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HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

Everett Birdseye House A Welcoming Hearth In The Heart Of Town

A Wizard With Wood From Playhouses To Studios

Renovate, Repair, Remodel But Beware Lead Paint

Bryan Haeffele photo Special Section to: The Valley Gazette

The Stratford Star

The Milford Mirror

The Amity Observer

The Trumbull Times

FairďŹ eld Sun

The Huntington Herald

The Monroe Courier

The Easton Courier

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This Mother’s Day put a bead in her bonnet!

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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this antique home in Stratford was first erected in 1725, and is considered a fine example of Georgian architecture.

EVERETT BIRDSEYE HOUSE

Welcoming hearth in the heart of town by Robin E. Glowa

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chimney, the 2,860-square-foot house is a striking example of Georgian architecHome is where the heart is, or, in the case ture, according to the Stratford Historical of Tom and Andrea Ward, home is where Society. the hearth is. The Wards live in a beautiful 207-year-old, post-and-beam Colonial The Society believes that Everett II reconin Stratford, which is filled with numer- structed the home using most of the old ous charms of yesteryear, including five materials, including original doors with fasgorgeous fireplaces. Known as the Everett cinating custom-made latches and knobs, Birdseye House, the original structure was fireplace mantels both simple and elaborate, erected in 1725 by Abel Birdseye, and was hand-blown leaded glass and wide-planksituated just west of its current location pine wooden walls. The house remained in at 1374 Main Street. This special dwelling the same family until the late 20th century, is also listed on the National Register of reflecting both the classic styling and sturdy construction of the period. Historic Homes. When Abel Birdseye died in 1747, his son William occupied the house for a time. Two generations later, William’s grandson, Everett II, reassembled Abel’s 1725 house at its current address. With its center

Tom and Andrea have spent the past eight years preserving the unique details of the house, while updating and modifying it with modern amenities. Tom says, “We’ve updated everything important — the plumb-

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with gray play beautifully off the stainless steel appliances. The backsplashes are fashioned from perfectly coordinated gray tumbled marble.

ing, maintaining the chimney. We like antique houses; some people are scared of older houses, but we have found this one to be a joy. For us it has been the perfect house.” Andrea adds, “When we first saw the house, it just felt right. We felt very welcome and it was so charming.”

The kitchen flows into a casual dining area, featuring random-width southern pine flooring and continues on to a half bath equipped with pedestal sink.

As much as they adore their captivating Colonial and have worked to elevate it to an even higher level of loveliness, Tom and Andrea have put the Everett Birdseye house on the market. “We are going to be relocating near New York City to be closer to work,” says Andrea. “Our daughter will be graduating from Oxford this year, and she will be going to work on Wall Street, so we have a real need to be very close to the city.”

While most of the windows in the home have been updated with energy- efficient versions to replace the six over sixes, the dining area retains a pair of windows with the original glass. These windows bear etchings scratched into the glass by the original owners. The engravings include delightful messages, such as “Mary married Everett Birdseye, Nov. 25, 1798, and “Moved into this house, Dec. 8, 1803.”

Tom says, “In anticipation of this move, we really have done everything that needs to be done. The exterior of the house has been painted with an oil-based primer; the kitchen floor has been sanded; nearly every room inside has been freshly painted.”

Many of the original details remain, such as the fireplace mantels, hand-blown leaded glass and the original doors with custom-made latches and knobs.

The couple will definitely miss the quaint and convenient Stratford neighborhood. Tom says, “ We are just a 20-minute walk from the train station from here. In 30 minutes, you can walk to Short Beach, and we are a very short distance from a public boat ramp, which is great for boaters and kayakers.” Tom describes the property in glowing detail. “There are a number of gardens with perennials and assorted bushes; we

are installing new arborvitae this weekend. The interior is just so great. There are three working fireplaces and two non-working fireplaces, which still provide a great look to the rooms. There is a big beehive oven built in 1803, which you could bring back to working order quite easily. It could be used for baking bread, if you wanted. There is a really cool big cauldron hanging in the oven.” A tour of the home reveals many more of its intimate details. Against a backdrop of serene sea-foam green, cream or pale butter yellow, each

room harbors a bit of the past with the brightness of the future. The living room fireplace mantel is elegantly embellished with enhanced pilasters and carved dentils. Each of the four bedrooms is anchored by rich, random-width chestnut floors. Two of the bedrooms have fireplaces as well as ample storage space, which may often be lacking in older New England homes. There is a dressing room between the bedrooms, adding more storage space. The spacious kitchen is a modern masterpiece, featuring sumptuous cherry cabinets and pantry. Granite countertops flecked

The kitchen opens to a formal dining room with a fireplace, an enchanting setting for holiday gatherings. Two more fireplaces are in the traditional living room and a bright, well-lit family room, offering spacious gathering areas. A partially finished walk-up attic and two-car garage with a loft offer ample space for families of all sizes. If you are looking for a historic hearth to call your own, consider the beguiling beauty of the Everett Birdseye house. For more information call Tina DeConne at Coldwell Banker, 203-878-7424, 203-8432627 (cell); coldwellbankermoves.com.

