OrangeLife Magazine - Winter 2022

WINTER 2022 ISSUE #25 MAGAZINE

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Annemarie F. Sliby, Executive Director Orange Economic Development Corporation

Ad Sales

Mary Bialy Orange Economic Development Corporation

Contributing Writers

Alyssa Davanzo, Janice B Fodero, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Christina Levere, Karen Singer, Annemarie Sliby, Morgan Stein

Contributing Photographers

Haven Hot Chicken, Christina Levere, Orange Cigar Lounge, Paula Severino, Annemarie Sliby, Leslie Wasserman

Design & Production

Paula Severino

OrangeLife Magazine is distributed semi-annually by the: Orange Economic Development Corporation 605A Orange Center Road Orange, Connecticut 06477 203-891-1045 www.OrangeLife.net | OrangeEDC.com

To Advertise Rates are listed on www.OrangeLife.net. Contact us at 203-891-1045 or email: mary@orangeEDC.com

Read Online All editions of OrangeLife are online at www.OrangeLife.net/read-online.

Submit Photos and Ideas

To be considered for photographs for our cover (seasonal) and ideas for articles featuring the people and business community of Orange, submit to: asliby@OrangeEDC.com.

On the Cover

The Tower Clock was Installed at the end of August at the corner of Orange Center and Tyler City Roads to commemorate the town’s bicentennial.

Photo: Paula Severino

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the OEDC. The OEDC shall not be held liable for typographical errors or errors in the publication or for failure to publish an advertisement. For more information, email: asliby@OrangeEDC.com

Photo: Paula Severino

Lindsay Marieb painting the fall cow.

Photo: Annmarie Sliby

As 2022 comes to an end, I think to myself how fortunate to have been part of such a memorable experience celebrating the town’s bicentennial, and the tower clock and artistically painted life-sized cows will always be a reminder of this joyous occasion. I was so impressed with the artwork on the cows, I wanted to feature them and how they came to be in this issue.

It’s always exciting when new businesses come to Orange, and this year we had quite a few open here. In this issue, we feature a new grocery store offering more than 1,400 unique gourmet products from over 10 European countries, an eatery with a menu of Nashville inspired chicken with variations of spiced and non-spiced sauces, and a restaurant serving the best dishes from the Colombia Caribbean and Coffee Regions.

Enjoy these articles and more in our 25th issue. Happy holidays!

ANNEMARIE F. SLIBY Executive Director, OEDC

When visiting any of the businesses that have advertised or that are featured, please let them know you saw their ad or article in OrangeLife. As always, I want to thank our advertisers, and First Selectman James Zeoli, the Orange Economic Development Commission, and the Orange Economic Development Corporation for their support.

Haven Hot Chicken –

It’s Not “Fast Food”

WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO

“Crispy, Crunchy, Juicy, Spicy and Delicious” are words repeated over and over on Yelp to describe Haven Hot Chicken, which opened its second location over the summer at 550 Boston Post Road in Orange.

“I’m not saying our food is addictive, although I’m personally addicted to it,” said Jason Sobocinski, one of the brains behind the restaurant. “When you’re here, you’re not just eating to get full. You’re eating because you want to try these flavors, you’re salivating, your heart is racing and you’re excited.”

Jason co-founded Haven Hot Chicken in October 2020 with fellow restaurateurs Rob LaTronica, Craig Sklar and Etkin Tekin. With years of experience as an entrepreneur, Jason has been the driving force

behind New Haven staples like Caseus Fromagerie Bistro, the Crispy Melty Cheese Truck, Olmo Kitchen, Ordinary cocktail bar, Black Hog Brewing Company, Mystic Cheese Co. and more.

“I’ve been described as a serial entrepreneur,” Jason said. “When I was a kid, I started a soup and bread club where I’d cook at home and deliver food to neighbors. I started with 12 customers and that number grew to over 50. My mother eventually said, ‘You’re not doing this in my house anymore!’”

NASHVILLE INSPIRED

Haven Hot Chicken, his latest feat, is one of the first fully dedicated Nashville Hot Chicken concepts in New England. The idea to start a business centering around the spicy and flavorful comfort food began in 2018 after some of the founding members visited Nashville and left inspired by the city’s famous hot chicken.

“Before the pandemic, we came up with hundreds of test recipes and did a bunch of pop-ups,” Jason said. “Our presence grew on social media and people seemed to be loving our product, but we had to pivot once the pandemic hit. A location in New Haven became available and instead of a full-service restaurant, we decided to create a quick-service spot with curbside, takeout and Uber Eats delivery options. It was the right time and the right kind of food.”

EXPANDING IN ORANGE

The buzz around Haven Hot Chicken grew, opening the team’s eyes wide to available real estate. When a space opened on the Post Road in Orange, Jason says they jumped at the opportunity.

“We call our Orange store ‘002’ because we have big aspirations,” he said. “The dining room is intentionally small with two tables and four seats. We want guests to have the option to come and eat inside with us, pick up their food off our to-go rack or order from their couch.”

Norwalk General Manager, Novissa Weston (behind counter); Orange General Manager, Alivia Wilson (left); and owner and founding partner, Craig Sklar (right).

Photo: Paula Severino

Haven uses the highest-quality ingredients and 100% certified Halal chicken with no growth hormones or antibiotics. The chicken marinating and drying process is so meticulous and time-consuming, Jason says that by the time a customer orders their meal, they are not getting “fast food.”

