowork, you work, exercise, you create,create, exercise, have-my-ear-buds-in type, the outdoors great outdoors bebest yourfriend best friend in do have-my-ear-buds-in type, the great can becan your in Why and spend time with people you and spend time with people you the blooming ﬂowers season. the blooming ﬂowers season. love? Because giveslife your life meanlove? Because it givesit your meaning. doesn’t This doesn’t have be some ing. This have to be to some you prefer get heart your heart rate up other with other enthusiasts, If youIfprefer to gettoyour rate up with fitnessfitness enthusiasts, philosophical answer. Your can Why can philosophical answer. Your Why yourfitness local fitness studios and rec centers see ifare they are offering check check your local studios and rec centers to see to if they offering be because it makes youbetter, feel better, be because it makes you feel outdoor classes. if getting your sweat onissolo is your morething, your thing, outdoor classes. And ifAnd getting your sweat on solo more hit hit plainsimple, and simple, whatever plain and whatever “it” is. “it” is. yourrunning local running andtrails. bike trails. Park benches great tricep your local and bike Park benches make make a greata tricep dip dip spot.saying. Just saying. spot. Just for Spring! Stay stay safe, stay YippityYippity for Spring! Stay safe, healthy, healthy, and beand you.be you.

FourFour YourYour SoulSoul

with Ashley by signing up for her Keep upKeep withupAshley by signing up for her

Studies the more connected youthe are,happier the happier youThis are. This Studies show show the more connected you are, you are. Happiness Hacks newsletter at https://ashHappiness Hacks newsletter at https://ashconnectivity has many the connection to yourself, to others, to leyalt.substack.com/ connectivity has many facets facets — the— connection to yourself, to others, to leyalt.substack.com/ to nature, to exercise, to and food, to animals. work, work, to nature, to exercise, to food, toand animals.

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Rocks 21...14 breathtaking acresacres overlooking Rocks 21...14 breathtaking overlooking Fishers Island Sound wrapped up in beautiful venue, and and just just Fishers Island Sound wrapped upone in one beautiful venue, and and Mystic Harbor, waiting for you! Mystic Harbor, waiting for you! complete withwith a hotel, complete a hotel, restaurant, mansion, Owned by Ocean Breeze Resorts, this this venue is is restaurant, mansion, Owned by Ocean Breeze Resorts, venue and and full-service ban-banrich rich in history, in hospitality, and and in good times, full-service in history, in hospitality, in good times, quetquet and and event venue so let's startstart planning. event venue so let's planning. in which to indulge in which to indulge and and enjoy life life onceonce Drive highhigh up the past past the exquisite enjoy Drive up driveway the driveway the exquisite again...your way. landscaping and and outdoor poolpool to what is is again...your way. landscaping outdoor to what arguably the best viewview in Mystic, and and you'll see see arguably the best in Mystic, you'll It's time to reschedule the popular Rocks 21 Restaurant on your left. left. It's time to reschedule the popular Rocks 21 Restaurant on your that thatmini-vacation, Completely renovated and opened in May of of mini-vacation, Completely renovated and opened in May timetime to finally havehave that that long-awaited second 2019,2019, this popular locale is as well-loved by the to finally long-awaited second this popular locale is as well-loved by the honeymoon, timetime to re-book that that wedding, locals whowho enjoyenjoy lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, honeymoon, to re-book wedding, locals lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, business meeting, shower, party, or event. TimeTime Well,Well, it's time to put to this monk-like and and inventive cocktails seven daysdays a week, as as business meeting, shower, party, or event. it's time to an putend an end to this monk-like inventive cocktails seven a week, to start living again, and and this this is the to doto do existence and and get back out where it's not wellwell as guests of the whowho are here for afor a to start living again, is place the place existence get back out where it's only not only as guests of Inn the Inn are here it where everything you you could possibly wantwant is is safe,safe, whistle-clean, and comfortable onceonce again, wedding or event. WithWith outdoor dining offering it where everything could possibly whistle-clean, and comfortable again, wedding or event. outdoor dining offering The The pandemic not not onlyonly pandemic tore tore its way around the the its way around world and and into into our our liveslives world destroying health, happidestroying health, happiness,ness, and and finances, but but finances, robbed us ofusa whole year year robbed of a whole of celebration, commemof celebration, commemoration, and and quality timetime oration, quality withwith the the friends and and friends family we love and with family we love and with whom we want to share whom we want to share the the moments and hours moments and hours of our of lives. our lives.

water views and fire pits, it is the perfect place to begin a memorable weekend destination getaway. Rocks 21 offers guests 24 craft beers on tap, a full bar, appetizers with a twist (think lobster nachos!), New England favorites like clam chowder, lobster bisque, calamari, scallops, and fish and chips all fresh from local waters, as well as a Sunday brunch with choices for every appetite from avocado toast to lobster crepes to the perennial favorite of lox, bagel, and cream cheese, to a mouth-watering coffee cake plate among many other choice favorites. First-class accommodations are offered here at The Inn of Mystic. Once a private estate, it is the highest point in Mystic and an historic New

England edifice dating back to 1904, listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places in America, redolent of the history and tradition of the area. The centerpiece of it all is The Haley Mansion, a stately Queen Anne structure first built by Catherine Haley, a member of a prominent area family and later occupied by W. Frederick Mosel, a Hollywood-type advertising executive and financier with an appetite for lavish parties. He added the Gate House which today includes four guest suites in addition to other luxury room options throughout the Inn. In all, there are 52 rooms at the Inn in the main building, East

Wing, and Haley mansion, all of which are unique unto themselves but possess a turn-ofthe-century charm with modern amenities and private baths. The much sought-after Deluxe,

Presidential,andandPremium Premium Presidential, Rooms patios or balconies Rooms havehave patios or balconies water views, wood-burnwithwith water views, wood-burnfireplaces, adult ing ing fireplaces, andand full full adult size jacuzzis. size jacuzzis. at The Haley mansion It isItatisThe Haley mansion thatthat weddings and special events weddings and special events booked, often years are are booked, often years in in advance. Only wedding advance. Only oneone wedding is is so the is able heldheld per per day,day, so the staffstaff is able to give their finest to give their finest andand fullfull personalattention attentionto tothe the personal event, making as special event, making it asit special for for the guests as for the bridal the guests as for the bridal couple, with every last detail couple, with every last detail attended to and every request attended to and every request Weddings parties met.met. Weddings andand parties heldheld tented outdoor events herehere are are tented outdoor events complemented by the sweeping complemented by the sweeping views carefully landviews of of the the carefully landscaped property water. scaped property andand the the water. is where storied history ThisThis is where the the storied history of the meets of the pastpast meets the the bestbest of of the present day, where there the present day, where there is is a "feel" to an event, sothat's if that's your pleasure, it whenmini-vacation mini-vacation in one place from rehearsal a "feel" to an event, notnot a a so if your pleasure, askask for for it when is inis one place from rehearsal cookie-cutter experience. yourmaking making your reservation! dinner to the wedding or event itself, cookie-cutter experience. YouYou cancan turnturn your your reservation! dinner to the wedding or event itself, to ato a "destination" wedding a "domestinaplace for brunch, lunch, after-party, relaxation, "destination" wedding intointo a "domestinaplace for brunch, lunch, after-party, relaxation, tion" wedding, everyone Onsite, guests enjoy heated pampering, swimming, boating, tennis, tion" wedding, andand everyone willwill stillstill feelfeelOnsite, guests enjoy the the heated poolpool withwithpampering, swimming, boating, tennis, andand all all they're miles away. lounge chairs provided, dual tennis/basketball the history, shopping, and attractions of Mystic they're miles away. lounge chairs provided, dual tennis/basketball the history, shopping, and attractions of Mystic court, walking trails, kayaking. within walking distance. court, walking trails, andand freefree kayaking. AndAnd justjustwithin walking distance. overlooks both Fisherssteps steps away from all the luxury and pampering TheThe InnInn thatthat overlooks both thethe Fishers away from all the luxury and pampering Island Sound Mystic Harbor is repleteof your of your "destination" getaway, is Rocks for local guests, at Mystic, Island Sound andand Mystic Harbor is replete "destination" getaway, is Rocks 21, 21,AndAnd for local guests, it's it's the the Inn Inn at Mystic, the the wooded hillsides, formal gardens, walk-featuring featuring indoor dining, outdoor dining Haley Mansion, Rocks 21 all forthe all the events withwith wooded hillsides, formal gardens, walkindoor dining, outdoor dining withwithHaley Mansion, andand Rocks 21 for events trails, a boat dock, tennis courts, water views even a specialthatthat been planned for the food, drink, ing ing trails, a boat dock, tennis courts, andand a awater views andand fire fire pits,pits, andand even a special havehave been planned andand for the food, drink, heatedoutdoor outdoorpool. pool. 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For For out out of town elseelse there is toisoffer. guests a magnificent choice because nearly guests it's it's a magnificent choice because nearly everything they would want for a destination Time to exhale. everything they would want for a destination or orTime to exhale. all need you need to know to book a wedding, event, HereHere is allisyou to know to book a wedding, event, or or at The Haley Mansion or Rocks 21 and to book partyparty at The Haley Mansion or Rocks 21 and to book in- incomparable lodging choices: comparable lodging withwith threethree choices: Main phone number: 536-9604 Main phone number: (860)(860) 536-9604 For Sales & Catering: Mary Brasile For Sales & Catering: Mary Brasile Banquets & Parties: Melissa Barry For: For: Banquets & Parties: Melissa Barry Hotel Mgr: Nicole McDermott Hotel Mgr: Nicole McDermott reservations@ innatmystic.com reservations@ innatmystic.com 3 Williams Avenue, Mystic, 3 Williams Avenue, Mystic, CT CT

