The HOME Monthly by HAN Network

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

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April 2008

The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

The

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FEATURES Adopt-A-Dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Ridgefield Kitchen Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 A home-award winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Cos Cob as a destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Dogs’ (and cats’) best friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 New Canaan CARES Kitchen Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 The big picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 DEPARTMENTS Construction Queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Shopping with Fran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Cookbook Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Window on Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Home Moaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Home of the Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 Homebodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Racking One’s Brain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 Interior Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47 Into the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-49 Away from Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-57 Cover: Home of the Month in Weston.

NEW CONSTRUCTION REMODELING ADDITIONS KITCHENS BATHROOMS CABINET INSTALLATION WINDOW REPLACEMENT SIDING STONEWORK PERIOD MILLWORK

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Phone 203.227.3663

The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

www.newenglandartisansdesign.com

Fax: 203.298.9051 April 2008

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CONSTRUCTION I QUEEN ■

Floored by the heat by Diane Slovak Q. I have a back-yard porch and want to turn it into a finished part of my house. It has a concrete patio that I want to cover with oak flooring. How should I go about it? A: First of all, don’t go about this project by calling a flooring place. Flooring people (the one-day installation places in particular) are happy to lay a floor over anything and everything. The floor will look nice for one day and then all hell will break loose. Here are the problems. First, the patio slab may not be safe to build on. Just because it is concrete, you can’t assume it will provide a good foundation for a finished room. When you put up walls, the concrete floor may not offer enough support. Building codes require a reinforced floor slab and poured concrete footings beneath the perimeter to hold the exterior walls that will be built. Invite the building inspector over to have a look. If he OKs the slab, then your contractor will need to seal the floor to prevent moisture migrating from below. Next the slab is covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, and the next layer is pressure-treated sleepers (long strips of wood that are anchored with masonry screws) to which you apply a plywood sub-floor. Then you should be ready for an oak floor. Q: We moved into a house with no air conditioning. The summer was brutal for us, and we don’t want to spend another sweaty, cranky, damp season in our house. In the past, we have always had “box” air conditioners. Can you tell me about getting central air conditioning installed? A: Air conditioning is one of those amenities that are easy to take for granted – if you have it! If you do not have it, on a hot, humid summer day you will bow down to the great god of freezing air and pray for central air conditioning. Compared to a window unit, central air is quiet and efficiently cools down the whole house. It also “conditions” the air, meaning that besides cooling, the unit will dehumidify and filter the inside air, making it cleaner and more comfortable.

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The air is pulled through a filtering system, where airborne particles such as dust and lint are removed. In sophisticated filtration systems and electrostatic models, removal of microscopic pollutants such as dust mites, pollen and other allergens are taken care of by the filters. You will notice that not only will your house be cooler and quieter, but it will also be fresher smelling. I highly recommend central air for anyone who suffers from asthma or allergies. A central air-conditioner works from a “central” location to distribute cool, conditioned air throughout a house. Unlike a window- or wall-mounted room unit that is designed to cool a small area, a central air-conditioner borrows a central air-handling unit, such as a forced-air furnace or heat pump, and ductwork for whole-house delivery. If you are thinking about purchasing a central-air system, there are a few factors that you should consider and discuss with a qualified air-conditioning contractor. First, find out whether your house can readily accept an air-conditioning system that uses the duct work of a forced-hot-air system. If not, a more costly but far superior way of cooling your home is to have separate ceiling ductwork installed. It is a one-time expense and over time may be worth the extra cost. To evaluate efficient use of energy, every unit is given a rating called SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It’s very important to look at these ratings. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit and the lower the cost to provide an adequate amount of cooling. The most efficient models have SEERs of 15 to 17, so keeping your cool is just a matter of knowing the numbers. Diane Slovak is a licensed contractor with the state of Connecticut and owner of Innovative Concepts in Design. Send your questions to Diane at dianeslovak@hotmail.com. ■

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April 2008

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�� The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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SHOPPING I WITH I FRAN ■

Startup for spring: black and white fashions by Fran Sikorski After a long winter, we’ve made it to spring and can peel off those heavy jackets, scarves and hats and get serious with fashions from head to toe, which really show off the figure. This year’s fashion trend, which came in last summer and is carrying over, is the sophisticated combination of black and white. It’s starting off strong this spring, as you might have noticed in “B” Chic’s window in the Wilton Shopping Center. Word comes from Erica Jensen, owner of Helen Ainson – one of my favorite women’s boutiques in Darien – that the biggest news for spring is “dresses, dresses and more dresses,” every color, design, silhouette, and hem length, in stripes, patterns and polka dots, or mixed together for barefoot in the sun to patio parties and weddings.” We are told to “expect the unexpected.” Sounds delightful! So, have fun and let your imagination and sense of style find your perfect dress and summer wardrobe. Pert and pretty Erica Malhotra is the owner of “B” Chic, which features teens’ and women’s designer clothing, 10 brands of “hot” jeans, Hanky Panky underwear, jewelry, belts, handbags, accessories, and CDs.

Fran Sikorski photos

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

Erica, who was a teacher at Zion’s Hill Preschool for six years, worked at the site’s previous shop, Go Get Dressed, as a salesperson, buyer and assistant manager, and then took over the shop in August 2006. During my visit to “B” Chic, Erica said she’s “on target” with bright colors, yellows, fuchsias, prints in dresses, but black and white combinations are catching the attention of shoppers. “Everyone knows me as Miss Erica, a teacher at the Zion School, and I have people rooting for me in the business,” said the personable owner. Debbie Triantafilidis is assistant manager. Complimentary gift wrap and a holiday wish book are available.

Owner Bonnie Champagne has gone “wild” Rose Garden with styles representing a variety of designers 15 Danbury Road (Rte. 7) – Lucky Jeans with a Jeans Bar, Tommy Bahama, Wilton, 203-762-9012 Bill’s Khakis, Eileen Fisher, Trina Turk, Dana Monday to Friday 10 to 5:30 Bushman. She has brought in some good-look9 to 9 Saturday, closed Sunday ing men’s casual wear, and there are accessories, including jewelry and hats to match these wonderful carefree outfits. The Rose Garden is also where you can find the cherished “little black dress” to fit any figure throughout the season. Bonnie is also a personal shopper. Just phone in and she will suggest wardrobe styles for you. This is a joyous place to shop or to be shopped for! Love those Eileen Fisher styles. They adapt easily to most figures. Ente’s Shoe Salon 35 Danbury Road Wilton, 203-762-8052 2391 Black Rock Turnpike Fairfield, 203-371-0782 10 to 6 Monday to Friday 10 to 5:30 Saturday, closed Sunday

Shoe expert Stuart Kaplan, celebrating 30 years in the shoe business, is showing a variety of shoe styles imported from Italy and Spain, ballet See Shopping with Fran page 40

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The Rose Garden features women’s and men’s fashions.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

ADOPT-A-DOG

Unconditional love by Isabelle Ghaneh

If you are a pet owner, whether your pooch is a tendereyed Great Dane, frisky cocker spaniel or lovable mutt, you know how much fun and affection a dog can bring into your life. Sadly, not all dogs and cats have loving homes. That is where Adopt-A Dog, headquartered in Greenwich, comes in. Adopt-A-Dog is committed to the idea that all pets should be given good homes, and they sponsor several events each year to let people know about the dogs and cats that are available at their shelter in Armonk, N.Y. Elaine Mancini, the director of marketing communications for Adopt-A-Dog, shared her organization’s history. “Adopt-A-Dog began in 1981 with three women who were concerned about the dogs they saw on the street and in shelters, who were largely languishing or about to be euthanized. They went into rescue mode and started a telephone service to call people they knew and tell them of dogs that were available. They took in dogs who would probably be euthanized and housed them in a barn in Greenwich. The shelter in Armonk came later,” Elaine said.

Bee, a female Golden Retriever mix, is hoping you’re the one.

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After a few years, Adopt-A Dog was incorporated and became a charity, thanks to the financial help of friends of the founders. In 1988, they came up with the idea of putting on a public showcase for these dogs, as a way to find loving homes for them. This year’s event will be held on Sept. 21 in Greenwich at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, which is right off Steamboat Avenue at Exit 3 off I-95. “Tons of people come,” Elaine said. “We have judging in all categories, including one of my favorites, the people and pets look alike competition. We have celebrity judges, and, in past years, Ron Howard and Mary Travers were kind enough to lend their services to our event. This year we are having a psychic paw reader. She will read the paws of pets only, not people. There is always a very nice selection of dogs that are available for adoption, and we have a special section for cats, too.” Elaine feels that dogs are your best friends, since they give you unconditional love and don’t answer back. “I have teenage children and I love them, but I appreciate my dog’s unconditional love,” she said with a laugh. “The children love me but not like my dog Happy does. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.”

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

On your job every day till it’s complete...guaranteed Design Center Hours: M-F 9am-4:30pm • Sat. 9:30am-3:30pm 19 Old Doansburg Rd • Brewster, NY 10509 Phone: 845.278.0070 Fax: 845.278.6913 594 Route 6 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Phone: 845.628.2288 Fax: 845.628.6988 www.southeastkitchens.net April 2008

Four years ago, Adopt-A-Dog started a cocktail party fund-raiser, the aptly named Howl and Whine. This year’s Howl and Whine party will be held on May 8 at a private home in Greenwich from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to have delicious and plentiful hors d’oeuvres, taste fine wine, listen to music, buy a raffle ticket, and contribute to a great cause. The food will be catered by Abigail Kirsch, the wines and spirits are donated by Horseneck Wines and Liquors, and the jazz music is courtesy of the Bill Harris Quartet. In addition, TV weatherman Bill Evans is the master of ceremonies. The fund-raiser tickets are in three categories: Meow is $300 per person, Howl is $500 per person and Whine is $750 per person. Raffle tickets are included if you purchase a ticket in the $500 or $750 price range. “The raffle tickets are all for high-end designer stuff. Some of the luxury goods being raffled are leather luggage by Tumi and gorgeous silver jewelry by David Yurman,” Elaine said. Adopt-A-Dog holds adoption days at area stores and facilities, including Petco in Danbury and Pet Pantry in Greenwich, and the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. They are scheduled for a showing at Ikea in New Haven, which will be held on April 26. “When we go into the pet stores, the adoption team brings some dogs and cats and photos of the other pets we have in the shelter. There are no adoptions that take place at the site of any of our events. We are very fussy, and we want to find forever homes for our dogs and cats. We don’t want to have someone be overwhelmed with

how cute the dog or cat is and take it home to find out it’s not a good idea for either the pet or the new owner,” Elaine said. Elaine explained how pet adoption works. “If you see a dog or cat you are interested in, you fill out an application and make an appointment to come to the shelter, which is located off Route 22 in Armonk. The adoption team talks to you, and then you sit with the animal to see if you are comfortable with the animal and vice versa. If there is a match, then arrangements are made to take the animal home. You don’t take the animal right then, maybe the next day. It’s not a long process but it is a careful one. When you take the dog, it will be spayed or neutered before you take the animal home. We do that here at the shelter, unless the dogs and cats are too young to have the procedure at the time of adoption. We hope the new owner will take care of that down the line as the animals become mature enough,” Elaine said. “We only let the dog or cat go if it’s the right circumstances. If it’s not the match you anticipated when you sit with the animal, we will suggest another animal. If the potential owner does take the dog and goes home and it doesn’t work out for any reason, we ask that you please bring it back to us and we will be happy to take care of if it while we find another owner,” Elaine added. For information about tickets to Howl and Whine, call 203-629-9494 or 917-2731674. Dogs and cats available for adoption can be viewed at adoptadog.org. ■

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

COOKBOOK I REVIEW ■

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Frozen delights by Susan Miller April is not too soon to think about summer heat and ... ice cream. This new paperback edition of Gelato by Pamela Sheldon Johns (Ten Speed Press, $14.95, illus.) is a small, elegant collection that you could easily use as a primer when purchasing an ice cream maker, provided you prefer Italian-style ice cream. Defined loosely, gelati are made with milk and/or cream, a sweetener, flavoring, and sometimes eggs. The sorbettos (sorbets) are fruit purées, sugar and sometimes raw egg white (which will be a safety issue for some – are Italian eggs are safer?). Granitas are simply frozen juice or syrup. While there are only 18 gelato recipes, three granitas and a dozen sorbets, many are quite appealing, and one could improvise variations. However, there’s no dark or double chocolate, a popular favor-

STRACCIATELLA 1-1/2 cups heavy cream 1-1/2 cups whole milk 1-1/4 cups sugar 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved, and then cook until bubbles form around the edges of the pan. Remove from heat. Add the vanilla bean, scraping the seeds into the milk, and let stand for 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Remove the vanilla pod and stir in the chocolate pieces. Transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Makes 1 quart; serves 4. excerpted from Gelato, Ten Speed Press

