Ink Magazine - November 2019

publicationsÂŽ

www.inkct.com

Vol 14 Issue 168 2019

A guide to finer living in Connecticut & abroad.

November 2019

RELIEF + RENEWED Precise robotic joint replacement for better, faster results.

Our expanded Center for Joint Replacement Surgery is larger and more advanced than ever. New, specially designed operating rooms put more of the latest technology in the hands of our expert surgeons—including the NAVIO® Surgical System for more precise knee replacements. And, at Middlesex Health, you’ll get the most personalized care and attention at every step—from your rst visit through your physical rehabilitation.

Together, it all adds up to the smarter choice for orthopedic care.

MiddlesexHealth.org/renewed

November 2019 Vol. 15 Issue 168

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Features

Departments

Mew Haven Cat Café:

Coffee, Cats, Confections & Connections

Mix Design Store:

The Matchmakers:on the Guilford Green

Heroes & Horses:

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visit inkct.com

V.E.T.S. - Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services

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Life on Sugar - Cake Life Inspired by Holiday Pies

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Music Mirth and Mojo - Remembering Dr. John

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Food Thoughts from Italy - Dario’s Olive Oil Cake

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The Cheesemonger - Best Buys 2019

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Crusty Old Diver - That’s Alot of Fish, Eh?

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Cardinal Points - Elephant Seal Nursing

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On the Vine - Southern French Reds

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WELCOME to the November issue of INK Publications. This time around we are proud to feature many of the things that are right with the world.

Healing places, healing spaces, redemptions and gratitude abounds. We pay tribute to the musical journey of Dr. John. We fish local waters, eat

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Chris Grosso:

Metamorphosis, Merit Badges, & Mentors

what we catch and even share a dessert. As always Ink is a celebration of lifelong passion, the need to create, and we even take time to do a little holiday shopping along the way. Enjoy!

J. Lilly

ink publications

Contributors

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In the Depth of Still Waters:

Nourishing Spirit and Soul

Angela Carontino - admin Laurencia Ciprus - editorial Anita Darin - design Charmagne Eckert - editorial Lisa Fatone - design Alison Kaufman - Music Mirth & Mojo Mark Seth Lender - Cardinal Points Art LiPuma - On the Vine Rona Mann - editorial

founder / publisher

Carolina Marquez-Sterling - design Melissa Nardiello - design Jan Tormey - editorial Paul Partica - The Cheesemonger Vincent Scarano - editorial Kate Tolmie - photography John Tolmie - Crusty Old Diver Joe Urso - design Bob Zemmel - Food thoughts

Advertising

Contact us to receive our media kit with detailed advertising information.

Artist Jillian Barber:

Creating the “Other-Worldly & Mythical

Bob Houde - Advertising Director bob@inkct.com 860.303.6690

Jacki Hornish - Litchfield jacki@inkct - 860.488.0393

Cheryl Powell - Greater Connecticut cheryl@ink-pub.com - 860.608.5749

Richard Malinsky - Shoreline richard@inkct.com - 215.704.9273

Rona Mann -Greater Connecticut six07co@att.net - 401-539-7762

Submit Events Listings to:

Angela Carontino - events@inkct.com

Retraction: Perfect Pup is the only positive training facility in the Deep River/Shoreline area. Classes may begin for puppies as early as 8 weeks, not 6 weeks as previously stated in last months issue.

All content of INK Publications including but not limited to text, photos, graphics and layout are copyrighted by Inkct LLC Reproductions without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Inkct LLC is not responsible for images or graphics submitted by advertisers which are not copyrighted or released for use in this publication.

Inkct LLC - 71 Maple Avenue, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 - email: submissions@ink-pub.com - visit www.inkct.com

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WOODY SEZ: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE PAINTING BY CHARLES

BANKS WILSON. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL PRESERVATION FUND.

DEVISED BY DAVID M. LUTKEN WITH NICK CORLEY AND DARCIE DEAVILLE, HELEN J. RUSSELL & ANDY TEIRSTEIN

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FO R TICK ETS, VISIT IV O RYT O N PLAYH O U S E.O R G

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LIFE ON SUGAR

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CAKE LIFE INSPIRED

BY HOLIDAY PIES Written by: Heather Kelly, Director of Operations, NoRA Cupcake Company Photos by: Winter Caplanson Thanksgiving Dinner is all about tradition. Turkey and all the fixins’ are nothing to be messed with. An all-day feast that culminates with homemade pies slathered in whipped cream is what dreams are made of. Here at NoRA Cupcake Company we keep ourselves entertained by taking our favorite traditional desserts and reworking them into individual cupcake delicacies for all to enjoy. Here’s a look for what we have coming up for Thanksgiving ‘19 with some tips thrown in there for how you can make them at home.

SWEET POTATO PIE We said it’s all about tradition! Look no further than our buttery graham cracker crusted sweet potato cake, stuffed with marshmallow fluff filling, and topped with a light melt in your mouth toasted meringue. If you’re working on this at home - you’re going to mash your sweet potatoes or use a canned puree. The sweet potato starch adds in a nice dense texture to this cake and make sure you get plenty of spice cake flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean thrown in there.

CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE Chocolate Cream Pie might not be the first option you think of for a classic dessert option, but a dessert table without chocolate is not something we’d want to be a part of. It’s not a pie cupcake without a crust so we start this one off with an OREO crusted chocolate cake, fill it with chocolate pudding, and top it with vanilla whipped cream frosting and chocolate sprinkles. This one is manageable to make at home on every level. The crust comes together with just Oreo’s and butter, boxed JELLO chocolate pudding for the filling {or make your own if you want to add your own variation with almond or coconut milk}, and whatever variation you feel comfortable with for your chocolate cake base and whipped cream!

PUMPKIN PECAN PIE OH.MY.PUMPKIN.PIE. If Thanksgiving were a cupcake - this would be it. Gingersnap crusted pumpkin cake, caramel buttercream frosting, and candied pecans. The candied pecans sinking into the caramel buttercream bring this one to the next level.

Candied is the key word here. The toasting brings the pecan texture to the perfect crunch consistency and adds that sweet flavor. We do ours a little differently - we coat them in brown sugar and fruit juices (preferably apple and pear) which ends up balancing very well without overdoing it, and ensuring a good coating of sugar to promote that candy effect. If you’re doing this at home - make sure you’re toasting enough. Can take a bit longer than you’d expect to get them to crisp up but it will be worth the wait!

Dessert is really something you can have fun with, so don’t be hesitant to put any of your own favorite twists on some traditional treats. Worst case scenario - it doesn’t work out and your family doesn’t allow you to bake dessert anymore we’ll be stocked with plenty of holiday options for you if you get yourself into that predicament. Come visit our storefronts at 700 Main Street, Middletown and 60 Bank Street, New London and keep an eye for our Lil’ NoRA Cupcake Truck at community events near you!

NoRa Cupcake Company (860) 788-3150 700 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457 noracupcake.com

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Grand Menagerie: Animals in Art! VA L E N T I N E H . Z A H N C O M M U N I T Y

November 23, 2019 - January 26, 2020

G A L L E R Y

T H E GA L L E RY AT M I D D L ES E X H E A LT H S H O R E L I N E M E D I C A L C E N T E R

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Morris Berd, Boy with a Bird, ca. 1947, oil on canvas; William Zorach, Reclining Cat, ca. 1926, rosewood; Egyptian Falcon Sarcophagus, n.d., wood, paint, gesso. All from the collection of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.

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DECK THE WALLS Lizbeth McGee, The Grapevine, watercolor (detail)

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Art: Michael Graves, Bridge in Winter, oil.

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Remembering the only Doctor I could not wait to see.

Profile by Ali Kaufman

I

have done hundreds of interviews, and the subjects stay with me for several reasons.

However, sometimes, I am blessed with a connection that leaves a trail of magic in its wake. That is how I feel about the time I spent with the one and only Dr. John. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr, the Night Tripper, Voodoo King of New Orleans, maker of dreams and fantastical

witnessed prior. From the moment that Bruce Springsteen skidded onto the stage, opening with perhaps Mac's most recognizable song, "Right Place, Wrong Time," we were all on our feet, cheering and singing along. This Don Was / Keith Wortman production is available on DVD

Photos by Ali Kaufman

flown in and assembled on the beach for an intimate performance. That is where I became friends with, in his words, his badass musical director and trombonist, Sarah Morrow. Dr. John felt every move he made was directed by spirit, his lengthy association with Sarah was undoubtedly that. Together they brought the album "Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch," a tribute to Louis Armstrong, to life and garnered a Grammy Nomination. They also reached new fans with the remake of "I Wanna Be Like You" for the Disney live-action Jungle Book.

Photos by Ali Kaufman

scenes. Mac's presence was not schtick‌it was who he was. From the top of his feathered fedora to the tip of his alligator shoes, he was a son of the Crescent City and an ambassador of all things groovy.

I first remember Dr. John playing Splish Splash on Sesame Street. Who could have guessed years later I would be sent to cover a show at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, honoring the Musical Mojo of Dr. John. That show was like none other, the love that the star studded line up had for Mac was beyond anything I had

for all to enjoy. Irma Thomas, Anders Osborne, Mavis Staples, and long-time collaborator Allen Toussaint were all there, all taking turns playing songs from the good doctor's catalog. Anders had more than the music to thank Mac for as he shared with me how vital Dr. John's support was with his own sobriety. Rebennack's hardpartying ways were as legendary as his musicality, but he went on to help others follow the path of cleaner living once he was walking it.

I followed Mac on his tour in 2014 to Little Palm Island, off the Florida coast, where his piano was

Photos by Ali Kaufman

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Photos by Ali Kaufman

Mac was so much more than his 6 Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and a long list of accolades. He created a feeling when he took the stage, no matter where that stage was, you felt transported to the land of red beans and rice and cajun queens. Since Dr. John's passing in June of this year, there have been many remembrances and a second line of the grandest proportion. This month the iconic New Orleans venue, Tipitina's, will be the site of a tribute produced by legendary talent buyer Sonny Schneidau. I had a chance to speak with the event's musical director, George Porter Jr. As an original member of The Meters, he played bass on two of Dr. John's albums. One of the records was the

Shane Theriot to be released posthumously, you took no crap and always gave us your all, plus lagniappe, and for that, I am eternally and 'positootly' grateful.”