“We handle everything from scratch and nothing is processed,” Jason said. “Food is not something we should be skimping on. If people are willing to spend money on their sneakers or car or streaming services, let’s put food up there at the very top of the list. I’m a father of three and know firsthand that it is not cheap to go out to eat or grocery shop. I want people to look at what we do here – the quality, the quantity and the overall care – and say, ‘Haven Hot Chicken is expensive, but worth it.’”

The extensive menu features a wide variety of sandwiches, tendies (chicken tenders), oven-roasted fried cauliflower florets and sides like ‘Fuego Fries,’ creamy vinegar slaw, garlic-dill pickles and mac and cheese. There are five specialty sauces, ranging from spice-less to hotter-than-hot.

A SAUCE FOR EVERYONE

“We’ve got big, bold flavors,” Jason said. “’Country’ has no heat but tons of flavor. My kids are young, and they love this one. ‘Mild’ has a touch

of spice hovering in the background. ‘Medium’ is my personal go-to because it’s hot, but it won’t stick with you for a long time. ‘Hot’ is going to make your lips burn and you’ll definitely start to sweat. ‘Haven’ is so spicy that it’ll stick with you for a while. You’ll be in pain after eating it, but the pain almost produces a euphoric feeling.”

For those who are looking to see what their bodies could physically handle, there are two sauces beyond ‘Haven’ called ‘Off-menu’ and ‘Double Off-menu.’

“Honestly, you’d have to be out of your mind to try those flavors,” Jason said. “This is food that college kids like. They come in here and double dog dare each other to eat things with insane heat levels. It’s an experiential way to eat, and they have a blast.”

For dessert, the restaurant has a cooling, creamy ‘Banana Puddin.’ Jason said that ‘pros’ will dip some of their French fries in the Nashville delicacy, which is complete with vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, wafers and whipped cream. Every time a Banana Puddin’ is sold, Haven Hot Chicken donates $1 to Connecticut Foodshare, a unified organization that supports individuals and families by distributing nutritious food to help alleviate hunger. Through Connecticut Foodshare, $1 provides two meals to a hungry resident in the state.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT “Philanthropy is a big part of what we do,” Jason said. “In Connecticut, over 400,000 people are not able to feed

themselves completely, and 140,000 of those people are children under 12. It’s 2022 and that is completely unacceptable. Food is not a privilege – it’s a right. Everyone should be fed and fed fully. Could we donate 100,000 meals through this program in the next two years? I hope so.”

On top of being well-known for its food, Jason says that Haven Hot Chicken is successful because of its strong team.

“We have some of the best people working for us right now, and we look for ways to improve what we do every day,” he said. “We don’t have a traditional corporate, topdown approach. We’re starting a program where we’re buying no-slip shoes for everyone who works for us, and we’re putting together a 401k plan. Our goal is to attract really committed, impassioned people who want to make our business the best it can be. Everyone pools tips and makes good money.”

Jason says that the team at Haven Hot Chicken is on the same wavelength when it comes to producing high-quality products, giving back to their communities, and respecting their guests.

“We love the connections that people make through food and drink, and we love watching people have a great time eating our food,” Jason said.

“At the end of the day, food brings us all together.”

For more information or to place an order online, go to their website at havenhotchicken.com 

Double The Sandwich

Haven Hot Chicken & Waffles

Photo: Haven Hot Chicken

Photo: Haven Hot Chicken

Euro Grocery Offers a Special Taste of Home

WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO

Growing up in Albania, Dritan Lirioni never remembers a time when his family sat down for a meal without feta cheese or olives on the table. Following his move to Connecticut, Dritan craved the authentic feta he used to eat so much that he drove to Astoria, Queens to buy a bucket of it each month.

“For years I searched for familiar foods and products that I enjoyed in my home country,” Dritan said. “It was hard feeling like there was not a place to shop for my favorite things. At the time, I worked in a business that distributed and sold American and Spanish products, so I decided to begin dedicating my time to Southeastern European communities.”

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

In 2017 Dritan opened his first Euro Grocery store in Rocky Hill and his second location in Waterbury, which is home to a large Albanian population. Over the summer, he opened Euro Grocery at 565 Boston Post Road in Orange.

AN ARRAY OF PRODUCTS

“You won’t be able to find the majority of the products in this store elsewhere,” Dritan said. “Euro Grocery specializes in unique European gourmet products with an emphasis on Balkan and Mediterranean foods. The items we carry are from Romania, Turkey, Greece, Albania, Servia, Croatia, Portugal, Ukraine, Russia and several other countries.”

With over thousands of products available in the 3,000 square-foot space, customers walk through the aisles feeling as though they have been transported overseas.

“During the summer, many people travel back to their home countries. This is the time of year that I love the most,” Dritan said. “When they come back to Connecticut, they visit my store and have all kinds of requests based on the dishes they tried on vacation. They often say to me, ‘Could you please order this brand of soda or this specific type of food? We miss it already.’”

CONVENIENT MEALS

For those looking for simple and delicious meals, Euro Grocery carries a variety of pre-prepared foods, including savory pastry pies from Greece that are frozen and ready to cook. These cheese, spinach and meat delicacies are big hits all year round.

“If you don’t have time to cook and need something that just needs to be baked in the oven, I’ve got you covered,” he said. “Let’s say you go to a Mediterranean or a Greek restaurant and order a Spanakopita or Tiropita. You will probably be served a small piece. Here, you can buy a full tray at a very reasonable price.”

Owners, Ilda and Dritan Lirioni with a sampling of imported products sold at the store.