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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ite, which leaves us wondering, why omit a flavor everyone loves? Yet, there’s that gelati are generally said to be made from milk, not cream, Johns’s recipes frequently tired cliché – tiramisù. Why did she bother? use both milk and heavy cream, and some use a French egg-custard base. The easy You really do need some sort of frozen-dessert machine, except for the semithree-ingredient chestnut honey gelato is a winner. This honey has a strong smoky freddi; they are never churned. Try Carmel Semifreddo, it’s more brown sugar syrup flavor and is available with a little sleuthing. Hazelnut gelato gets its flavor from real than true caramel, but why argue with success? Cookies, sauces and cakes make up ground nuts, not synthetic extracts. Sorbetto Bellini is lovely, made with Prosecco the remaining recipes. and fresh peach. Excellent photography shows off the results. The Introduction merits a read-through. Johns races through gelato history with Just about any syrup will do for the granitas, and almost any fruit could work in assorted trivia. Supposedly, a 16th-Century Florentine cook was the first to use ice the sorbets. and salt to churn frozen desserts, although emperors had for centuries commanAlthough Cactus Pear Sorbetto looks pretty, the work involved in extracting deered blocks of ice to crush for frozen refreshment. Is there an innate human crav- purée from these prickly, pit-filled fruits is only for the most devoted Italian soring for cold, sweet desserts? bettophiles. Maybe there’s a source for ready-to-use cactus-pear purée somewhere, Johns offers good advice to avoid flops, such as when your original creation or for unsprayed pink rose petals needed in another, but Johns doesn’t offer any. I doesn’t freeze, no matter how long that machine hums. Too much alcohol (and guess you need to grow your own. These show-off sorbetti are probably confined to there is a chart) or sugar will impede freezing, so don’t dump the entire bottle of gelaterias in Italy. For us, they are just a superfluous tease. ■ Marsala or rum into the mix. Gelati do not keep as long in the freezer as American ice creams. They are denser and more intensely flavored, not Joe Rizzo, Proprietor - Country Road Associates LTD. overly sweet, with much less air whipped “We’re the only makers of 19th in and a texture closer to frozen custard Century style furniture to use than hard-frozen ice cream. Although 19th C. barnwood.”

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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WINDOW I ON I REAL I ESTATE ■

Silver Pine Real Estate – a firm with a difference by Jane K. Dove Shalini Madaras of Wilton has started an independent realty, Silver Pine Real Estate, which “goes the extra distance” to forge strong relationships with clients and fully understand their needs. Shalini, a Realtor licensed in Connecticut and New York, is dedicated to helping both buyers and sellers achieve their goals by using some innovative, “out of the box” marketing strategies in addition to tried-and-true techniques. Silver Pine Real Estate is based in Wilton and handles residential real estate, which includes sales, rentals, redevelopment, and investment properties in Fairfield and Westchester counties.

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Shalini was associated with Realty Seven and Country Living Associates, both of Wilton, and, most recently, Teardowns.com, a redevelopment specialist, before deciding to start her own firm. A native of India, Shalini worked in the airline industry and for public relations firms in the Middle East and Asia before coming to America 15 years ago with her husband and children. “My different avenues of experience have given me a broad scope of knowledge, as well as a wide range of understanding of many types of marketing strategies,” she says. “I have also developed an extensive overview of the marketplace and the factors that affect it.” Shalini says the breadth of her experience in real estate combined with her commitment to customized service for her clients inspired her to start her own company. “I have some innovative approaches on structuring partnerships with people I intend on working with long-term,” she says. “I am involved with the Small Business Administration and am looking to expand my opportunities as a small minority business, owned by a woman. I will be officially introducing the new company to the public in mid-May at a cocktail reception to be held in Wilton.” Philosophy

Shalini says her business philosophy is based on finding new ways of attracting buyers to individual properties.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

“When you are selling goods in a retail market, you have to change styles, colors, etc., to keep up with changes,” she said. “But in real estate, you cannot change your product, so you have to adjust the way you market it to stay in step with changing market conditions.” Her strategy involves focusing on the strong points of a home and matching them with customers who will appreciate them. “The more challenging the market becomes, the more new approaches and innovative techniques are needed,” she says. Shalini says the Fairfield-Westchester area has a wide variety of residences and property that include everything from historic homes, some in need of renovation and others already completed, to new construction with the latest in design concepts and

amenities. The property and landscape of many homes also add greatly to their value and appeal, she says. Emphasizing the individual character and ambiance of each residence and its setting is the approach Shalini says will bring the greatest results. “I try to personalize my approach on both sides,” she says. “This means I must take the time to thoroughly understand both the buyer’s and seller’s mentality. I try to match each buyer with their ideal home and each seller with their ideal buyer.” Shalini uses the example of a home with exquisite gardens and landscaping to make her point. “I would bring a property like this to the attention of publications that do See Window on Real Estate page 14

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Window on Real Estate continued from page 13

Community Ties

profiles on unique homes, or maybe make connections through local garden clubs or garden publications,” she said. “There’s much more to be done in addition to using the Multiple Listing Service and putting ads in newspapers and on the Internet.” The Right Time

Undaunted by today’s challenging market, Shalini says launching her new firm now is “the perfect time for me. “Coming from another country, I have a very optimistic perspective on America,” she said. “Here, you can build something for yourself. In other countries, especially if you are a woman, it is not so easy.” Shalini says she believes if you are focused, determined, persevering, and not afraid to work hard for what you what, you will encounter people who want to lend a helping hand. “It may be a recommendation or introduction or it might be some small bit of helpful information, but people here are glad to see you succeed,” she said. “They don’t look at you as possible competition. In many other counties you are an outsider until you somehow impress just the right person. I may not have had the courage to start my own business if I was not living here.”

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Shalini says she and her family have enjoyed living in Wilton, and she has especially enjoyed her role as “soccer mom,” where she has made many friends. “I started in soccer by coaching my daughter’s kindergarten team. From coaching I became a league director, vice president for intramurals, president, and finally the recreational director for the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association’s (CJSA) southwest district, which covers 21 towns.” Shalini was also involved in initiating new soccer leagues for the CJSA for children from grades three through eight. “I also worked on Top Soccer, a CJSA program for physically challenged children in Wilton, and the soccer jamboree for the southwest district of CJSA,” she said. “Having the opportunity to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds gave me a wonderful insight into the people of this country. Through my more than nine years of involvement in soccer, I have grown to feel very much at home within the extensive soccer family and the communities of our area,” she says. Shalini has also taken her interest in soccer to an international level. “One program close to my heart is working through an order of Indian Catholic priests in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, where they house and foster education for children that have physical handicaps or have been given up by their parents because of poverty. The program attends to the basic education of the children and also offers special ‘extras,’ like after-school gardening and music. I hope to bring a special soccer program into the activities that are offered.” Shalini says she has high hopes for the success of Silver Pine Realty. “I am handling everything on my own right now, but am looking forward to developing some longterm partnerships as I move forward. For now I am working on developing a good track record by relying on my creative marketing methods. I want to establish a special place for myself in the local real-estate industry and look forward to what the future will bring.” ■

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April 2008

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RIDGEFIELD KITCHEN TOUR

300 years of kitchens by Allison Stockel This year marks the 300th anniversary of Ridgefield, and, therefore, 300 years worth of kitchens to celebrate as well. On Friday, May 16, Ridgefield homeowners will open their doors from 10 to 2 to welcome tour-goers to kitchens that range from one in the oldest structure in Ridgefield to a kitchen in one of the newest homes. The tour begins with a special home for the Patron Breakfast, which is open to patron ticket holders only from 8 to 10, before the tour begins. The breakfast will be prepared by Bernard’s, and features their world-famous asparagus-andgoat-cheese frittata, potatoes and fruit-and-yogurt parfaits, among other goodies.

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April 2008

Ridgefield of yesteryear. Bailey Avenue Kitchens dedicated themselves to keeping the kitchen authentic while offering upto-date amenities. The second house takes us to the turn of the century with a true Victorian on Main Street. Originally built as a summer cottage, it was one of a trio of homes built by three brothers. A pair of twins, who owned the houses next door to each other, built identical homes. When they had a falling out, each endeavored to make their home distinctive. The kitchen and adjoining family room of our tour home were

Olga Adler

Then it’s off to the oldest structure in Ridgefield, built around 1710. Originally designed as a trading post, the gambrel-roofed Colonial – called “Tuppence” for the two pence paid for goods at that time – originally stood where the Gap is. As Main Street developed into more of a commercial district, the structure was moved to its current location, south of the fountain, in 1948 by Mrs. Mary Olcott, who was concerned about its preservation. The current owners, Gary and Susie Singer, bought the home in the late 1970s and have painstakingly restored the period details, creating an homage to the

See Ridgefield Kitchen Tour page 18

Olga Adler’s home reflects an Asian-inspired decor.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Ridgefield Kitchen Tour continued from page 17 added to the original by prominent local architect Neil Hicks. The open, airy space feels as if it has been part of the house forever. Decorative period touches, such as the decorated transom window above the eat-in area, are some of the features that distinguish this home. Northeast Cabinets Design Inc. meticulously captured the Victorian feel while adding the beauty and convenience of a modern kitchen. Although the next house brings us into the 1950s, this unassuming Cape Cod- style home is rich in both the history of Ridgefield and that of the homeowner’s family. The house is set on what used to be the Ridgefield fairgrounds.

Initially bought by the current owner’s parents, it was part of a larger estate that included the house on the left and the one up the hill, which is where the parents now live, as well as the property on the other side. This unique and welcoming home has a long story to tell, and you can’t help but want to experience every detail as you enter the bright and open kitchen and family area. Moving forward to a 1970s Colonial, we come to a home designed by homeowner and interior decorator Olga Adler of Olga Adler Interiors. This eclectic home beautifully reflects an Asian-inspired décor with a variety of collectibles from years of world travel. Originally from Europe, Olga has blended many styles and influences, bringing the charm and elegance of exotic locales to the practicality of living in Ridgefield. The result is a home with a truly organic feel

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and a window into various cultures. The kitchen is filled with bright color as well as an unusual bamboo motif. Most people look through books to help them design their new kitchens. The homeowner of our 1980s home wrote one. Carolina Fernandez researched 45 kitchens for her soon-to-be-released book, Country French Kitchens, which features 26 of her finds. So she knew exactly what she wanted when it was time to renovate. Walking into this kitchen will make you feel as if you’ve taken off to the French countryside.

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The final home, which was built in 2000, has all the character of a home that’s been around forever. The kitchen, designed and built by Putnam Kitchens, is exquisite in its details. Come experience all of these wonderful homes and kitchens on the Ridgefield Kitchen Tour, Friday, May 16. Tour booklets (tickets) are available at Squash’s Ridgefield Office Supply on Main Street and Ridgefield Supply Co. on Prospect Street, or by calling 203-645-3259. Proceeds from the tour will benefit EJ’s House, Maimonides Academy of Western Connecticut, ROAR, and the Ridgefield Community Center. ■

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�� The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

A home-award winner IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE by Janis Gibson

Working with Gill & Gill Architects of Norwalk and Steck’s Nursery & Landscaping of Bethel, New Canaan builder Richard Rosano and his wife, Sharon, have created a superb home for entertaining indoors and out.

As Sharon and Richard Rosano discussed the ways they would like to alter and expand their New Canaan home a couple of years ago, they reached the conclusion that to get everything they wanted, it made more sense to start from scratch on their two acres. The fact that Rich is a builder (doing business as R.R. Builders LLC, which constructs custom and spec homes in Fairfield County) made the decision easier. “We had lived through a whole-house renovation previously, and it would have been difficult to incorporate the type of things I am doing now into the then-existing house,” Rich said. “So we decided to level it and build new. This way we could create exactly what we wanted, and I can use it as a show home for custom clients.” The resulting six-bedroom home on Skyview Lane was completed last year, and as the family was settling in, the couple learned that it was the recipient of a 2007 HOBI award from the Homebuilders Association of Connecticut for Best Fairfield County Custom Home 10,000 to 11,000 Square Feet. The peer-voted awards emphasize craftsmanship, construction ingenuity and consumer value. When designing a home, said Rich, “You try to get your clients to think of everything they want, and then how best you can give it to them.” The Rosanos’ own home is filled with elegant design details as well as bells and whistles. The four-level, 20-room home was designed by Gill & Gill Architects of Norwalk. Rich and Sharon worked closely with kitchen, bathroom and landscape designers to get all the details they sought. Steck’s Nursery & Landscaping of Bethel created the back yard, which includes a swimming pool and a double waterfall that cascades into the elevated stone spa. A stone wall with a center fireplace marks one end of the stone patio, which surrounds the pool, accented with a full-length pergola. There are two eating areas with a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen and a fire pit amid a descending spiral that provides ample seating. Asked what she likes best about living in the house, Sharon said, “The house has a lot of natural light. You don’t have to turn on lights when you walk into rooms, and we did a lot of things that are family-friendly. For example, we have two young daughters, and the integrated refrigerators of today are not magnetic, so we created a corner in the kitchen with a magnetic chalkboard where we can hang up their artwork and leave messages. We also put in a couple of refrigerator drawers at the end of the counter that

