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HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

Benedict’s Home & Garden A Three-Generation Landmark

Colorful Flower Borders Save Some As Salad Fixings

There’s Music In The Wind As It Dances Through The Chimes

Special Section to: The Valley Gazette

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• HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

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• April 1, 2010 •

DESIGN/BUILD TEAM

Making home renovation a pleasure by G. Lisa Sullivan

When I interview an interior designer, I usually ask her to describe one of her more memorable projects. Not surprisingly, the responses vary widely, but they typically include a description of a room or space renovation. When I posed this question to Denise Balassi, owner of Interior Consultants in South Salem, N.Y., I received a refreshingly unique answer: “It’s actually the client that makes the project memorable,” she explains, “beginning with an objective that he or she wants to meet.” Having perused the company’s comprehensive Web site, including a gallery of project photos, I would say that Denise and her design team, which includes Chris Leder and Judy Romano, strive to imbue each project with the client’s distinct personality and taste, not the designer’s. There is nothing cookie-cutter about Denise, and every job, whether it’s a small bathroom renovation or the complete overhaul of a 22,000-square-foot residence, can stand on its own. You would never look at a photo and think, “Oh, that’s Denise Balassi’s work.” You’d simply think, “Oh, what a beautiful room!”

During the mid 1980s, Denise launched her own design firm in Brookfield, but later relocated the business to New York, where she continues today to serve clients from New York to Florida. Focusing on classic design, Denise strives to achieve a refined simplicity, nothing too over the top in terms of color or scale. “Interior design should be classic, like clothing, which will never go out of style,” explains Denise, whose parents owned and operated a drapery and upholstery business, and who helped ignite her passion for interior design. “I spent a lot of my childhood in my parents’ workroom,” she recalls, “and I loved being part of the process.” Noting that her clientele wants timeless, classic simplicity, she eschews wacky styles or anything too trendy in fabrics, furnishings, accessories and colors.

“One of our young clients has a 10,000square-foot home in Greenwich, as well a 10,000square-foot vacation home in Kiawah Island, S.C.,” Denise says, and she has done and continues to do work on both homes. The Greenwich one is steeped in rich silks, paisleys, plaids Simply Classic and dark woods such as mahogany and cherry. The Kiawah Island residence is Born and raised in Manhattan, Denise, swathed in lightweight cottons in sand an allied member of the American and beach tones, and white-washed Society of Interior Designers (ASID), woods. attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked in two differ- “The two homes for the same family ent commercial design firms before are truly a study in contrasts,” she says, taking a break to start a family. attesting to the versatility of her work. Projects both large and small are welcomed by builder Frank Lisi and designer Denise Balassi.

Pleasure continued on page 16

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• April 1, 2010 •

Benedict’s Home & Garden ��

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A THREE-GENERATION LANDMARK by Karen Dydzuhn Spring is in bloom at Benedict’s Home & Garden in Monroe. Fragrant and colorful plants and shrubs line the nursery’s 10,000 square-foot greenhouses. Although this year’s winter storms may have wreaked havoc on homeowners’ lawns, top-of-the line power equipment, which is prominently on display in one section of the store, is designed to make mowing, trimming and cleaning-up easier. The brother and sister team of Bruce Benedict and Jane Benedict Flader welcome the spring and summer months, when old and new customers stop in to shop for whatever they need to beautify the exterior of their homes.

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For three generations, this familyowned- and -operated business has been a popular garden and home center, as well as hardware and feed store. Founded by the current owners’ grandfather, Ralph, in the late 1940s, Benedict’s initially sold only feed to local farms. Although the store still supplies feed, grain and hay to horse farms and livestock in the area, the business began to expand under the guidance of Ralph’s son William (who passed away in 1973) by including lawn and garden equipment, a nursery, pets and pet supplies and hardware merchandise. “The feed business is part of our family’s heritage,” Bruce explained. “However, our father knew that we

Garden supplies, plants, hardware, feed, and pet supplies make Benedict’s a favorite community shopping center.