If you are inclined to honor Dr. John’s legacy or perhaps what would have been his birthday on the 20th of November, may I suggest a

best selling, "In The Right Place," and a year later, 1974's Desitively Bonnaroo. Mr. Porter expressed to me his hope for the upcoming generation to "take elements of what musicians like Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Art Neville, and others brought the community to the next level. I am so appreciative of the musical 'edumacation' that was imparted to me and will miss this man that brought his own lexicon to the world. From Gris Gris to the last recording made with guitarist

donation to the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation. He was a big supporter of this group that provides invaluable health care for body, mind and spirit. neworleansmusiciansclinic.org

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Mew Haven Cat Café: coffee, cats, confections and connections Profile by Charmagne Eckert “When you notice a cat in profound meditation, The reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name: His ineffable effable Effanineffable Deep and inscrutable singular name.”

The Naming of Cats (excerpt) T.S. Elliot

M

ew Haven Cat Café, the first cat café to come to Connecticut, celebrated its first year of coffee, sweets and cat human connections in August of 2019. In this this cozy kitty-infused space, located in the Westville neighborhood of New Haven, visitors can sip a latté, nibble a cupcake, and bask in the company of – well, cats.

Cats. Loved, derided, demonized, idealized – even designated “the servant of the living God” by 18th century poet Christopher Smart

– these small, fiercely furry domestic mammals eternally provoke both delight and exasperation in their human companions. For those seeking to engage in mindfulness of thought and action, the cat is the perfect model; eyes fixed on a fascinating insect or hapless rodent for endless minutes with a concentration so perfect that the space between hunter and hunted vibrates with an almost tangible energy. The cat, so fully and unselfconsciously engaged in the stillness of the moment, mesmerizes the onlooker with its contained energy and lithe motion.

Of course, comedy is never far from the feline’s repertoire either. There are few sights more humorous than the antics of a cat tearing around corners in pursuit of a toy, lurching off the couch onto the carpet after a cat nip

Angela Pullo and Michael Pullo

enhanced session of play, or in the throws of the ‘kitty crazies’ that can send a cat on a random and frantic tear around a room for no discernable reason. Another element of interest to many is the growing body of research that indicates that time with cats is good for people’s health. Any cat lover will attest that simply being near a kitty will improve overall emotional and mental well being, but there is growing evidence that cat companions might have additional benefits as well; notably in helping with the prevention of

20 service to those who, for whatever reasons, are unable to keep a furry friend at home.

heart disease and, increasingly, as therapy animals working with children with autism. (WebMD, American Veterinarian) While not everyone appreciates the forthright independent ways of the cat, their engaging,

often amusing company is compelling enough that, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 25% of households in the United States are home to one or more of these domesticated relatives of felis silvestris. But what happens when circumstances prohibit keeping a furry companion in one’s own abode? Enter the cat café. Of course, public spaces featuring kittyhosts have existed for a long time – think the smartly marked tuxedo cat in the wine bistro on Les Champs Elysees, the sleepy tabby in the Dublin pub, the celebrated bodega cats of New York or the gregarious beach-bar ginger in Bonaire – but the first cat café to be designated by media coverage, as such, opened in Taipei, Taiwan in 1998. The concept quickly spread to Japan where it was embraced, personalized and adjusted to meet the demand of urban dwellers seeking snacks, beverages, and feline company. From there the idea of a social space catering to people pursuing both human and kitty companionship migrated to Europe, Australia, Africa and, most recently, to the Americas. Cat cafés are great for any cat lover but they provide a special

Mew Haven Cat Café was conceived of by Angela and Michael Pullo who, seeing the need for a place where people could recharge and connect, merged their love of cats with their concept for a welcoming bistro space where cats and humans could become acquainted and even form lasting friendships. Although the number of fourpawed hosts varies, there are typically 6 or more cats in residence at any one time. All the cats at Mew Haven come to the café from the private no-kill shelter, The Animal Haven, and are available for adoption. While it is in no way a requirement to adopt a cat, there have been over 42 cats who have found forever homes over the time the café has been open. The kitties selected for Mew Haven are comfortable with people and the informal, interactive environment is the perfect setting for each to exhibit their individual personalities – so for those seeking the right feline fit, a visit to the café is a wonderful, stress-free option.

The layout of Mew Haven is thoughtfully designed to maximize both human and feline contentment. There are a variety of perches, near ceiling height walkways, and hiding nooks for the kitties – there’s even ‘kitty vision’ featuring cat-enticing bird images.

Comfortable seating for the patrons includes

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tables where one might open books and computer and cushioned chairs conducive to a petting session with a furry acquaintance.

The coffee, teas and sweet baked treats are sourced from local and regional producers (many cat themed themselves) that focus on sustainability and boutique quality, and there

are a number of fun and useful Mew Haven gift items sure to delight any cat lover in one’s life.

In addition to standard cat lounge outings, there is the opportunity to tailor a visit to fit a variety of private events. There are the three-hour Work/Study Sessions that include free refills on coffee (the café of course is Wi-Fi equipped), Trivia Night, and the everpopular Yoga with Cats led by a certified (and cat loving) yoga instructor. Private gettogethers are also welcomed; from birthday parties to small, themed gatherings like Knitting with Kitties or Photographing Cats, and patrons are encouraged to share their cat inspired concepts for a custom occasion.

For those exploring cat adoption, seeking a “kitty fix,” or just wanting to get to know more about these enigmatic

and entertaining animals, Mew Haven is a delightful and unusual destination.

For reservations and additional information visit: www.mewhavencatcafe.com Mew Haven Cat Café is located at: 904 Whalley Avenue New Haven, CT 06515 (475) 441-7877 Mew Haven Cat Café (@Mew Haven) Twitter Facebook – Mew Haven Cat Café

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Dario Cecchini “The Mad Butcher of Panzano.”

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you serve it, or if you already bake, it should become a cornerstone of your repertoire.

We serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and sometimes a drizzle of raspberry coulis. Regardless, this is a dessert that your guests can eat even after you have had several substantial courses.

ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Written and Photos by Bob Zemmel, Owner of Alforno Trattoria

Dario's Olive Oil Cake What a strange name for a dessert. "Olive Oil Cake."

Who would associate extra virgin olive oil with a sensational cake recipe?

Dario Cecchini, known as The Mad Butcher of Panzano, certainly did. Dario, who is fast becoming a worldwide food celebrity, operates a small butcher shop in the hill town of Panzano, in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Among his various eccentricities is that you must give him two days' notice if you want to buy a porterhouse steak that is used to make the famous Bifstecca Alla Fiorentina. If you visit his shop on Sunday, you will be treated to Dario, out front, standing on a chair, glass of red wine in hand, reciting, or more accurately bellowing out Dante's Inferno at the top of his lungs.

Dario has opened two restaurants adjoining the shop, which serve multicourse meat dinners. The more casual, called "McDario's," serves incredible hamburgers, made from the Chianina beef trimmings and sautéed in EV olive, with a side of Tuscan white beans. As a thank you, he serves a small piece of this cake with your espresso.

A phenomenon has developed around this cake. There are dozens of attempted recipes on the Internet, but none have come close to Dario's original. Even the lengthy article in the LA Times, in which famed baker Nancy Silverton made multiple attempts to get it right, have not come close.

We had tried multiple versions of the cake using American baking powder and vanilla extract, but those recipes just didn't match our recollection of Dario's version. After a half dozen failed attempts, we got it right by using the magic ingredient. A little packet of Italian baking powder mixed with vanilla is the secret. We had bought a few packets in Italy and were amazed to find it for sale on Amazon! (Why should we be surprised?) It is called Lievito degli Angeli by Paneangeli. This is the key. We found no substitute.

Luckily, it is very inexpensive, adding just pennies to a slice.

Many of the available recipes call for covering the top of the cake with fresh rosemary. We found that overpowering., So we substituted toasted almonds and frizzled orange peel. This is a cake worth mastering. You can start to develop your baking skills and receive universal praise when

• 35 grams rum • 2 oranges • 3 eggs • 200 grams sugar • 155 grams extra virgin olive oil • 1 packet Lievito Pane degli Angeli (Italian leavening) • 2.5 grams salt • .25 kilograms fine pastry flour • Extra sugar and toasted sliced almonds for garnish Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease and flour a tube pan or 9-inch springform pan. Mix together salt and pastry flour; set aside.

Grate the rind of the two oranges; set aside. Cut the white pith from the oranges and discard the pith. Cut the oranges in half, and remove any seeds and tough membrane from the center of the orange. Chop the orange and add to the reserved rind.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine eggs, sugar, and the Lievito. Beat on medium-high until mixture is thickened and pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes.

With the mixer on medium-low speed, add the olive oil in a slow stream, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the rum, and mix on low speed until batter is smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold the chopped orange and the orange zest into the batter.

Put the prepared pan on a baking sheet and pour batter into the pan. Sprinkle sugar and toasted sliced almonds over the top of the batter.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan after 10 minutes, or until cake is golden brown and a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.

Note: The recipe calls for pastry flour. We used Bob's Red Mill unbleached white fine pastry flour, available at Ocean State Job Lot stores.

Note: The recipe calls for a vanilla-flavored Italian leavening called Lievito Pane degli Angeli. This leavening can be purchased on Amazon.com.

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The Matchmakers: MIXing it Up on the Guilford Green

by RONA MANN / Photos by Kerry Schutz Photography

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he lyrics say it all: “Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match, find me a find….” Yes, that could very well be where Maggie Moffett, the owner of MIX in Guilford, got her inspiration.

“Some people have just five minutes when they come in, others have time to spare.

Everyone has some kind of a budget. Some need a wedding gift, or a little hostess something or other, or just want to treat themselves or their grandchildren to a goodie that’s unique and fun.

Whatever their reason for coming into MIX, we like to serve as matchmakers, helping them find exactly the right thing for the right occasion at the right price for them.”

The prior owners named this delightful place on the Guilford Green MIX Design Store, but Moffett admits, “That confuses

people. We are not interior designers, we don’t sell paint or wallpaper. We sell fun!”