The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

we keep filled with snacks for the kids – yogurt, juice boxes, cut-up fruits and vegetables – so they can make their own food choices. “I like to make Costco runs, so we have a walk-in pantry that easily stores our purchases,” she continued. “The whole house is bright and livable, and it flows well. When I’m in the kitchen – and I love the kitchen – I can look through to the family room and keep an eye on the children.” The family room has a coffered ceiling and a wood-burning fireplace that is also piped for gas, as well as built-in shelving and doors that lead outside. The four other fireplaces in the home are gas-fueled. Asked the same question, Rich laughed sheepishly and said, “The cappuccino/coffee machine. It was almost an afterthought, but it gets used every day. Seriously, this house is set up for entertaining, indoors and out. We have four refrigerators – two in the kitchen, the refrigerated drawers, one in the butler’s pantry, along with a wine cooler – and three dishwashers. The whole house is wired for audio and video – you can pick your own music in any room – and we have a home theater downstairs. I love the outside living, too, the pool, the fireplace, and fire pit. There is also an outside audio system that extends into the pool as well; you can hear music underwater.” In the bells and whistles category, the house offers such features as a snow sensor on the driveway that warms to melt snow, a pot-filler faucet low on the wall to fill the water bowl in a small room that holds the dog’s food and accessories, and chromatherapy lights in the master bathtub that change colors. “I was surprised at how much I like the atmosphere it creates,” Rich said. April 2008

The upstairs laundry room (there is also a laundry area on the main level behind the mud room that services the pool) includes a sink for hand washables, a drying cabinet for delicates, a built-in ironing board, and laundry carts used for sorting or to be wheeled where needed. There is also a whole-house generator hidden by stone walls. The two-story entry features a curving staircase and wainscoting that reaches to the second level and a red oak floor in herringbone pattern with walnut border. The office/ library is mahogany and has a fireplace and the large mudroom has benches over drawers and lots of pegs with open and closed storage above. The girls’ second-floor bedrooms are identical and feature built-in desks, window seats and a slightly elevated play area with shelves for books and toys. Each room has its own sink and toilet area, but the bathtub is shared and can be closed off at either end. The second level also has two guest suites and a master bedroom suite with a fireplace in the main room, a sitting area, an extravagant bathroom, and an immense walkin closet with a breakfast bar, sink and coffee maker. The third level provides an au pair suite. The lower level, with a walk-out, has an Art Deco-style home theater with a

110-inch screen, nine speakers, eight lounge chairs with cupholders, and bench in the rear; a quartersawn-oak billiard room with wet bar and microwave; a temperature-controlled wine cellar; a children’s play area; and an exercise room/dance studio with three mirrored walls and rubberized gym floor. Nearby is a bathroom with steam shower. Both Rich and Sharon, who come from entrepreneurial families, made career changes about six years ago. Rich previously sold software applications, but he gained building experience by working with his father who owns commercial buildings throughout Manhattan. “I always had building in me,” he said, “and it is really satisfying to hand over a set of keys to someone who is going to use and enjoy a house you’ve built.” Sharon is a Realtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. Rich Rosano may be reached at 203-536-3831 or e-mail richardrosano@rrbuilders.com. The company Web site is rrbuilders.com. ■

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Cos Cob as a destination by Isabelle Ghaneh

Cos Cob isn’t an addendum to Greenwich; it’s a small town with an identity all its own. Cos Cob has a firehouse, library and post office, and that’s just the start. There are numerous small businesses in the area, particularly along East Putnam Avenue, and quite a few interesting establishments off the beaten path. Right in the center of Cos Cob are franchise stores and eateries, including Radio Shack, Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts. But there is more than name brands. Independent stores have a presence, although Poricelli’s Food Mart, long a staple in the community, recently rented its space to CVS, much to the dismay of the locals. Cos Cob Liquor, Cos Cob Hardware and Cos Cob Laundry are still in place. Cos Cob TV’s owner, Sean Mecsery, who said his family has been in business here Free In Home Appointment & Written Quote

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for many years, moved to his current location at 5 Strickland Road three years ago. Sean not only offers his customers the personal touch, he installs and designs home theaters. He says he’ll “meet any price a customer can find elsewhere, including Best Buy.” If you are in need of draperies, look no further than JSJ Window Treatments at 3 Strickland Road. JSJ offers shutters and roller blinds, does upholstery and carries the name brands of Romo, Kravet and Duralee. “We have an enormous amount of fabrics, over 1,000 books. It’s a library of fabrics,” the owner, Gregory Cameron, said. Gregory’s dog, Bosco, a calm brown-and-white cocker spaniel, is part of the decor, and he also helps with fabrics, by leading the customers to the books.

There are oodles of places to eat in Cos Cob, including Bella Noona, Ku, a Japanese restaurant, and Mandarin Wok. Don’t forget Chicken Joe’s, long a staple of the area and a great place to get food when you’re on the go. Chicken Joe’s is right across the street from Arcuri’s Pizza, the colorfully painted Cuts for Kids and Plum Pure Foods and Cheese Shop, painted purple, at 236 East Putnam Ave. Plum offers domestic and imported cheeses, and has been in the area for five years. Plum is primarily a gourmet take-out soup and sandwich shop, but it also offers breakfast items, and there are several tables at which to enjoy them. See Cos Cob page 60

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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Sewing Group’s Spring Sale ONE NOT TO MISS The New Canaan Sewing Group will hold its annual Spring Sale on Friday, April 18, from 9:30 to 1: 30 at St. Mark’s Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge (Rte. 124) in New Canaan. The hundreds of handcrafted items include handstitched and embroidered table linens, 18-inch doll clothes and accessories, needlepoint pillows and signs, knitwear for children, stuffed animals, decoupage, handpainted gifts, and gourmet food. The non-profit, fully-incorporated organization is dedicated to raising funds for local health and social-service agencies. The group’s highly popular and successful sales have enabled them to donate more than $1,300,000 to charities in Fairfield County. Parking and admission is free. Cash or checks only will be accepted. For more information, call 203-966-2947.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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HOME I MOANER ■

Remember me not to Herald Square by Ben Guerrero Spring break. I hadn’t even heard the term until I was far too old to appreciate it. We used to call it spring vacation, and I can’t even remember how we used to spend it. Nowadays, the newspapers are full of spring-break stories – wild, bacchanalian abandon at every beachside spot south of the Mason-Dixon line. College students, exhausted from endless months of beer-drinking, all night martini-mixing and carnalcanoodling worthy of Caligula, retire to the beach to relax and renew amid wet T-shirt contests, Jell-O-shot breakfasts and unexpected projectile body functions. I have, naturally, been there, and, with aplomb, done that. So now that I am close to cubing the medial age of most spring-break revelers, I chose to approach my recent seven-day school hiatus from a more historical, Patrick Henry, sort of perspective: I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me snacking or give me nap! So, that is what I did, mostly. Not that I didn’t have a whole lot more of construc-

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April 2008

tive plans. I intended to, as usual, clean my office, do my taxes, read a non-textbook Now stylin’, we headed back to the Volvo, stopping along the way to admire the book, write this column, etc., etc. Easter pastries in shop windows or to be seduced by shoes in others. It felt bad to give I ended up spending a lot of time staring into my computer screen, snooping up such a juicy, free-parking spot in front of the bakery, but, a deal’s a deal, and we around the Internet, sifting through the endless Web sites offering up theories about had another stop to make up town. the TV show “Lost,” playing FreeCell, and not setting my alarm clock. We parked on 35th St., again denied access to the newfangled parking machines Early in the week, when it felt as though my freedom would never end, I got a han- due to the holiday-parking regulations. It was another lucky break. Things seemed kering to get myself a new hat, not that I need one, mind you, but it had been over delightfully civilized on this part of the island, as if the inhabitants had fled to the a year since I had made the pilgrimage. So Melissa and I made a date to go into New country for an extended weekend. When we came up to the Avenue and stepped out York on the Friday. This gave me the whole week to do all the other stuff. Immediately, the days began to fly by. I’d go run an errand in the morning, and the See Home Moaner page 52 next thing I’d know, it’d be dark outside. It got to be that the only thing that could or would slow down the clock was antici�� pating the New York City adventure. We love the city. There is just so much to see and do and we don’t even make a plan. We just start walking and the plan makes itself. We had a plan, though, short but sweet. Melissa was going to buy ear�� rings and I was gonna get me a hat. �� We drive in, because even with gas �� being the way it is, if you take the Willis Avenue Bridge and find a parking place on the street, it costs less than taking the train, and you can fill up the car with junk. Our Friday date happened to occur on Good Friday, which was a good thing on several fronts. The going-in traffic was fairly amenable, and we found a good �� parking place on Broome Street, in front of a trendy bakery. Making a trifecta of goodness, we discovered our money was no good on Good Friday, as far as Manhattan parking meters were concerned. We, actually I, also discovered that the oatmeal-raisin cookies were nowhere near �� as delicious as the young woman behind �� the counter: unimaginative and sparsely �� raisined, so I ate only three of them. �� We heel-toed it westward, on a beauti�� ful, sunny day, only to arrive at the Ted �� Muehling jewelry atelier before it opened. �� Fortunately, around the corner was a love�� ly French-style café/bistro that offered us �� some much-needed chicken with salt soup �� and a clean bathroom to kill the time that �� required killing. �� Later, after being buzzed into the ate�� lier, we selected several pairs of tastefully �� designed gems to adorn Melissa’s ears. �� Now, all those in the know, will know, if �� they know anything. If they don’t know, �� they can pretend to know. All I know is �� that a pair of earrings at Ted Muehling’s black-painted storefront – with only the �� slightest suggestion, by way of a tiny sign, �� that it exists at all – will set you back a �� large portion of a week’s salary, depend�� ing, of course, on your pay scale.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Dogs’ (and cats’) best friends by Jeannette Ross If you want to check references for Laurie Choplinski and Jane Scott, you’re going to have to ask Chip, Dale, Blue, Bailey, Gordie, Ralph, Isabelle, Samson, Angel, and Baxter. The fact they don’t speak English won’t be a problem as long as you can recognize tail wagging and purring. They are the clients of Ridgefield House Checker, the company Laurie and Jane started last year. In addition to caring for animals of all sorts, Laurie and Jane offer house-sitting services, plant and swimming-pool care, pickup of packages and dry cleaning, food and personal shopping, and rides to the doctor. They will also run local errands, drop your car off for servicing, provide access to your home for a contractor or repairman, and even give you a ride to the airport. Both women are insured. Clearly, their favorite part of the job is caring for their canine and feline charges, as they recalled one story after another, from searching a house for Midnight the cat to stocking their shopping carts with soup bones to walking two elderly Labs along

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Ridgefield’s Rail Trail. “We took care of two Bernese mountain dogs,” Jane recalled. “They were bigger than both of us!” For that reason, as well as others, the two women work together as often as possible. “We have a good time,” Laurie said. Having a good time in a second career was a factor in forming Ridgefield House Checker. Laurie and Jane are veterans of the airline industry and they met as flight attendants for American. Jane retired after 40 years and Laurie is still working with 22 years of service. They have lots of experience taking care of people, and “we’ve been working on holidays for 40 years,” Jane added, explaining they are a 365-daya-year service. Jane and Laurie got the idea for the business from one of Jane’s relatives who is in real estate. They put an ad in The Ridgefield Press last year and began getting some calls. Although their business was growing by word of mouth, things really began to pop after a story about the women appeared in The Press last spring. In addition to working in Ridgefield, where they both live, the two also visit neighboring communities. “It’s been crazy but it’s been good,” Jane said. Business peaks around school vacations and holidays, and the two bend over backwards to be flexible. “We’re good at last-minute things,” Jane said. “A customer e-mailed us at 10 Monday night to come over Tuesday morning,” Laurie said. Although their business has been growing, Jane and Laurie don’t expect to be hiring any staff, since they believe they can offer the best service themselves. However, they have enlisted their husbands in a pinch, particularly when it comes to some

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home maintenance issues. For example, some of their clients have generators and wanted to be sure the women could operate them. It’s not a problem, Laurie said. “We have two husbands who are mechanically inclined.” Where some people might see a problem and just ignore it, Laurie and Jane try to solve it. On one job, Laurie and Jane were to look after a cat whose owner would be away for five days. Upon visiting the house, they could not find the cat’s litter box. “We looked everywhere, but we couldn’t find it,” Jane said. So they brought one of their own from home. Later, they learned the owner’s cleaning woman had shut the box up in a closet. “We didn’t want to go through all her closets,” they said. “We treat them like they’re our own animals,” said Laurie, who, like Jane, is a cat owner. That’s why, when they take care of Samson, a black Chihuahua, they play his favorite song, the theme from “CSI: Miami.” He likes to sing to it. He also likes opera. Jane and Laurie suspect much of their pet-sitting business comes from pet owners who are concerned their special-needs animals might not get enough attention from a commercial kennel. One of their charges is a dog suffering from epilepsy who needs 10 pills a day. Samson, the CSI fan, can’t eat certain foods and thus likes to snack on rice cakes that Jane and Laurie are happy to give him. Angel, another See House Checker page 41

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Windows are getting preferential treatment by Tim Murphy As anyone who has stood perplexed and paralyzed in a grocery store aisle while attempting to decide which of the 3,000 salad dressings to pick from can attest, choice is both empowering and confusing. It’s nice to have more options, but maddening as well. Case in point: window treatments. Once upon a time, they required little thought, research or effort. A few sets of white blinds and shades and a curtain or two and you were ready to dress every window in the house. For young single males in their first apartment, a white bed sheet often did the trick. Not anymore. Today’s windows are often treated like the children of royalty – pampered and fussed over until they look just right. “It’s a lot different now than it used to be,” said Jim Chnowski, who along with his wife, Paula, owns Colby’s of Ridgefield, which specializes in custom window treatments. “Windows get a lot more attention than they used to.” The basics (shades, blinds, curtains, shutters) remain, but they have undergone an aesthetic renaissance in the past several decades. Changes in shape, style and material have taken window treatments from a supporting role to center stage along with a room’s other components. “Probably about the mid-1980s was when we started seeing a real difference,” said Jim. “The innovations have kept coming since then.”