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needed to expand; he wanted to serve our market better. He saw the town changing from a sleepy, small rural town to one that was starting to develop.” He and Jane “grew up with the business.” They were raised in the house behind the barn, where their mother, Merna, stays during the spring and summer months. While in Monroe, she, too, works part-time in the office. “She keeps saying that she needs to retire but she can’t let it go,” said Jane, smiling. “After all, the business is in her backyard.” Bruce and Jane also reside in Monroe with their respective families. Bruce and his wife, Pam, a teacher at Chalk Hill School, have three sons — Bill, Ken, and Michael. Jane has three children — Matthew, Mark and Carolyn. She is in charge of the garden center and Bruce oversees Benedict’s staff Many of Benedict’s employees have been with the company for years, and their knowledge and experience are of great beneﬁt to their customers. of 15 full-time employees and 25 part-time, — Wayne Ratzenberger photos seasonal workers. According to Jane, the nursery is ever-expanding. graduate of the University of Vermont, Jane a long-time family friend. He was instru- and sometimes rabbits, are sold inside the taught for a few years before joining the mental in putting Benedict’s entire inven- store. There are also turkeys and laying “We always have a large selection of peren- family business. “I think this was a better tory online and streamlining the company’s hens, which provide fresh eggs for purnials and shrubs in our four greenhouses,” fit,” she said. business operations, Bruce said. chase. Orders are now being taken for 17she said. week-old Americana chickens, which lay For Bruce, working with a group of loyal Bruce obviously has a soft spot in his heart exquisite blue- and green-colored eggs. Two years ago, Benedict’s put in a thermal employees, many of whom have been with for the 30 or so cattle he raises in a pasture ceiling blanket that provides shade in the Benedict’s for decades, is a positive aspect on the 60-acre property. “I do that on the Retail store employee Gail Heitsman is in summertime and warmth in the winter. of his job. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of side,” he said. Some cows can be seen charge of Benedict’s horse and pet depart“This keeps our plants in better shape and longevity,” he said. while driving on the roadways that sur- ment. “She loves animals and knows everyextends their life,” Bruce said. “It also obviround Benedict’s. thing about birds and all pet supplies,” ously makes it more comfortable for people For example, retail store manager, Phil Cyr, Bruce said. to shop.” first worked part-time for the business in Customers are welcome to visit the pond 1976. “He’s been a great help here,” Bruce and farm to the rear of the retail store. Benedict’s Lawn and Garden is at 480 Purdy Jane said that her favorite part of the job said. Kyle Lent, 24, who is responsible for There are ducks, geese, goats, sheep and Hill Road in Monroe; 203-268-2537; Web, is being able to help her customers. A maintaining the company’s Web site, is guinea hens. Baby chicks and ducklings, benedictsgarden.com.

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• April 1, 2010 •

Turning donations into dollars AT SAVERS THRIFT SHOP by Robin E. Glowa “Savers is the best thrift shop experience in the world!,” says Darryl Foley. As the store manager at the newly opened Savers in Orange, Darryl is thrilled to be part of a company that gives shoppers significant savings and benefits local non-profits as well. Darryl says, “Savers is a wonderful company to work for and they are truly making a difference in the world.” There is a “whole lot of good going on,” at Savers. Darryl explains, “We receive thousands of donated items each week, such as books, housewares, clothing and furniture. The Orange Savers has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut, and for each donated item, Big Brothers Big Sisters receives a payment. Customers benefit by having access to quality used goods at a great value, and the money received by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization allows it to make a positive difference in children’s lives.” Founded in 1954, Savers has 230 stores throughout North America, Canada and Australia. With their latest expansion in Connecticut — Orange, Manchester and Newington — the company carries on a

sational at Savers. The cavernous store is easy to navigate. Books are arranged by category. Many popular authors are represented, including Patricia Cornwell, Nelson Demille and Danielle Steele. Cookbooks, craft books, children’s books, novels and reference books will satisfy reading enthusiasts of all ages. Records, DVDs, cassettes, VHS, 8-tracks and video games are phenomenally priced, from 99 cents to $3.99. The housewares area is engrossing. Shoppers should take their time sifting through the ever-changing sea of items, as a different delight appears every week. Seasonal selections, such as dancing Santas and ceramic light-up Christmas trees, intermingle with vintage and new ornaments, as well as cute little Easter bunny statues, delicate pastel Easter eggs and shamrockshaped glass dishes.

Diversity of wares is vast and the turnover is constant, so it’s a treasure hunter’s delight.

strong commitment to the Savers Cycle of Darryl adds, “It’s fun to shop at Savers. It’s responsible reuse and recycling. really like a treasure hunt, so customers should come by often. You never know Landfills are clogged with billions of pounds what you’ll find in the store next. Because of used clothing and textiles. Savers recy- we have so many donations come in every cling program offers an alternative for week, the stock is always changing. It’s a disposing of unwanted clothing and house- new adventure each and every time you wares. Just in the last year, Savers stores visit!” paid more than $117 million to their nonEvery imaginable baking pan, cookie sheet, profit partners to fund their programs and Consumers, collectors, bargain hunters and springform and tart pan and giant mixing services. thrifty shoppers will all find something sen- bowls can be found, as well as a plethora