Yes indeed, MIX is a fun store, but they also have an inventory that comes with a great sense of purpose, common sense, and practicality as well. Moffett has scoured the major gift shows in the United States to bring customers items they just won’t see anywhere else. Some are imported from Italy or France or Greece; much comes from right here in the USA, but all of it is finely crafted with an eye to design and a well placed nod to practicality.

When you visit MIX – and you should quite often, as Maggie keeps much of her inventory rotating with what customers clamor for and what’s new in the gift world – you will instantly be taken by the way each of the three rooms of goodies is designed.

You are literally able to stand in the doorway and view an entire colorful panorama of choices before you. But get out of that doorway! Don’t just stand there, see what’s at MIX today.

It may be photo mobiles hanging from the ceiling that you personalize with your own images, soaps and hand creams, wine glasses, socks, scarves, fantastic lightweight gel bangle bracelets, colorful

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beads, wallets, card holders, key chains, and bags of all kinds. Yes, at MIX you will find tote bags and hobo bags, clutches, wallets, and Italian flapover purses in every color and style.

then wipe off for another day. What a great idea to bring along to keep little hands busy when traveling or out at a restaurant. There are books, fabric maracas for babies, educational toys.

Since taking over, Maggie has expanded the children’s section much to the delight of parents, grandparents, and the kiddos themselves by adding items you will never find in a toy store. There are Magna Mark placemats to color and write on,

How about the most unique and affordable piece of jewelry out there today? It’s a piano wire necklace or bracelet...stylish, lightweight, interchangeable, and just plain fun. Maybe you’re hankering for a novelty lamp made in Greece, magnetic bike lights and bells, or a

beautifully crafted ceramic bowl or vase as a wedding, engagement, or hostess gift.

Got a man to gift and absolutely no idea of what would strike his fickle fancy? How about headphones, the world’s tiniest mini speakers, a poker chip set, trivia games, or let him wile away the hours he should be working with desktop bowling and croquet games.

Maggie Moffett says, “The number one item in the store, above everything else, is our line of Izipizi glasses.” This talented Parisian company has provided MIX with a wide variety of colorful and funky readers in every magnification. You can even put your own prescription in the frames, so you can wear and enjoy them all the time.

Sunglasses? MIX has Izipizis to provide the most stylish shades on the beach or on the avenue.

“Our products speak for themselves,” Moffett offers, holding up a rechargeable reading light, “so practical on an airplane, or when you want to read without disturbing your partner’s sleep.”

31 The three women who had made MIX into the must-stop shop in Guilford it remains today are Jennifer Cowie, Betsy Gribble, and Wendy Walden. They wanted their successor to this toy store for grownups to share their vision and love being in business on the Guilford Green as much as they did. They found that Maggie Moffett was that special individual and continues to embrace their legacy while adding many touches of her own creativity, whimsy, and personal design.

No matter the size of your purchase, Maggie is quick to inquire, “May I wrap it for you,?” bringing back yet another lost art in the old school kind of service so very much appreciated.

This energetic powerhouse of a woman who makes the act of balancing business, family, getting kids to the bus, and giving back to her community look easy, was Connecticut born and raised. Originally from Stony Creek, she grew up in a family that was politically involved.

After her father was unsuccessful in one of his races, they moved to Washington, D.C., and it was here that Maggie met and married her husband. While he is involved in commercial real estate, Moffett amassed a background in both political and non-profit consulting, but nothing in her “past life” could prepare her for the joy she would feel when the then three owners of MIX decided to sell the business, and chose Maggie to be their successor.

In 2018 when she bought MIX, Moffett wrote on Facebook, “I am so excited and so incredibly grateful to be taking the reigns of this beautiful shop and legacy and cannot give enough credit where credit is due to the three founders that have made this chapter – with many more to come – possible and worthwhile.”

Moffett used her own experience as a former and frequent MIX customer, coupled with her love of the people and businesses that make up the Guilford community, to add this as well to her Facebook post: “Over the years, I’ve had some of the best interactions in MIX, (both) with the three pioneers, as well as with the community that MIX fosters – neighbors, friends, warm strangers – while making the most thoughtful purchases that leave me not only smiling, but always returning with energy, excitement, and hope.”

We asked Moffett, the now keeper of the keys, tradition, and legacy of all that is MIX, if there were anything else she wanted to say in this editorial piece. Without missing a beat she quickly added, “I love Guilford, it’s a great place to raise kids. I’m active in the schools, in the Women and Family Life

Center, and in the heartbeat and pulse of this area. This community enriches us, the merchants so supportive of one another, so I look at this business as a way to give back for all we’ve been given. When you don’t have roots, you make your own, and this is most definitely the place to do it.”

Stop in, meet Maggie the Matchmaker, and see what’s in the MIX at 29 Whitfield Street, right on the Guilford town green.www.mixdesignstore.com (203) 453-0202

PLEASE JOIN US FOR FIRST FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST, 2019 FROM 5 - 8 PM FOR AN EHHIBIT OF NEW PAINTINGS FROM HIS HOME & TRAVELS BY LEIF NILSSON WITH LIVE MUSIC BY ARROWHEAD. SPECIAL CONCERT IN THE GARDEN SATURDAY NIGHT NOVEMBER 16TH 7 - 10 PM “KAT & DAVID” Arrowhead strings along on most Sunday afternoons. Find out about the Concerts in the Garden, First Fridays, Leifs paintings, prints and more at

www nilssonstudio com

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Profile by John Tolmie / Photos by Kate Tolmie

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thundershower broke the prior evening over the horse farm in Connecticut. In the early morning, the ranch was still dripping with the evidence of the storm and the horses were on high-energy and agitated from the evening’s monsoon. A circle of military veterans gathered around to hear advice on how to handle the tense steeds from Thor Torgersen, the lead trainer of Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E.T.S.).

“The horses are tense right now. So we take a deep breath, right? It takes two seconds to breathe in and out." Thor dramatizes the motion by raising his hands up to his chest, “It opens your mind and gets everything aware. It gives you that fraction of time to ask, 'what's going on with the horse?' We relax, and the horse is going to relax. You take control of the situation. Our horses need and want to be lead.

If we don’t take control, they will.”

Thor has supported the equine therapeutic field for over a decade, and his mission is to narrow the gap Facing page: Christina Clark, Thor Torgersen, and Craig McCalister

project ourselves as being relaxed, so they stay relaxed. Especially today with their high-energy, we need to help them release that pressure.” Thor explains that the heightened wind makes horses nervous. They can't hear as well in the wind with their senses are diminished, so they instinctively go on high alert for unseen predation waiting in the bushes around the farm. “We are going to bring the horses' stress down." Thor concludes, "Lots of gentle petting guys. Hands-on, reassuring, and breathing. All this will help bring that stress down.”

between the civilian and military populations with a level of understanding. As he addresses the veterans, he gives them other safety tips about how to deal with energized horses. “If they run away in the corral, let them run. If they charge towards you get BIG. Raise your hands up and stand your ground. But we ultimately we want to

As the group breaks up and the veterans make their way to the interior corral to gather their horses, the founder of V.E.T.S. Craig McCalister explains, "These are therapeutic activities, and the benefits we’ve observed are an increase in the physical mobility of our veterans, like Randy over there.”

Craig points to Randy, a tall man in a cap and sunglasses walking alongside his chocolate colored horse. There was a bit of shuffle in Randy’s gait as

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he and the horse walked the perimeter of the outdoor corral. Craig tells me a little about Randy. "He was a Marine, and when he completed his service, he was struck by a car stateside which cause a traumatic brain injury (T.B.I.). When Randy came to us, he could barely walk for five minutes with the aid of a cane. We’ve watched him gradually be able to build his endurance up. Now he’s at the point

where he's doing the entire ninety-minute class without a walking aid. He even just recently got his driver’s license back. It’s been awesome to see him gain more independence and get part of his life back.” Craig then motions to a bearded stout veteran brushing down a beautiful tan horse with a long butter-colored mane. "Frank over there served in the Army. He was injured and also had a T.B.I. Watching his dependence

on a walker diminish over time has been amazing. We were able to meet with Frank’s doctor at the V.A. who has been astonished by how his condition has improved dramatically.

That opens the door for more veterans "to come out and see how we can help them."

The veterans, through combat or other traumatic events, have been scarred mentally, emotionally,

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and physically. Some scars are readily apparent, and some are deeper than could ever be imagined. To watch these men and women walk and sooth the enormous and majestic animals in their heightened states was remarkable. In a way, the horses and the veterans are in similar situations. A serviceman is asked to rush into a circumstance, knowing they could be wounded or killed. Military training is

intense, and our servicemen and women are required to stay on high alert even in downtime. They are required to set aside their own well-being for the sake of our country. Now that they are home, the wars and the pressures and stressors of military life still remain.

The horse seems to be in a similar predicament.

These wild creatures with their herd mentality and predator-prey relationship are being handled by the world’s apex predator, namely man. Horses inherently don't trust humans.

Everything a human does to

a horse goes against all of its natural instincts, and the animal becomes a poster child for post-traumatic stress disorder. They are hyper-vigilant, consumed with the fight or

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Man puts a bridle on their head to control their face, places a saddle on their backs where a predator would jump on them, straps their belly where a predator would try to bring them down, and we expect the horse to be OK with doing all these things that go against all their instincts.

Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services is the perfect place for both the veteran and the horses. The vet can find their true-selves again, and the horse is cared for in a natural atmosphere. The farm is a quiet and peaceful place where veterans learn horsemanship, re-connect with others, and develop deep bonds with other veterans. The healing for the veteran starts by identifying the needs of the horses through non-verbal communication. The horses are trained to be sensitive to the needs of individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, reintegration difficulties, and other issues related to military service.

Christina Clark, a native of Mystic, is an instructor and a founding member of V.E.T.S. She has been deeply impacted by the

program. "I've never served in the military like my father and brother, but I've had my fair share of trauma. I've been around horses my entire life, and they've always provided me with a lot of peace for whatever I was

going through in life. Horses became my best friends, and I know what they provided for me, so I gravitated towards introducing people in need of the practice of equine therapy. To watch the veterans heal helps me heal every time I'm here."

As Christina and I speak Thor and Craig calls everyone over for a debrief of the mornings' session. The veterans each share what they learned during the class. One of the horses, Suki, liked to often meander off to the grassy patches for a snack. She was a bit hard to control in the beginning, but her veteran handler was able to coax Suki back to the corral to end the morning with a victory.