What hasn’t changed much is the essence of window treatments. “Privacy and light control,” said Paula. “Those are still the two biggest goals.” For the directionally challenged, getting out a compass might be a wise opening move. Windows receiving light from the south or west may require treatments that do a better job blocking or screening harsh sunlight; windows facing north might benefit from energy-efficient treatments. Privacy is also a crucial factor. A window facing acres of forest may need little or no window treatment. But unless reciprocal voyeurism is your thing, windows close to a busy street or a neighbor’s house usually call for more elaborate treatments that provide ample privacy. Once those two criteria have been addressed, the next consideration is style. “You want the window treatments to match the furniture in the room,” Paula said. “You don’t want something that is going to clash or stand out from the rest of the room.” This is where choice comes in handy. With so many options available, there is no trouble finding something to match a style. Vertical blinds, for example, work well with contemporary looks, while wood blinds complement country or rustic ones. And then there is color. Or, more accurately, a lot of it. Blinds and shades now come in a variety of hues, ranging from sapphire blue to ruby red to emerald green. Some blinds are even two-toned, with one color on the outside and another on the inside. “That’s been one of the biggest changes,” Jim said. “You can now get practically any color you want. There’s a a lot more than just off-white.” Two of the hotter trends involve texSave 10% or up to $300 tured or woven shades and interior shutComplete Home Installation ters. “More people are asking about the woven shades and the bamboo shades,

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which create a more natural or organic look,” Jim said. “And the shutters are popular. You can get them in different types of wood or you can get hybrid shutters or even vinyl shutters. That look is popular. Some people will use the interior wood shutters on French doors.” Safety and avoidance of clutter are also bigger concerns than in the past. Companies such as Hunter Douglas, the country’s leading manufacturer of custom window treatments, have designed shades and blinds that raise or lower with the touch of a finger, virtually eliminating the need for cords. The company also offers a retractable pull-cord system that keeps the cord at a constant length, whether the window treatment is raised or lowered. High-tech is also contributing. Remote-control devices allow users to open and close window coverings and rotate vanes without leaving their sofa. This battery-powered option is particularly useful for high windows and skylights. Besides offering privacy, light control and improved aesthetics, well-done window treatments can also raise a home’s value, especially since they usually come with the place. “They don’t travel well,” Paula said. “The people moving may take the draperies if they match the furniture, but that’s about it. The window treatments are usually designed for specific windows and won’t necessarily fit the windows in the new house.” Jim said that customers have done a good job of keeping up with all the changes. “They’ve usually done their research before they come in,” he said. “From reading on the Internet and magazines, they have an idea of what they are looking for.” The price range varies widely, from less than $100 per window for a basic roller shade or mini-blind to nearly $1,000 for more elaborate treatments. “There’s a big range,” Paula said. “It all depends on what you want to do. There are lots of price points and options.” One of those options doesn’t even require an actual window. The Bright Blind, created by Japanese designer Makoto Hirahara, recreates the look of a window covered by venetian blinds. The blind’s slats are made from electroluminescent sheets that produce enough light to give the illusion of a window where none exists. It’s a faux portal, and perfect for those in a windowless cubicle, a basement apartment or solitary confinement. ■

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The ‘Grand’ finale by Polly Tafrate Once settled at a sidewalk café, we plow through the pleasantries until she blurts out, “We’re toying with the idea of having a third kid. What do you think?” What do I think? This is my third child asking her mother, who is one of three, whether she should have a third? I pause for a few seconds and instead of saying what I really think, muster up diplomatic tact from some unknown source and say, “This is between you and your husband.” She nods. “I know, but we keep going back and forth. Now we want your opinion.” My efforts at prudence vanish. “I can tell you this, if you choose to have a third child, you’ll never be sorry.” What gall! This daughter is on the cusp of turning forty — how could I guarantee this? But I did. She smiles. “We’re thinking that next fall would be a perfect time. Isabel and Jackson would be back in school and we’d have had our summer at the beach house.” “What do they say about a new brother or sister?” She looks annoyed. “Are you crazy? We’re not asking them, although I know Jackson wants me to have a baby. When we see babies in their strollers he says, ‘There’s a baby we could have’ or ‘That’s a pretty one — we could take her home.’” I laugh remembering the time he took me “baby shopping” in the park. Landscape Design & Consultation Over one too many cups of coffee we discuss the practical — age differences between the siblings, affordability, the nanny Pool Design and Construction situation, and the willingness of this baby-tobe’s parents to have a child in college when Plantings of all scales they’re in their sixties. She has all the answers — this has been well discussed. Stonewalls, Walkways and Terraces “Well,” I say, for it must be mentioned, “what makes you think you can even get pregnant?” Property Maintenance “We’ve thought of that. Then we wouldn’t have a decision to make.” Custom Spas and Water Features As I drive home to suburbia, my thoughts are a jumble. One that keeps racing though my mind is the high chairs, Pac ’n Plays and baby gates I’d started to unload. It had been hinted by all three of our children that no new descendents would be joining our family tree. Now I’d need to re-collect all 3 B K E N O S I A AV E N U E � D A N B U R Y , C T 0 6 8 1 0 this stuff. It’s hard, but as promised, I keep my 2 0 3 . 7 4 4 . 8 3 7 6 daughter’s delightful secret. A few weeks later the phone rings. She’s calling from work, W W W. S T O N E B R I D G E A S S O C I AT E S . N E T which is not unusual. CT Licence #555242 “Sit down,” she says.

I become suspicious when my daughter asks me to join her for breakfast one morning. We’d dropped her six-year-old and four-year-old (my Grands) at their private school in Manhattan, and my thoughts were on retrieving my car from the parking garage. Hers, I presumed, were on getting to work.

I magine the possibilities...

S T O N E B R I D G E A S S O C I AT E S

The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

“I don’t need to,” I smile, allowing the enormity of this good news to register. “Out of the gate! The way I figure, it will be born at the beginning of July.” She sounds stressed. She is. “That means I’ll be pregnant during the holidays, ski season and we’ll have our summer at the beach with a squalling baby.” After a few minutes of trying to reason with her, I realize that this mother-to-be will need nine months of cheerleading. As the weeks go by, she always says she feels fine, but I sense an underlying attitude of “what the heck did I do?” Girl? Boy? Nope. They want to be surprised. The doctor gives them a sealed envelope, just in case. After about six months, they cave. “It” is a girl. I sense this baby will enter our world before the scheduled C-section on July 9. Apprehension creeps into my soul the first week of June. I become compulsive about checking my cellphone messages, I keep a full tank of gas in the car and I preface

See Grand finale page 59

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Apple Hill

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April 2008

LOCATION: Set amidst the rolling hills of Weston, this antique barn was discovered by its original owners in Cannon Crossing in Wilton, dismantled and moved its current site where two additions then made it the unique home it is today. PROPERTY: Artfully landscaped, the 2.79 acres offer a variety of settings from which to enjoy the privacy and captivating views, whether it’s by the pool, 45 feet in diameter, from the private patio of the master bedroom, or strolling its hidden pathways. HOUSE: Apple Hill was the renowned home of Lawrence and Armina Langer of The Theatre Guild, and many of Broadway’s leading lights (O’Neill, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Ethel Merman) were frequent visitors. It was also featured in two Hollywood films, The Swimmer and The Stepford Wives. Highlights include the great room with its 35-foot ceiling, 20-foot-high stone fireplace, massive beams, wide-planked floor, large loft, and wall of windows. A gourmet kitchen has timber trusses and a stone hearth surrounds the Viking range and oven. There is a living room with fireplace; dining room; media room; two master suites with baths, one with fireplace and one with sitting room; two more bedrooms with baths. GARAGE: Two-car detached. OUTBUILDING: Spacious office above garage. PRICE: $2,925,000. REALTY: Coldwell Banker Westport. Agent: Gail Lilley Zawacki, 203-227-1269. Photography: David Ames.

SILVERMINE GUILD TAG SALE Start your spring cleaning! Clean out those closets, garages, basements or attics. The Silvermine School of Art in New Canaan is hosting the Art Materials & Equipment Tag Sale fund-raiser on Saturday, April 5, from 10 to 5. Proceeds will benefit the school’s scholarship fund. An assortment of great treasures can be found at the tag sale, including stretcher bars; paints (oil, acrylics, watercolors, pastels); a variety of frames; cameras; enlargers; ceramic supplies; painting, drawing, photography, and printmaking materials; jewelry and sculpture supplies and equipment; and, of course, art books. All at unbelievable prices! As you clean out your studio, cabinets and closets, you can donate your artrelated items to the school. Any used or unused art materials, equipment and art books can be dropped off at the center’s auditorium on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, from 11 to 5. The School of Art is a community-based, non-profit organization that fosters, promotes and encourages artistic and educational endeavors. Even though tuition fees for courses and workshops are competitive with other art schools in the region, there are still students who cannot benefit from studying at Silvermine due to lack of funds. To assist them, the school has a developing scholarship program based on ��

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need and talent. Funds received from events such as the tag sale, go toward providing art education for deserving students. For further information, call 966-6668, ext. 2, or e-mail school@silvermineart.org. About Silvermine Guild Arts Center Silvermine Guild Arts Center is one of the oldest artist communities in the United States. Its nationally renowned artist guild, award-winning gallery and school of art offer more than 20 contemporary and historic exhibitions annually, and a range of art courses and workshops on its five-acre campus. The center provides innovative arts education in Norwalk and Stamford schools and hosts a summer music series. Silvermine Guild Arts Center Mission Grounded in the belief that art is vital to the spirit, creativity and wholeness of human beings, the mission of the center is to cultivate, promote and encourage growth through the arts, to showcase and serve artists, and to foster arts education and appreciation opportunities for the greater community. Silvermine Galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 5, and Sunday from 1 to 5. For more information, call 966-9700, or visit the Web site, silvermineart.org. ■

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

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April 2008

The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

INSPIRATIONS 2008

New Canaan CARES Kitchen Tour by Jeanna Shepard

There are many homes in New Canaan that we drive by and admire, wishing to peek inside. Sometimes we are surprised to see how delightfully different homes are than we had imagined. Other times, the exterior style carries through a house seamlessly. New Canaan CARES 16th annual Kitchen Tour will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 10 to 3, and will provide tour-goers an opportunity to enjoy Inspirations 2008. The seven “chosen” have design features that excite the eyes with variety and sophistication. Each house has its own dramatic mood, enhanced by the creativity of its homeowners and designers. The Gilded Nest

Over the years, the kitchen tour has become a highlight of the spring season. CARES has made it possible for participants to visit entire first floors and outdoor areas, including patios, terraces, pools, and gardens. One of the spectacular homes is a newly renovated, quintessential Connecticut Colonial, The Gilded Nest. This brilliantly updated 1941 home hosts the luncheon and boutique. Though in a house grand in square footage, each room feels personal. One immediately senses the warmth when walking through the rich mahogany entryway into exquisite living and dining areas. Even the great room, with a two-story cathedral ceiling, exudes both elegance and coziness. Designers Gullans & Brooks carry their impeccable taste into a cherry-stained butler’s pantry and expansive cook’s kitchen. Dark wood floors complement soft white custom-painted cabinets with clear glass panes, and two oversized islands. This kitchen is distinguished yet inviting, with light pouring through windows and French doors. Outside, enjoy lunch on the magnificent bluestone terrace. Indoor/Outdoor Living

A few minutes away, a Hamptons-style natural shingle and stone home awaits. The gated entry foreshadows the Jeanna Shepherd photos

The Gilded Nest, an updated 1941 Colonial, is host to both the luncheon and boutique of the kitchen tour, which takes place on Thursday, May 15, from 10 to 3.