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For this Art Ben Parker Does the Math by Caryn B. Davis

Since the bombing of Hiroshima the origami crane has also come to represent peace because of a young girl named Sadako Sasaki who was exposed to the bomb’s radiation. Sasaki, upon learning at age 12 that she was dying from leukemia, folded a thou-

he art of paper folding finds its roots in sixth-century Japan after being introduced by Buddhist monks who brought the permeable materials with them from China. Because handmade paper was very expensive, it was used sparingly and for religious purposes only. However, this changed in the early 1600s when paper was mass-produced and suddenly became affordable. While the Chinese are credited with the invention of paper (circa 105 A.D.), it is the Japanese who initially employed the use of multiple cuts and folds creating a new art form, which became known as origami.

sand cranes in hopes her wish to live would be granted. When she passed away, she was buried along with the 644 cranes she had folded before her death and an additional 356 cranes that were folded by her schoolmates to equal one thousand. A statue in her honor was erected in the Hiroshima Peace Park, and each year 10,000,000 cranes are placed at its foot).

In the United States, Lillian Oppenheimer is acknowledged for popularizing origami in this country. After discovering the “Flapping Bird,” one of origami’s most well known and identifiable designs, she sought to learn all she could and share her findings with the world. She wrote several books on the subject, was featured in newspapers and on radio and television, founded the Origami Center of America to create a global network of folders, and taught origami to anyone who wanted to learn including the Red Cross, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scouts, and to residents in old age homes. The wealth of information and knowledge she amassed is still accessible to all and overseen by the Friends of the Origami Center of America, a non-profit organization headquartered in Oppenheimer’s hometown of Manhattan.

Akisato Rito, a writer, artist, and poet from Kyoto, Japan, penned the first written guidelines for paper folding in 1797, making this art form more accessible. Rito’s directions were for the thousand crane folding, a bird that is considered mystical and holy in the Japanese culture. Legend has it that anyone who folds one thousand cranes will receive their greatest desire.

While we may think of origami solely as an artistic endeavor, many mathematicians use it as a way to solve equations as the Moors first did in the 12th century with their approach to paper folding. Many origami artists such as Ben Parker have adapted these techniques to create abstract and geometric designs that are then turned into wall art.

In the 1800s, origami became a popular school activity after Friedrich Froebel, the German educator who invented kindergarten, recognized the attributes paper folding had in teaching children about art, beauty, and geometry. Suddenly, kids all across Europe were learning this ancient art.

Parker has been “fiddling with paper” and folding origami recreationally since childhood. Although he studied languages and literature while at the University of Pittsburgh and Central Connecticut State University with a desire to become a linguist and translator, he says, origami took over.

“Origami is an art form that in its purest state neither adds nor subtracts material but alters it in an almost alchemical process.”

“Origami is a fascinating discipline. To its practitioners, it presents an unparalleled challenge to the mind and body and the knowledge that can be unlocked by pushing the limits of what is possible with a single sheet of paper. It never ceases to amaze. It involves the manipulation of paper, among the humblest of materials, yet it sheds light on questions that flow through fundamental branches of human study such as mathematics, physics, pedagogy, art, and meditation,” says Parker.

While his methodology for creating origami is mathematical, that’s not to say his work lacks artistic beauty or vision. It does not. He simply uses math as a way to come up with his own designs. “I practice a branch of this discipline known as geometric origami, and primarily design tessellations, which are studies of how paper can be shaped to create complex patterns capable of an infinite number of repeated iterations,” says Parker who published a book on the subject entitled, “Six Simple Twists: The Pleat Pattern Approach to Origami Tessella-

tion Design,” and is currently at work on his next book. His idea to construct origami in this manner started around 2007 when he found an online group whose folding styles were complex. “It struck something in me, so I tried to reverse engineer some of their designs and figure out a general algorithm. If I can do this from a square, can I do it from a triangle or hexagon, and how does this translate to other shapes?” Parker says.

“It struck something in me, so I tried to reverse engineer some of their designs and figure out a general algorithm.”

31 More recently, though, Parker has been utilizing genuine mathematics such as abstract and linear algebra and trigonometry to produce origami. Since the pandemic, he runs a Zoom meeting on the subject. “There’s a lot of things paper folding can do like calculate the answers to cubic equations, for example, which straightedge and compass cannot do. But it’s figuring out how to organize it without losing the visual interest. At some point it just spirals out with too many folds,” explains Parker. Pre-pandemic, Parker was teaching math at Franklin Academy in East Haddam and using origami as a way to reinforce arithmetic lessons. He was also teaching a 3D design class for high school students in the Hartford area. He wants to go back into the schools but this time as a visiting artist to augment the curriculum and give kids a more hands-on way to learn math. He is presently working on a YouTube series that explores origami techniques and plans on doing more online teaching. “Origami is uniquely suited to online learning. I can fold it, and you can see it,” Parker says. For the past several years, Parker has been involved in the Marker Movement, a movement to make heavy machinery, education, free open source, and DIY accessible to all. He is part of the MakerspaceCT in Hartford, which is a community workshop and skills development center. It is there that he cuts his frames and makes the score marks on paper for his paper folding kits which come with instructions and are available for purchase. He endeavors to start working with their plasma cutter to make metal sculptures of his designs. “Origami is an art form that in its purest state neither adds nor subtracts material but alters it in an almost alchemical process. It has international and intergenerational appeal, is accessible to all willing to put effort into its practice and is represented by organizations that consistently promote the philosophy of communal advancement. These aspects of origami have held my interest for a very long time, and I do not expect that to change,” says Parker. For more information log onto www.brdparker.com.