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of glassware. Crystal-etched wine goblets, pretty jewel-toned martini glasses, charming cordial glasses, graceful champagne flutes and chunky margarita vessels are tucked on the shelves, along with such kitschy pleasures as an entire set of silveredged, bird-themed glasses. Embellished with ring-necked pheasants, grouse and wood ducks, these would be just right for a gentleman’s bar. Pottery plates, cups and saucers in an array of colors and shapes are here. Square plates, complete tea and coffee sets, sturdy bowls and cute crockery will be perfect for young homeowners or students moving into their first apartment. Creative sorts who love to transform common items into artistic yet functional ones, à la Martha Stewart, will find plenty of fodder. Food stylists might use a lovely set of Royal Bayreuth china from Germany, with a delicate green and ivory pattern and a gently worn gilded edge, as a setting for an elegant dessert. Kitchen electronics are arranged in neat rows — coffemaker after coffeemaker, electric teapots, griddles, grills, breadmakers — can be found next to an assortment of furniture, which includes chairs, desks and large velour couches. There is a vast amount of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing at Savers. Darryl notes, “The clothing has been arranged by size and color so it’s really easy to browse through. No searching through dozens of

Shoppers save, non-proﬁts beneﬁt at this reuse and recycle warehouse.

different colors trying to find what’s right for you.” Beyond the long rows of jeans, sweathshirts, shirts, belts, sweaters, ski wear and coats is a sparkling assortment of evening gowns in such stunning shades as cobalt blue, tomato red and sleek black, embellished with sequins, satin-edging and silvery embroidery. A hot-pink feather boa flirtatiously hangs from the end of one rack. Plenty of costume jewelry is on dis-

play — beads, exotic gold bangles, chunky teal, turquoise, hot-pink and deep-purple necklaces will add panache to any outfit. Savers is wonderfully affordable for children’s clothes. There is an extensive choice of fleecy jackets, costumes, pajamas, mittens, swimsuits, play clothes, dress-up clothes and lots of adorable baby clothes. Games and toys for youngsters are also available.

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Savers is at 130 Boston Post Road in Orange; 203-891-0789. Visit savers.com for a list of items accepted for donation.

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For fun, economical, unusual and fashionable finds — from a black velvet, goldbeaded sombrero to a handknit Icelandic sweater — it pays to shop often at Savers, where the next great treasure is just waiting to be discovered and where children will reap the benefit of contributions by Savers to the non-profit services.

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— Wayne Ratzenberger photos

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• April 1, 2010 •

INTO I THE I GARDEN ■

A border of flowers ... SAVE SOME AS SALAD FIXINGS

by Sarah Landis My favorite present I received last year wasn’t an expensive piece of jewelry or one of the many things I not-so-subtly hinted to my husband that I would like. It arrived one chilly day in April with nary a gift-giving holiday or birthday in sight: seeds. Not just any seeds, a collection of seeds for edible flowers. I have a good-sized garden with four six-foot by 10-foot raised beds protected by a pair of motion-sensor water sprayers, which keep our abundant wildlife at bay. Bordering a nature preserve has its bonuses, but all those bunnies, deer, raccoons and the plethora of chipmunks and squirrels are a gardener’s nightmare. So my garden is prime real estate, but I wouldn’t have to give up an inch of my vegetable-growing space. I could tuck these flowers right in front of my house along my front walk without worry about nibbling vermin. I was feeling exuberantly optimistic, for who but an optimist would plant a seed smaller than a piece of sweater lint with the full belief that it would not only grow into a plant but produce beautiful flowers

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• April 1, 2010 •

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that you could eat! And grow these seeds did. Within a couple weeks I had small bachelor’s buttons, borage, calendula, marigold, Johnny-jump-up viola and nasturtium plants. (I also grew the dianthus seeds that came with the collection, but the animals snacked on them.) After setting the seedlings outside for a few hours several days in a row, I planted them outside along with an assortment of herbs.

incorporate some more plants close to my house. Last summer’s best surprise was an afterthought: heirloom strawberry popcorn. The corn plants were not all that attractive in front of my house, but my kids saw the seeds at our local garden center and begged for them. It was already July, but we planted them anyway. It was a small but extremely delicious crop. In fact, it was the best popcorn I ever had. This year I’ve ordered two packs of seeds and I will rip up lawn if I have to to plant them all.

All summer long my, daughter and son, then six and eight years old, plucked fresh flowers and herbs to add to lettuce from our garden for beautiful gourmet salads. We had flower taste tests — the mild and dainty borage flowers won hands down. We adorned our confections, from individual molten-chocolate lava cakes and lemon bars to ice cream, with the flowers. We had so many flowers that we couldn’t keep up with them, letting some go to seed and preserving some in my daughter’s flower press. It was an abundant summer. Looking ahead this year, I will definitely be planting more edible flowers. And now that I’m beyond thinking of them as rare indulgences, as you would if you paid $5 for a tiny clear plastic box of them at the supermarket, I’m wondering what the spicy nasturtium flowers would taste like cooked, perhaps with some arugula. And wouldn’t calendula petals, known for their skin-soothing properties, be lovely in homemade soap? Now that I know about storing herbs by making herb butter, I’m thinking about butter with flower petals.