The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

elegance within. The kitchen, designed by Front Row Kitchens, boasts a dramatic 14-foot center island with antique black base and white marble counter. Maple cabinetry with flax-colored glaze extends from floor to ceiling, capped with cloister-style glass-paned display cabinets. The adjacent mudroom includes amenities that make it like no other: pantry, laundry room, full bath, and doggie room. This exceptional home by R.R. Builders exemplifies Indoor/Outdoor Living. The semicircular breakfast nook extends the indoors outside with large windows that overlook extraordinary stone landscaping. Two grills, a fireplace, fire pit, sink, refrigerator, bar, pool and two waterfalls make this space ideal for family recreation. Old World Beauty

There is nothing like traditional Old World Beauty, a comforting and nostalgic stop on your journey. One feels at home amidst the winding staircase and fresh blossoms atop a Dutch colonial pedestal. The dining room draws you in with its two-toned, vertical-striped wallpaper and rustic chandelier over an exquisite antique mahogany table. The kitchen boasts English-style glazed cream-colored cabinetry, beaded insets and antique brass faucets. A glistening dark-brown walnut center-island invites family and guests to gather round. A designer at True North Cabinets said, “We wanted to make sure the kitchen was in keeping with the timeless elegance of the rest of the house, so we decided on a traditional style with Edwardian accents.”

A Hampton’s style home highlights the pleasure of Indoor/Outdoor Living.

Bold Artistic Spirit

CARES excitedly presents Bold Artistic Spirit – the first ever “designer home” on the tour. Boxwood Interiors and the homeowner, a wonderfully talented artist, combined their passion for original art and bright lighting to create this lovely, uplifting See New Canaan CARES page 62

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Shopping with Fran continued from page 7

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styles and heels in leather and snakeskin, metallics and patents in sizes 4 to 12, in narrow and medium widths. Through the years, he’s seen every style there is to see and still loves his job. Peek-a-boo toes are still big and “anything goes” today in the world of fashion. Stuart was receiving shoe shipments during my visit, and I enjoyed the preview. If in doubt, take an outfit with you when you shop for shoes; it’s a great decision maker. By now you must be accustomed to those towering heels that have become so popular. There’s an attractive selection of handbags and Spanx stockings. Have a shopping tip? E-mail it to frananjoes@aol.com. ■

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House Checker

continued from page 29

Chihuahua who lives with Samson, likes carrots as treats, as does another client, Baxter the beagle. Their tag line is: Happy Pets Make Happy Owners. All their pet-sitting charges so far have been cats, dogs or rabbits, but Laurie and Jane are happy to add birds or other “exotics” to their roster. Their prices are competitive with those of commercial kennels, too. The first visit of a day – for up to one hour, during which they can feed and walk pets, check heating/air conditioning, pick up the mail, and water plants – costs $30. Overnight visits are $85. Sometimes human clients have special needs, too. The two women have a weekly appointment to take a woman to visit her husband who lives in a nursing home. Another client, who hired them to watch his home while he was away, asked if they would sort out all the junk mail so he wouldn’t have to deal with it when he came home. They will also do more routine things, like keeping an eye on the pipes in winter, watering indoor and outdoor plants in warmer weather, and stocking the refrigerator with essentials for your return home. For more information, call Jane at 203-438-9752 or Laurie at 203-4498529; e-mail rsvp@ridgefieldhousechec ker.com; visit online at ridgefieldhousechecker.com. ■

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

■

HOMEBODIES ■

The last supper by G. Lisa Sullivan I’ve been married for more than 15 years, and during that time one of my favorite pastimes has been to ask my better half what he would request for his last meal were he going to be executed (oh, what a romantic fool am I!). Not too surprisingly, my husband’s “last meal” response rarely changes: shrimp cocktail, then a salad with blue cheese dressing, a sirloin steak, medium well, from Sparks Steak House in Manhattan (it has to be from Sparks), a baked potato with sour cream and butter, garlic bread, a couple of Heinekens, and cheesecake for dessert. “On second thought, since it’s going to be my last meal, let’s skip the salad,” he’ll sometimes rejoin, but that’s usually his only variation.

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My own “last meal” choices vary drastically from those of my husband: baked brie with crackers first, then baked stuffed lobster, garlic bread (at least we can agree on that) followed by a big bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for dessert. Oh, and a Diet Coke, of course. Food For Thought

Food plays a particularly big role for me during the spring, when I can’t help but think of another famous last meal, and remember how closely the Catholic and Jewish religions are connected. It was during Easter dinner at my boyfriend’s house in high school that I gleaned my first real understanding of “The Last Supper,” while simultaneously experiencing my first lesson in art appreciation. My boyfriend’s family, all Catholic, and I, a Jew, were gathered around the dining table, talking and eating the nice meal his mother had prepared. During a lull in the conversation, I noticed, from the corner of my eye, an unusual painting on the wall. I tried to look a little closer, wondering why my boyfriend’s mother had chosen this particular piece of art to grace her dining-room wall. When I got home that evening, my Elegant Design and Cabinetry for Kitchens, Butler’s Pantries, Media Rooms, mother asked, “How was your dinner?” Libraries, Master suite/lux dressing areas. www.ross-drakedesign.com “It was nice,” I replied, “but in the dining room there was this weird painting of a bunch of guys wearing robes, eating at a long table.” My mother stared at me for a moment, and then said, “That’s a painting of ‘The Last Supper’! Don’t they teach you anything in Sunday School?” Evidently not, since I had no idea it was Jesus and his Apostles and that they were, in fact, celebrating Passover, the very same meal that my ancestors 43 Years of Expertise in and I had been celebrating for thou♦ Building New Pools sands of years. I guess I had more in common with my boyfriend’s family ♦ Renovating Old Pools than I thought.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Thanks For The Memories

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My family did not celebrate Easter when I was a child. We did, however, have wonderful Easter dinners each year at a hotel restaurant near our home. April 2008

I have no recollection of the hotel’s special Easter menu (prime rib and ham, most likely), but what I can clearly recall is the candy-filled Easter basket that the hotel restaurant so thoughtfully provided for each table. Overflowing with chocolate bunnies, miniature chocolate eggs, Peeps and jellybeans, the basket was the stuff of childhood dreams ... it’s no wonder I can’t remember what else was served. All I know is that each spring, shortly before Easter Day arrived, my heart would race in anticipation of the wonderful Easter basket that I knew awaited us at the hotel. Unfortunately, Passover foods have never held the same appeal for me. Sure, I like matzo with butter, but I don’t particularly like brisket, a traditional Passover dish that my brother and I always referred to as “stringy meat.” And the desserts, I find, just aren’t as good as non-Passover desserts. Made mostly with matzo meal, since flour can’t be used in Passover baking and cooking, the cakes, pastries, brownies and cookies are rather heavy and dry, and the special “Passover” chocolate that is available, and which I find rather waxy and tasteless, just can’t compare with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate Easter bunny. The Secret’s Out

You can usually find Passover foods on grocery shelves a month or so before the holiday. Matzo, gefilte fish, soup, potato chips, and soda are just a few of the “kosher for Passover” foods available, with manufacturers finding more and more ways to transform nonPassover foods into those acceptable for the holiday. I don’t know about you, but I doubt that Passover nachos could stack up against even those you get at the movie theater or from a vending machine. Unlike me, my good friend Miss Moneybags, who isn’t Jewish, can usually be found standing at the entrance of Stop & Shop several weeks before Passover, waiting for the doors to open so she can purchase chocolate-covered matzo, her favorite Passover goodie. While I’ll consume most any chocolate treat, this dessert, which is available only before and during the holiday, is one that I can most definitely pass over. Miss Moneybags, on the other hand, likes to stock up on enough boxes to last her until next year. In early March or April, depending on the Jewish calendar, I’ll usually get a phone call from her. “It’s here...” she’ll whisper conspiratorially into the phone. “What’s here?” I’ll whisper back. “The chocolate-covered matzo ... Stop & Shop’s got it. I’m going in!” April 2008

I can practically hear the secret-agent music playing in the background. Clearly, Miss Moneybags knows that anyone overhearing her will try and beat her to the punch, and buy up every box. She also knows I’m no competition, and I’ll usually try to pick up a couple of boxes for her anyway. With the holidays coming up, I’m busy mentally planning my Easter and Passover dinner menus, even as I write. Maybe a maple-glazed turkey for the first, and, yes, stringy meat for the other (my husband, daughter and parents love it). Or maybe I’ll just go ahead and serve what I’d really like: baked brie, baked stuffed lobster, garlic bread, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. And Diet Coke, of course. ■

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RACKING I ONE’S I BRAIN ■

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Got good grammar? Not many do by Tim Murphy In a secluded section of the small Long Island town where we spent summer vacations, there was a road sign that read: Slow Children Area. I remember it mostly because of my uncle. One time when we drove past the sign, he said that the neighborhood’s track teams must be really lousy. For clarification purposes, the sign would have been better served with a period or a semicolon after the word Slow. Even an exclamation point would have helped. Still, everyone who drove through the area seemed to comprehend the meaning and my uncle dutifully followed suit by taking his right foot off the gas pedal and letting it rest on the brake.

C A R P E T I N G • N AT U R A L S T O N E

Owing to either cost restrictions or editorial oversight, proper grammar has never been synchronous with road signs. It has also kept a safe distance from many restaurant menus and instruction manuals, as well as nearly all bathroom-stall music writers. (Reminder: The proper spellings are Zeppelin and Skynyrd). There have always been enough documentable misuses to conclude that many of us have little use for grammar. In matters of syntax, spelling and punctuation, a sizable group adopted the same We Could Care Less mantra, which, of course, meant they could indeed. But now, however, it’s apparent that the number of followers was severely underreported. That previous glimpse revealed only the front lines, not the hordes of infantry lurking behind. Providing a more accurate barometer is modern technology, which has acted like the Hubble telescope in exposing just how massive the non-grammar uprising has

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April 2008

become. E-mails, blogs, online forums and social-networking sites reveal a garrison gency. The Internet has provided airtime for a host of grammar-focused groups such of comma splicers, infinitive splitters and apostrophe abusers, while text messages as SPOGG (the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar), which formed in point toward a rogue army of punctuation shunners, suggesting that cell-phone pro- 2004. There are also umpteen Web sites about proper grammar — a collection that includes Celebrity English, which deconstructs the mistakes of the stars and offers viders charge by the question mark. The poor ellipsis, which should be enjoying its moment as the perfect grammati- explanations and corrections. Paris Hilton even has her own section. Scrabulous, a Facebook application of the board game Scrabble, has become so cal metaphor for a self-absorbed, not-finished-talking society, is instead reduced to popular – 700,000 daily users – that Scrabble’s rights-owners recently demanded the bit player, its three consecutive dots requiring far too many keystrokes. Regardless (or perhaps irregardlessly) of the current climate, grammar still matapplication be removed because of piracy. Purists, though, can point to one unscruters. Send a resume with misused words and the job likely won’t be yours. Post a pulous reason why the game has thrived online: A spellchecker is always nearby, and blog with frequent misspellings and the online audience won’t take you as seriously. it’s not your ornery Aunt Gertrude holding a Webster’s dictionary. Compose a poem with numerous subject-verb agreement errors for an English Unbeknownst to most, there is even a National Grammar Day. It takes place on major and your love may go unrequited. March 4 and, as expected, is something of an in-joke for grammarians. Spelled out, Butcher pronoun antecedents in a national magazine article and some people March Fourth is a day that doubles as an imperative command, presumably urging will laugh at you, as actress Chloe Sevigny found out when she was quoted in US those who believe in good grammar to keep reminding others of its value. Weekly as saying: “I shaved my head when I was 17. I sold it for $500 to a famous Or why, as Bart Simpson once put it, “Grammar is not a time of waste.” ■ Broadway wigmaker.” Sevigny, like many of us, might have been daydreaming during English composition class in high school. Even for those who love writing, there is no better stimulus for zoning out than the sight of a teacher at the blackboard diagramming sentences. It’s entirely no surprise that those who grow up and write for a living usually need refresher courses, patient FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION editors and diligent proofreaders. They also have to forget some of the KITCHENS, LIBRARIES, FAMILY ROOMS stuff they learned. Several hoary gram25 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE mar truths are in fact myths. Sentences, for example, can end in prepositions and start with conjunctions; none is not always singular; and double negatives are occasionally permissible. It’s enough to make you want to go lay down, except that would be wrong. You still must lie down to be grammatically correct. Besides vast disinterest, another reason grammar never improves that much is because people don’t take kindly to having their mistakes noted. Suppose you are talking with a group of tax accountants at a party and they correct you when you mention that private �� mortgage interest is no longer deductible. You are grateful for the information, feel empowered, and then leave to find a more exciting party. But if �� a friend always starts sentences with “Anyways,” and you keep reminding him that it isn’t a word, his reaction won’t be �� as generous. Trust me. �� Then again, anyways may one day be a word. Since grammar is an organic, �� evolving species, updates and revisions �� are always around the corner. If enough people use a word incorrectly for enough time, it often forces its way into the dictionary, much like an outlaw barreling �� through the saloon’s swinging doors. Despite the rapid advances in mis�� speak, there are signs of a counterinsur-

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INTERIOR I INSIGHTS ■

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Bedrooms that seduce by Olga Adler If a bedroom were a room used exclusively for sleeping it would be the easiest room to decorate, wouldn’t it? You come in and you doze off. You wake up and you are out of there. Well, for most of us this is not the case. It is the moments before we fall asleep and the time after we wake up that make the bedroom décor so important. Dreamy and sexy, calming and invigorating. How to achieve the balance? It is all in the mix. Bed First

The size and shape of your bedroom should be the main factors influencing your decorating decisions. How big a bed can you squeeze in and where to place it? The

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style of the bed will help determine the style of the whole room, so choose carefully between poster, sleigh, platform, wood or upholstered headboards, etc. As with any other room, it is important to create a focal point. In a master bedroom there should really be only one – the bed. That’s why the bed placement is so critical. It is important that you feel “safe” in your bed. Ideally, the bed should not be in line with any doors but you should be able to see the door when you are in bed. Night stands should have at least one drawer or door – a place where you can put personal items that could create a feeling of clutter if left out. Is there enough room for a sitting area? If so, choose a loveseat rather than a bigger sofa or opt for two chairs and a little table. Add an upholstered bench at the foot of the bed – practical and beautiful.