Randy growled that apparently Coach, his horses, nipped the veteran in the arm. But Randy was able to get Coach to calm down and ended the morning on a high note. Frank had to take a couple breaks but proudly told the group of his success with his horse and what he learned. They ended the meeting asking for volunteers to set up the next event, a cowboy kitchen dinner, and fundraiser to be held at the farm. Hands went up as the veterans eagerly volunteered to help the program move forward to reach their brothers and sisters in need.

For more information on how to connect a veteran with V.E.T.S. or to donate to the cause, please visit vetsct.org.

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••• Complete Menu • Salads & Appetizers • Wine & Beer • Pizza Housemade Bread Baked Daily • Full Bar and Bar Seating See our website for daily entree, wine & dessert specials ••• 1654 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook | 860-399-4166 | www.alforno.net

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Holiday Show November 15 to January 18, 2020 Opening Reception Friday, November 15, 5-8 pm

Kathy Anderson

Peter Bergeron

Jeanne Rosier Smith

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Susan Powell Fine Art 679 Boston Post Road Madison CT 203.318.0616 www.susanpowellfineart.com Larry Preston

Harley Bartlette

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Chris Grosso Metamorphosis, Merit Badges, and Mentors

By Laurencia Ciprus / Photos by Vinnie Scarano

Chris Grosso is the embodiment of Kintsugi— golden joinery—a Japanese art form repairing broken bits of shattered objects with gold, revering the visibly mended places, adding to the history.

This singular man of in nite depth and perennial kidlike wonder is unadulteratedly human. He talks about shadow days, but most often attracts and re ects the brightest light. This hasn’t always been the case. Chris is raw-boned about deep dives with drugs, alcohol, and pure recklessness—extremes eventually transforming him into a diacritical seeker and one-man no bs clearinghouse for the most convincing information on the subject—amassing material from the nest minds anyone could access. Grosso’s work in the challenging world of recovery is incessant. He saved countless lives in the process that could have otherwise been lost souls without his compass points, carving a path out. He muses, “Find one thing to hold on to. Start where you are, but start slowly.”

He posited this formula the hard way and continues to gain altitude rising from the ashes. Some experiences were impossibly grim: near-fatal relapses and those that de ed odds with a price tag of personal quantum losses of connection with family, friends, and career. There are invaluable life lessons shared freely through raw, un ltered yet always accessible plain language in his proli c books, words, and writings.

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Connecting face-to-face with Grosso at Artspace Hartford for the book launch of his third volume, Dead Set on Living (Simon and Schuster/Gallery Books), was the rst meet and ‘let’s-see-who-heis-now” experience. (I’ve followed the odyssey of the spiritual renegade through his rst two books and steadily increasing media moments.)

Standing humble and courageous on the podium in front of a full gallery with his family in the front row, there is a visible seismic shift in voice and demeanor since his earlier work. The rst tries at sobriety were dark periods while still incredibly battered from tidal waves of relapse and family issues. His increasing fame and notoriety—which he adamantly contends was

not his intentional end-game—makes him the exception to the celebrity grindhouse. Fame has done the opposite, with unilateral credibility and endorsements from his mentors, making him relaxed in his skin and comfortably grounded.

Despite growing concentric circles of famous connection, there is nothing disingenuous about the Capital Area kid. As he takes the podium for the Q&A, there’s this sense of ‘he’s so nice.’

Grosso sidesteps his stu to pro er great words for friend—and our once-removed connection— Amy LaBossiere. Her rst book, Finding Still Waters—the story of her recovery and redemption— also launched at this shared event. (Find the remarkable journey of Amy and husband Tao: In the Depth of Still Waters: Nourishing Spirit and Soul, also appearing in this month’s issue of INK.) Chris and I have evolved into like-each-otheracquaintance-pals that catch up when we are able over tea and in-depth conversation about more signi cant thoughts. It always feels no time has passed. Chris has that way about him.

One-ona-one, he is as reassuringly genuine as

his public gure. With his works on recovery and redemption, grabbing air, you sense that the tremendous success continues to surprise him. Grosso’s mash-up work-in-progress self, counts childhood idol, skater Tony Hawk and trauma expert and physician, Gabor Maté; Don Miguel Ruiz and Ken Wilbur in the inner circle.

Actor Je Bridges endorses his books along with endless luminaries. Beyond magnetizing famous friends, the Spiritual Survivalist-cum-Heavy Metal Boy Scout is known for his legit hard work. Chris documents an odyssey of addiction, recovery, and redemption via regular podcasts on the esteemed elder, Ram Dass’ Be Here Now network. He runs his straight-up website, The Indie Spiritualist connecting one-on-one interviews with Who’s Who musicians, actors, skaters, and spiritualists. Additionally, he is a contributor to Hu Post and Revolver.

All three of the books racked up to his cred since 2014 were featured in Thrasher Magazine. Despite the open angst and glory, Grosso is acutely conscious of ego and maintaining balance “ . . .

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Chris Grosso and JP Sears

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Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Tibetan meditation master Chögyam Trungpa is important.

Re-reading the book grounds me.” Chris quickly states, “ . . . a lot of what’s (new) out there on the shelves is absolutely spiritual bypass garbage.”

He freely discusses trending commercialized spirituality riding the draft of authentic seekers, merely to cash in. Grosso continuously checks himself against this low watermark.

Up close, Grosso reads a shaved-headed anomaly with 85% of physical real estate tattooed with punctuated piercings. He’s in sharp contrast against stereotypes of barefoot gurus, robed seers and sages. (The guy is the inverted redux of Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man—the 1950’s sci- character whose body pics foreshadow his death.) Grosso’s ink—once a mask to hide behind—are now merit badges earned proudly for hauling back from drug and boozy eld-trips-to hell by the leading edge of his ngernails and living to talk about it with no lame excuses. Look closely—he won’t mind—and pick out memorials

etched into his skin—tributes for loved ones not quite as fortunate. There’s an especially sweet co ee cup etched on his thigh containing an anatomically correct heart, holding space for a dear friend who recently moved on.

Born in Maine, Chris spent the bulk of his life in Connecticut. His teenage years were a soundtrack of punk/hardcore music and underground hip-hop in struggle to nd his voice as a creative. There’s notable maturity in contrast with the rst-time author who scribed Indie Spiritualist centered around early and painful beginnings in East Haddam. The Indie souled skateboarding kid who su ered bouts of bullying, anxiety, plus the loneliness of otherness that stacked up the emotional scars, eventually pushing him past the edge. The raw quality of Indie Spiritualist was an epic voyage of self that created a hybrid form of healing bypassing conventional one-way-is-right thinking. The latest book is a testament to wisdom developed thus far; taking an analytical view of some of

today’s best thinkers in his library. With the help of Alice Peck, Grosso has been able to translate his conclusions into meaningful narratives that anyone can grasp.

Today, Chris is jazzed to over lled, eagerly updating some high points. He was a featured guest at Panache Desai’s Global Gathering in Phoenix, Edgar Mitchell’s IONS, and received the audio rights to his rst two books, and narrated both of them. Artist Chris Dyer provided art on new MP3 downloads and— oh yeah: he’s making music again with the startup of two bands. Next isn’t the question.

Now is the answer.

To tag up with Chris nd him at www.theindiespiritualist.com

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The

Cheesemonger Paul Partica, - The Cheese Shop, Centerbrook CT

4. Bleu d‘Auvergne ($16 to $20 per pound)

Best Buys - 2019

Bleu d’Auvergne is a French blue named after the region in the South of France from which it originates. This young cheese ages about 30 to 60 days before export. It is made from cow’s milk and you will find it to be a little less salty than most blues.You will especially enjoy the creamy, buttery finish that comes with this cheese.

It seems hardly the time to be writing about best Cheese buys when at the time of writing this the United States cheese purveyors are about to be hit with a 25% tariff on a large selection of imported cheeses. The selection has not been finalized but Italian, Spanish and English cheeses are among the first to make the current list. I hope by the time you read this the problem has been solved, if not, you will see a hefty increase in many imported cheeses.

So, with that being said, here is the best buy list for November of 2019.

As always, I suggest that you “try before you buy,” to be certain you are taking home the right cheese for you. Cheeses are natural products that can vary from wheel to wheel.

1. Black Knight Tilsit from Austria ($12 to $15 per pound) Tilsits were once very common cheeses throughout the world. There were versions from Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark to name a few. When I first started in the cheese business, Tilsits were a major seller for us, now not so much.

In the 60’s, Denmark renamed their Tilsit to Havarti in an effort to give it a competitive edge over other Tilsits. They then created another variation called Creamed Havarti by adding more butterfat and removing the tasteful washed rind finish. This cheese is very commonly found in supermarkets today.

The Black Knight offering from Austria is a very pleasant, mild and creamy version made from cows’ milk with 50% butterfat content. Although mild, Black Knight has a nice flavor and will enhance your cheese assortment.

2. Beemster Smoked Gouda from Holland ($16-$20 per pound) This cheese is part of the large Beemster family of goudas from Holland.

Many of you know other Beemster cheeses such as Vlaskaas, XO and the popular Classic. The hickory smoking takes place in the United States. I like the fact that it’s a natural cheese and naturally smoked compared to the large group of processed chemically smoked cheeses out there. The cheese is made from pasteurized milk and it is lactose free.

3. Piave Vecchio from Italy ($19 to $22 per pound)

Drop this fan favorite into salads, snack with it or place a generous wedge of it on your cheese tray when entertaining and watch it disappear. We also like to stuff it into olives and occasionally drop one into a Martini.

5. Fromage D’Affinois ($18 to $22 per pound) This soft-ripening double crème deserves its ongoing place in the Best Buy list, Top Ten list, and every other category you can think of. Unlike so many of the stabilized Bries and Camemberts on the market today, this one remains true to what a soft-ripening cheese should be.

D’Affinois arrives to us with a firm center. This core softens as we allow it to ripen right in the store. I love that I can finish the ripening process myself. This allows me to sell it at its peak flavor, which is when you will find it in its most soft, creamy and luscious state.

D’Affinois is consistently one of our best sellers and usually the first cheese to disappear on a cheese tray. You can spend twice this amount for many othersimiliar cheeses and find yourself less satisfied.

