Adventurous SUVs Make it Easy to Explore

Words and photos by Roger Garbow

When SUVs began replacing station wagons in American driveways, the attraction was the go-anywhere capability. If you wanted to pursue an adventurous lifestyle, you needed something with a bit more ground clearance than a Country Squire. Today, drive through any parking lot in Fairfield County and you’ll witness the dominance of the SUV. Unfortunately, most current SUVs are skewed more towards style and less towards capability. Chrome 22” wheels wearing ultralow-profile tires are fine on smooth asphalt but fall short when the road ends or the snow flies…or you clobber a pothole. To embrace the growing overlanding and off-road aftermarket trends, manufacturers are offering some intriguing new SUV options.

Ford Expedition Timberline

While the majority of SUVs sold are compact and mid-size models, some buyers need maximum interior space or towing capacity. Ford’s Expedition, now in its fourth generation, launched in 1997 as a four-door, nine-passenger successor to the Bronco. Based upon Ford’s best-selling F-150 pickup truck, the Expedition has been a consistent seller, delivering rugged reliability. With the Timberline Edition Expedition, Ford is making a strong argument for rethinking the large SUV. Featuring a class leading 10.6” of ground clearance, 18” all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, Trail Control offroad braking, and rough road suspension, the eight-seat Timberline is at home on a rocky dirt road or unplowed ski house driveway as it is on an I-84 commute. Switching into 4-wheel low mode, my Stone Blue test vehicle comfortably handled the steepest trails I could find yet will still tow 9,200 lbs. Expedition Timberline prices start at $71,400.

Mazda CX-50 Meridian

Mazda has a well-deserved reputation for building vehicles that are fun to drive, with upscale interiors, and good overall value. Up until now, their crossovers/ SUVs have been strictly road focused. With the allnew CX-50 and its Meridien off-road package, Mazda wants drivers to play in the dirt. I recently spent a week with a Polymetal Gray Meridian CX-50. The CX50 is plenty peppy, its 2.5l turbo delivering 320 lbs-ft of torque yet returning 29 mpg highway. This is a great looking compact crossover with the Meridian’s allterrain tires adding some visual toughness. The interior is swathed in beautiful Terracotta leather and features easy-to-use controls. Switching to off-road mode, I was able to easily drive through deep mud. The CX-50 can tow 3,500 lbs and is a joy to drive on any surface. CX-50 Meridian prices start at just $39,950.

Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner is the senior citizen in this group. The original debuted in 1983 and the current fifth generation platform has been around since 2009. Yet, the 4Runner continues to be a favorite, with 2021 being its best-selling year ever. Why? It looks good, drives comfortably on the road and is nearly unstoppable off-road. But most importantly, it’s darn near indestructible. Toyota reliability combined with a proven design and serious all-terrain chops is a recipe for success. My 40th Anniversary special edition model looked fantastic with retro graphics that would make Marty McFly swoon. The interior is lacking some features more modern competitors have, yet the 4Runner is still a compelling player in the off-road SUV game. 4Runner prices start at $39,555.

Subaru Forester Wilderness

Since the 70’s Subaru has made AWD a cornerstone of their vehicles. Looking to add even more capability to fit the active lifestyle of their customers, Subaru recently introduced a rugged new Wilderness package. The Forester Wilderness raises ground clearance to 9.2 inches, adds all-terrain tires, additional body cladding, and a front skid plate for better offroad protection. The package also includes a stronger roof rack and higher towing capacity. The Wilderness interior features Subaru’s StarTex water repellent upholstery. For those who have muddy pets, or passengers who like messy snacks, StarTex is super easy to clean. In Autumn Green, my test vehicle looked ready for adventure. Like all Subarus, the Forester’s outward visibility is excellent. Backing up the rugged appearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control ensure whatever adventures you get into, you’ll get out of as well. Forester Wilderness prices start at $34,020.

Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

Nissan’s original Pathfinder, introduced in 1985, was a tough little off-road capable SUV based on the Hardbody pickup. Over the years, the Pathfinder grew bigger and softer, catering to American tastes. But for the new fifth generation Nissan is looking to regain some of those off-road chops. The three-row Rock Creek adds an off-road suspension, a bit more ground clearance and all-terrain tires mounted to beadlock-style wheels. The approach and departure angles are improved to more easily tackle steep hills and obstacles while the 24-valve V-6 puts out more power. The interior is roomy, comfortable and user-friendly with proper buttons and knobs. One of my favorite touches is the chunky roof rack which would look perfect carrying a roof mounted tent. Pathfinder Rock Creek prices start at $42,820.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4MATIC

If your idea of off-roading is driving on your private beach, Mercedes has you covered. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, is the ultimate expression of German luxury four-wheeling. Mercedes builds more capable off-roaders, including the wild G63 4X4 Squared, yet none deliver an interior or motoring experience as lavish as this. Open the door and retractable surboard-sized running boards present themselves and the suspension is lowered to allow for easy access. The interior will make you swoon, with soft perforated Nappa wrapped around cooling, heating and massaging seats to properly cosset your passengers. The rear lounge chairs, with pillows for heads and backs, fully recline with extending footrests. At night, the adjustable colored strip lighting throughout the cabin creates an environment befitting a high-end nightclub. If you do venture off the asphalt, switch to off-road mode which raises the suspension to its highest setting. If you still manage to get stuck, the GLS has a fun trick called Recovery Mode, aka Bounce Mode. The car bounces on its air suspension as it shimmies out of the sand or mud, gently so as not to spill the bubbly your rear passengers fetched from the backseat champagne cooler. Mercedes-Maybach GLS prices start at $165,100. •