I don’t mind telling you that I am a lazy gardener. I shy away from container plantings because I can’t be relied upon to water them. If I trusted myself to lug out the hose daily, I would surely hang baskets of unbelievably tiny red currant tomatoes from my porch. Who needs flowers when you can have a lush crop of sweet tomatoes?

Peach Melba nasturtiums (left) and Johnny Jump-up violas add color to your garden as well as to your plate. — Sarah Landis photos

my back yard, has edible flowers and I’m looking forward to tasting them. But this relative of mint spreads, so keep it isolated and away from other plantings.

I’ll be planting more herbs into my landscaping again. Basil, parsley and cilantro are a given, and this year I’ll stagger my cilantro plantings by several weeks so I have a continuous supply all summer. I’ll move my dill out of the garden to the front I recently found out that bee balm, which I walk and try starting Russian tarragon and have planted around a rock outcropping in cumin from seed again — after a crop

failure last year — this time being more precise while propagating the seeds. And I’ll try growing sage, thyme and chives from seed and see whether they survive our animal onslaught.

Once a year I’ll spread my home-made compost around my planting beds. I’ll nurture my seedlings for a couple weeks, maybe set them outdoors to harden off for a few days, and then they need to get in the ground quickly before I begin to neglect them. Once they’re in the ground, I can pretty much count on spring showers to help them settle in, and then the plants are on their own. And somehow, this works for me. Mother Nature takes over with fabulously delicious results.

My perennial herbs, oregano and lemon verbena, are lush bush-like plants now. I’m looking forward to trying a new recipe for verbena ice cream. And with oregano’s Sarah Landis is a writer, gardener and homenatural anti-bacterial, anti-viral and gen- maker in Westchester. eral insect-repelling properties, I’d like to

Herb Butter continued on page 17

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• April 1, 2010 •

Scammed ... A CYBER NIGHTMARE by Polly Tafrate The morning started like any other. I poured myself a cup of coffee and went to check my Hotmail before heading to the gym around seven. I answered a few e-mails that needed immediate attention, postponed answering a handful that needed more time and shut down my computer. Or so I thought.

realized I’d no way to tell them that this was a lousy hoax.

“To: Polly Tafrate ... From: Polly Tafrate “Hello, “How are you doing? I hope you are doing fine, Iʼm sorry that I didnʼt inform you about my traveling to England for a Seminar. “I need a favor from you as soon as you receive this e-mail because I misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money, and other valuable things were kept, I will like you to assist me with a soft loan urgently. I will be needing the sum of $2,500 to sort-out my hotel bills and get myself back home. I will appreciate whatever you can afford to help me with, I will pay you back as soon as I return, Iʼm counting on you on this, Kindly let me know if you can be of help so I can send you my details to use when sending the money through western union.

Once back from the gym around nine, I checked my e-mail again before beginning the must-do’s of my day. WHAT? I couldn’t believe what I was seeing — 422 messages. I opened the first one and realized that something was wrong — very wrong. It wasn’t because it was from someone I “I look forward to read from you soon. hadn’t heard from in months — it was her odd message. The gist of it was she needed “Your reply will be greatly appreciated ~P~” to talk this over with her husband before sending me money ... what money? The next one was from our dog’s vet asking if I was OK ... huh? I was opening up the third, when the screen went blank. Immediately apparent to me was that I tried to open my address book to alert someone had hacked into my e-mails, read people that this was a scam, but it was Must be my computer, I thought, and them and knew I was about to travel. I was, empty. The hundreds of names I’d stored asked my husband to open his e-mail. The but not to England. Not only that, but the there had evaporated — travel acquainfollowing is the exact message, complete punctuation and syntax were horrid and tances, people I’d interviewed for articles, with punctuation of my supposed e-mail my signature had been copied as I sign all parents from my teaching days, editors of to him: my mail with either ~Polly~ or ~P~. magazines … my mind sagged when it

My phone started ringing — something it continued to do until around 10 that evening. Looking back now, I’m overwhelmed with the level of concern from people all across the United States. Many were voices from my past. All wanted to know if I was OK and if I needed money. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to chat or think to get their e-mail addresses, as the phone kept beeping with the next caller. A teacher from New Hampshire made me laugh for the first time all day. “I knew it was a scam,” she said. “Why would you be contacting ME for money?” Unbelievable as this may sound, many people fell for this ruse. A woman from Texas said she was going to send $500 if I could answer the question of where we met. “Only you would be able to answer, a cruise ship in Russia,” she assured me. Another neighborhood friend told me that at first he wrote back, “Sorry, I’m tapped out as I just paid my daughter’s tuition.” A few hours later he asked his wife if they couldn’t dip into their savings. A friend