6. English Ford Cheddar ($14 to $16 per pound) This pasteurized cheese is still one of the very best values out there. It amazes me how so many other cheddars can sell for such high prices ($20 to $30 per pound) when the bitter finish of many of these cheddars so often bites back.

English Ford has a great cheddar taste and a wonderfully smooth, creamy finish. It is one of our bestselling cheddars and still worth seeking out.

7. Bucheron Goat Cheese from France ($16-20) This is a great log shaped goat cheese from France weighing in at four pounds. It’s usually sold by the slice and it’s about half the price of other goat cheeses, It has the typical white mold surface that will soften with time to a luscious creamy texture. This pasteurized treat is a young cheese that arrives in our country around thirty days old.

This Parmigiano Reggiano-style cheese will most likely make my Best Buys list every year. With its sharp, full flavor Piave Vecchio works beautifully with most foods and salads. This makes it not only an ideal eating cheese, but also a great choice for cooking. Use it in place of Reggiano or Grana Padano in any dish you would normally use the former cheeses. You will not be disappointed.

Bucheron pairs well with a Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc. I also like it on a slice of pear with a little Acacia honey. You can also place it in a bowl or a plate, then cover with olive oil and herb of choice.

A cow’s milk cheese, Piave comes in a small sixteen-pound wheel and has a hard, natural rind that is similar to Reggiano. There are two varietals of this cheese. We usually carry the older and sharper one-year version. This cheese keeps very well; just be sure to wrap it properly.

For a fabulous dessert, drizzle a little Acacia honey from Italy over it, or even a bit of aged balsamic vinegar.

It’s not a trick cheese.Yes, it’s a Swiss style cheese with wholes but made in Holland. This full fat cheese is a very pleasing all-purpose cheese similar to Jarlsberg. It can be used on any cheese tray, nice for sandwiches, and it makes a tasty mild Fondue.

8. Leerdammer Swiss from Holland (S14-S18 per pound)

Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop www.cheeseshopcenterbrook.com *not pictured 7. 7. Bucheron Goat Cheese

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All That’s Nice.

Our Cinnamon Bourbon derives its flavor from the Indonesian cinnamon stick we place by hand into each bottle. It’s the perfect balance of bourbon sweet and cinnamon spicy. Put a savory spin on your favorite cocktails this holiday season! Visit LitchfieldDistillery.com for delicious, easy-to-make recipes or to learn more about our award-winning, Connecticut-Made spirits.

©2019 Litchfield Distillery, Litchfield, CT 43% Alc/Vol Sip Responsibly

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That’s A Lot Of Fish, Eh?

By John Tolmie

I

got the call from Captain Dave, and he needed a first-mate to crew a group of Canadians for an off-shore spearfishing charter.

Matt, Cary, Jeff, and Majdi had driven 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Ontario, and their friend, Oleksiy, a dive shop owner from Buffalo, had also made the trip. As the sun broke over the water, they arrived at Ninigret Landing Marina and loaded their gear on the boat. We headed off the coast of Block Island to dive the reefs at fifty-five feet of water. The Canadians wouldn't be using SCUBA to spear their fish.

Today they would be freediving with only a mask, fins, and a snorkel.

At the south end of the island, we found a pod of striped bass, and the divers got ready as I loaded their spearguns. We only sent two divers over the side as the boat traffic was heavy on a

busy Saturday. Simultaneously Cary and Majdi dove as I watched their long fins disappear beneath the turbulent surface. As first mate, my main goal is to keep the divers safe by keeping other boats away and waiting for them to surface.

Cary broke the surface, and I could see his gun floating behind him.

He had a nice striped bass that was giving him a fight! A few seconds later, Majdi popped up, and I could see he had a big bass as well. We motored over to Cary, and I brought his fish on board. I removed the spear-shaft, cut the right pectoral fin, and placed it in the cooler.

Majdi swam to the boat, and I was stoked to see he landed his first forty-pounder of the year!

While I dealt with Majdi's bass captain, Dave moved back into

position over the school of fish below. I loaded more spearguns, and we sent the next three divers over the side. Oleksiy, Jeff, and Matt disappeared into the deep for a breath-taking

53 90-second dive. The divers breached the surface, with two of them landing their prized striped bass. "Those fish were deep, eh?" Jeff frustrated chuffs in his mild Canadian accent through his walrus mustache, "I keep missing them! When I get to the bottom, they are always behind me!" We all encourage him and motor back over the school. On his last deep dive, Jeff hauls up a beauty, and by 10:30 am, the Canadians had filled their quota for their first day of underwater hunting. They were all a bit tired from diving 50 to 60 feet all morning, so we headed towards the island for some easier diving.

We cruised across the belly of the island to Black Rock, a shallow reef lying at 25 feet of water. The current was slack, so we opted to anchor the

boat in place. The divers all went over the side, and I stayed on board and started the rigors of filleting the cooler full of fish. The

Canadians were very specific on how they each wanted their fish prepared. Jeff and Majdi wanted their fish bled, gutted, and the gills removed. Oleksiy would have his fish filleted and any fish eggs saved. He would also take home the heads and the spines to make soup and tacos. Cary wanted the collars removed from his bass, and Matt was happy with just the fillets. It was a lot of extra work, but I was pleased that the Canadians used portions of the fish that are usually discarded. As I filleted, the divers continued to swim to the boat and drop off more and more fish. I spent hours at the fillet table preparing the Canadians their fish. This would be their last hurrah for this season's saltwater fishing and was an essential trip as their catches would feed them through the cold Ontario winter.

After cleaning up the boat, I decided to splash and harvest a few fish for dinner. I dropped down twentyfive feet and looked under an enormous boulder where four massive black seabass hovered. It took me

seven dives, but I was able to land all four fish.

Seabass is my favorite indigenous fish with flaky white fillets. We all swam back to the boat, and I was amazed at the harvest from the end of the day. Jeff landed an almaco jack, and Majdi speared a massive 15-pound bluefish.

The other divers had stringers full of blackfish, scup, trigger, and seabass. As we pulled anchor and motored home, I filleted the rest of the Canadians fish.

Back at the dock, I helped them wrestle their packed coolers into their cars and bid them farewell. Who knew our super friendly neighbors to the north were straight-up fish killers?!

For more information on spearfishing in New England, please visit spearfishcharters.com

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In the Depth of Still Waters:

T

Nourishing Spirit and Soul

ao, Zen and Chi LaBossiere. Picture a mid ‘70’s/off-script /Wes Anderson childhood. The reel is shot in high key color with epic creative mischief and off-beat quirk, set in the rustic rurals of Voluntown, Connecticut. Mom-Mavis – Sino-American – and Father-Paul discover the Sundholm family’s old Hemlock Lodge, a classic pondside tourist camp. The New York transplants hatch a vision: “I don’t know how we’re going to do it, Honey, but we’re going to buy this place.”

Mavis runs Still Waters Nursery School during the school year; switching it out to an ad hoc Rec-Hall in the summer. Mah-jongg games and a pool table entertain a steady stream of mostly Chinese guests escaping New York and Boston. The majority of visitors to this curious burg are recent immigrants – bewildered and completely out of their comfort zone. This new locale – out of range of any major metropolitan area – also proves a challenge for transplanted Mom and Dad and the mixed-race LaBossiere kids to bloom in this remote region.

Sparks of resistance filter through the town... rumors drift – some comic. One of the best: ‘Still Waters is a secret cover for a nudist camp’. Slowly, the scuttle dies down. Locals grow accustomed to expecting unexpected stuff. Tao recalls, “Picture 30 Chinese tourists wearing rice paddy hats, riding bicycles single

Chief Visionary Officer Tao LaBossiere, Photos by Joseph Lambert

Pro le by Laurencia Ciprus / Photos by Joseph Lambert

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58 file to the little village market...the only nonwhite/non-New England folks in sight.” Tao laughs,“There are also sixty young musicians and their instructors from a New York City Chinese drum and bugle corps, posing on the beach with their instruments.” The curious tourists are wary; afraid of wandering too far. There are whispers of bears and tigers prowling in the pond and forest. Tao recalls, “It was the kids’ job to swim in the pond with the guests to make them feel safe.”

“You’ll be the

steward of this land

with a responsibility to share it with others.”

LaBossiere DNA carries a relentless work ethic. Tao smiles, “I have a vivid memory of being eleven...out on our pond in a rowboat with my father. We stop in the middle of the water and he said, ‘Just look around at this amazing beauty, Tao. I want you to know that I work you hard because someday, this will all be yours to take care of. You’ll be the steward of this land with a responsibility to share it with others. People all over the world will need a special place in nature that feels like home and your job will be to host

them. Hard work, but it is the price for keeping this your home. It will bring you meaningful purpose because you’ll be of service to the world.’”

Ultimately, Still Waters became his along with wife – former advert exec and creative soulmate – Amy, who he connected with at Hartford’s Artspace in 2005 via an art project. Tao is an artistic icon, known for his public and private large-scaled murals and as one of the first official residents at Artspace in 1997. The couple sits at the cornerstone of Hartford’s creative community and still maintain the spacious loft while acting as volunteer directors, curating exhibitions in the main gallery. Meet them once: the boundless energy, synergy, and vision between them is irrefutable.

The connection in their collaborations is seamless: in art, life, philosophy, and the path of recovery at Still Waters. Tao cites the Center’s mission: “A peaceful, beautiful retreat for organizations...a habitat for humanity and wounded warriors to partake in workshops, authentic connections and unplug.”

The mid-2000s had currents of change and shifts in focus for the couple. 2009: Amy courageously confronted a protracted struggle with alcohol; thoughtfully attaining sobriety. By 2010, she received a Master’s in Conscious Evolution. After her first green smoothie Amy delved into holistic health at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Amy is now a certified coach, instructing clients in 100+ dietary modalities. While

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60 still maintaining day jobs, curation projects, and Hartford initiatives, the couple began the quantum push to transform Still Waters into a bonafide retreat center dedicated to recovery, wellness, and healing.