Photo: Paula Severino

Angela Mullaj, employee of the store, cutting a wheel of Kefalograviera Amfilochia, a popular Greek cheese.

Photo: Paula Severino

Euro Grocery makes it as easy as possible for customers to stock up on their shopping list items. They have the option to shop in the store or order their food and ingredients online.

Dritan has been inspired while watching people of all ethnicities come through the doors with eagerness to experiment and try recipes of cultures outside of their own.

“I notice returning customers who love our products and continue to come back,” Dritan said. “I’ve seen a Bosnian buy Greek feta and an Italian buy a Croatian pickle. At the end of the day, people are not fanatical about needing to only buy products from their own countries. They purchase and support each other’s products. It’s phenomenal.”

Whether someone is stopping by the store to select a high-quality olive oil or pick up Loukaniko sausages for a family barbeque, Euro Grocery has something for everyone on the map.

Euro Grocery is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm, and is located at 565 Boston Post Road, Orange. Check out some of their products online at eurogrocery.shop and follow the store’s latest news on Facebook (Eurogrocery Orange CT), TikTok (@eurogrocery) and Instagram (@euro_grocery)!

A fine selection of imported cheeses, cured meats, and bakery items ready for purchase.

Photo: Paula Severino

Authentic Colombian Cuisine in Orange

WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

Savory appetizers, hearty meals, and delicious sides, as well as a fully stocked bar are the specialty of La Fonda Colombiana, a newer restaurant specializing in Colombian cuisine here in Orange. Conveniently located at 200 Boston Post Road, its customers enjoy the ambiance and food.

Opened in July of 2021 by owner Oscar Palencia, La Fonda Colombiana brings authentic Colombian food to the Town of Orange. Palencia, who was born in El Salvador, came to the United States when he was 18 years old, looking for the American Dream. Restaurant manager Alejandra Gutierrez shared that Palencia “brought with him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit and has success in different businesses in this wonderful land of opportunity.”

FLAVORS OF MANY REGIONS

The inspiration behind La Fonda Colombiana was to bring the cuisine of the Colombian coffee region, as well as a blend of flavors from the Colombian Caribbean and its surroundings to the tables of its customers. Palencia chose the Town of Orange for the restaurant since it is a beautiful area, and he loves the location on the historic Boston Post Road.

La Fonda Colombiana’s Executive Chef Asdrubal, who was previously a chef at Bistro, Cilantro in Stamford, as well as Stamford Yacht Club, has extensive experience preparing the meals of his homeland of Colombia. His specialty is fusing flavors of different regions into mouth-watering dishes to delight his customers.

POPULAR DISHES

The Colombian coffee region, according to National Geographic magazine, is comprised of “seventeen towns in and around the departments

of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and Valle del Cauca.” Differing altitudes and fertile soil lend themselves to a variety of coffees and crops, and the region is known for thin arepas made with white corn, as well as a well-known dish, Bandeja Paisa, also served at La Fonda Colombiana. This dish, which the restaurant describes as “Colombian sausage, fried pork belly, rice, pinto beans, sweet plantains, avocado, and grilled steak,” is considered by many to be the unofficial national dish of Colombia.

The main dining area, complete with booths and tables, surrounded by walls adorned with murals of Colombia. High top seating is available in the bar area.

Photo: Paula Severino

Restaurant Manager, Alejandra Gutierrez.

Photo: Paula Severino

Seafood is included in the array of dishes from the Colombian Caribbean region, and the area incorporates other coastal flavors such as coconut. Some specialties

from this region use fish, shrimp and lobster, and La Fonda Colombiana offers dishes such as Moharra Frita (fried tilapia, rice, fried plantain, and salad), Salmon Asado (salmon salad, rice, and fried yuca), and a weekend special of Cazuela de Mariscos, (Colombian style seafood, jumbo shrimp, clams, calamari, fish, and cilantro).

Some of the delicious side dishes available at La Fonda Colombiana are rice, maduros (fried sweet plantain), tostones (fried green plantains), chicharron (fried pork belly), boiled potato and French fries. There is a selection of delicious appetizers such as beef and chicken empanadas, Chorizo Paisa (Colombian sausage with small corn cake), chicken wings, and Papa Criolla (small yellow potato with special sauce).

ENTERTAINMENT

La Fonda Colombiana also offers entertainment. There are two large screen televisions for those wanting to catch a game or a program, they

have a popular Karaoke night each Friday, and a dance party with a DJ each Saturday evening. They also have paint along events, theme days, and are planning a special day to offer discounts to local college students.

Mouth-watering dishes and fun entertainment are the main focus of the restaurant, but they also sell specialty coffee. It is “original Colombian coffee straight out of the Coffee Triangle,” according to marketing director Jose Atencia. He added “By buying our coffee it helps support single mothers who work on the coffee plantations.”

For authentic Colombian food in a comfortable welcoming atmosphere, La Fonda Colombiana is a perfect destination.

Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 pm-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm-2 am, and Sunday 12 pm-9 pm. Call 203-2984150, lafondacolombianact.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Bartender and waiter, Irvin Rodriguez, preparing a Michelada, a popular drink with beer, tequila, hot sauce, Clamato, agave, and lime in a brown sugar rimmed glass.

Photo: Paula Severino

A Cow for All Seasons

WRITTEN BY: ANNEMARIE SLIBY

Because Orange began as a farm town 200 years ago and cattle is part of the town’s logo, it is inherent that a cow be incorporated into a segment of the town’s bicentennial celebration in some fashion—and what better way than to have lifesized, artistically painted cows displayed throughout the town.