Photos of Folded Paper Art Courtesy of Ben Parker Photos of Ben Folding paper by Caryn B. Davis

Finding Solace Along The Salmon River By John Tolmie / Photos by Kate Tolmie The Salmon River State Forest is one of The Constitution States' most beautiful natural landmarks. The river winds for over ten miles south with its mouth opening into the majestic Connecticut River. This cherished watershed is the largest of its kind in the state, which begins and ends within the borders of Connecticut. Kayakers, hikers, bird watchers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts have been ﬂocking to the forest since its inception in 1934. The state has done an incredible job making hiking and ﬁshing along its sandy and cobbled shores accessible and easy to transverse. The Comstock Bridge, a covered wooden relic built in the year 1840, spans the river and welcomes all visitors upon arrival at the park’s main entrance. Due to the river’s central location in Marlborough, Connecticut, most Nutmeggers can reach the

Crusty old

Salmon River State Forest in about an hour or so. There is also a second entrance into the park that allows hikers and anglers to venture further and deeper downstream. As well, there are several spots to pull off northward where ﬂy ﬁshermen enjoy the exclusivity of angling the choicest spots in the upper waters.

has surged with folks dusting off their hiking boots and enjoying the woodlands that abound across our picturesque state. Governor Lamont recently surprised Connecticut anglers by lifting the seasonal ban on ﬁshing inland lakes, rivers, and streams. On March fourth, 2021 he announced his decision to open the season year-round due to the risk of spreading Covid on the historical crowds that accompany each yearly opening day. News spread quickly as ﬁshing tackle sales jumped across the state and happy anglers sped off to wet their lines a bit earlier than anticipated.

Since the onset of the pandemic, alternatives for entertainment have been severely narrowed across the state. Getting outside and connecting with nature

The Salmon River, during March and April, rises and swells with vigor in direct cadence with the spring melt. Its crisp and frigid waters hold numerous species of both native and

Diver

stocked fish. Native Atlantic salmon have rebounded over the years and are a rare catch here. Broodstock and Kokanee salmon have been pulled from the deep holes and eddies of the Salmon River. Brown, tiger, rainbow, and brook trout are some of the species that are stocked by the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) fisheries management. Much time, effort, and dedication has made this an incredibly special place for fish and humans alike, so catch and release is a desired practice on the Salmon River. The DEEP has also offered detailed trout and salmon maps that offer dates and locations of recent areas where rivers and streams have been freshly stocked with farm-raised fish. Hikers pass and wave to one another along the snaking trails that hug either side of the gurgling river. Anglers dot the shoreline and some even wade into the cold spring waters to better their chances at a catch. Photographers with expensive-looking lenses mounted to sturdy tripods snap picturesque shots of the covered bridge and the splendor of the surrounding forest. It is a refuge for the entire Connecticut community to experience a myriad of wonders along this rich and compact stretch of river preserve. A father and son from

Higganum, Connecticut try their luck at fishing on the west bank of the Salmon River. “I got one!” announces Braylin in his boyish excitement. His father, Mark retorts with a chuckle, “Save some for me buddy!” Both smile as the young boy casts his pink spinning lure again. And again, “I got one!” is heard across the rushing crystal-clear river. More hoots of satisfaction emerge from up and down the waterway as anglers find purchase and reel in their catches. The action is plentiful and the lore of fishing the Salmon River has lured people from all over the country to experience this amazing Connecticut jewel.

Being close to the lower portion of the Connecticut River and its famed bald eagle nesting grounds, the Salmon River is an even more intimate venue where our nation's famed avian friend can be experienced. Bald eagles often cruise down the Salmon River in search of prey as astonished visitors gaze in wonderment. The daylight hours are accompanied by a variety of other indigenous birds as they compete to sing above the roar of the river. Connecticut lynx, ﬁsher cats, and other elusive predators arrive at dusk to hunt along its steep shores. It is truly an example of Connecticut’s mission to preserve the beauty of our state's natural resources.

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39 Murals for 39 Years By Daniel Shkolnik Photos Courtesy of Rise Up CT Murals

“the mural brought me to tears. I was overjoyed and extremely happy to be Black.”

When I spoke with Matt Conway, he’d just got off a call with the mayor of Bloomfield. At the end of our call, he was late for a meeting with the mayor of West Hartford. Conway is rapidly orchestrating one of the most ambitious mural projects Connecticut may have ever seen. In a year’s time, he plans to put up 39 murals of Martin Luther King Jr. across the state, one for each year of the Reverand’s life.

Two weeks before we spoke, these 39 murals did not exist—not even in Conway’s imagination. It began when CT Murals, Conway’s organization, unveiled a 50’ mural of MLK in Manchester, CT by artist Ben Keller. Better Manchester quoted Calvin Harris, a local resident, as saying: “[the mural] brought me to tears. I was overjoyed and extremely happy to be Black.” Seeing the power of this one mural, Conway decided this needed to go further. “We immediately started reaching out to communities after that mural happened.” Within the first week, CT Murals received interest from 15 towns around Connecticut. New towns are hopping on board almost daily, he says. Crowdsource fundraising has already begun and will continue—each mural will be funded and co-created by its community. Conway hopes to spark conversations in schools about what MLK stood for, mobilize hundreds of volunteers, and make a statement about the state’s commitment to civil rights at a time when the country has entered renewed struggle about race and what it means to be Black in America.

41 Conway has the instinct of a good social entrepreneur: he listens to a community’s needs and pivots to fill them. He started the nonprofit RiseUP Group in 2012 as a youth development and mentoring program. In 2015, the kids in the program wanted to do a mural. He discovered there wasn’t a dedicated mural group in Hartford, and the city defunded its arts and culture department the year before. Conway pivoted to fill that gap and launched CT Murals in 2016. According to its website, in the four years since its launch CT Murals has had a hand in creating about 90% of the public facing art you can see in Hartford. Murals are powerful works of public art. They change the aesthetic of a city and alter the attitude of a neighborhood. Conway told me how public art transformed a run-down basketball court in Hartford. The court’s hoops were bent; graffiti covered the long wall at its back. A local basketball coach went out with some friends and painted the courts in different colors. After that, CT Murals partnered with the coach and painted a 150’ x 30’ mural as a backdrop for the courts called “Hartford Young Dreamers.” A generation of kids will grow up playing basketball and seeing themselves reflected on the wall. “If you change the environment,” Conway says, “you can start changing the mindset.” Murals don’t just change local parks, they can shift perceptions of entire cities. I had a first-hand experience of this a few years ago when I went to Lynn, MA for a dental appointment and found myself in the middle of a city-wide mural festival. Enormous works of art were going up all over town, and after my appointment I canceled my plans to spend hours walking around the city in search of them all. Until that morning, I’d written Lynn off as a post-industrial husk with a dental office at its center. After I left, I told friends they had to go visit or they were missing out.

Murals are powerful works of public art. They change the aesthetic of a city and alter the attitude of a neighborhood.