Life accelerated. 2012: the couple married in an impromptu ceremony during an Artspace art exhibition – some thinking it a ruse and writing it off as performance art! The same year, Amy left the corporate world, assuming the marketing and business end of Tao’s creative services while continuing to restore the Voluntown property. A devastating 2014 fire in the main house set things on end for a stretch, but with shared tenacity and endless creative resources, the duo rebuilt and rebuilt spectacularly! Amy somehow carved out time for her candid and intimate 2018 memoir on recovery, equilibrium and service, “Finding Still Waters: The Art of Conscious Recovery.”

Last summer, the property was a human ant farm: a circus of mud, earthworks, and skillful workers.

Driving up in mid-Fall – the access road bathed in filtered mist – there’s no trace of smoke and ash. The grounds are landscaped, pastoral, and gasp worthy.

Eyes wander to multiple resting spaces on the expansive property; each with references to the five elements...homage to familial Asian heritage woven into the gestalt. Tao’s footbridge is a stunning respite – as is, the sunrise yoga platform. The foundation of the original 1730 hydro-powered sawmill remains.

There are separate one and two-bedroom cottages.

The two-bedroom boasting a pondside dining deck.

Sunrise window by artist Laura Parsons, Photos by Joseph Lambert

There’s a palpable hum preparing for the return visit of a Buddhist group led by French Monk Thay Doji, with Amy besting her culinary self to create inspired vegetarian and vegan fare for the esteemed visitors.

She is in her element: creating alchemy in the spacious and superbly restored kitchen. Dear Beebe, the intrepid miniature poodle, is sous chef. Art from many friends and colleagues punctuate the spaces; spaces faithful to thoughtful and spare sensibility without sacrificing comfort or beauty. Stone sinks, ingenious towel racks, and thoughtful guest space appointments; Tao’s handcrafted bedside tables and choice pieces assembled from original wood salvaged out of the fire. Sustainability in practice – not theory. There is the sunrise window by artist Laura Parsons; Craig Frederick’s sinuous sculptures. Paintings by Barbara Hocker, Linn Bae, Ellen Carey, and Nina Goodale punctuate. The patinaed dining table glows – scaled to accommodate a crowd – we chat

over tea as friends and colleagues about the future.

Workshops are in the planning stages. Tao is conjuring a book compiling his daily sketches of visual puns. Amy continues to share the journey of successful-happy-sofar recovery. They never stop thinking/creating/bettering best. Tao is outside, assessing the deck for re-staining.

Dogs bark. A delectable crisp is in the oven wafting past the screen – (please try the recipe) – a single bird song ending the day. Losing light: zinnias nod, chimes tinkle a mantra, work shifts into dream works at Still Waters.

To book a getaway at Still Waters Retreat Center contact Tao and Amy at 860.543.3244 or, stillwaterspond.com.

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Apple Crisp (serves 8-10)

8 Cups

sliced apples

6 t.

lemon juice

Dash

vanilla

2

/3 cup

maple syrup

1 T.

unrefined coconut oil

1 cup

all-purpose flour OR gf 1-to-1 flour

1 cup

brown sugar

2 t.

ground cinnamon

½ t.

salt

2 cups

rolled oats

1 cup

cold butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13” x 9” baking dish w/coconut oil.

Slice apples. Toss w/lemon juice.

Arrange evenly in baking dish. Set aside.

Mix flour, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar and butter in a bowl.

Use gloved hands: mix ingredients into crumble.

Fold oats into flour mixture. Sprinkle onto apples and press in spots.

Bake in for 35 minutes until lightly browned and apples bubbling.

Culinary Creative Amy LaBossiere in Natural Habitat, Photos by Joseph Lambert

Serve plain, w/whipped cream, yogurt/ice cream.

“Think how this food will nourish with sweetness. Love is an important ingredient. Include it!”

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got the Queen of – Everything – right here The soft of features The small pink tongue that cups at the edges Yes. You know. You right off recognize the raspy waller of an unanswered caller who can and will – – justlikethat – Allllll day (until he gets his always, hungry, way).

Elephant Seal Nursing Godthul Harbor, South Georgia Island © 2019 Mark Seth Lender All Rights Reserved

F

or the lifelong have-no-child-ers, the livealone-ers, the penultimate one-roomdwell-ers waiting for that Bell to Toll; for the married men with a Man Cave in the cellar who’ve never ever changed a diaper - even for them - the sound of this Sounder is as Family and Familiar as a Come on over and bring the kid, the young’un, your new baby! Boy! She’s got a set a lungs, gonna sing the whole La, La Traviata a regular concertina you just wanna squeeze her we’ve

Newborn Baby Elephant Seal raises a tireless commotion loud as the Soundings of the Southern Ocean. Baby’s Mamma? She just wants to sleep. Respite and relief don’t stand a chance against the Need That Will Not Keep.

She gives in, and slides her wide webbed hand of a flipper off the teat, that her own may take of rich… warm… drink.

Now before us all the stages, hauled out along the shoreline the quickly passing ages, parents and their young, the newborn and the old they will become, the needful and the needed, the suckling and the satisfaction that justifies All this: To our surprise – - We recall - We recognize (As the Flower Knows the Seed) That Baby in the Babe we used to be.

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What I find more interesting and harder to explain are the commonalities found in the vocalizations.

When the lion is enraged, we know. When a baby Elephant seal milk is nourishing and highly caloric. elephant seal cries in hunger we connect with the It has to be. Elephant seal pups have a limited wanting to be fed. When a blue jay screams in terror period in which to grow and to acquire that coat caught in the talons of a red-tailed hawk, that too of insulating fat without which they will be unable is recognizable. Chillingly so. Why? to survive. Essentially they are hungry all the time. And act accordingly.

Field Note:

Nurse. Digest. Burp. Nurse.

A familiar pattern to anyone who’s had a newborn baby in the family. And the vocals that accompany this round-robin of behavior are loud and constant and for some ineffable reason require no translation. Science has looked at the apparent familiarity and discovered certain traits that make it so. The soft and rounded features of a human infant are mirrored in many young mammals. We know them all as the young of the species and it is not just puppies and primates. Baby birds are quite obviously baby birds.

Our separation in evolutionary terms from elephant seals is tens of millions of years. It has been several hundreds of millions since we shared a common genetic ancestor with a blue jay. But consider, the Universe has been here almost fourteen billion years while life as a whole has been on earth less than one third of that time, animals with a face (meaning animals like us) only one twenty-seventh.

Seen against the time scale of creation, our Kind (meaning that fraction capable of looking you in the eye and which chooses to do so and all that this implies) is very close, and very small.

Mark Seth Lender’s fieldwork and travel are arranged exclusively through Destination: Wildlife TM .

If you would like to visit the places Mark has been, you can contact them at: www.DestinationWildlfe.com www.DestinationWildlife.com

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BE ORIGINAL Original Art | Original Gifts | Original Lifestyle

Everything here is made by LOCAL artists and artisans.

Original Fine Art

Local Pottery

Silks & Weaving

Woodworking

Soaps/Candles

Journals/Cards

Tables/Benches

Earrings/Jewelry

Needle Felting

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Forged Iron Fork and Nail Mandala

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Artist

Jillian Barber Creates Mythical Ceramic Sculptures/Portrait Faces "Other-Worldly" Photography

by Jan Tormay

D

ragons, mermaids, mermen, and sphinxes abound on Jamestown, Rhode Island’s Conanicut Island. They “live” at Ceramic Artist Jillian Barber’s home studio, perched on a hill overlooking Dutch Harbor Boat Yard in Narragansett Bay, an idyllic setting for creating sculptures and mythical creatures.

Jillian’s brightly-colored ceramic animal and fantasy masks and ivory portrait “faces” on walls and countertops greet visitors with expressions of warmth, sleep or meditation.“I have been lucky in that friends and family have been very willing to be experimented upon,” Jillian said with a mischievous laugh. “My brother (Adrian Barber) was one of the first people I cast. I played with it and turned him into a being from another planet, a nature spirit with dragons on top.” Her beau, David, is her muse for the popular Greenman masks and fountains, she said, because he is handsome and has a beard.

Above: “The Greenman” mask “ is the symbol of male fertility, rebirth and regeneration.

“Mermaids,” Mermaids are especially important to her and many women.

Left Page: Ceramic “Seahorses” by Jillian Barber .

“Greenman is a symbol of male fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. You see it everywhere. It is an ancient image that has been carved into the backs of chairs, tops of columns, church pews. It’s pagan, but it’s in churches as well. My theory is that there is Mother Nature and Mother Nature’s beau or boyfriend. I refer to The Greenman as the consort of Mother Nature.”

By intensifying the natural beauty of a woman or a man with a headdress of flowers, fish, dragons, birds, small faces or shells around the mask “like they’re from a different realm like a goddess, diva or a Greenman, elevates their beauty a little bit,” Jillian said. “It’s a different definition of beauty, and it’s something you wouldn’t see every day.”

“In the Magical Realm of Faerie” Portrait Mask created by Jillian Barber.

“Fish Tale” Fantasy Mask by Jillian Barber.

“Cardinal Earth ” by Jillian Barber.

Born in England to U.S. Army Private Horace Greenman Barber and his war bride, Kathleen Potts of Staffordshire (home of English pottery), Jillian said both her parents inspired her. She attributes her whole line of sea creatures to growing up in Westerly, Rhode Island and spending time with her father as a child swimming, clamming and canoeing in freshwater and saltwater. He and his brothers also took her along on fishing and hunting trips. She uses casts of real horseshoe crabs, bluefish, flounder and a pogie for authenticity. Additionally, Jillian was always around flowers, because her father was a florist at Munro’s Florist in Westerly. Hearing her mother read English fairy tales also “totally” fueled her imagination, she said.

“Sphynx” by Jillian Barber.

After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1968, she didn’t know what she was wanted to do but knew she wanted to live in

the country, be her own boss, and decide her own schedule. “I found my way by doing what I felt was right, following my intuition. A lot of it was making the right choices…I’ve always been a free spirit, even as a kid.”

Jillian creates unique large and small masks of people, as well as planters, imaginative animals, and assemblages of found items.“Instilling life into my work is one of the things I like to do.” She said mermaids are especially important to her and many women. “On some subconscious level, they represent femininity and freedom of movement.”

From the mid-1970s until 2007, Jillian designed animal/medieval costumes and theatrical masks for the Chorus of Westerly’s A Celebration of Twelfth Night, and also sang alto with the group for 25 years. She consid-

ers the late Anne Hall Utter one of her heroes who wrote and produced original scripts in which good triumphs over evil. She also got to divulge in another level of her creativity.