Mary Shaw, Orange Town Clerk, researched different companies that sold life-sized statues and found a distributor, Behind the Fence Collectibles, in Southampton, New York. With the support of the Town, Shaw placed the order for three cows and to save on delivery, decided to pick them up herself.

Shaw says, “My husband Matt and I took a U-Haul truck onto the Port Jefferson Ferry and made our way out to the Hamptons.” Adding, “The ship’s security had quite a chuckle as their curiosity peaked when they opened the doors of the truck and saw three cows.”

A COMMITTEE WAS FORMED

Prior to investing in the cows, Mary invited her two artistic friends, Kathy McGuire and Lindsay Marieb, onto the cattle train, and they climbed on board the committee as ‘resident artists.’

“Now that we have them, where do we paint them, and what do we paint on them,” Shaw says.

The three bounced ideas off one another, coming up with different themes that were meaningful to the town. McGuire and Marieb were the masterminds of implementing the design and Shaw filled in with paint as needed.

In the beginning, painting took place at the Paugusset Club while they were closed during the winter and early spring months, but later on, continued in McGuire’s garage.

As they got into painting the first cow, their vision began to unfold. McGuire said, “Initially, we were going to have three cows, but as we began painting the first one, we decided on four, and thought it would be really cool if we had one for each season.”

The women even named the cows— April, June, Autumn, and Holly.

Shaw said, “Matt and I made the trip back to Southampton to gather the fourth cow to complete the seasonal theme.”

THE PAINTING BEGINS

First, each cow was sanded and primed with white paint, then a background/sky was added using

colors of the corresponding season. The fall cow has an autumn sky—a more soothing background, which is less bold and bright than the blue backgrounds of the spring and summer cows. After the paint dried, they began painting the scenes, which were done free hand using a projector. Four scenes were painted on each cow with two per side.

Marieb says, “We have a farmer on each cow, as well as notable landmarks and annual town events,” trying to cover all things in town, such as the Country Fair, The Stone Otis House, the Firemen’s Carnival, and more.

“It wasn’t easy painting them,”Marieb says, “Because the cows have a raised texture to make it look like fur, and it was difficult to paint over, considering the details incorporated in each seasonal design.”

With a strong vision and a passion for art and the Town of Orange, three residents joined forces and formed a committee to create something special to honor the town’s bicentennial that townspeople could enjoy for years to come.

Artists and committee members from left to right, Kathy McGuire, Lindsay Marieb, and Mary Shaw in process of painting Autumn (the fall cow) in McGuire’s garage.

Photo: Annemarie Sliby

McGuire explains there is something secret or special painted on each cow and said, “Lindsay’s house number is painted on the mailbox on the spring cow; and the famous peacock, which happens to reside in my neighborhood, was included on the summer cow.”

COMPLETION

After each cow was painted, the varnishing process began to protect the cattle from the outdoor elements. Wearing a respirator, they applied three coats of outdoor marine varnish, which took three days.

From start to finish, each cow took about 13 out of 19 days to complete at 180 man-hours between the three committee members.

First Selectman, James Zeoli was the first to see each of them when completed. Zeoli says, “The artists did an amazing job on them and captured so much on each cow that represents Orange. We can all look forward to seeing them around town for years.”

A target date of completion was planned for each cow, which coincided with a town event. The spring cow was unveiled at the Founders Day Event in May, the summer cow made its debut at the Bicentennial Family Picnic in June, and the fall one joined the other two at the Country Fair. At press time, the women were in process of painting the winter cow, which will be launched at the Tree Lighting and Holiday event in December.

Shaw explains how Chris Small, the grounds supervisor for the town, was very instrumental in transportation of the cows to all events and says, “He took great care while handling them. He covered them, and using tie down straps, moved them on a trailer when and where they were needed.”

THE COWS’ FUTURE

Now that the bicentennial is coming to an end, a definitive plan for the cows’ future has not been decided, but they will always be on display at the Country Fair for years to come.

April, June, and Autumn standing proud at Town Hall.

Photo: Paula Severino

Uncovering a Bit of History Behind the Walls

WRITTEN BY: CHRISTINA LEVERE

When my husband and I purchased our 1930s home on Orange Center Road in 2019, we were entranced. The stately brick Tudor sat like a grand beauty atop a steep hill.

My husband, Christopher D’Addio, who grew up in Orange remembered the home, with its copper gutters and slate roof, from his childhood. But — there’s always a but — like most folks who appreciate older houses, we knew we would spend a fair amount of time, effort, and money on restoration projects.

The 1,900-square-foot home had strong bones, as they say, but needed some minor — and yes, major — updates. The windows, which were original, let in chilly air in the winter, so much so that our youngest son thought we had sprayed white “frosting” on the insides of the windowpanes so he could create holiday scenes with his fingertips. Chilly air also blew in through most of the ankle-high sockets. Mice had made comfortable beds inside some of the electrical wiring and below the refrigerator. And under the kitchen sink. And in the eaves of the attic. Finally, the rec room in the basement needed to be demolished and rebuilt — but in doing so, we encountered the first clues about the previous owners.

DISCOVERING TREASURES

Behind a wall, we found a walking cane, two 1900s encyclopedias, and a damaged floppy disk. Maybe they weren’t clues, per se, but it got us wondering, “What else is lurking behind these old walls?”