A Look Behind the Scenes at ACT of Connecticut

When attending one of ACT of Connecticut’s Broadway caliber productions, it is hard not to think about all the detailed work and planning that must take place behind the scenes in order to achieve the magical results on stage. From casting, staging, choreography, scenery, lighting, sound; one would think that the theater’s rehearsal period must be several months long. In fact, there are only four weeks between the first day of rehearsal to the first public performance.

The meticulous planning of each production actually begins six months in advance of actors’ arrival for day one of rehearsal. “Pre-production is the term given to all of the planning leading up to our rehearsal period,” says Daniel C. Levine, ACT of CT’s Artistic Director. During this time, Levine selects the design teams including the scenic, costume, lighting, props, and sound designers. The music director, choreographer, and stage management team are also hired. “We’ve been fortunate to have employed some of the theater industries most skilled and talented artists, designers, and musicians for our productions. It is thrilling to collaborate with such remarkable talent,” he says. During pre-production, the selected creative team works with the show’s director in order to bring his/her vision to life.

“Each season, I direct 1-2 of our mainstage productions – generally the larger musicals,” says Levine. This season, Levine directed Guys and Dolls and will be directing the highly anticipated The Secret Garden, which opens in May 2023. “It’s important for me though, to also hire guest directors for some of our productions to introduce new design teams to the theater with different aesthetics. I want all of our productions look and feel different so that our audiences will continue to expect the unexpected,” says Levine.

After all designs are approved, the scenic ground plans are sent to shops for bids, costumes are sourced or built, and lighting plots created. ACT’s music department also begins their work on customizing the show’s instrumentation. Casting sessions are held (both in NYC and CT) and actors are selected. One week before rehearsal begins, the set is loaded into the theater. After six months of planning, the cast arrives for their first day of rehearsal. The show’s music is taught the first two days and staging and choreography after that. Just one week before opening night, the show’s technical elements are added and the band joins. I’ve often heard Daniel C. Levine talk about “theater magic” during his pre-show curtain speeches. After discovering how a production is created, I’m a believer in that magic. •

by Lauri Edgar

Teaching Your Kids about Finances

by Tom Henske

As a parent, teaching your children about money is an important part of helping them develop financial literacy and independence. However, many parents struggle with starting this financial education because they themselves may not feel confident in their own financial knowledge or they may not know where to start.

A survey conducted by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFC) found that 79% of parents believe schools should be responsible for teaching kids about money management and personal finance. Additionally, 75% of parents said they would be more likely to discuss financial matters with their children if they had more resources and information.

Despite parents thinking that this education should reside in schools, Connecticut does not require a stand-alone personal finance course for high school graduation, nor does it require students to take a course with personal finance embedded. The task of teaching children about finances for now, falls on the family.

Let’s Talk About It

Money is an essential part of everyday life. From paying for groceries to saving for a big purchase, your children will encounter financial decisions throughout their livesjust like you have. By teaching them about money from an early age, you can help them develop the skills, habits, and knowledge they need to make responsible financial decisions as they grow older.

Teaching your kids about money can also help to reduce your own financial worries. Money is a common source of concern for many adults and teaching your children how to manage their money can help to reduce the stress in their own lives. It’s not uncommon for a parent who starts talking about money with their children to see they start making improvements on their own situation along the way.

Stress can have serious negative impacts on a person’s physical and mental health. According to the journal Health Psychology, it can be associated with an increased risk of developing a number of health problems, including depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease. By reducing financial stress in our lives, our children can be better equipped to handle the challenges and responsibilities that come with managing their own finances as they grow older.

Some parents may feel that they don’t have enough financial knowledge themselves to teach their children. If you feel this way, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be a financial expert to teach your kids about money. You can start by sharing your own financial experiences and values with your children and learning together. Others may feel that their children are too young to understand financial concepts. While it’s true that young children may not fully grasp complex financial concepts, it’s never too early to start teaching them the basics, such as the value of money and how to save. Tailor money conversations to be age appropriate. For example, conversations with a five-year-old might be about the difference between a quarter, nickel, dime and penny while conversations with a teenager might be more along the lines of budgeting or saving, for example for that car they are going to want once they get a license.

Getting Started

Begin by designating a good time when family money conversations can happen. For some that is dinnertime and for others it’s during a car ride. These don’t have to be long conversations, think ten-minute blocks of time.

Start with the basics - teaching your children the value of money and how to save. You can do this by setting up a piggy bank or a savings account for them and encouraging them to save their allowance or any money they receive as gifts. Other fun topics might include budgeting, investing, or compound interest.

You can lead by example. If you model good financial habits, your children will learn from your behaviors. Talking through financial decisions is a great way to demonstrate how money can be managed. You can also look for and download apps online that make this easier to do, but make sure you reinforce the need for secure transactions. Conversations about money don’t need to feared; they can be worthwhile for both parents and children. •