“I’m sure Martin Luther King would want to be standing next to George Washington in a mural.” Lynn has joined a growing list of cities taking advantage of the power of street art to attract tourists, boost local economy, and improve morale. Lisbon has hosted mural festivals, and Montreal has a running mural program to beautify their neighborhoods. Philadelphia has about 3,600 murals. By comparison, Connecticut’s cities are behind. Downtown Hartford says Conway brings to mind “brick walls, cement. The XL Center is described as a bunker.” Conway thinks this is partly why the state is losing its 20- and 30-year-olds to New York and Boston, both of which have invested in vibrant public art cultures of which murals are a part. Conway wants to make Connecticut’s cityscapes a vibrant cultural landscape. When he looks out at the brick high-rises of Hartford, the stacked parking garages of New Haven, and the solemn walls of Bridgeport, he sees opportunity. “Connecticut is an open canvas,” Conway says. The MLK mural project is more than a bid to make Connecticut more colorful, it’s an attempt to say something about how Connecticut values people of color. This series of murals won’t just change the aesthetics of individual cities. For the next two decades, MLK will become a prominent part of the Connecticut skyline. Unsurprisingly, not everyone is happy about this. Conway says he’s already encountered resistance from members of some communities. Someone has already asked him why they couldn’t put up a mural of George Washington instead of Martin Luther King. “If that’s your response,” he says, “you completely missed the point of the project.” But Conway puts a high premium on listening to communities, and each mural is intended to be a ground-up process that reflects its neighborhood. After a moment of thought he adds: “I’m sure Martin Luther King would want to be standing next to George Washington in a mural.” Unveilings of new murals will begin in April or May and will continue through MLK Day 2022. But there’s a lot of work to do between

now and then. While the first mural is up in Manchester, 38 remain to be designed, approved, funded, and painted. Each one will have its own funding campaign people can contribute to at CTMurals. com and each will have a community-driven ethos. Conway plans to visit schools and ask students their favorite Martin Luther King quotes and what Dr. King means to them. In the end, he hopes to see 39 unique murals, each arising from and reflecting the community in which it stands. As the statues of confederate icons come down around the country and the murals of civil rights heroes go up, it’s easy to write off these changes as largely symbolic. And while it’s true much more complicated problems remain, public symbols are like weathervanes: they’re not the wind itself, but they can help us tell which way it blows. By MLK Day of 2022, Connecticut will have 39 new cultural weathervanes, all different in design, all aligned in direction, all heeding an old, persistent wind.

Selwyn Birchwood, Blazing His Own Trail By Ali Kaufman

One of the ﬁrst things I learned about doing live radio on WCNI 90.9FM was the importance of having “go-to” music. Records skip, CDs get stuck, comput-ers freeze, and a DJ needs to have artists that we can reach for, pop on with no preview, and let them ﬂy. Selwyn Birchwood has been that for me.

both excel. It was clear to me from our conversation that Selwyn feels strongly about putting out music that is honest and has an authenticity to it. His comment on covers and re-recording 100 year old songs was, "they can feel like a paint-by-numbers rather than a fresh, original work of art."

This is not to say he is plan B, as his albums, now totaling five, have always been ones I look forward to spinning time and time again. Birchwood’s latest, "Living In A Burning House," came out at the end of January this year; it is his third on the Records Alligator label. This collection of 13 original songs is also the first time Selwyn has brought in a producer, and he sure has gone big with his choice of Tom Hambridge! Tom has consistently worked with some of the biggest names in the blues world from Susan Tedeschi to Buddy Guy and Joe Louis Walker.

In addition to bringing Grammy winner Tom onboard, Hambridge Selwyn ﬂew power house vocalist, Diunna Greenleaf, from Texas to his home state of Florida to record on the cut, “Mama Knows Best." This song is a perfect ex-ample of the storytelling for Birchwhich wood is known, written in just 15 minutes. Once inspiration struck, he knew he wanted this to be a dialog. He had been listening to a friend continue to rehash a bad breakup that his mother saw coming a mile away, and thus this cautionary tale was set to mu-sic. The title track, “Living In A Burning House” is gritty and up for your own interpretation. Of this, and all his

The connection Selwyn and Tom made was cemented in the songwriting at which they

Photo by Len Umhoefer

songs, Selwyn says, “I put out the music I like to hear," which may just be one of the biggest keys to his growing suc-cess and fan base. Believe in yourself and what you bring to the table, the mi-nute you try pleasing everyone else you end up pleasing no one. This is not to say he doesn’t work with the input from the label on which he records, but he goes to bat for what he believes in. Selwyn puts himself out there, onstage where he lights up maybe more so than in any other area of his life, as he de-scribes himself as more of an introvert. The song, “Through A Microphone” is a peek into feeling free to share once the magic that is performing takes hold. This album as a whole is a roller coaster ride, culminating in the ﬁnal song, "My Happy Place," which is decidedly

Photo by Jim Hartzell

Photo by Ivy Neville

different from the rest, like stepping off that roller coaster with a delighted shiver, ready to go again. The songs that didn’t make it onto this release will show up in future projects, but right now the focus is on being able to safely get back out on tour in sup-port of "Living In A Burning House." Selwyn had been touring steadily since 2013, and he describes the shutdown as culture shock, “Wow, these people sleep in their own beds every night! I could hardly wrap my head around it." Even during the Photo by Karen Murphy shutdown, Birchwood found himself adding to his accolades with the Blues Music Award Nomination for Contemporary Blues Male Artist. Of that he says, “It is super humbling, it is great to know what I am doing is well received, and it's an honor to be in a category with musicians I admire." The BMAs will be handed out on June 6th, and as of

this writing, the event is scheduled to be virtual. In addition to live shows on the horizon, you will also see cross-promotion that Selwyn is doing with Gibson Guitars, which he plays. They reached out to this guitar and lap steel player of “electric swamp funkin’ blues” and have since developed a relationship. It was a natural fit, right down to the fact that Selwyn’s dog shares his name with the iconic brand! Good boy, Gibson! While the new album is forefront, I encourage you to check out Birchwood’s earlier releases, in particular, "Pick Your Poison" and "Don’t Call No Ambulance." Both are excellent and sure to add to your new favorite song list. Selwynbirchwood.com is where you can go to scoop the music, find out the latest news and tour dates.

Blues.org will take you to The Blues Foundation where you can learn about becoming a voting member and all the incredibly worthwhile things they do to keep the genre alive and musicians thriving! You can always catch up with me between issues at Morning Mojo on Facebook and Insta-gram!

Photo by Ray Proetto

g n i t a k S f o l u o S The n a M ” s e Y “ s i is th The Ideal Skate Shop by Jim Lalumier Photos Courtesy of Ideal Skate Shop

Located in the Greenville section of Norwich, amid the mansard-roofed mansions and mill houses, is a tiny building with a huge heart, known as the Ideal Skate Shop. The vinyl-covered windows depict black and white skateboarding images by VANS, the international skate shoe brand, and the final touch to the tiki decor is a row of “teeth” surrounding the bottom of the building. Upon walking into the one-room shop, you are visually overwhelmed by stacks of shoe boxes and a myriad of items on display. Artistic skateboards line the walls and floor, displaying graphics ranging from the local Epicure Brewing Company to fine art by world-renowned artists like Arturo Correa, whose work has graced the walls of bullfighting stadiums in Venezuela. Racks of cotton shirts to wear both on and off the board intermingle with shelves containing disc golf discs from brands such as Innova, MVP, and Discraft. Brightly colored Polynesian posters adorn what little wall space is left uncovered by the array of socks, backpacks, and skating gear. This eclectic store and everything in it is the brainchild of owner Jeff Blayman and has been in business since 2004.

Skateboarding is about “soul.” It’s the rush you get when you drop-in on a halfpipe, the elation when you land a dope trick. It’s the kinship you have with the other skaters around you.