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April 2008

Light Under Control

Storage

Is your master bedroom light and bright? Can you change the mood of your bedroom if you feel like it? Good lighting is like being well dressed – it is all about layers. Like any other room, the bedroom should have general overhead lighting, preferably small recessed cans. The next layer would be ambiance lighting in the form of sconces or floor lamps. And finally, good reading light is a must in a bedroom – my personal favorite being swing-arm sconces mounted to the side or above the headboard. If you prefer traditional bedside lamps, make sure the size of the shades and the height of the lamps are right. All lights should be dimmable. Ideally you should also be able to control all the lights from your bed. Some bedrooms get too much light at night, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Light “intake” can be controlled by installing shades or by lining the drapes with special light-blocking material.

Built-ins are sleek, can be designed to complement any décor and ultimately add tremendous value to your home. A well designed walk-in closet or dressing room can hold all your clothes, shoes and accessories with a special spot for everything, making your morning struggles easier.

Color • Pattern • Texture

Your bedroom is the most private space in your home, so color choices are very personal. It should not only be a color you love, but also one that looks great both at night and at sunrise. Bring in some contrast by either varying the depth of your favorite hue or by using other colors that complement each other. Vary patterns and textures of fabrics and finishes to add interest. A monochromatic scheme can be stunning if the interplay of materials is just right. Juxtapose silk and sateen with mohair and velvet, add some herringbone wool and grass-cloth wallpaper and you have an exciting and sophisticated mix. Set delicate fabrics against a striking bed frame, hardwood floors and a great rug and you have created a perfect balance of feminine and masculine.

NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION MEETING The Fairfield County chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a charitable research and advocacy group focused on nutritional education, food quality and healthy lifestyles (westonaprice.org) will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Reverence & Mirth store, 15 Square Acre Drive, Stamford, which is just south of Exit 35 of the Merritt. All are welcome. The Price Foundation emphasizes the importance of natural and organic foods in diet, and how diet is tied to human health. This meeting will focus on raw milk, how it compares to pasteurized and “ultrapasteurized” milk and its many beneficial roles in diet. Connecticut is fortunate to be one of the few states where raw milk is readily available at retail grocers. There will be recipes, and a discussion of how people can use raw milk to make cheese at home. For more information, contact Reverence and Mirth at 203-588-9309. April 2008

Something Extra

A feature I like to include in master suites is a little “engine starter” space that may help you become your normal self before you get to the kitchen. Some of my clients just love this. It may include a coffee machine and hot water dispenser as well as small fridge for water and OJ, or anything else that helps you get going in the morning. So, what does it take to create a perfect master bedroom? As in a good hotel suite – super comfy bed, luxurious bedding, just the right temperature and perfect lighting, all soft and soothing while beautiful and functional. Add a sitting area, a writing desk that doubles as a makeup table, ample closets and dressing space, plus a little bar. Wouldn’t it be nice? Olga Adler is an interior designer with a studio in Ridgefield. Her company, Olga Adler Interiors, is dedicated to lifestyle-driven design. E-mail questions or comments to olga@olgaadlerinteriors.com, or call 203-438-4743. ■

Wilton Heritage Museum Exhibition, April 1 – July 15

Four Wilton Artists Remembered A large and comprehensive showing of the work of sculptors Solon H. Borglum and A. Phimister Proctor, and painters Henry G. Thomson and Carl Schmitt.

Wilton Heritage Museum 224 Danbury Rd • Wilton, CT 06897 Opening Reception, April 6 • The Families Reminisce, April 13 • Gallery talk with Joan Kaskell, April 27 • The Silvermine Artists with Ed Vollmer, May 18 • Wilton in the 20th Century with Bob Russell, June 8 • Wilton Artists Show and Sale, June 21 & 22 • Children’s after school art programs. Call museum for details and to receive a brochure.

Wilton Historical Society • 203 762 7257 • info@wiltonhistorical.org • www.wiltonhistorical.org The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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INTO I THE I GARDEN ■

Forget me not by Donna Clark April is the month to plant. I hope you have given it some thought during the winter. Please don’t go to a nursery or grocery store and just pick up a plant that catches your eye. There is a lot more thought that should go into your decision. If you are looking for a flowering shrub that’s easy care, I have a suggestion. Weigela Wine & Roses is hearty in Zones 4 to 9, and, when planted in full sun, it will grow to four or five feet. The foliage, which is dark burgundy, contrasts beautifully with the rosy-pink flowers, making it a highlight in the garden. It will rebloom throughout the summer, and the trumpet-like flowers are adored by hummingbirds. Two years ago I planted five Weigela Wine & Roses along the road behind my mailbox. I moved them back a month after planting when I realized they would block the sight line from the intersection. That set them back a little, but last year they were looking fine, and this year I’m expecting lots of new growth.

Donna Clark photos

Monsella, a double tulip that resembles a rose.

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Spring is bursting out all over. Our greenhouse is brimming with colorful annuals from Alyssum to Zinnia. Our nursery is filled with perennials, ground covers, roses, hedges and climbing vines. And our store is stocked with all kinds of pots, hanging baskets and little extras. Come and stop by to see what we have for you.

The

Gardener’s Center and Florist (203) 655-2549

Just South of I-95, Exit 11 at 1396 Post Road, Darien. Hours: Daily 8 am – 6 pm, Sundays 9 am – 5 pm

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One interesting thing about gardening is that there are always surprises. I received a request from the garden clubs in Ridgefield to talk about an antique rose they are going to sell at the annual Ballard Sale this year. The name is Celsiana – a Damask rose from around 1750. Bells rang in my head – I think I remember hearing about that rose in the past. Well, I took out my trusty file of plants purchased, and, yes, I bought this rose by mail order in 1996. Where in the world did I plant it, and did it live? I finally located it in my garden, and it’s one that I love. This is one of the best Damask roses ever produced, and it is very fragrant, with a breathtaking show in the spring. Here is a description from the Antique Rose Emporium (a mail-order nursery). “The exceptionally large semi-double blooms, often four inches across, appear in such quantity during the long spring blooming season that they weigh down the canes and cause them to form arches of flowers. The open shrub is of moderate height, winter hardy and disease free, and the fragrance is simply overwhelming.” To get back to the Ballard Sale, which is a yearly sale at the Ballard Greenhouse Weigela Wine & Roses, a bouquet in itself. on Main Street in Ridgefield, this year it is May 9 and 10 from 8:30 to 2. �� Ridgefield is marking its 300th anniver�� sary this year and the garden clubs are �� selling this rose with that in mind. There �� is only one problem – they can’t buy these roses from a grower, but will need to have them custom grown. They still have the mother plant at the nursery, but it is no longer on the market. The clubs are taking orders for 2009 – to order, contact Susan McGowan at susan. �� mcgowan@gmail.com. I’m so glad I �� already have this lovely rose. April is the month when tulips start blooming. The double early tulips resemble peonies or roses. They have large flower heads that open almost flat, creating a spectacular showing. We tried a new one called Monsella a couple of years ago. The color is yellow with blood-red flames, and I try not to plant those two colors together (we call it the Shell station colors). Well, you can’t say I don’t try new things, because the first year we planted 100 bulbs in different gardens. That was the tulip that everyone noticed and �� loved. A real showstopper, so this spring �� there will be 200 of them blooming in all the gardens. �� A trend this year is big flowers. �� Peonies are big, and, unfortunately, there �� are not many other flowers that compare �� in size. Years ago I designed and planted �� a garden for a client who owned a silk�� flower store. I’m sad to say she was not �� happy with the garden because so many �� of the flowers were small and filmy. �� She didn’t want annuals planted, so I � �� couldn’t use snapdragons, zinnias, asters, �� dahlias, etc. I think she finally stuck her � �� silk flowers out in the flower bed.

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See Into the Garden page 54 April 2008

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

The

BIG picture by G. Lisa Sullivan

My family had what you might call a seaside cottage when I was growing up. No more than 900 square feet, the three-bedroom, one-bath home, just a stone’s throw from the beach, provided refuge from the heat during the summers of my childhood. The term cottage in those days was often equated with words like quaint, cozy and small. Our cottage was indeed all those things, and included a screened-in front porch, bead-board paneling, a small fireplace, glass-front dining room cabinets, an antique clawfoot bathtub, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a day at the beach. The place never seemed too small to me when we were living there, and I could never imagine wanting anything more. My parents sold the cottage in 1975, but I’ve been back to visit several times since. To my adult eyes, the place did seem a little small, and it was hard for me to believe my parents, my brother and I, and our occasional house guests, all resided there. I would have to say that the word cottage today encompasses an entirely different meaning, and while I would give almost anything to return to those carefree summer days of my youth, I wouldn’t mind doing so in a “seaside cottage” built by Eric Rose, owner of E.M. Rose, a Branford-based high-end residential building company. Good Things Come In Big Packages E.M. Rose builds in a variety of styles, including English Tudor, Stone Georgian, Gothic Victorian, and Seaside Cottage.

I first visited the E.M. Rose company Web site earlier this fall, where I was treated to a veritable catalog depicting Eric’s work. Project See Big picture page 64

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April 2008

The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Home Moaner continued from page 27

writhing human tangle to be delivered in front of J.J. Hat. In celebration, and another weekly salary later, I bought a Borsalino. Who could blame me? J.J. Hat Center is located at 310 5th Avenue, a few blocks south of the Entire into the sunshine, we were hit with a chilly blast of wind, blowing steadily from the Snake building. This is a shameless plug for a business with which I have no affiliation south. It was an ill wind, blowing nobody any good. but want desperately to keep in operation if only from a historical perspective. Not Within a half -block of our descent of 5th Avenue, claustrophobia began to creep that it seems there is any danger of the business going under from my (and my bank in. The closer we got to the Entire Snake building, the larger the crowds became. account’s) perspective. The place was fairly hopping when we walked in. Finally, the crowd at the base of King Kong’s ill-fated final perch became so dense, we All of the important agenda items were checked off, and standing on 5th Avenue, began to feel as if we could simply lift our feet off the sidewalk and be carried wherev- shaded from the rays of the sun by the finest Italian rabbit-felt brim, we made a decier the crowd chose to take us. Fortunately, this did not happen, and we shot out of the sion that affected the course of the rest of the day. The world’s largest department store, I’ll call it “Cracy’s” to avoid litigation, is conveniently located a few blocks away from the corner upon which Melissa and I stood, this sunny Good Friday afternoon. Perhaps it was the glow of the stones that dangled from her earlobes or the jaunty tilt of the freshly-blocked hat that was getting used to the top of my head – but it probably was the gift certificate that Melissa had been carrying around since Christmas – that caused us to lift our feet and allow the crowd to take us over to Herald Square. I can’t explain the deep, perhaps Freudian revulsion that I have for Cracy’s. The mere sight of the signature red bag with the star as an apostrophe causes me to crave Valium. Growth, however, is painful. Besides, why am I this way? Millions and millions of people voluntarily visit this store every year, happily. What gives? Wouldn’t you know, it just so happened that millions and millions of people were voluntarily visiting Cracy’s as Melissa and I shoehorned ourselves through the front door. I wanted some handkerchiefs, maybe, and Melissa was in the market for ladies’ undergarments. Never before, in the history of retail, have two items been located further apart. Men’s hankies were “in dah back uh dah store,” we were told by means of isit our beautiful idea-filled showroom a hitchhiking-thumb gesture, and we and meet our experienced design staff headed that way. There is, by design, no direct route anywhere in these stores. � � They deliberately set things up so you have to snake yourself through acres of merchandise. We went through handbags and jewelry and a phalanx of atomizerwielding perfume hawkers, around an in-store Starbucks, down a small flight of stairs and finally into the men’s department, where the hankies were relegated as an afterthought, adjacent to the belts. 7 Washington Street • SoNo • South Norwalk, Ct 06854 Handkerchiefs in hand, we proceeded to the bank of elevators to whisk us up to 203-523-5822 the sixth floor (ladies’ underthings). We Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9-5 • Thurs 12-8 (parking in the rear Webster lot) waited for a car, along with an increasing crowd of other shoppers, and waited, only