“There would be the court, the king and the queen, court jesters, amazing dragons, boars, unicorns, forest creatures, birds...a snake goddess…I made horses that you would ride on…celestial spirit beings that were 15 feet high and a 30-foot-long dragon. The paper mache gradually changed to chicken-wire with a layer of thin foam and beautiful fabrics of fur and brocade, and I would see these little things I made out of clay come alive on stage.”

“Instilling life into my work is one of the things I like to do.”

Top: Jillian Barber with her sea-oriented jardinére.

To the left: Ceramic Sculptor Jillian Barber, circa 1972 Photo by Frank Jo Raymond.

Above: Jillian Barber creates a new Jardiniére at her home studio.

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“On some unconscious level, they represent femininity and freedom of movement”

Above Right: “My Imaginary Friend,” utilizes a double-exposure technique to create this “ghost” photo. Above: “Doplanger” was one of 50 chosen out of about 800 at the Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan, CT.

Jillian also combines costume designing with her photography work. She said she likes working with black-and-white film because it gives it an older, “other-worldly” quality. Additionally, “black and white are sometimes stronger looking than the same photograph in color.” Some of the photographs on her website, which she describes as “Victorian Romanticism,” feature subjects dressed in gauzy/lacy clothing. Sometimes, she uses a double-exposure film technique to produce a ghost-like image.”

One such photograph, “Doppelganger,” was one of 50 chosen out of about 800 at the Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan, Connecticut. She enjoys photographing quirky people and situations for humorous photos.

For 15 years beginning in 1975, she sold to over 30 wholesale companies across the country and went to two wholesale and some retail shows annually. These days, Jillian enjoys selling to retail customers closer to home, receiving feedback, and interacting with people.“All kinds of surprises

Above: “Snow White’s Wedding” She likes working with black-and-white film, because it gives it an older, “other-worldly” quality.

happen. You never know what anyone is going to say. People are so attracted to the dragons because they seem alive. I always say dragons pick out their people. There is a mutual attraction.”

Sometimes, she learns that her pieces are “going to live” in other places, including Germany, Poland, England, France, and Japan.

The award-winning sculptor/photographer said she takes one day at a time. She also prepares pieces for future shows and has ideas simmering in her mind – like creating a big ceramic head made up of small faces and bodies. “I’m not sure what it is going to look like, but it’s going to be fun.”

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Jillian said she likes David’s idea of creating ceramic masks from molds of faces she has in a tub. “Start doing them one at a time in a format. Just keep them the same size. Do them in white or off-white.

Just glaze them. Don’t bother doing anything to them.

No foliage, no nothing, and then have a show of every face to see who I’ve got.”

Jillian received two awards at the Mystic Museum of Art in 2019: A Ceramic Award for her mask, “Gaia,” at the 108th Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts Annual Exhibition in April and the Teddy Goberis Award for Excellence in Ceramics from The Katherine Forest Crafts Foundation for “The Greenman” mask during the museum’s 63rd Regional Exhibition.

Jillian also won the Teddy Goberis Award at the Norwich Arts Center Gallery for her “Sphinx” sculpture in August 2019.

Jillian’s work can be viewed at the Spring Bull Art Gallery in Newport, Rhode Island and the Charlestown Gallery in Charlestown, Rhode Island.

Soon she will be the artist-in-residence at The Ocean House in Westerly, Rhode Island. A sculpting class at the Old Schoolhouse Cottage will be held on Saturday, January 18 from 9 a.m. to Noon.

Top: Jillian Barber with her dog, Dalai in her Jamestown, Rhode Island Studios. Photo by Jan Tormay Bottom Left: Mythological “Gryphon” figure created by Jillian Barber.

Bottom Right: Self-Portrait of Jillian Barber

On Sunday, January 19, meet the artist and enjoy tea and refreshments between 9 and 11 a.m. at the Cottage. Then on the same day from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ocean House’s main building, Jillian will give a lecture. A reception will follow. To sign up for these events, call (855) 678-0364, or go online to www.oceanhouseevents.com. For more information about Artist Jillian Barber, email her at Ladyclay17@hotmail.com, or go to her website: www. jillianbarber.com.

All Photos Courtesy Jillian Barber unless otherwise noted.

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By Art LiPuma, General Manager SeaSide Wine & Spirits, Old Saybrook

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Southern French Reds The wines from the southern area of France are not as main stream as the other areas (Rhone, Bordeaux and Champagne) but the wine is good quality and most are such good values that they coined the term “country wines.” The major areas that make up Southern France are Languedoc-Roussilon and Provence. The area of Languedoc-Roussilon has many important wine regions which include: Minervois, Corbieres, Corbiéres & Fitou, Limoux, Côte du Roussilon, Côte du Roussillon Village, Cotteaux du Languedoc, and Cotsitiéres de Nimes.

For the most part the climates in these areas are warm with moderate rainy winters. The soil is rich which creates a complex earthy and dry tone to the wine. The main grapes grown in Minervois are Syrah, Mouverdre, Carignan, and Grenache. These grapes are usually blended and the wines tend to be on the dry side with an earthy component to them due to their rich soils. The wines are f e r m e n t e d in cement tanks or large oak barrels to keep the cost down. While Limoux is predominantly a white growing wine region it does support vines of merlot which make up to half of the red grapes and the rest are Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cobiéres is another small area that produces mostly red wines and some rosé and white. The wines are light to medium bodied using much of their most planted grape Carignan. Over 50% is planted there with other grapes such as Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Cinsault. The soils are a bit rocky with quite a bit of limestone, which appears in the composition of the wine.

Fitou is another region much like Corbiéres but only red grapes are planted here. Côte du

Roussillon has more of a Spanish influence than French. The regions in this area are Côte du Roussiollon and Les Aspres. This region is in the south and basically produces their more inexpensive wines, growing mostly white, a few reds and some rosé.

The Côtes du Roussillon Villages is where the higher quality wines are produced from this region. The reds are of very good quality and grown on the hillsides of this area. They however are still great values.

Grenache is the most planted red grape, but the wines must contain at least 20% of the two following grapes: Mouvvédre and Syrah. Most of the red wines in these regions and appellations use a process called carbonic masceration (this is a process that involves adding sugar to the grapes before fermentation to soften the wine when one or more of the grapes are too acidic.)

The last region to discuss is Provence. The areas for winemaking here are Bellet, Bandol, Cassis, Cote de Provence, Coteaux Varois, Plaette, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, Les Baux Provence, and Palette. These areas grow white and red grapes but are mostly known for their spectacular light bodied Rosés. These are blended mostly of red grapes.

The wines from southern France have similar styles and have their own unique taste that sets them apart from the rest of the world. They are light to medium in body and great values. They pair well with a variety of foods such as most barbecue meats and light sauce dishes.

Enjoy exploring these great values with these wines from the southern regions of France!

NOVEMBER EVENTS

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November Events at Water’s Edge Resort and Spa UPCOMING TRIBUTE SHOWS

Cocktail Hour: 6PM | Dinner Show: 7PM Cabaret Dinner Show $55++

Saturday, November 2nd – Fleetwood Mac (Fleetwood Macked) Saturday, November 16th – Neil Diamond (The Diamond Collection) Saturday, November 30th – A Christmas Spectacular with the Jersey Four (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons)

THANKSGIVING Holiday Brunch Buffet Thursday, November 28th, 11AM-6:30PM

$49.95++ Adults $22++ Children Under 10 Children Under 5 – Complimentary Reservations available by phone: 860-399-5901

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING

Saturday, November 30th, 4:30PM Free and open to the public Visit with Santa, Complimentary Christmas Cookies, Hot Cocoa & Coffee

LIVE MUSIC AT SEAVIEW BISTRO Friday, November 1st – Rahsaan Langley Project Saturday, November 2nd – Nick Fradiani Sr. Friday, November 8th – Nick Fradiani Sr. Saturday, November 9th – JCDC Friday, November 22nd – Rahsaan Langley Project Saturday, November 23rd – Nick Fradiani Sr. HAPPY HOUR Monday thru Friday 4PM to 6PM Beer or Wine & Great Food Specials REPEAT EVENTS Monday – Free Bar Trivia | Lobster Boil $25 Friday – Live Music | Prime Rib $19.95 Saturday – Live Music Sunday – Brunch $39.95++ from 9am to 3pm Water’s Edge Resort and Spa 1525 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook CT 860-399-5901 | WatersEdgeResortAndSpa.com

BYOB SUNDAY BRUNCH in The Riverview Room at the Lace Factory SUNDAYS: May - December

n us for

Bru un nch in The Riverview R Room

Enjoy Sunday brunch in the Riverview at Th he Lace Facto oryy Room at the historic Lace Factory, overlooking the river and steam m train! overlooking the river and steam

train! Brunch is BYOB and features a full brunch buffet, omelet bar,

carving station, chef’s surprises, and Bloody Mary and mimosa set-up to accompany your favorite spirits & sparklings

*Corkage

fee and beverage charges apply*. From 10am – 2pm (last seating at 1pm) $24.95++ Adults / $12.95++ Kids 10 & under. For Reservations PH: (860)526.4445 / www.thelacefactory.com / 161 River St. Deep River, CT Tavern November Events at Scotch Plains

NFL Sunday Ticket: Don’t miss a game! And enjoy food and drink

specials from kick off to final score!

Thanksgiving Eve Music: Special two-performance night of live music!