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• April 1, 2010 •

who lives in Venice, Italy, had my husband’s e-mail and wrote, “I have no cash, but can pay your hotel bill with my credit card.” That afternoon my techno-savvy sonin-law walked me through the steps of setting up not one but two new e-mail accounts. Now I was back in cyber-space, but had no addresses. How did this happen? Human error — mine. A few days before I’d received a top priority e-mail from Hotmail saying they were closing accounts and unless I responded within 24 hours with my name and password, mine would be one of them. I fell for it. Retrieving addresses has been like a treasure hunt. Some have been recovered through mutual friends, a few continue to be found on old correspondence and others through word of mouth, but I still wake up at night and think of others I’m missing. To say I didn’t try to rectify this problem would be wrong. I learned the hard way that there’s no human to talk to when communicating with Hotmail. Helpful friends gave me links with meaningless (to me) numeric and alphabetic codes that went on for lines, but all I got from them were hours of wasted time and aggravation. Every department I contacted at Hotmail assured me how hard they were working to help me, but they never did. As far as I know, no one actually sent money, or at least no one has asked me to repay them yet, but this debacle scared me. I’m wary now — so wary that I refuse to open attachments or anything forwarded, and when I send an e-mail, I ask for return confirmation. To be ready if something similar ever happens to you, I suggest you make a copy of your address book, have several e-mail addresses and never give out your password, no matter how legitimate the request looks.

• 11 •

There’s music in the wind As it dances through the chimes by Joanne Greco Rochman

A recent catalogue featuring all sorts of garden accents and accessories took me by surprise when it offered wind chimes accurately tuned to produce alto, tenor, bass and contrabass sounds. The idea is to have various wind chimes sound different musical tones to create a sort of windpowered orchestra. How lovely would that be in a late-spring garden, when gentle breezes dance through the aromatic peonies? Sound added to a wildly colorful and fragrant garden makes for a delightfully sensual experience. avoid smiling when you hear the wind’s song played through these playful creConsidering the long history of wind ations. chimes, they have really progressed from their early prehistoric predecessors. Once So calming is their effect that historically made of bone, stone and wood, today they they have been, and still are, used in feng are made of many different items, includ- shui. This is an ancient Chinese practice ing sea shells, bamboo, metal and glass. So based on the belief that there’s a positive lovely is the unique sound that each set of flow of energy from heaven to earth. Feng chimes creates, they are even used as musi- shui has become quite popular today, especal instruments. cially in interior design. Last year, I attended a concert by the international jazz pianist Keiko Matsui. The percussionist in the orchestra incorporated wind chimes in several musical numbers. The delicate “ting-cha-ting” added an ethereal mood to the piece. While one might think that Mr. Matsui’s Japanese heritage made the use of wind chimes a given, one only needs to recall the Beatles’ album “Abbey Road,” where Paul McCartney also included them.

Many believe that wind chimes bring good luck, and some feel the pleasant tinkling sounds have a spiritual quality. According to information on the Web site Five Acre Wind Chimes, the east and south Asia — from Bali to Tibet to Japan — were mostly responsible for the chimes “greatest and most elegant development.” Apparently, the Buddhists used elaborately decorated wind chimes and affixed them to the eaves of religious facilities. Thousands of them created “an almost deafening sound in the While archeologists and historians try to wind,” according to another report. determine if the first use of wind chimes was to keep away evil spirits, to serve as Although China and Japan are credited with noise-making scarecrows or to detect the first using wind chimes as decorative art in direction of the wind, one thing is a con- private homes, it wasn’t until the 19th and stant. Wind chimes do have a calming 20th Centuries that the decorative aspect effect on people and tend to help balance took hold in Western countries. Now, wind temperament. It’s nearly impossible to chimes are found all over the world.

Building Families... One Heartbeat at a Time

While we can thoroughly enjoy their gentle clinking or even louder clanging, they served many useful purposes before technology stepped in. Sailors would use wind chimes to determine when a storm was brewing. So, too, farmers would pay close attention to the direction of the wind by strategically positioning wind chimes in key locations. Interestingly enough, in the past, sailors and farmers could tell how fast the wind was blowing by counting how many times the clapper hit the chimes. Another source of wind-chime information is Absolute Astronomy. This site says that wind chimes have their origins in India, with their prototype being wind bells, which “by the second century ... were being hung on the corners of large pagodas ...” For those who like do-it-yourself projects, in addition to a variety of Web sites, there are E-books that explain how to make and tune wind chimes and provide information on everything from patterns, tools, materials, stringing and even how to make aluminum pipes look like the much-sought-after copper ones. Wind chimes make beautiful music whether hung outside or inside a house. With so many gorgeous styles to choose from, they add a delightful musical and decorative note indoors when hung before an open window. Recently, I found colorful varieties that ranged from staid to fanciful and featured everything from angelic accents to green frogs. However, no matter the style or construction, the musician is the wind and oh, what a song it sings.