A year or so passed without any discoveries. Then one day, after a night of heavy rain, we noticed

the telltale signs of a water leak coming from the attic. The chimney flashing, or lack thereof, had failed. We climbed up to the attic and pulled back one of the wet floorboards. That’s when we discovered a bundle of discolored papers.

Could they be treasure maps? Valuable extra copies of say, the Declaration of Independence?

Not so much. The bundle was several judicial certificates for David Torrance, dating back to the 1800s. Mice, time, and water had gotten to them, but they were still in good

shape. My father, always up for a little sleuthing, immediately took to Google.

TORRANCE’S BACKGROUND

As it turned out, David Torrance was a notable chief justice of the Supreme Court in Connecticut and had an interesting story, to boot.

Torrance was born in Scotland in 1840, but after his father passed, he and his mother, brothers, and sisters emigrated to Norwich, Conn. To help support his family, Torrance worked in cotton and paper mills. He received little formal education.

The house on Orange Center Road as it stood in the 1930s, which was built and occupied by David Torrance and his wife Eloise.

The house as it stands now, which is owned and occupied by Christina Levere and Christopher D’Addio.

Photo: Christina Levere

Photo: Christina Levere

He eventually enlisted in the 18th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry at the start of the Civil War and was commissioned as a captain in the 29th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops, commanded by William B. Wooster. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before finishing his service in 1865 and, despite his lack of schooling, studied law under Wooster’s tutelage. According to the Derby Hall of Fame, Torrance is “said to have purchased his first law book on his way home from the service.”

In 1864, Torrance married Annie France; they lived in Derby, where he continued to study under Colonel Wooster, and had three children. He was admitted to the New Haven County Bar in 1868. That same year, they formed the law firm of Wooster & Torrance.

Over the next few decades, Torrance rose in rank and prestige. He represented Derby in the General Assembly in 1871 and 1872. A few

years later, he was elected Secretary of State, serving until 1881. According to the Derby Hall of fame Torrance “was appointed a judge in the Court of Common Pleas in 1881 and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Errors in 1901. Yale University gave him an honorary degree in 1883 and he became an instructor in the Yale Law School in 1893 and was promoted to professor of the law in 1898 — not bad for someone who had not graduated from college himself.”

SETTLING IN ORANGE

I was curious to uncover how David Torrance figured into our house’s history. But before I even had the thought to go to Orange Town Hall, my father produced a hand-drawn Torrance family tree and print outs of various Torrance family members, including obituaries. (The Ancestry. com Christmas gift subscription paid off after all!)

Here’s what we (ok, he) found out. Judge David Torrance and his wife

Annie France had three children: Margaret, Walter, and James. The middle child, Walter, and his wife Mary Ellen had three children of their own: Walter, Harriet, and David N. It was David N. and his wife Eloise (Gibbud) who built the home on Orange Center Road, during the Great Depression. The couple married when he was 37 years old and Eloise was 26. They had no children of their own but lived with a housekeeper. It appears he followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, serving in the military and as an attorney. According to United States Federal Census information and the Connecticut Death Index, David lived from 1895 to 1986, and Eloise lived from about 1905 to 1993.

My father and I were even able to locate some living members of the Torrance family; some in Connecticut, some not. I emailed a few and shared what I’d found. They told me they had fond memories of Thanksgivings in the house and how, even though David and Eloise had no children of their own, the home was full of antique dolls and toys.

They even shared that they have some pretty interesting keepsakes from Judge David Torrance too, including photographs and artifacts from the Civil War.

It remains to be seen if there’s anything else hidden behind these walls or floors. Something tells me that if there is, my trusty partnerin-crime will help me suss out its significance.

The judicial certificate dated April 29, 1885 belonging to David Torrance’s grandfather (also David Torrance), which was found under the floorboards of this Orange Center Road home.

Photo: Christina Levere

A Beautiful, Larger Space for the Orange Cigar Lounge

WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

Many local cigar aficionados are enthused about the relocation of Orange Cigar Lounge, which was previously at 278 Boston Post Road. The beautiful new and improved lounge and retail space, now located at 311 Boston Post Road which opened at the beginning of August, is an expansion and improvement of the previous concept, and is drawing customers through the door to enjoy a cigar and relax with friends.

Owner Nari Koleci was inspired to expand to better serve his customers, and created a spacious, welcoming lounge, as well as a walk-in humidor and retail area.

PRODUCTS OFFERED

Upon entering, a customer is greeted by the bright, well-stocked retail space, with all the accessories a cigar connoisseur might need, as well as pipes and different flavors of pipe tobacco for those who enjoy this traditional method of smoking. A glassenclosed humidor with walls lined of Spanish cedar sits at the back of the retail space and is filled with one of the largest selections of imported cigars in the area.

“We offer competitive pricing,” shared Koleci, who went on to explain that the shop “specializes in quality imported cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras.” Koleci continued, sharing that “There is a Connecticut connection to many of these cigars, since some have wrappers that are made from tobacco grown here in the state.” These cigars are kept in the building’s 650 square-foot walk-in humidor, easily accessed from the retail space.

A LAVISH LOUNGE

The 3,500 square foot state-of-theart lounge is open to the public, and there is no cover or entrance fee to use it to relax and enjoy a cigar. Two tiers of membership to the lounge are offered, however, one for the avid smoker and the other for the occasional smoker, with different perks available for each level. Some of these perks include a humidified locker and discounted cigars.