Live Music: Friday, 11/1 – Primetime from 8pm Saturday, 11/2 – Rock Bottom from 8pm Wednesday, 11/6 – Keith Cooper and Trish Lendroth from 5:30pm Thursday, 11/7 – JC/DC from 5pm Friday, 11/8 – Sin Sisters from 8pm Saturday, 11/9 – Neighborhood Watch Band from 8pm Wednesday, 11/13 – 2 Cat Zoo from 5:30pm Thursday, 11/14 – Terri & Rob Duo from 5pm Friday, 11/15 – The Syndicate from 8pm Saturday, 11/16 – The Bernadettes from 8pm Wednesday, 11/20 – FrankenPhil from 5:30pm Thursday, 11/21 – Eric Nass from 5pm Friday, 11/22 – Old Dog New Trick from 8pm Saturday, 11/23 – Le'Mixx from 8pm Wednesday, 11/27 – Carrie Ashton from 4 – 7pm; then TBA from 8:30pm - 12:30am Friday, 11/29 – Nu Groove from 8pm Saturday, 11/30 – Crazy Ants from 8pm

Repeat Events: Happy Hour Specials: Monday – Friday from 3 – 6pm Mondays: Monday Night Football Specials Tuesdays: Taco Tuesday from 5pm – close Wednesdays: Ladies Nite 1/2 Price Wine Bottles All Day and Live Music from 5:30pm – 8:30pm Thursdays: Live Music 5pm – 8pm and NFL Specials Fridays: Prime Rib from 5pm – close & Live Music from 8pm – 12am Saturdays: Live Music from 8pm – 12am Sundays: Brunch from 11:30am – 3:00pm and NFL Specials Scotch Plains Tavern, 124 Westbrook Road, Essex CT Call 860.662.4032 or visit scotchplainstavern.com

79 outstanding example of the artist’s signature style. Known for his meditative canvases depicting objects and figures painted from memory, Bailey is one of the artists—including Audrey Flack, Alex Katz, and Philip Pearlstein—who defied the prevailing taste for abstraction at midcentury and instead committed themselves to representational painting. Bailey’s artistic inspirations span centuries, from Raphael and Piero della Francesca to Giorgio de Chirico and Piet Mondrian, with Jean-AugusteDominique Ingres and Paul C zanne in between.

Dream Girls at the Shubert Theater – New Haven November 1 – 3

Zahn Community Art Gallery - Westbrook October 24 - January 30 New England Impressions: A group exhibition featuring selected works by members of the Lyme Art Association at the Valentine H. Zahn Community Gallery at Middlesex Health Shoreline Medical Center. The Gallery is open during regular business hours and is located at 250 Flat Rock Place, Westbrook, CT. For more information, contact Middlesex Health at 860358-6200 or zahngallery@gmail.com.

Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, DREAMGIRLS tells the rags-to-riches story of a 1960s Motown girl group and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award-nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Tom Eyen, DREAMGIRLS features the unforgettable hits “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.”

Shubert Theater – 247 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510

Photo credit: Lizbeth McGee, The Grapevine, watercolor

The Mouth-off with Chion Wolf: In Transit November 8 Join Chion Wolf as she brings the best of Hartford storytelling with The Mouth-Off to the Mark Twain House for the seventh straight year! Each edition has a different theme. For a chance to be on-stage and tell your story live, email a short story summary to for a chance to be on-stage, email a short story summary to MouthOffHartford@gmail.com, anytime up until 10 days before the show! November’s theme: “In Transit.”

Cash bar 7 pm; Mouthing-Off begins 7:30 pm. $10 Mark Twain House – 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT

Spike Lee at the Bushnell – Hartford November 9

William Bailey: Looking through Time Yale University Art Gallery – New Haven Thru January 5th This exhibition considers the career of William Bailey (b. 1930, B.F.A. 1955, M.F.A. 1957), the Kingman Brewster Professor Emeritus of Art at Yale, through a focused survey of the artist’s paintings, drawings, and prints.

Special emphasis is given to Bailey’s still-life paintings in oil, including the Yale University Art Gallery’s Still Life—Table with Ochre Wall (1972), an

The Connecticut Forum and The Bushnell present: A Conversation with Spike Lee. Spend an evening with legendary, award-winning director, producer and writer Spike Lee, one of the most influential and celebrated filmmakers of our time. In a live, unscripted conversation, Spike Lee will bring us behind-thescenes, sharing clips from his films and stories and insights from his life.

Spike Lee is an Academy Award-winning director, producer, writer, actor and activist and NYU Grad Film Tenured Professor, best known for his groundbreaking and acclaimed films, Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, 4 Little Girls, When The Levees Broke, 25th Hour and BlacKkKlansman.

NOVEMBER EVENTS

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RED HOUSE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER – Salem November 16 FELT AN ENGLISH SNOW HARE! Join needle felting artist Lori Neumann for a hands-on class and learn to make your very own 8” tall English Snow Hare on a wire armature. All materials supplied along with complete instruction and use of felting tools. Beginners welcome. Saturday, November 16 from 9am-1pm. Class Fee: $62. The Red House, 22 Darling Road, Salem. Visit salemredhouse.com for more info. (860) 608-6526.

EF Watermelon – Meet the Artist Paula Crevoshay - Old Lyme November 15th & 16th

Join us at a special event where you are able to meet renowned Jewelry artist Paula Crevoshay and view her masterworks. Her stunning pieces are museum quality jewelry for the discerning collector.

11 am – 5 pm each day at EF Watermelon, 24 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 860-434-1600

Susan Powell Fine Art – Holiday Show - Madison November 15 - January 18 Join us for our Holiday Show opening and party to celebrate with the artists and fellow art enthusiasts on Friday, November 14, 5 to 8 pm.

Susan Powell Fine Art’s Annual Holiday exhibit showcases seventy oils and pastels by twenty-five award winning artists in this much-anticipated exhibit. "This is one of our most popular shows, and offers exciting choices for everyone," says Susan Powell, owner of the gallery.

On view will be numerous subjects, including still life, landscapes, seascapes, florals and trompe l’oeil. Susan Powell Fine Art is located at 679 Boston Post Road, Madison, near the fire station. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm, and anytime by appointment. For further information, please call (203) 318-0616, email us at susanpowellfineart@gmail.com and visit www.susanpowellfineart.com to see works in the show.

Mystic Seaport – Maritime Gallery - Mystic November 16 – January 31 Maritime Miniatures by Maritime Masters - This invitational exhibition features more than 100 small paintings by some 50 top Maritime Gallery artists and are available for purchase, each no larger than 8” x 10”. All paintings convey a maritime theme, are reasonably priced, and are perfect for holiday gift giving. There will be scenes of majestic ships, yachts and working boats, coastal landscapes, marshes, and marine wildlife.

This year’s exhibition will commence with an “open house” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on November 16, 2019. The public will be welcome all day to come view these special works. Image detail: Ray Crane, “Picking Up Tow”, Oil, 5 X 7.

81 Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.

Tickets are $29. Show is at College Street Music Hall – 238 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510

Rent at the Shubert Theater – New Haven November 22 – 24 In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s Rent continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece continues its vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A reimagining of Puccini's La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.

Shubert Theater – 247 College Street, New Haven

Dark Star Orchestra at College Street Music Hall New Haven - November 22 Doors open at 7 pm – Show starts at 8 pm Performing to critical acclaim celebrating their 20th anniversary year in 2017 and over 2600 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead concert experience. Their shows are built off the Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead's 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. This allows fans both young and old to share in the experience. By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark

Foxwoods - Beerfest: Battle of the Brews – Mashantucket November 23 How about a beeré Beerfest is back at Foxwoods Resort Casino and we want you to come and have fun with us! This year we're upping the ante and naming the Beerfest Champion decided by YOU! Enjoy live music, games and food available for purchase. We're pouring up more than 150+ beers from over 70 different breweries, microbrews, brewpubs, ciders, seltzers and specialty cocktails. Enjoy live music from the 2019 Battle of the Bands winners Jake Kulak & The Lowdown, games and food available for purchase. 21+ Upgrade to VIP admission to get in at 3 pm, access to the Game Day Lounge, $5 food vouchers, and a T-Shirt! Game day Lounge, VIP only: cigars for purchase, premium beer flights for purchase, table seating, and college football.

Somewhere in the Sequence - Hartford Artist Talk: Saturday, November 23 | 2:30 PM Real Art Ways presents Somewhere in the Sequence, a group exhibition curated by David Borawski. Funded in part by a grant from Artist’s Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Somewhere in the Sequence brings together artists from across New England to explore personal, political and artistic stances, resistance to the status

NOVEMBER EVENTS

quo, meaning and aesthetics, and strategies for artistic and social communication. Incorporating sculpture, video, installation, painting, and photography, Somewhere in the Sequence explores a wide breadth of material and conceptual approaches. Exhibiting artists include Fafnir Adamites, Monique Atherton, Katie Bullock, Alyssa Freitas, Debbie Hesse, Matt Neckers, and Soo Sunny Park.

Real Art Ways - 56 Arbor Street, Hartford CT 06106

Stonington Farmers Market at the Velvet Mill Saturdays thru the Spring The Stonington Farmer’s Market is back in the Velvet Mill each Saturday from 10:00 am- to 1:00 pm! On cold winter days it’s fun to stop in for a hot cup of homemade soup, a chat with friends and to see what the farmers and craft vendors are offering.

A variety of musicians cheer up a gray day and craft vendors offer unique gifts for the holiday season.

The Velvet Mill - 22 Bayview Avenue Stonington, CT 06378

*16th Annual Holiday Stroll - Niantic - November 30

Come kick-start your holiday season at the 16th Annual Niantic Main Street Holiday Stroll.

This family-friendly day features horse-drawn carriage rides, shops & restaurant specials, holiday music and complimentary hot cider and cocoa on the town green, children’s arts, crafts and games, the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off, a Smore Station, a “Snow-Flake Drop” featuring discounts and giveaways to local shops and restaurants. Last, but not least, the arrival of Santa on a shiny red fire truck just in time for the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony beginning at 5 pm on Liberty Green in the heart of Niantic Village! 3 – 9 pm.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Village Westerly - November 30 Ignite the Christmas Spirit at our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Village. Children will help us light the outdoor Christmas Tree and Santa Claus will make his big arrival on a fire truck! Seasonal snacks, alcoholic (cash bar) and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for those who attend. Plus, the new Ocean House “Off the Menu” food truck will be on-site with more delicious options for the evening.

Children will have the opportunity to visit and take photos with Santa.

While enjoying Christmas carols and complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, get your holiday shopping done early in our Christmas Village featuring an array of products from local purveyors.

4:00 p.m. Christmas Village opens 5:00 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by Fireworks Dinner with Santa immediately following (reservations required) While this is a complimentary event, we kindly suggest that guests bring an unwrapped toy for our holiday toy drive. For any questions, please contact destination services at 401.584.7000.

Ocean House - 1 Bluff Ave, Watch Hill, Rhode Island 02891

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