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April 2008

Just like that. to have one finally arrive, which was fully packed with those ascending from the base“Street,” I said, legs aflame, nerves ground to paste. We could see the sunlit street ment. The door opened and the occupants looked out, their eyes daring us to “just across the room, over the tables of identical shirts and neatly displayed ties. With try” to get inside. We opted for the escalators instead, which would take a little while longer but were waning energy, we pushed ourselves against the strong tide of the ocean of incoming showing steady upward mobility. To me, these escalators were the highlight of the humanity, through the smudged glass of the heavy brass doors and on to 7th Avenue, store, ancient and made of oak, they felt like museum pieces, a testament to American into free air, free movement and free will, once more. Silently, barely buoyed by our newly acquired accessories, we walked down 35th craftsmanship. Unfortunately, they weren’t operating for several floors and we had to Street and to the Volvo. It had been a trying retail moment, and our pre-Cracy’s soliuse our leg muscles to propel us upwards, and by now, my old legs were fairly sore. Ladies’ undergarments covered several acres on the sixth floor, so I opted to conSee Home Moaner page 55 tinue up to the in-store McDonald’s to buy some time and a refreshing beverage. Once again, I had to snake my way through the children’s department, this time dodging hoards of kids and mothers with strollers, and, as I got closer, the From Gardens To kids were having tantrums brought on Water Gardens; by the nearness of the golden arches and From Paths To the promise of Happy Meal Sponge Bob Patios; tie-in toys, McNuggets and ketchup. Of course, once I got to my destination, my We Can Create A internal compass gone haywire, multi“Paradise Getaway” tudes of children had won the battle and In Your Own Yard, were happily charging up on sugary soda Just For You! and hydrogenated guar-gum goodness. Later, after I had returned to the sixth Jeffrey Duncan, President floor with my huge diet Coke, I found a Serving Fairﬁeld County for OVER 21 Years! chair to sit in while Melissa finished up. Find us at www.dwatergardens.com 203-849-1114 • 203-268-2368 She had, however, mislaid the handkerchiefs along the way, and my bladder Look For Our Pond Pod Vehicle Around Town!! – surprise, surprise – was reacting to the liter of carbonated chemicals within. According to one of the clerks, the nearest men’s room was in the basement, so down we went, seven flights, to The Cellar, through trendy teen clothing and sections of skateboarding gear, over-priced denim pants with holes already worn into them, through the chapel, up a ramp, between electronic shoplifting detectors at the entrance of the in-store J and R Music World, up several steps into an Italian restaurant to the end of a line of men awaiting entrance to one of the only two men’s rooms on eight sprawling floors of retail. That task completed, I’ll spare you the route we took to return to the handkerchiefs. Suffice it to say, we had to go up a floor, and, without a compass, it took a while to return to the scene of the crime. Then, hankies in hand, we tried to buy them. There were plenty of clerks on the floor, chatting amongst each other, tugging at their cuffs, hanging around near silent registers. They cordially directed us to a distant checkout, where the lone clerk meticulously folded a pile of shirts while giving a sermon on the Manhattan club scene to the youthful tourists he was waiting on. Once completed, he sold us the handkerchiefs, and with a few deft keystrokes we were done for the day.

DUNCAN’S GARDENING & LANDSCAPING, INC.

April 2008

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Into the Garden continued from page 49 Another trend is flowers with scent. I have a new client with a sunken, walled garden. This is an old property and the garden walls have been restored. She asked for roses, and I immediately thought of all the new shrub roses that are easy care, but, just one problem – she wanted only roses that have a scent. I would use that Celsiana rose, but it is way to tall for this garden. In checking all the roses that are available in the catalogs, scent is not listed in the description. The hybrid tea roses have scent, and we are going to use a few. They may not live through the winter, but we’ll give them a try. I immediately think of problems with the sunken, walled garden, like poor air circulation, but maybe there will be good things since that was a gardening trend. A client and friend sent me a book for winter reading called In Our Country Garden by Clare Ogden Davis, published in 1938. I started reading and just can’t put it down. It’s a weekly diary of a gardener in Weston. It’s written with such an appreciation of the garden and by someone who is really doing the gardening. I’m up to July now and, as you would expect, it goes through to Nov. 26. Many of the plants are the same, but I get a chill when I read that her Sweet William had crown rot, so she made up a gallon of 1-to-1000 bichloride of mercury solution and doused them.

There is still time to plant those peas. If you have room for only one kind, I would suggest Cascadia. This is a snap pea that is sweet and tender and almost stringless. It is very early (48 days) with three-inch pods that are carried on 30inch-high vines. The seeds can be hard to find but they have them at Pinetree Garden Seeds (1-888-527-3337 or www.superseeds.com). Yes, you do need a small fence or some tree branches to keep the vines off the ground. These peas are great with dips or for stir fry, or just plain eating in the garden. Questions or comments: donnaclark@ix.netcom.com. ■

Cascadia, a snap pea that is sweet and tender.

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April 2008

Home Moaner continued from page 53 darity had worn away to where there was tension under the surface. We barely knew each other anymore; it was as if we had gotten black-out drunk the night before and either couldn’t remember our bad behavior or chose not to discuss it, maintaining the last tenuous sinews of mutual respect. And then, as if we hadn’t been through enough already, I failed to take the signs over the two right lanes of Madison Avenue seriously. Melissa pointed it out, but I guess I didn’t think that the “buses only” signs applied to me. Part of me thought that the good-natured, Good Friday, holiday-parking rules also applied to the traffic rules. A motorcycle cop thought otherwise, and the summons he scribbled out indicated as much. He tried to get into an argument with me but I wouldn’t let him. Slap the cuffs on me officer, take me away.

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And that was that. Spring break over. The symbolism of Easter with the promise of rebirth and the optimistic movement of the sun in the sky and the warming of the earth conjures up good feelings of thawing, new growth, and, in a few short weeks, colorful, fragrant flowers where once was cold, cracked, gray despair. We will heal and forget, move on to new challenges, new elations, even new retail revelations. We have, for our trials, accumulated a new hat, new earrings, new hankies, and new undies along with a new understanding that we will never again, for any reason, return to Herald Square and the world’s largest department store. In fact, the combination of the words “world’s largest” and “department store” should be cautionary, not seductive. And that we may never again venture up Madison Avenue by car. And next time, if we don’t take the train, maybe Melissa should drive. You can still give my regards to Broadway, ben.Guerrero@sbcglobal.net. ■

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

AWAY I FROM I HOME ■

■

Mississippi: the eye of Voluntourism by Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell One cure for ennui: take on someone else’s hardship. So it was for my husband and the volunteers of Notre Dame of Easton youth ministry’s One Step Closer, a group that rebuilds and repairs houses damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A group of family members waved good-bye as the bus headed to the airport, carrying 10 chaperones and 30 youths, most of whom attend Joel Barlow High School. They were devoting their February vacation to the less fortunate, and they are not alone. Volunteer and service-oriented vacations are such a growing trend that they warrant their own name: Voluntourism. This was the sixth visit to Mississippi by youth minister Sr. Mary Anthony Lovezzola, CSFN. At the time of the hurricane, she lived at the Holy Family of Nazareth Convent, Monroe, and worked at the Catholic Campus Ministry (Newman Center), Western Connecticut State University, Danbury. Slamming into the Gulf of Mexico coast with winds up to 145 mph, Hurricane Katrina swept across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and western Florida. Recorded as the sixth strongest storm in U.S. history, a category-three storm, it

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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damaged or destroyed 75% of the businesses, damaged 89,000 homes and destroyed another 69,000. Determined to help, with the backing by university president, James Schmotter, she and Friar Michael Lasky, also from the center, organized a college trip of 10. Six months after the hurricane, the group encountered many homeless, some fortunate enough to live in tents. “It was as if I took your house, shook it and emptied it out all over the place,” Sr. Mary Anthony said, describing the damage. Plus three to four feet of mud covered

everything; and the stench – no imagination could conjure up such a putrid odor. Worse of all were the fatalities, some still unrecovered. “I had done programs with Habitat for Humanity, where you go in and build, but this was so personal. Instead of wood and plyboard, it was people.” By the second venture, three months later (both sponsored by WCSU and Franciscan Ministries), the group doubled in size. Interest was also piqued in Sr. Mary Anthony’s eighth-grade confirmation class. Shortly thereafter, postcards that promoted the volunteer-based trip attracted what Jeanine Pagliaro, former administrator at the church, calls “an avalanche of responses.” After months of fund-raising and preparation, 42 people, including 10 chaperones, made the first trip last June. Before departure, the Sr. Mary Anthony was transferred to St. Katherine of Siena Convent in Philadelphia and Jeanine, fueled by the teenagers’ enthusiasm, volunteered to coordinate the details, along with Notre Dame administrator Denise Quatela and the assistance of Msgr. Thomas J. Driscoll. She has done so ever since. While residents of middle- and upper-class neighborhoods have found the resources to rebuild, dismal conditions remain for thousands of low-income residents. Rebuilding schools is a priority. In Pass Christian, the town hall, courthouse, library, and police station still operate from trailers. See Away from Home page 58

This home was many miles from the coast. It was caught between two tornadoes and almost completely destroyed.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Away from Home continued from page 57 “The piece that I don’t understand, in a country where we have such assets and wealth and resources, and we give so much to other countries, how can we let three states live like this,” Sr. Mary Anthony says. “You worry that people will be forgotten,” Jeanine adds. Not likely, with the involvement of good Samaritans like freshman Matt Gombos. Within a few days on the first trip, he called home to sign up for the next venture, creating a domino effect with the other volunteers. What inspires so many adults and teens to go and do things like install tile, paint, drywall and sleep little? Sophomore Erin Baker says, “You go in a big group and you almost become a family. You encourage each other to keep going.” “It’s more than plaster, it’s people,” Sr. Mary Anthony further explains. Those who did not desert the area displayed a resilient spirit. “Even though these bad things had happened to them, they were still there, they were still trying to rebuild. They were sad, but they weren’t mad. They weren’t giving up,” Matt recalls. Tale after tale ... you hear about Barbara Carter cooking gumbo dinners for the youth group, with no pots, no pans, no home to call her own. Then there is Connie, cooking day and night, seven days a week for the volunteers. And also Tony, who thanked everybody with bags of home-cooked Cajun shrimp. Not to mention the generosity of the United Methodist Church, where the youth group stayed during the last trip. “Their pastor was thanking us, and we said, ‘We want to thank you,’” Sr. Mary Anthony says.

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“How many people have lived in a trailer for two and a half years with their dog and 74-year-old mother, with a roof that leaks and no air conditioning? The grace, hospitality and sense of humor of these people are astonishing,” my husband says. “I will never be the same,” he says. “It’s so life changing. You want an iPod, but they don’t even have an outlet,” Maddie Fones, high school junior, explains. Sr. Mary Anthony says that each incoming group is a sign of hope for hurricane victims. “There’s hundreds of homes that haven’t even been touched yet. People say, ‘You’re still going?’ And it’s like, OK, if we stop this trip, whose house doesn’t get rebuilt?” And whose spirit – resident or volunteer – remains untouched? ■