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• April 1, 2010 •

Searching for sweet slumber? RESTOPEDIC TO THE RESCUE by Robin E. Glowa

If you’ve been tossing and turning at night, waking up with a stiff back that requires a 20-minute stretching session just to partially dekink, or have to shake one or both of your hands wildly back and forth to restore a steady flow of blood, then you’re living in my world. Quite simply, my mattress is destroying my life. It sounds like an overly dramatic statement, but I’m telling you, it’s a dire situation. It’s hard to greet each new day refreshed and renewed when each night reveals a new and painful pressure point. If you haven’t slept well, it’s a challenge to remain upbeat, alert and capable of performing at your best. Personally, I find mattress shopping to be quite stressful. A big-ticket item, it’s a purchase with a huge impact. Choose well and you will be rewarded with the ultimate prize of cocooning comfort. Choose poorly and you will have to start the process all over again. You prolong the pain and discomfort while enduring apathetic, uninformed salespeople or overly pushy ones, who assure you this is “the one,” as you wend your way through overcrowded showrooms.

For close to 30 years, Restopedic has been making marvelous mattresses for their customers, and the owners encourage you to try out each of the showroom’s nine mattresses to find what’s right for you: firm, extra-firm, two-sided, or pillow-top. — Wayne Ratzenberger photos

I needed a mattress-buying experience that would restore close to 30 years. Had I only known sooner that these two my faith as well as my flexibility. I began investigating, gentlemen were in the business of selling top-of-the-line searching for the one store where I could whine about my mattresses at factory-direct prices! ailments and have someone actually produce a solution. Upon my arrival at Restopedic, I was graciously received I heard rumors about a store in Bethany that was selling by Kathy Barton-Way. After listening to a 15-minute dissermattresses manufactured on site. Intrigued, I ventured tation about my weary bones, Kathy smiled and patiently forth and am happy to report I have discovered the Mecca led me through the showroom. “You’ve got to try the mattresses out and see what feels best for you, what fits you,” of mattresses at Restopedic. she said. Restopedic owners, Joe Da Silva and Joe Soares, have been making marvelous mattresses for their customers for

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The showroom has nine mattresses to sample. What a refreshing change, I thought, rather than being overwhelmed by too many choices, I would be able to quickly narrow my preferences. After lying on them all — including the firm, extra-firm and two-sided, pillow-top choices — I was ready to focus on my top two contenders. My first choice was a firm mattress, topped with one inch of foam latex. It felt cushy and comfy and I could feel myself relaxing into its coziness. My second choice was built with the same firm mattress, but this one was topped off with three inches of foam latex. Slightly less soft than my first choice, mattress number two delivered a completely different

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• HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

• April 1, 2010 •

• 13 •

feel of enveloping support and comfort. Hmmmmm. As I asked for more details about my impending purchase, I learned that Restopedic mattresses come with long warranties, from 10 to 15 years depending on the model. I also learned that the use of top-quality materials and superior construction have allowed some Restopedic customers to enjoy their mattresses for up to 25 years. I was pleased as well to discover that the latex used in Restopedic mattresses comes primarily from Shelton. Buying local always makes me feel good. It can be difficult to find a well-built, comfortable twin-size mattress. Restopedic offers twin mattresses that are accommodating both in comfort and price, and are perfect for spare rooms, visiting grandchildren, bunk beds and rooms in college dorms. Constructing the mattresses on site enables Restopedic to personalize them. If a customer is looking for a mattress with more inches of foam, for example, Restopedic can make it just so. Restopedic also constructs custom mattresses for boats, RVs and hard-to-fit antique beds. Mattresses can be ready for delivery in one day or up to a week and a half for custom purchases. The work area is completely visible from the showroom, and I must admit to a certain sense of reassurance since I was able to watch the mattresses being built right before my eyes. I was already envisioning my new pallet of pleasure being stitched and stuffed and delivered to me post haste.

Made on the premises, top-of-the-line mattresses at factory-direct prices are Restopedic’s claim to fame.

The owners and staff at Restopedic are committed to producing a fantastic product and giving customers the very best in service and support. Most mattresses are delivered free, depending on the order and location of the delivery site. If repairs are needed, the mattress is taken in, repaired and returned that same evening.

As for me, I’m just thrilled with my experience. Restopedic has rescued me from the ravages of sleeplessness, and there will be nothing but sweet slumber from now on. Ahhhhhhhhh. Restopedic Inc., 695 Amity Road, Bethany; 203-393-1520; Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-4.