Patrons can enter the lounge through the glass doors from the retail space, which keeps the retail space smokefree. The lounge encompasses a bar area, as well as multiple cozy seating areas with leather furniture, and privacy screens are available to have a more private gathering area. More than 200 humidified lockers stand at the ready for customers’ use. There is a poker table for those looking to have a game night, and seven wall-mounted televisions are arranged throughout the lounge for those looking to catch a game or show.

Koleci’s attention to detail is evident even regarding the lounge’s air quality. “We have a great filtration system,” he shared. “The 16-foot

ceilings help, and the air is exchanged 12-15 times per hour.”

Many customers come to the lounge not only to enjoy a cigar, but to work remotely from their computers, watch a game and socialize with likeminded people. Patrons are welcome to enjoy a soft drink from the lounge, and any alcoholic beverages

Nari Koleci (sitting) with Milly Trepcha (left) and Lou Trepcha (right) in the walk-in humidor that stocks hundreds of premium, handmade cigars.

Photo: Paula Severino

are BYOB. There are special cigar events held at the lounge, and Koleci encourages all who are interested to join the mailing list through the lounge’s website.

ROOTS IN ORANGE

Koleci was enthusiastic when explaining why he chose to open in Orange 11 years ago. “My brother had a wholesale cigar business, and I wanted to work with him to get into retail and expand into premium cigars. I chose Orange because I

live in town and wanted to stay very local.” He smiled and continued, “We have an excellent customer base with a lot of locals.”

Customer service is of the utmost importance to Koleci, and he goes above and beyond to meet the needs of his patrons. “Cigars are a luxury item, and our goal is to satisfy every individual before they step out. I want each person to feel comfortable using the lounge and buying from the store.” He looks forward to having

a full house for televised sporting events like football season, baseball and hockey, and especially the World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday, November 20th.

Orange Cigar Lounge, 311 Boston Post Road, Orange, is open seven days per week: Monday to Thursday from 9 am-10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 12 am; and Sundays from 10 am to 10 pm. For more information, go to orangecigarlounge.com or email orange.cigar@yahoo.com. 

The expansive cigar lounge with comfortable seating, gaming tables, humidified lockers, and a large bar area positioned in front of a handpainted mural of Marilyn Monroe.

Photo: Orange Cigar Lounge

Merle’s Celebrates 60 Years of Music and More

WRITTEN BY: KAREN SINGER

When Merle’s Record Rack opened in New Haven 60 years ago, vinyl was the only game in town. Today, it remains an important part of the independent record store’s business.

“I’ve always sold vinyl,” says Michael Papa, who opened a franchise in Derby in 1984 and moved the store to 307 Racebrook Road in Orange in 2003.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Over the years, Papa has expanded Merle’s products and services. He buys and sells new and used LPs and CDs, repairs and sells vintage stereo components, and transfers and digitizes audio and video content from LPs, cassettes, VHS and 8mm tapes to CD, DVD, or USB.

Customers appreciate the personal attention Merle’s provides. The business has blossomed with customers seeking to preserve family memories by repairing or refurbishing beloved treasures. Papa has many handwritten thank you notes from satisfied first-time customers, loyal patrons,

and university professors looking to preserve history.

Merle’s is chockful of T-shirts, pins, memorabilia, and collectibles. Rock ‘n’ roll posters, original artwork, and framed prints adorn the walls.

LARGE CLIENTELE

A constant presence on top lists of Best Vinyl Record Stores in Connecticut, Merle’s attracts customers from around the country and “all over the world,” according to Papa. “Some, from Japan and China, have their own stores and are on buying trips,” he says. Merle’s also sells select merchandise online.

“Our customers cover a wide-age bracket,” he says. “There are twentysomethings searching for Steely Dan and 60-year-olds looking for Sinatra, Jonny Cash and Elvis.

THE RETURN OF VINYL

A firm believer in the superiority of vinyl’s sound quality, Papa has watched the ebb and flow of newer music formats, and he is especially pleased with vinyl’s recent resurgence. “We’ve come full circle,” he says.

In 2021, vinyl album sales in the United States (41.72 million) topped CD sales (40.59 million), for the first time in three decades, according to MRC Data, which began tracking music sales in 1991. Top-selling vinyl last year included a new Adele album and reissues of Abbey Road (The Beatles) and Thriller (Michael Jackson).

THE STORE’S NAMESAKE

Merle’s Record Rack is named for the late Merle Shaw. She opened her first record store in MA in the late 1950s and brought Merle’s to CT in the early ‘60s. She opened Merle’s Record Rack on Chapel Street in New Haven in 1962. Shaw produced Connecticut’s Greatest Hits album that featured singles by popular ’50s and ‘60s groups, including the Majestics (“Up on the Roof”), the Chosen Few (“Hey Joe”) and The Five Satins featuring Fred Parris.

“Freddie came here all the time,” Papa says of Parris, who died last year and is best known for his classic doo-wop ballad, “In the Still of the Night”.

NEW OWNERSHIP

“Joe Gaetano and Wayne LaSalle bought Merle’s in 1972 and opened

Michael Papa repairing the Technics 1200 turntable, which was used by DJs at popular nightclubs years ago.

Photo: Paula Severino

stores in Wallingford, Milford, Derby, Middletown, East Haven and Guilford over the course of the next decade.” Papa says. “I got my first job at the Merle’s store in the CT Post Mall in Milford.”

Papa worked his way up from salesclerk in the New Haven store to being the sole owner of Merle’s Record Rack. In 1984, Papa left college where he pursued a degree in business finance, to become Merle’s first franchisee, opening his own Merle’s Record Rack in Derby.