DETAILS Donations of money or gift cards from Home Depot, Lowe’s or Wal-Mart can be sent via U.S. mail or dropped off in person to: Notre Dame of Easton Notre Dame Religious Education 655 Morehouse Road Easton, CT 06612 Make checks payable to Notre Dame of Easton (In the memo box note: “Mississippi rebuild”) Monetary donations may also be sent to: David Cumbest 4322 Popps Ferry Rd. D’Iberville, MS 39540 Make checks payable to Heritage United Methodist Church (In the memo box note: “Mississippi rebuild”) All donations are tax deductible.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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Grand finale continued from page 33 every date and appointment I make with, “I may have to cancel at the last minute.” But it doesn’t happen. Driving into the city early in the morning of July 9, the radio announcer gleefully informs his listeners that today will be the first heat wave of the summer and gives us the usual warning to stay inside. “Impossible,” I snap back at the radio. “I’ve got to be a camp counselor now.” The Grands are barely out of bed when I get to their apartment. I suggest to my little campers that we go out to breakfast. This might eliminate any teary “mommy-don’t-go’s.” “Three people and two scooters,” I tell the waiter at the neighborhood diner. He points to a booth. Over pancakes we discuss our day and name our camp -- Camp Fun. We agree to my rule (after all I’m the head counselor) that when two people agree on something the other one has to go along without whining. For the next eight hours we cover Manhattan, cooling off in air-conditioned taxis and fortifying ourselves with sticky junk food and $3 bottles of water. To say my mind is 100% with all our activities would be a lie. I try to stop the “what if ” chatter going on in my head. I anticipate that a call from Daddy will come while we’re riding The Beast, a speed boat, around the city’s harbor. Instead, it comes at our next activity, bowling at Chelsea Piers, but I don’t hear it amidst the racket. At 1:42, I recheck my phone messages to learn that at 1:10, Callie Rae weighed in as a heavyweight at 8.7 lbs., and that she and her mother are going great! The one thing I can’t hear clearly is her name — is it Kelly, Kaeli, Cathy? This, of course, is the one bit of information my two campers want. We return to their neighborhood and shop for “It’s a Girl” helium balloons. On the way back to the apartment I announce, “I’m going to see your mommy while you eat dinner,” thankful that the nanny will stay until 8 or later. “Then I’ll come back and we’ll go out and try to find the Mr. Smoothie truck.” “Not fair! Not fair!” they chant. “You can go tomorrow,” I reply. “We want to go with you. Why can’t we go?” they whine. It’s now a breezeless 102°, with sidewalk heat shimmering like shards before us. “Remember your rule,” my Grand

daughter says. “If two people agree to something, the third one must go along without whining.” I ignore her. I can’t tell them my daughter’s instructions. “I’ll be out of it the first day. I don’t want any visitors except you.” Back at the apartment, the kids bombard me with requests to go see Mommy. They refuse to drink water or take baths. I succumb. “OK, I’ll call your Dad. If he says yes, you can go, if he says no, you can look forward to going tomorrow. Deal?” They look at each other and nod. I phone Dad, and hold out the phone for them to hear his answer. For the first time all day, they’re silent. For a moment all we hear on the other end is muffled whispers. Then, a resounding, “Yes! Come in an hour.” The Grands fling off their clothes as they dance down the hall to the waiting tub. Within five minutes they’re dressed in outfits of their choice, their wet hair leaving damp rings upon their shirts. “Before we go, we need to have a camp meeting,” I tell them. “Here are the rules for the hospital: Give Mommy a big kiss, but do not climb or even bounce on the bed. There will be no shouting at any time, and no crying when it’s time to go home.” “And when we leave, say thank you for the nice time,” Jackson chirps. Guess he’s been coached on party manners. Once at Mt. Sinai hospital, we search for the right entrance, the right floor and the right room with Mommy and Daddy inside. After a few “best manners” minutes, Dad suggests, “Let’s get baby Callie out of the zoo.” The three of them go to the nursery, and I have a few minutes alone to love my daughter. Flanking the bassinet, the Grands wheel Callie into the room. Jackson has a dazzling smile across his face, Isabel looks serious and my daughter’s face is radiant. They take turns holding her. What could be finer than to hold your new baby sister on the first day of her life on earth? If joy were something one could measure, then it would be slipping out the windows of this room. And that, I am now certain, is our Grand finale. But, I’ve said that before ... ■

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�� The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Cos Cob continued from page 23 Peter Szek has owned Greenwich Florist at 2 Orchard St. for 33 years, and he certainly knows his plants. Peter offers an assortment of flowers and flower arrangements. “We have all kinds of tropical and flowering plants,” Peter said. When buying fresh flowers, he noted, “be sure the water you keep them in is room temperature, not ice water.” Music is in the air at Al Oliver, located at 400 East Putnam. Al not only sells Baldwin and Kawai pianos, he also does piano tuning and repair. Paintings on the walls feature musicians; one features flute players, overlooking all the shining pianos. If you want to throw a party, come to Party Paper and Things at 410 East Putnam. Julie Salerno is the owner and her dad helps “babysit” the store when Julie is on the run. Party Paper and Things is full of balloons, noisemakers, plastic trays

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

and glasses, and every kind of party paper goods imaginable, including banners. Recently Annie Watson made her way to 428 East Putnam Ave., and opened up a photography studio. Annie takes clients by appointment, but she is usually at her studio, and welcomes walk-in visitors. “People come in all the time,” Annie said. She is happy to be one of the small, independent businesses in the area. The photographs she has on the wall are eye-popping, and her studio is furnished by Design Within Reach, just down the road on Greenwich Avenue. Next door to Annie’s studio, you’ll find Greenwich Antiques and Consignments Inc., filled to the brim with paintings, jewelry and other artifacts. “We specialize in recycling stuff other people in the area had that they can’t use anymore. They pass it on to the next person through us. We have a lot of collectibles, and a very eclectic mix of items, most with the flavor of long ago,” said owner Kenneth O’Keefe. Cross over Putnam Avenue and you find the Bulldog Bar and Grill tucked away at 136 River Road Extension, with River Road Pizza not far behind. Dave’s Cycle at 78 Valley Road is right around the corner. Patio.com and Apadama Rugs are on opposite sides of East Putnam Avenue, near Top Dog and its large sign of a hot dog and bun, complete with mustard and relish.

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On the other side of the Mianus River, at 137 River Road, is Fjord Fisheries, “offering the best selection of fish in town,” according to Dave Franck, the manager when Victor Alvarez is not around. Walk into Fjord Fisheries and you are instantly reminded of the ocean, thanks to the fresh fish aroma, something that is very pleasant to people who love the sea. Fjord Fisheries boasts an interesting variety of fish, including cooked octopus and squid, and the outside resembles a true fisherman’s shack, covered with buoys. Last but not least, Scarpelli’s Market is still going strong on 45 Bible St. Peter “Mac” Scarpelli, who turned 80 in January, produces sausages in the back of the shop, using the same water-pressure method his father did in 1920, when the store first opened. “I’ve been making sausages since I was 10,” Mac said. Scarpelli’s offers both hot and sweet sausages, and is open every day except Wednesday from 9 to 1. Cos Cob has a variety of shopping opportunities, and something for everyone’s taste buds, whether you like chicken, fish, sausage, pizza, sushi, or hot oatmeal and yogurt smoothies, courtesy of purple Plum. ■

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If you or someone you know would like to be featured in our Food & Drink column, please contact Jeannette Ross at jross@acorn-online.com

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

New Canaan CARES continued from page 39 space. Tour-goers will see almost every room of this home. The foyer puts you into the dream with soaring ceilings and white-trimmed open archways. The dining room is traditional yet centers on a trilogy of dramatic abstract canvases. The living room accentuates the peace, sophistication and artistry which flow throughout the home: the Gentleman’s Sanctuary; resplendent kitchen; second-floor Cozy Retreat (for women only!); and remarkable “craft” kitchen. Once a professional baker, the owner wanted a dedicated space for baking, which evolved into a studio for all art projects. Something for everyone!

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For sleek sophistication, Kitchens by Deane offers Modern American Craftsman. Clean lines and modern thought define this cedar-shake home. Inspiration stems from Asian Zen concepts, obvious in the cool, calm earth colors. Wall coverings in bold yet elegant leaf and floral prints amplify the classic modern notion. Natural straw-weave paper extends to the sitting and dining rooms. Once in the kitchen, designers emphasize originality and practicality in both material and organization. The concrete counter is a must-see! The designer explains, “The homeowners were

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

Feng Shui Harmony

One east-side couple built their home on the principles of Feng Shui Harmony. The placement of the house, interior layout and design were based on understanding and using the energy of nature to promote balance and serenity. This majestic house exudes a peaceful harmony, from the positive energy of the spacious front hall to the luxurious kitchen. In between rests a sizable bar room with stained cherry cabinets and L-shaped serving counter. A doorway opens into the kitchen, flanked by the family room and dining area. The long wall of white cabinetry with Cathedral and Lexington frameless doors and the sleek appliances are most impressive. Two contrasting oversized islands hold center stage in this Kitchens by Deane treasure, while high ceilings create a light, bountiful ambience. The Painted Lady

The Painted Lady, a whimsical new Victorian in town, is remarkable in its authenticity – an escape from the New Canaan norm. From intricate exterior finishes to unique interior layout, this Lady is all about family and fun. The entire first floor was designed around the kitchen created by Christine Donner. The oversized, custom-built farm table with sesame-glazed turned legs and toffee oak top is the gathering place. Surrounding it are workspaces that feature everything from a custom dish-rack to a built-in entertainment center, all of distressed hazelnut maple.

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Like a star, all points lead into the remaining first floor rooms: dining room, mudroom, breakfast room, family room, and vintage parlor, coming full circle to the exceptional full-view double-door entryway and wraparound porch. Organizers offer special thanks to the Grand Sponsor: County TV and Appliances; Corporate Underwriters: Gullans & Brooks Associates, Kitchens by Deane, R.R.Builders/Front Row Kitchens; Corporate Benefactors: Albano Appliance & Service, Boxwood Interiors, Christine Donner Kitchen Design, True North Cabinets/SMC Stone; Corporate Presenters: Janice Parker Landscape Design, OPUS A|V|C; Corporate Friends: Casatelli Marble & Tile, William Raveis Real Estate; Corporate Patrons: Brotherhood and Higley, Clarke, KL Designs, Raging River Counterworks, Stage to Show; and Media Sponsors: New Canaan Advertiser and Moffly Publications, Select staging, Gary’Z. For information and ticket locations, visit www.newcanaancares.org or call New Canaan CARES 203-966-7862. ■

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Big picture continued from page 50 categories, with beautiful accompanying photos, included English Country, Stone Georgian, Shingled Colonial, French Norman Country, High Gothic Victorian, English Tudor, Adirondack Style, and Seaside Cottage. Naturally I clicked on Seaside Cottage first. expecting, perhaps, to find pictures of a modest gray-shingled, rose-covered dwelling, similar to those typically found on Cape Cod. Evidently, E.M. Rose, the recipient of eight HOBI awards during the last eight years, has answered Fairfield and Westchester counties’ demand for large, high-end, highly crafted residential homes, seaside cottages included. Much to my delighted surprise, incredible aerial shots depicting an enormous shingle-style, gambrel-roofed waterfront home appeared on the screen, resembling nothing so much as my simple childhood cottage but rather a home befitting an affluent investment banker, or possibly a hedge fund manager. “At 7,000 square feet, the home is quite large but not ostentatious, and the spaces are intimate and small, lending it a cottage feel,” Eric explains.

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While the company’s comprehensive Web site may contain beautiful four-color aerial and interior shots for its residential projects, it also features photos, believe it or not, of the boiler room. “Building is not just about the millwork and cabinets,” Eric says. “If you want to see how good a builder is, pay a visit to the inner workings, the guts, of the home. The aerial shot is all about the architect, while the boiler room shot is representative of the builder. It shows the value of the property and what we can do ... it’s the main location in which we play a role in raising the quality of our building.” Building Blocks To A Career In Building

A New Canaan native, Eric had been drawn to construction since 1968, when his parents hired Vista-based contractor Carmine Socci to build an addition to the family’s home. “I was so captivated by the building work that each day I’d run home from school to watch the progress, sweep the floor and help Carmine in any way I could,” he recalls. After college, Eric went to work for Louis E. Lee, a residential construction company that built mansions throughout New England, and, according to Eric, did all the construction at Philip Johnson’s estate. “Residential construction is all I ever wanted to do, and I was fortunate to cut my teeth with one of the best firms out there,” Eric explains. In the mid 1980s, Eric accepted a job as executive vice president of CRG Construction, a division of Cutter Realty Group, developers of the Cutter Financial Building in Hartford. He spent several years working on commercial projects, and after living at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Taipei for many months, he returned home in 1994 to continue his residential-building career and launch E.M. Rose.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008

Today, Eric’s firm comprises 50 employees, including those in its Branford office plus a satellite office in Darien, and he prides himself on the company’s technological achievements. With two certified software developers on staff, the company is able to provide clients with up-to-the-minute details on a project’s progress, the budget and any other relevant information. “We make each and every aspect of our clients’ projects accessible to them via the computer,” he says. “Technology is such a large part of what we’re about that I like to joke that we’re the single smallest customer of IBM in the world.” The Fruits Of His Labor

E.M. Rose was honored with three HOBI Awards in 2007: Best Residential Remodel $2 to $3 Million; Best Remodeled Kitchen over $100,000; and Best Special Purpose Room, for a 12-seat home theater. “We’ve been fortunate to receive a HOBI award each time we’ve submitted a project for entry,” Eric says, “beginning with our first HOBI award for Best Project of the Year in 1999 for a French Norman-style house in Wilson Point.” The Wilson Point home was built in 1920 and had to be gutted, according to Eric. “We created several additions and added a pool, pool house and completely new landscaping,” he says. Other memorable projects include a Tudor-period home, which the company built in 2004 and to which it recently added a home theater and great room. In the finishing stage is an 11,000-square-foot shingle-style waterfront home. “I’m usually working on six residential projects at a time, and I prefer those that are designed by and supervised by an architect, from beginning to end,” he says. “I feel the client who chooses to work with an architect has high expectations, great taste and the wisdom to know that the architect is integral to a project.” In the end, Eric can be found overseeing every project, attending to a million details at once. “I am always my clients’ project manager,” Eric says, “and I’m on site every week and available 24/7. My love for residential building always inspires me, and I strive to build the best homes possible, from the inside out.” For further information, call 203-481-4550 or visit the company’s Web site, emrose.net. ■ A luxurious 12-seat home theater won a HOBI award in 2007 for Best Special Purpose Room.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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April 2008

The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

April 2008