Jeff grew up in the woods of Preston, and in the late ‘80s, stumbled upon an old Mike McGill skateboard his cousin had accidentally left in his family’s garage. It was this discovery that changed the course of Jeff’s life forever. He and his childhood friend, Tim Winton, started riding their skateboards every day after school, and as years passed, Jeff got sponsored and made a name for himself as a local guy who could shred a mini-ramp. This passion led to Jeff being invited to coach at the Woodward Skateboard Camp in Pennsylvania. Although he was on crutches after recently hurting his foot, he limped into camp on the first day of the job and was asked why he came out in his present condition. He replied that when life offers you a chance to improve yourself or your situation, he learned to always say “yes.” The foot healed, and over the next four years, Jeff would go on to teach skateboarding to countless kids, including the son of the legendary Tony Hawk. The appreciative pro skater/proud dad at one point said to Jeff, “Thank you for teaching the kids,” to which Jeff responded in admiration, “Thank you for being Tony Hawk.” Skateboarding quickly became Jeff’s life passion, collaborating with a friend to open a skate shop inside “Slick 66”, a fashion shop in Norwich, in 1995. It is through this endeavor, and years of helping his father in various local buildings and family-owned businesses, that Jeff gained a sense of ownership and pride. These real-world experiences gave him more of a grasp on business than his business and marketing courses at Bryant College could ever provide. After an impromptu trip to California, another “yes” moment occurred when a new acquaintance offered him the opportunity to film for Sole Technology Inc., the manufacturer of brands such as Emerica, Etnies, and Nixon. Jeff happily took this opportunity as a freelance videographer, shooting videos up and down the east coast of kids skating. One day while

filming at Skater Island in Newport, Rhode Island, Jeff was asked to shoot some video for the Neversoft video game developer. He once again said, “yes” which led to his name being in the credits in “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,” one of the best-selling video games ever made. Skateboarding is about “soul” Blayman says. It’s the rush you get when you drop-in on a halfpipe, the elation when you land a dope trick. It’s the kinship you have with the other skaters around you. In 2003 Jeff once again said, “yes” to fate, quitting his day job at Foxwoods. He began working as the Operations Manager at Skaters Paradise, a skateboard park franchise in Massachusetts. Being in charge of three facilities, he had a captive audience of a few thousand kids per month. At the time, he realized he was disappointed with the graphics that were adorning the skateboards in the market. They were decorated like soda cans, overlaid with type advertising; big and gaudy designs that were only made to be seen from across the park. No one was making boards that were worth saving. What they lacked was soul, and Jeff decided to do something about that. Working with a woodshop in the United States, Jeff produced the first batch of Worship Skateboards in 2003. The boards were made of 7-ply North American maple and the initial run of 150 boards sold out almost immediately. The graphics hearkened back to our childhood with vintage “Atari” and “Star Wars” fonts printed over outer-space artwork. The endearing designs of the boards were a departure from the mass-produced, soulless decks being made by the big named companies of the day. To this day, Worship Skateboards are sold in over 80 shops in the United States and are still made in the same woodshop in Alabama.

“Skateboarding acts as a motivational tool, and helps to invigorate everyone from the participants to the volunteers.”

The goal of Worship Skateboards was to save the art of skateboards by putting pieces of artwork on them that actually meant something. “Art speaks in ways that words do not,”is proclaimed on Worship skateboards.com. Jeff decided in an effort to constantly evolve his vision that he would work with a new artist every six months, designing boards that had soul. These artists were, and continue to be, the world’s top-tier artists. These boards are perfect to hang as modern art in a home or office, as well as on which to skate. When Jeff set up the Worship Skateboards office at 175 Central Ave, Norwich, the room consisted of skateboards that had been shipped up from Alabama, a rack of Worship Skateboards shirts, and a fax machine. What had once been a part-time gig was now his full-time job. His days consisted of cold-calling skate shops across the country and introducing himself to anyone who would take his calls. If and when those calls became sales, Jeff would jump in his car and hand-deliver the boards to the shops. His goal was to build his company differently, setting himself apart from the corporate masses. At each store that Worship boards were sold, Jeff sponsored a local kid, sending him extra gear to help defray some costs. Before long, local kids started coming in and began asking to buy his boards. Jeff, always the one to say “yes” when opportunity knocked, switched the direction from an office to a retail location and started outfitting the kids with boards, wheels, trucks, and bearings. It was at this time that the Ideal Skate Shop was born. Jeff opened corporate accounts and brought in everything that was needed to run a fully functioning skateboard shop. He opened his VANS account in 2005, and to this day continues to be one of the biggest VANS accounts in the area.

Always one to help out his community, Jeff adorns the store shelves with products from local artisan crafters. Pottery from Aaron Palowich and jewelry by Jessica Charest sit alongside bags of freshly roasted coffee from Craftsman Cliff Roasters of Norwich. Recently, a 9-hole disc golf course was built at the local Mohegan Park. With nowhere local to buy discs or gear, Jeff opened up accounts with disc golf companies and now supplies the area with everything needed to play. Being able to pick up discs and feel their weight in your hand before buying them, makes for a better shopping experience than just ordering blindly online. Ideal also acts as the “home base” of the course where players can drop off lost discs they find in the woods while playing. In 2009, Jeff once again said, “yes.” This time it was to his friend, Brian Armstrong, who asked him to give a skateboarding lesson to a child with autism. Jeff had limited knowledge of the syndrome but was able to give the lesson with good success. That one lesson led to Jeff and a crew of volunteers giving lessons at local skate parks to kids on the autism spectrum. The non-profit Success on Skateboards (S.O.S.) program, focuses on Trust, Balance, Independence, and Communication. “Skateboarding acts as a motivational tool,” Blayman says and helps to invigorate everyone from the participants to the volunteers. Proceeds from skateboard art shows help fund S.O.S. and often assist some families with helmets, pads, and accessories. Since finding that old board decades ago, skateboarding has been the focal point of Jeff’s existence. It manifests itself in his everyday life, both professionally and recreationally. Jeff is far from just a skateboarder though. He is a man of action. He is a man of the city of Norwich. He is a man of many words, but the one word that is most important to Jeff is “yes.” Ideal Skate Shop - 175 Central Ave, Norwich CT HOURS: Monday - Friday 2 pm-6 pm Saturday – Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

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THE LOFTY PERSPECTIVE OF A DRONE PHOTOGRAPHER By John Tolmie Aerial Photos by Rick Ensminger

“Just a few years back, drones were 昀own manually and by sight alone. It’s like night and day now. The new generation of drones are packed with sensors, can 昀y by themselves and automatically avoid objects in their path.”

“My favorite shot is one of Mystic at night. There was a crazy fog covering the town, so I sent my drone above the fog and snapped an amazing photo.”

nmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs, commonly known as ‘drones’, are aircraft that operate without a physical onboard pilot. Emerging in the mid-nineteenth century, drones have been used in a myriad of creative and practical applications. Sadly, like most advances in technology, war is to blame for birthing the drone. In just the past decade these aerial robots have logarithmically increased in their capabilities, ease of use, and affordability. With the popularity of drones escalating year by year, society has developed a love-hate relationship as more and more buzz overhead. They are often scrutinized by those being captured on camera from on high and have been at times regarded as a vehicle to invade one’s privacy. With this outcry from the public as well as the cacophony of safety issues that drones present, laws and regulations were enacted to keep up with the concerns of this growing futuristic phenomena. Just two years ago, if a drone came within five miles of an airport,

the drone user would have to phone in and ask permission to fly. Oftentimes, the phone would go unanswered, and for many drone enthusiasts, the hassle of getting permission often overshadowed the passion to fly. Realizing this, the Federal Aviation Administration gravitated toward the drone hobbyist and released a smartphone application and today clearance is but a click away. Currently, in 2021, people from all industries are using drones in remarkably inventive applications. Building contractors can inspect a roof from the ground. Rescue workers can find victims with drones fitted with thermal cameras. Powerline workers can diagnose the elevated electric grid with specialized features. Fishermen can fly a lure directly over a school of fish and plop it down, increasing the chances for a catch. Drones are also used for mapping difficult and isolated terrain and can even deliver a package right to your front door. Photographers have also

become enraptured as the drone now affords a perspective that had been unattainable just a few years prior. Once such aerial photographer resides in the seaside town of Mystic. Rick Ensminger has been captivated with drones for nearly a decade. “When drones first hit the public market, they were extremely expensive,” Rick chuckles, “My friend and I decided we were smart enough to build one. We almost got there, but yeah we weren’t as smart as we thought!” The first wave of drones available to the populace were not only costly but also lacked any safety features, GPS navigation, autonomous flying, and avoidance protocols. Rick explains, “Just a few years back, drones were flown manually and by sight alone. It’s like night and day now. The new generation of drones are packed with sensors, can fly by themselves and automatically avoid objects in their path.”