ANNIVERSARY EVENT

A 60th anniversary celebration took place at the store on September 3rd. A steady stream of people enjoyed live music by local bands and sifted

through vinyl album and CD bins, looking for treasures.

Among them was a Yale graduate student researching 1950s elevator music for her dissertation and a pony-tailed man clutching a fistful of Motown CDS, who fondly remembered buying concert tickets in the 1980s at a Ticketron outlet in Merle’s in Milford.

Papa believes COVID-19 renewed interest in vinyl. At the outset, “People were locked in their homes listening to music,” Papa says.

The pandemic also has fundamentally changed the way he does business.

“I used to be open six days a week and cut that to four days—Wednesday through Saturday,” he says.

He wasn’t sure the strategy would work until, when he initially reopened with plexiglass and other COVID protocols, he saw masked people lined up outside the store patiently waiting 40 to 50 minutes to enter. “I didn’t realize their schedules were so flexible,” he says, noting so many people were working from home.

What Papa has since learned is the store is “very busy” when it’s open. “People come in and love what we do,” he says. “You’d like to think you’re doing something right.”

Papa always looks for vintage vinyl albums, preferably in pristine condition with original art. His wish list includes jazz,’70s and ’80s pop, rock, heavy metal and psychedelic bands. Call 203-795-9033, or merlesrecordrack.com. 

A large selection of music in vinyl and CD, with equipment displayed in the background.

Photo: Paula Severino

Artwork created by Bob Masse, an artist from Canada, who Papa hired to design the piece in honor of the store’s anniversary celebration.

School Readiness at Bright Horizons

SUBMITTED BY: MORGAN STEIN, BRIGHT HORIZONS AT ORANGE

Most families look forward to the first day of kindergarten with a mix of feelings, ranging from excitement and pride to nostalgia and even a little sadness.

Kindergarten marks the beginning of a child’s forward push toward independence. But while it represents a major step and a big change, it is not the end point. It is one of many moments on the path of a lifelong learner.

Long before children reach kindergarten, parents wonder about school readiness. “Will my child be ready for school?” and “Are we doing enough?” are common questions.

School readiness includes a set of skills that goes beyond being “kindergarten ready” and prepares children for success in school — and in life. These broad skills include knowledge application, socialemotional skills, critical thinking and problem solving, innovation and creative thinking, and a positive disposition for learning.

Bright Horizons classrooms and emergent curriculum provide young children the ability to expand beyond strong foundations in reading, writing, and math to understand not just what to learn, but how to learn. While it might be tempting to impose rigorous “drill and repeat” teaching strategies, these techniques do not match the reality of how children learn or what they need to grow and thrive. Children’s development unfolds in a predictable sequence, but at an individual rate. Just as each child learns to walk at his or her own rate, children become ready for more abstract, academic learning in their own time.

So what should you look for when finding a high-quality early childhood program that focuses on school readiness?

• Opportunities for meaningful play, project work, experimentation, and discovery. This type of learning is powerful. Children must understand not only what to learn but also how to learn.

• Math, literacy, and science interwoven throughout the day, rather than in isolation (worksheets and flash cards). For example, while planting a garden in a center or classroom, the children read books about plants, measure the garden area, and care for the garden. The learning is rich, immediate, relevant, and tends to stick with children.

• An emphasis on trusting relationships and caring social interactions. Social-emotional development is the foundation for all other learning. Teachers understand that young children are still learning and will make mistakes. Children are gently guided and encouraged as they gain confidence and learn to collaborate, communicate, and resolve conflict with each other.

• Well-rounded literacy activities. In addition to learning the letters of the alphabet, children must develop vocabulary, listen and communicate effectively, and view reading and writing as pleasurable and important ways to share ideas and gain knowledge.

• Open-ended art, storytelling, poetry, dramatic play, music, and experiences in nature. Children build creativity and critical thinking as they participate in the arts and nature.

So what can you do at home to prepare your child?

1. Talk with your child. Encourage expressions of feelings and find time to share love and appreciation. These moments build your child’s confidence and ability to communicate and collaborate.

2. Read to your child. We can’t predict everything children will need to know to be successful in the future, but we can offer a love of reading that will allow them to learn content throughout their lives.

3. Play with your child. Board games, blocks, active games, and silly moments all forge communication and collaboration.

4. Experience nature. The natural world is a laboratory that encourages risk, critical thinking, observation, and creative innovation.

There’s a lot of hype about school readiness, but don’t feel like you have to go overboard to prepare. Being mindful about finding a high-quality early childhood program and taking steps at home will help prepare your child for school and ensure that they will thrive!

Bright Horizons at Orange 203-799-8033 or email orng@brighthorizons.com

A Volunteer Organization Supports the Library

WRITTEN BY: JANICE B. FODERO

The history of the Orange Public Library began as a direct result of the growth of suburban development in the 1950s. Young families, migrating from urban centers, recognized the need for a local library.

The Orange Public Library opened in 1956 in a leased vacant store space at the Firelight Shopping Center on Old Tavern Road. This modest storefront library gained the support of the Community and paved the way for the Orange Public Library, later named Case Memorial Library.

Four years later, planning began for a library building in the town center and in 1961, the new library opened at 605A Orange Center Road (now the Orange Visiting Nurse Association). The new building served the Town well for 38 years but became congested and uneconomical.