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Restopedic’s goal is to please the customer. Kathy says, “We go the extra mile for our customers here. When there is an issue, we come up with a solution. We want people to go out and say they had the best experience buying their mattress from Restopedic.”

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• HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

• 14 •

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• April 1, 2010 •

WINDOW I ON I REAL ESTATE ■

What’s old is new: Cedar Oil for chemical-free insect control by Jane K. Dove

Pesticides are falling out of favor, Michael said, because people are becoming aware of the dangers they cause to our health, animals and environment. Many insects have become immune to them and Cedar Oil is a 100% natural way to effectively kill these pests.

According to the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, 500 species of insects are now resistant to one or more insecticides. Unfortunately, families, pets and their home environments are not immune to the harmful effects. In April 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an advisory following an increase in health problems of pets treated with some flea- and tick-control products.

How It Works

New Life For Old Remedy

Cedar Oil is a natural insect repellent. When delivered in small amounts, the aroma will overwhelm most non-beneficial insects and the lingering aroma of the cedar is a pheromone-interruption agent that impairs the mental capacity of these insects but has no impact on beneficial species like ladybugs, bees, lizards, earthworms, butterflies and toads.

Cedar Oil was popular long ago, as far back as the Egyptians, who used it for mummification, Michael said. Early American settlers spread cedar shavings on their floors and lined closets and drawers with cedar wood to repel insects. Most recently, Cedar Oil is being used with great success to control hordes of sand fleas that attack our soldiers in Iraq.

The oil kills insects and also erodes and dehydrates the insect egg and larvae. This interrupts the egg-laying cycle, eliminating the next generation of pests. Its effectiveness in pest control, therefore, is measured by decreased populations.

Homeowners like Cedar Oil because it has many uses, Michael said. “It can be sprayed on family pets to keep them free of ticks and fleas, on you and your children while working or playing outside in the yard or walking in the woods, on your lawn to

A time-tested natural product — Cedar Oil — is emerging anew as a powerful tool to repel a wide assortment of non-beneficial insects from pets, homes, offices and schools. Cedar Oil kills ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, no-see-ums, chiggers, mites, earwigs, bedbugs, ants, termites and more. “It’s a pretty amazing product,” said Michael Fortuna, head of Fortuna Builders LLC of Woodbury. He is the Connecticut distributor for the products, which are manufactured in Texas.

keep it insect-free, and home product, it petrifies wood and proeven injected in your tects the train structures. home’s HVAC system to provide interior Personal Involvement pest control.” Michael first got involved with Cedar Oil In the yard, hom- products because his own pets were loaded eowners can with fleas and ticks. “We have a pond, and either spray it the insects were driving us crazy,” he said. with a garden- “My wife did some research online and hose sprayer or ordered the Cedar Oil. We were amazed at use a delivery how well it worked, and I decided to make system that the line of products available through my hooks into an building business.” existing irrigation system. Cedar Oil is available in amounts ranging The oil is then from small, personal-size sprayers up to 55distributed auto- gallon drums for professional pest control. matically. “In between there are Windex-sized bottles and whole-house kits,” he said. Cedar Oil is also available to homeown- More and more pest control companies ers as Petriwood, a prod- are taking advantage of safe and effective uct that completely seals Cedar Oil as their clients become wary of and stabilizes cedar shingles to pesticides. “I am absolutely sold on this keep out an array of insects. product because it works,” Michael said. “At my house, we went from 20 ticks a day to Commercial Applications none. We have no ants and no mice. I also like it because its part of the green-buildCedar Oil is growing in popularity for use in ing movement, which we decided to join. hotels, schools and offices. “Bedbugs are a This fits right in with our new philosophy, problem in hotels, including upscale ones,” and I could not be more pleased with the Michael said. “Workers can spray the room products.” with Cedar Oil, which does not stain, and literally watch the bugs drop. They can then Cedar Oil products are available to ship anywhere through Fortuna Builders LLC. Call be vacuumed up and discarded.” 203-263-0773 or visit the Web site, fortunaThe Chicago Transit Authority, which has builders.com. Click on the Cedar Products wood-frame elevated train lines, has also page for a full list of products and prices. started to use Cedar Oil. Similar to the

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• HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

• April 1, 2010 •

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• 15 •

HOME I OF THE I MONTH ■

Versatility A Plus LOCATION: This spacious home is in the Berries section of Shelton. PROPERTY: An acre-plus private, level lot offers space for a variety of activities and an attractive koi pond. HOUSE: Built in 1968, the house has been remodeled and features an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings and skylights. There are three fireplaces: one in the dining room, one in the eat-in kitchen and one in the family room. Other rooms include a den, a media room, an office, a four-seasons room with open courtyard, a master bedroom suite and an in-law suite on the first floor. On the second are three bedrooms, and there are three baths and one half bath. GARAGE: Two-car attached. PRICE: $615,900. REALTY: Coldwell Banker Trumbull. Agent: Philip Sampieri, 203-452-3700.