57 Rick has purchased a few drones as his hobby grew. Today his go-to model is the Mavic Pro 2 which has a five-mile range and is fitted with a gimbaled 4K camera. “Before I launch, I wait for the drone to pick up at least eight satellites.” Rick explains, “The more satellites, the better, and when it’s airborne it will pick up another eight to ten signals. This way I can pinpoint where I want the drone to go and will set down precisely where I programmed it to land.” Rick unzips a small grey canvas case revealing his neatly packed drone. Its propellers are folded into its body and resting in a padded pocket. In the other half of the case lies the remote control boasting a six-inch high-definition color screen. Rick pulls a folded target from a pouch and unrolls it on the ground. “This is where I am going to launch the drone and when it returns it should land on the bullseye,” Rick says as he unpacks his sleek aerial machine. With the sound of four sharp plastic clicks, the drone’s rotors now extend from its body, transforming it into a mini futuristic flying machine. Another audible click emits from the power button, followed by a few beeps and glowing LED’s. With the drone ready for business, Rick programs a few waypoints for a flight path. Satisfied, Rick steps back and at the push of a button, the android buzzes to life. The rotors scream as the drone suddenly leaps into the air with surprising speed. As the drone hums like a giant insect above, Rick holds the substantial remote control in hand. The screen on the handheld gives Rick a bird’s eye view

of the surrounding land. Now on high, Rick engages the drone as it dips its nose and dutifully follows orders to the first destination. With the drone now a tiny black pinprick in the faraway sky, it hovers in place as Rick sets up his first shot rotating the airborne lens into position. The drone obediently snaps a few shots which immediately appear on the control screen. With the initial set of images captured, the drone hums to its next destination where it once again lingers in stoic compliance. Rick smiles as he sets up

his next series of aerial photographs. Time flies when fun arrives, and as the drone completes its final run, the battery indicator warns Rick to beckon an immediate return flight home. The drone grows larger as the hum of its propellers announce a successful mission from aloft. Just overhead the drone ceases its forward momentum and begins to slowly lower until finally resting directly atop the bullseye at the center of the landing pad. “These machines are so amazing man.” Rick says as he packs the unit away, “Back in the day if you wanted shots like these, you’d have to hire a pilot and a photographer.

Today, we can get the same shots and even better ones, safely from the ground.” Rick has gained the attention of the southeastern Connecticut community with his aerial photography. One of his photos has been liked on Facebook by over forty thousand people. “The real reason I got into flying drones was to be able to capture the beauty of our coastal region.” Rick recounts, “We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s my goal to capture it from up there.” He says pointing to the sky. Recently,

“The real reason I got into 昀ying drones was to be able to capture the beauty of our coastal region.” We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s my goal to capture it from up there.”

the FAA lifted the restriction of flying drones at night. “It has opened a whole new world of drone photography for me.” Rick says excitedly, “My favorite shot is one of Mystic at night. There was a crazy fog covering the town, so I sent my drone above the fog and snapped an amazing photo. Drones typically don’t have good low-light photo capability, but now that the FAA is cool with us flying at night, I hope manufacturers will follow suit and install some quality low-light sensors. That would be amazing!”

Rick is currently working toward his F-7 license. Currently, it is illegal to sell or trade drone photos without a license. “At this point, I can only share my photos, but soon I’ll be legit and be able to turn my hobby into a business. There are so many people in need of aerial photography in today’s market. It would be a dream come true to make a living doing what I love.”

opping Hopping Around CT.

Photos & proﬁle by Jim Lalumiere

Niantic Public House & Brewery

knowledge and provided us with a forum of like-minded enthusiasts. That forum soon became the craft beer family that many of us still embrace today. Todd was one of the early homebrewers, honing his skills under Willimantic brewing legends David Wolner and Paul Zocco. Eventually, Todd studied brewing at the Seibel Institute of Technology and put together a business plan with his wife, Jenny. Todd- a lifetime Ledyard resident- was drawn to the shore and settled on a location in downtown Niantic. The Niantic Public House and Brewery opened its doors on November 24, 2018.

I met Todd Sakowski back in 2005 at the beginning of the craft beer boom. Beeradvocate.com was in its infancy, yet that site brough a lot of new craft beer geeks together. Professional brewers, homebrewers and craft beer drinkers realized that the site was a wealth of newfound

Upon walking into the Niantic Public House, your eyes are immediately drawn to the larger-than-life murals of sea creatures covering the walls. 20-foot octopi swim peacefully alongside 15-foot sea turtles, an homage to the oceanic environment of Southeastern Connecticut. All of the paintings and can artwork are done by in-house artist

“Be Humble. Have Patience.”

and bartender Jake Cullers. Jake’s wife, Madison, is Niantic’s taproom manager (and resident sour beer devotee). Both are examples of a running theme at the brewery where customers become friends and family, sometimes even employees. There is a 25seat wooden bar in the middle of the room, and, Covid notwithstanding, seating for 75 more people throughout the space. For Todd and Jenny, the craft beer they make is important, but the community that