Fortunately, plans for a new building on Tyler City Road were bolstered by a multi-million-dollar bequest from Marjorie Case, a town resident. Marjorie’s generous donation began with her request for a copy of a National Geographic article about the building of the Panama Canal. Her husband had been an engineer on the project and Marjorie was looking to validate and preserve this piece of the family history for her son. When the librarian retrieved the article from the library attic, Marjorie was elated. Her joy was compounded when she was given the magazine. Her gratitude was recognized when the Case Memorial Library opened in 1999.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Interest in the Library grew, and several members decided to form a ‘Friends’ group in 1991. The Friends of the Case Memorial Library’s purpose is to promote the library as a community resource through fundraising efforts.

Every Wednesday morning a dedicated group of volunteers meet to sort book donations, which are organized for resale to the community. Proceeds augment library purchases, such as furniture and equipment, and help support the organization’s events including musical programs, historical impersonations, author book talks, storytellers, and cooking demonstrations.

The organization also funds the Lucy Scillia Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a local high school senior who has plans to pursue higher education. The scholarship’s namesake was a professional librarian and an active Friends member.

Friends of the Library members serve as greeters at program presentations and organize refreshments for special events. Each year at the Country Fair, members are at the library table on Sunday when they give out complimentary books and DVDs.

Friends’ member Ellen Ginsberg says, “I am very proud to be a member of the Friends. Involvement in the activities of the library is nothing new

Photo: Leslie Wasserman

Friends of the Library members sorting book donations for resale back to the community.

to our family. My father was involved in the inception of the Orange Library back in its earliest years. For many years, my mother has carried on this dedication to our town library through her active participation in the Friends of the Case Memorial Library, both serving on past Boards as well as weekly book sorting in the basement. This legacy continues to a second and third generation, as I am currently serving on the Board as well as enjoying book sorting in the basement during the summer months alongside my daughter.”

Upcoming Friends of the Library programs are listed in the display case in the foyer of the library, and used books are available for sale in the Friends’ bookcase, which is located to the left of the main entry. The organization’s future projects include a technology committee tasked with setting up a portal for online book sales.

Kathy Giotsas, Library Director, describes the Library as a

Community Center and says, “Our staff is dedicated to providing programs for all age groups. The library is the place to go for preschool literacy; research assistance, arts/craft workshops for adolescents and adults; technological help and entertainment programs for adults. Our active Friends group supports activities and never hesitates to assist in enhancing and expanding library resources.”

The Friends of the Library can provide an inexpensive way to start or enlarge your existing home library, bring educational and entertaining programs to the Town, support a scholarship, and help to make the library both a community and cultural center.

For more information about the Case Memorial Library or to become a Friend of the Case Memorial Library, go to casememoriallibrary.org. 

Photo: Paula Severino

The Case Memorial Library located at 176 Tyler City Road.

Calendar of Events

WRITTEN BY: MARY BIALY

NOVEMBER 17: HOLIDAY FARM MARKET AND CRAFT FAIR

Pavilion at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

The Farm Market returns for a oneday holiday event. A variety of farm, food, craft vendors, and more. Rain or shine. As always free admission and parking. Contact Orange Economic Development at 203-891-1045 for more information. Check website at www. farmmarketorange.com for a list of vendors.

NOVEMBER 18 AND 19:

ANNUAL SMASH SUCCESS

“ACTING UP! 2022”

High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 7:30 pm.

The Orange Players present an evening of 10 ten-minute original one act plays. Bring your own light adult beverages and food. Tickets are $20 online at www.Eventbrite.com or at OrangePlayers.net.

NOVEMBER

19: BICENTENNIAL BRICK DEDICATION CEREMONY

The Gazebo at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 11:00 am.

The Orange Chamber of Commerce invites the public to attend its Bicentennial Brick Dedication Ceremony. Come see the beautiful new addition to Orange history with its hundreds of heartfelt engraved bricks.

NOVEMBER

24: 10TH ANNUAL ROTARY CLUB OF ORANGE 5K TURKEY TROT AND FUN WALK

High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 8 am start. The course is USATF sanctioned and certified. Refreshments served after the race. To register and for details go to www.rotarycluboforange.org.

NOVEMBER

27 AND DECEMBER 11: ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR

The Party Barn at Mapleview Farm, 603 Orange Center Road, 10 am - 4 pm. Handcrafted vendors throughout both days for your holiday shopping. For more information contact pclark22@optimum.net. The event will be canceled if it rains.

DECEMBER 4: ANNUAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING

Orange Town Green, Orange Center Rd. Tree lighting, tractor parade, and ice carving is planned. A time was not determined at press, but the tree lighting portion will take place after dusk.

DECEMBER 10: SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!

High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center, Road.

The Orange Players are excited to host visits and photos with Santa Claus and some of his elves. Time and details will be announced soon. Go to OrangePlayers.net or call 475-227-7547 for details!

JANUARY 1:

24TH ANNIVERSARY CHILLY CHILI RUN 5K ROAD RACE

High Plans Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 10:15 am start. 5k Certified Course for runners and walkers are welcome to participate. Chili Brunch following road race. Proceeds to benefits the Amity Teen Center, Inc. To register and for more information go to www.hitekracing.com.

MAY 26:

RACE BROOK SCHOOL FOOD TRUCK

FESTIVAL

Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, 4 pm - 8 pm

Such a delicious way to start Memorial Day Weekend! Visit www. facebook.com/RBSFoodTruckFest/ for more information.

A beautiful fall day at Wright’s Pond located on Old Grassy Hill Road.

Photo: Paula Severino