Photography: Wayne Ratzenberger.

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• HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

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• April 1, 2010 •

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�� As an interior designer, Denise Balassi favors classic design that “never goes out of style.”

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Pleasure continued from page 2

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Often, Denise will approach Frank with a design scheme, which he will help execute. They may collaborate on a project as small A Meeting Of The Minds as renovating a bathroom vanity or as large as remodeling an entire house, including Recently, Denise has partnered with trim, millwork and cabinets. builder Frank Lisi, owner of Easton-based Installations in Wood and Greenfield Mill, “We’ve developed a terrific working relato form a full-service design/build com- tionship in which she brings me the plan, pany. The result is a staff of fully accredited and working within the budget, we build designers, architects and engineers work- something that meets or exceeds the cliing together to provide each client with the ent’s expectations,” Frank says. “Our group optimum in service and quality, whether has become like a well-oiled machine, it’s a renovation or new construction proj- working together over and over. Our ultiect, Denise says. mate goal is to satisfy the client, and we keep learning from one another.” Frank, a Bridgeport native and former restaurant owner, launched his business nearly Here in the Northeast, clients tend to pre20 years ago. “I operated out of my home fer darker woods, like cherry, mahogany in Easton until we overran the space,” he and quarter-sawn oak, according to Frank, says. “I rented a larger space in Southport who explains, “In kitchens, we are seeing a for several years until I built our current trend toward wood cabinets painted with a shop on some property I owned in Easton, glaze, with possibly a different finish on an which is separate from the house.” island or hutch.” The company’s philosophy, according to Denise, is to provide homeowners with peace of mind so their projects can proceed with relative ease. “Our team pays close attention to each client’s specifications to create a personalized, quality home in the most cost effective and timely manner possible,” she says. “Working toward a common goal, the designer and builder can streamline their efforts and ensure that each correctly interprets and implements the architectural and design elements, while remaining on budget and schedule.”

“The advantage to having a design-build team,” Denise says, “is that the homeowner doesn’t have to talk to dozens of separate workers — the plumber, carpenter, electrician, etc. — all have one point of contact.” For further information, visit the Interior Consultant Web site, interior-consultants.com, or call 914-533-2275. To reach Installations in Wood or Greenfield Mill, call 203-2686750.

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• HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

• April 1, 2010 •

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A special treat for the dinner table is homemade butter with herbs.

Herb Butter

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continued from page 9 Pour off buttermilk and reserve for drinking. This tastes like whole milk rather than tangy cultured buttermilk. From 2 pints of cream, you will get 1 pint of butter and 1 pint of buttermilk.

The first time I made fresh butter, my husband came home with organic cream, but not from grass-fed cows as I requested. (Dairy from grass-fed cows has a higher omega-3 content.) It worked just fine. I divided my butter into two batches, adding lemon thyme to one and dill to another. At breakfast the next morning my husband spread the lemon thyme butter on his bagel, bit and declared, “Exquisite!” The following week he came home with unhomogenized cream from grass-fed cows in Hudson, N.Y., just about the best cream available. Did the man now want me to make him fresh butter on a weekly basis?

Wash the butter: Pour ice water over the butter. Press the butter against the side of the bowl and pour off the cloudy water. Repeat until the water is clear. This helps extend the life of the butter.

Add herbs and mix thoroughly. How much you add is up to you. Fresh herbs aren’t as strong as dried, so add with abandon. Have fun experimenting with different Whether you go through the trouble of combinations. making your own butter or use sticks from the store, blending in fresh herbs, perhaps Press the butter into a mold (a very small with some citrus zest, will delight your din- bowl works well), freeze for 30 minutes, ers. I prefer to use salt on the table, rather then turn the mold upside down and put it than in the butter. briefly under running hot water. Insert the tip of a knife into the butter and release Ingredients it from the mold, transferring it to a dish. Cream 2 pints* Alternatively, roll the butter into a log. Herbs, washed, patted dry and minced Wrap with parchment paper and then a layer of plastic wrap. Using an electric mixer, beat cream until it clumps together and liquid separates Butter will keep in the refrigerator at least out. This can take as long as 15 minutes. a week and three months in the freezer. Beware: When the butter begins to separate, the liquid (buttermilk) will splatter *Two pints of cream produces 1 pint of unless you immediately lower the speed of butter and 1 pint of buttermilk. Makes your mixer. enough butter for a mold and several logs.

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Milford, CT

1546 Boston Post Road (203) 874-3796

I-95 Exit 39B, 1/2 mile on left

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• HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

• 18 •

• April 1, 2010 •

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Easter Flowers

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