Todd/Sakowski / Jake Cullers Todd Sakowski Jake Cullers

and them supports themmore is evenconnects more with connects their community. Ale, surroundssurrounds and supports is even theirwith community. Ari’s Ale, Ari’sStout/Porter, Stout/Porter, Ale and IPA, LightIPA, AleLight and Sour on Sour on IPA, isfour brewed per year, Niantic Publicfocus House’s isn’tIPA,ais6% important.important. Niantic Public House’s isn’tfocus a 6% brewed timesfour per times year, its draft, you’re inHe trouble.” enjoys introducing draft,itsyou’re in trouble.” enjoys He introducing proceeds going to various foundaveteran’s foundanecessarily on craft beer but drinkers, more going necessarily on craft beer drinkers, more butproceeds to various veteran’s his customers tostyles different styles of beer, and his customers to different of beer, and on the locals whothe support the business tions to honor Jake’sAri, brother Ari, who wasto see so on theso locals who support business tions to honor Jake’s brother who was likes to see thema getting a beer education likes them getting beer education and its employees. It was these whoin action killed in in Afghanistan. action in Afghanistan. and its employees. It was these locals wholocals killed of the prevalent and NEIPA outside ofoutside the prevalent IPA and IPA NEIPA generously sent in checks generously sent in checks during theduring early the early have ahold current hold on the craft styles thatstyles have that a current on the craft Up untilone brewing one of theirbeers, ﬂagshipbeer beers, so employees that the employees months ofmonths COVIDofsoCOVID that the Up until brewing of their ﬂagship beer world. world. Mystery of Juiceboxin’ still get tips. could stillcould get tips. Mystery of Juiceboxin’ IPA, ToddIPA, had Todd neverhad never brewed the same beer twice. However, oncea mug brewed the same beer twice. However, once Being Being a mug clubhas member has its privileges club member its privileges Juiceboxin’ is athe take on the Wu-Tang Giving back to the community has always Giving back to the community has always Juiceboxin’ (which is (which a take on Wu-Tang at NPH. Notyou only getpour a larger pour at NPH. Not only do getdoa you larger Clan’s “Da of Mystery of Chessboxin’”) and Jenny’s This is evident been Toddbeen and Todd Jenny’s goal. Thisgoal. is evident Clan’s song “Da song Mystery Chessboxin’”) of you beer,also butget youa also a 10% on discount on of beer, but 10%get discount in the fundraisers beers dedicated to abecame a crowd itfavorite, it was apparent in the fundraisers and beersand dedicated to became crowd favorite, was apparent merch, and seasonal beer dinners. Since merch, and seasonal beer dinners. Since that be it would on abasis. regularthere basis.is nothere local charitable organizations such as Aulocal charitable organizations such as Authat it would brewedbeonbrewed a regular is noNPH kitchen, NPH has kitchen, has teamed upteamed with up with andhopped Mosaic New hoppedlocal New tism Awareness and theChildren’s Niantic Children’s tism Awareness and the Niantic The juicyThe Citrajuicy andCitra Mosaic local restaurants such as East restaurants such as East Coast TacoCoast and Taco and England IPA is remarkably 6.8% to Auctioning off the ability toEngland name IPA Museum.Museum. Auctioning off the ability to name is remarkably smooth atsmooth 6.8% atLillian’s Lillian’s to cater theSurrounding events. Surrounding cater the events. ABV.InWhat’s In IIPA the Bag IIPA is Niantic’s a beer at fundraisers another fun wayABV. NPHWhat’s a beer at fundraisers is anotherisfun way NPH the Bag is Niantic’s themselves withof a myriad of great restaurants themselves with a myriad great restaurants other and flagship, and is a full-flaother flagship, is a full-flapart ofinitial Niantic’s initial Food can be was part ofwas Niantic’s plan. Foodplan. can be and vored andvored citrusy 8%citrusy sipper.8% sipper. in and even delivered brought brought in and even delivered to your to your table on to while nosh on whilebeers. sippingInbeers. In table to nosh sipping When to it comes the 20the draft When it comes the 20 to draft themonths, warmer there months, a 4,000 sq/ft warmer is athere 4,000issq/ft lines the at NPH, most imporlines at NPH, most the imporarea where people canwhile imbibe while patio areapatio where people can imbibe to variety. Todd is variety. tant thingtant to thing Todd is enjoying breezeoffcoming off of the ocean enjoying the breezethe coming of the ocean Until guest recently, were across Until recently, tapsguest weretapsdirectly directly theacross street.the street. allowed, but ainchange allowed, but a change Con- in Connow prohibit necticut’s necticut’s laws nowlaws prohibit Todd maintains all about Todd maintains that “It’sthat all “It’s about them at breweries a community.” them at breweries who holdwho a hold To the hardworking community.” To the hardworking crew at crew at “café license”. This means “café license”. This means thePublic Niantic Public House and this Brewery, this the Niantic House and Brewery, has more to brew more isn’t styles Todd has Todd to brew styles isn’t lipIt’s service. It’s how theygrow run and grow lip service. how they run and on a basis. regular their basis.business of beer of on beer a regular their every business every day, supporting single day,single supporting Todd’s background brewing background Todd’s brewing is thoseiswhothose whothem. support them. support predominantly styles predominantly traditionaltraditional styles beer, brewing of beer, ofbrewing everythingeverything Niantic Public Niantic Public IIPAs to English from IPAsfrom and IPAs IIPAsand to English House and Brewery House and Brewery Milds, Ales, Smoked Ales, Oatmeal Milds, Smoked Oatmeal Stouts, andHe Sours. loves Stouts, and Sours. lovesHe 243 Main243 St. Main St. experimenting with processes, experimenting with processes, Niantic, CT Niantic, CT ingredients, andgathstyles; Hours: gath- Hours: ingredients, and styles; ering inspiration everywhere ering inspiration everywhere Mon-Wed: Mon-Wed: Closed Closed from books to peers. up 4-8Thurs: from books to peers. Filling up Filling Thurs: PM 4-8 PM so many lines means so many draft linesdraft means that Fri: 3-9 PM Fri:that 3-9 PM getsthese to revisit these Sat: classic Todd gets Todd to revisit classic Sat: 12-8 PM 12-8 PM styles more often. According styles more often. According to Sun:to12-6Sun: PM 12-6 PM don’t Todd, “If Todd, you “If don’tyouhave a have a Jimlover Lalumiere, loveris of all that is hoppy, malty and sour. Jim Lalumiere, of all that hoppy, malty and sour.

Jenny/ Todd Sakowski / Todd Sakowki (owners/brewer) Jenny Sakowski Sakowki (owners/brewer)

The he T Cheesemonger

Cheesemonger Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop, Centerbrook CT Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop, Centerbrook CT

The1212Families FamiliesofofCheese Cheese––Part PartIIII The

I hope by now you were able to read my last month’s column, which I hope by now you 12 were able to my Together, last month’s column, which was Part I of The Families ofread Cheese. these two parts make was of The 12 Families of Cheese. Together, make upPart the Ibasis of my Cheese 101 class, which I holdthese fromtwo timeparts to time. You upmay the basis of my Cheese hold from timehave to time. You find that you do not101 likeclass, a fewwhich of the Ifamilies. I often customers may find that you not like few ofhard the families. I often have customers who dislike soft do cheeses anda prefer or semi-soft choices, for example, who soft cheeses and prefer hard or semi-soft for example, or dislike they avoid washed rind cheeses because of choices, their pungent aroma. or When they avoid washed cheeses because of theirmakes pungent aroma. buying cheese,rind knowing these preferences it easier as it When knowing these preferences makes it easier as it helpsbuying to limitcheese, your choices. helps to limit your choices. When entertaining, depending on the size of the group you are trying to When entertaining, depending on the size of the group you are trying serve, choosing four to six families is adequate. Remember, if youtocan serve, choosing four families is adequate. if aroma you can describe the size ofto thesix cheese, its color, type of Remember, rind, texture, and describe of the cheese, its color, type of rind, aroma a littlethe of size the flavor characteristics, chances are texture, very good thatand your a little ofmonger the flavor chances are- or very good that cheese willcharacteristics, be able to find your cheese maybe one youyour might cheese monger will be able to find your cheese - or maybe one you might like even better. like even better.

• Dutch (Gouda) • Dutch This has (Gouda) become not only one of the most popular cheese families, but

This become not only one ofof the most popular cheese thehas largest volume by weight any cheese family sold.families, Most arebut over thesix largest volume by weight of any cheese family sold. Most are over months in age and lactose-free. Not only growing in popularity, they sixare months in age and lactose-free. Not only growing in popularity, also growing in the selection of milk offered. In the last twentythey years, areI also in the selection milk offered. the last make twentythe years, havegrowing seen so many new goatof and sheep milkInversions scene. I have seenare so many new goat and sheep that milkare versions makewaxed. the scene. Goudas medium-ripening cheeses most often They Goudas are medium-ripening cheeses often They are usually consistent and keep well.that Youare willmost notice onlywaxed. small changes aremonth-to-month usually consistent well. You will notice only small changes as and theykeep ripen. month-to-month as they ripen. Examples are: Cow Goudas, Beemster Vlaskaas, Beemster Classic, Beemster Examples are: Edam, Cow Goudas, Vlaskaas, Beemster Classic, XO, Dutch FrenchBeemster Mimolette, Old Amsterdam, Prima Beemster Donna and XO, Dutch Edam, French Mimolette, Old Amsterdam, Prima DonnaMoon, and Parrano Goat Goudas, Dutch Polder Goat, Dutch Midnight Parrano Goudas, Dutch PolderGoudas, Goat, Dutch Moon, Dutch Goat Girl, Beemster Goat, Sheep DutchMidnight Ewephoria, Dutch Dutch Beemster Goat, Sheep Goudas, Dutch Ewephoria, Dutch LambGirl, Chopper Lamb Chopper

• Tilsit • Tilsit This family used to be so much more prevalent than it is today. Back in This to be so much more today. Back thefamily sixties,used Denmark renamed their prevalent version ofthan TilsitittoisHavarti so asinnot thetosixties, Denmark renamed their version Tilsitthey to Havarti so as not compete with other countries’ Tilsits.ofThen re-invented it by to adding competemore withbutterfat other countries’ Tilsits. Then they re-invented it by (60%) and calling it Creamed Havarti. Cheeseadding more butterfat (60%) and calling it Creamed Havarti. Cheesemakers took it one step further by removing the initial washed rind makers tookand it one step further by removing the eliminating initial washed rind covering packing it in cry-o-vac, thereby its natural covering and packing it in cry-o-vac, thereby eliminating its natural rind. Original Danish Tilsit, a very common item yesteryear, is now rind. Original Danish almost impossible toTilsit, find. a very common item yesteryear, is now almost impossible to find.

• Blue • These Blue are generally smaller cheeses, two to 15lbs. After the cheese is set, These generally cheeses, two to 15lbs. the cheese is set, firmare needle holes smaller are made in the cheese whereAfter a blue mold is injected. firm needle holes are made in the cheese where a blue mold is injected.

Examples are: Stilton, Gorgonzola, Blue, Blue Castello, Cambozola Examples are: Stilton,Blue, Gorgonzola, Castello, Black, Shropshire ArethusaBlue, Blue,Blue Point Reyes Cambozola Blue and, of Black, Shropshire Blue, Arethusa Blue, Point Reyes Blue and, of course, Roquefort. course, Roquefort.

• Port Salut • Port TheseSalut are also a medium ripening cheese, but without eye formations.

These are alsoare a medium cheese, but without eye formations. Examples French ripening Port Salut, Tomme de Savoie, St. Marcellin, Examples French Port Salut, Tomme St. Marcellin, Morbier,are Reblochon (no longer availabledeinSavoie, the United States) and Morbier, Reblochon (no longer available in the United States) and Delice du Jura. Delice du Jura.

• Hard • Hard These are well-aged cheeses that often require years to mature. Hard

These are well-aged cheeses that and oftenheavily requiresalted, years to mature. cheeses are generally pressed and it takesHard many cheeses aretogenerally pressed and heavily and it takes many months begin to taste differences in thesalted, cheese. Even though these months to are begin to taste the goat cheese. Even though these cheeses made fromdifferences cow, sheepinand milk, they have enough cheeses made from cow, sheep and goat milk, they have enough similarare properties to be placed together. similar properties to be placed together. Examples are: Parmigiano Reggiano, Romano, Asiago, Pepato, Sardo, Examples are: Parmigiano Asiago, Pepato, Sardo, Grana Padana, Provolone,Reggiano, Džiugas, Romano, Pecorino Toscano Grana Padana, Provolone, Džiugas, Pecorino Toscano

• Goat and Sheep • Goat Sheep because I find that most people are looking for the These Iand rank together

These I ranktastes together because I findCheeses that most people looking forfound the different of the two milks. from thisare family can be different of the two milks. medium-aged Cheeses from this can be found as freshtastes cheese, soft-ripening, and family hard cheese. as fresh cheese, soft-ripening, medium-aged and hard cheese. Examples of fresh would be most goat logs, Montrachet, Crottin, Examples fresh would most goat logs, Montrachet, ValenceyofPyramids and be Cochran Farms Mohawk Mist Crottin, Valencey Pyramids and Cochran Farms Mohawk Mist Examples of soft-ripening would be Bucheron goat logs, Clochette Belles, Examples soft-ripening would be Bucheron logs, Clochette Belles, Chevrot,ofChabichou and Cochran Farms St.goat Johnsville Chevrot, Chabichou and Cochran Farms St. Johnsville Examples of aged are: Romano, Tomme Crayeuse, Midnight Moon, Examples of agedGjetost, are: Romano, Tomme Crayeuse, Midnight Moon, Lamb Chopper, Feta, Kasseri, Beemster Goat, Abbay de Belloc, Lamb Chopper, Gjetost, Feta, Kasseri, Beemster Goat, Abbay de Belloc, Ossau Iraty Ossau Iraty

When buying cheese, it is best to ignore the term “artisan” since so many When cheese, it is best to the termartisan “artisan” so many newbuying products made today areignore now labeled or since artisan-inspired new products made today are nowopinion, labeled this artisan or artisan-inspired and the term is overused. In my compares to the gourmet Tilsits are a medium-aged cheese, usually with small eye formations and the term is overused. In my opinion, this compares to the gourmet label. Remember when gourmet meant something? Can everyone have Tilsits are These a medium-aged with small eye formations (holes). cheeses are cheese, usually usually ready after a few months and hold up label. gourmet meant something? Can everyone have the Remember world’s bestwhen gourmet coffee? (holes). Theseare cheeses usually ready few months and holdaging. up well. Most on theare mild side but getafter morea pungent with a little the world’s best gourmet coffee? well. Most are on the mild side but get more pungent with a little aging. I hope my method is of some help to you. Examples are: German Tilsit, Swiss Tilsit, Danish Tilsit (most pop- I hope my method is of some help to you. Examples are: German Tilsit, Swiss Tilsit, Danish Tilsit (most popular being creamed Havarti), Swedish Farmers, Austrian Grinzing, Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop ular beingCrucolo creamed Havarti), Swedish Farmers, Austrian Grinzing, Italian Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop www.cheeseshopcenterbrook.com Italian Crucolo www.cheeseshopcenterbrook.com

By Art LiPuma, “The Wine Seller” SeaSide Wine & Spirits, Old Saybrook

An Enemy of the Grape:

Phylloxera

Phylloxera is a tiny bug barely detectable by sight which feeds on grapevines. This was the great destroyer of the wine industry in France and also many other countries. This louse or aphid was brought over from America by attaching itself to the roots of plants. In the mid-1800’s a good amount of plants were exported from America to France and other countries for the people that could afford prestigious gardens and greenhouses. This tiny bug found its way to the vineyards and killed thousands of grape vines by feeding off the roots. This killed the wine production by over half, bringing the French wine business to a halt. Unfortunately, the female produces an enormous quantity of eggs which made controlling this pest impossible. What made matters worse is not only did attack the roots, they also damaged the leaves. The aphid was able to move through the vineyard through latching onto the machinery, thru irrigation, and given their size, they can easily move through the wind. If the regions are humid they can also dwarf into a wing form making traveling from vine to vine easier. Obviously, this was the main way these little bugs were spread from one country or vineyard to another through grafting vines that had Phylloxera on them. One of the earliest detections in France was in the Rhone Valley, then eventually a few years later in Bordeaux. The problem got so big that the French government offered a reward for anyone who cured this devastation. The first method to attempt the demise of Phylloxera was to flood the vineyards in the wintertime. This proved to be effective for the wineries that

could receive enough irrigation, but unfortunately, not many of these vineyards could provide the large amounts of water that were necessary. Gaston Brazille had the idea of grafting vines from America to the French vines to get rid of Phylloxera. Leo Lailman studied how they couldn’t survive on the rootstocks of the American vines. The American vines had grown a protective sap that would obstruct the mouth of the insect, thus they weren’t able to feed upon it. Leo Lailman then traveled to the United States and worked with C.V. Riley, an entomologist from Missouri. After examining the problem more thoroughly, he examined that these little yellow bugs are the same ones that were found in America but the rootstocks there were proven to be resistant to Phylloxera. Discovering that this was the same pest, proved to be critical to destroying this insect. Millions of these root stocks were sent over to France to restructure their vineyards. Although this was an excellent idea and worked very well, there were some areas where it was planted, that because of the soil and other variances, the cuttings did not grow properly. Ultimately, they produced hybrid vines to prevent the spread of this disease, however, to this day, no one has developed anything to rid these pests permanently. Phylloxera has been tormenting the wine industry since the 1850’s and has spread throughout the world. There are many factors that have prevented some of the spread of this pest where they are unable to survive, but the battle still goes on. At least, for now, it is under control, and maybe someday they will be rid of it altogether.

Cheers! Art LiPuma

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