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Jackie Perry, editor Bryan Haeffele, designer • Thomas B. Nash, publisher • For advertising information call 203-926-2080

Special Section to: The Valley Gazette • The Stratford Star • The Milford Mirror The Amity Observer • The Trumbull Times • Fairﬁeld Sun The Huntington Herald • The Monroe Courier • The Easton Courier

MAY 2010

VOL IV, ISSUE 4

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Renovate, repair and remodel ... but ...

Beware lead paint! by Joanne Greco Rochman

Home owners who use lead-safe-certified contractors and remodelers find that the work is cleaner and everyone is better protected.”

Did you know that as of April 22 a federal regulation now requires contractors, property managers and other professionals involved with renovating, remodeling or painting to be trained and certified? According to the EPA, training and certification are mandatory and apply to those who work on residential houses, apartments and child-occupied facilities, such as schools and day-care centers, built before 1978. Before this date, lead-based paint was often used in homes, which is why the Federal regulations now require that home sellers provide lead disclosures in homes dated before 1978. Buying a home that might contain lead paint can have negative effects on every member of your family, but children and pregnant women are at an especially high risk. Depending on the level of exposure, lead can cause everything from brain damage to behavior problems to digestive problems.

What is so alarming, Mr. Carney said, is that many remodelers are ignoring this new mandate. Out of 10,000 licensed contractors in Connecticut, only a small fraction are lead-safe-certified, Baybrook’s Fairfield and West Haven employees being among the few. What remodelers don’t realize is that they won’t be able to bid on a job if they’re not lead-safe-certified.

Just as important as the finished product are the licensed contractors whom you can trust to perform the work safely and according to code.

about known lead paint in the home. “People can have an outside test done, but those are expensive, and the results must be shared. When you hire lead-safe conI spoke with Ken Carney, president of tractors and remodelers, you don’t have the Baybrook Remodelers Inc., who is leadliability.” safety certified. He said that home sellers must disclose in writing any information

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According to Mr. Carney, anyone who disturbs more than six square feet has to be lead-safe certified. “Our workers wear the appropriate garments complete with plastic booties and with special equipment in a facility that pre-dates 1978. You don’t know what you’ll find — even in dust particles.

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The EPA’s Lead-Based-Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP) includes pre-renovation education as well as training, certification and work-practice requirements. It states that firms are required to be certified, their employees must be trained in the use of lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants’ exposure to lead hazards and that these practices must be followed. A firm’s employees must take an EPA-approved eight-hour training course to obtain certification and become a “certified renovator.” An eight-hour training course doesn’t sound like much of a hardship, especially in light of the fact that six children per year in the State of Connecticut

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are reported with lead poison. Who knows how many are not reported? “The customers who have young children and do not consider the dangers of lead are always the biggest surprise,” said Mr. Carney. He cites as an example a couple in a home built in the 1930s who gutted a bathroom themselves and had dust covering furniture and toys in an infant’s room. Mr. Carney considers his best projects those that are in full compliance with lead-safe work practices, especially when young children are living in the house. “It’s an especially good feeling when I beat out the contractor who never heard of lead-safe work practices,” he said. According to a press release from the EPA, which launched a national campaign to protect children and families from lead poisoning, a national survey found that only a third of parents in the United States are very concerned that lead poses a serious health risk to their children. If not detected early, children with lead in their bodies suffer damage to the brain, nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slow growth, hypertension, hearing problems and aggressive behavior. The most common pathway to lead poisoning is deteriorating lead-based paint (on older windows, doors and trim or walls) or through improper renovation, repair and painting activities that cause paint to chip, peel or flake. Children are frequently poisoned by ingesting lead dust that has accumulated on their hands,

fingers, toys, or clothing from such leadhazardous sources as floors and window sills. “Dust from paint containing lead is especially toxic to young children,” said Steve Owens, EPA assistant administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “Parents can protect their children from exposure to toxic leadpaint dust by hiring a lead-safe trained contractor if they live in an older home and plan to renovate or repair.” But what about the cost? Considering how careful everyone is with finances these days, it’s not surprising that customers want to know how expensive it is to do a lead-safe work project. “We present the cost before customers even ask, so we can show how lead-safe work practices are the least expensive option considering the alternatives,” said Mr. Carney. Baybrook has already trained all its employees and invested in the special HEPA vacuums used in the cleaning process, so the only cost to the owner is the plastic containment field and some cleaning supplies. That amounts to approximately $150. On the other hand, if a customer opts for a lead test, that costs a minimum of $450. The cost of doing neither cannot be estimated in dollars. So it seems the lead-safe work practice is also the financially smart one. For more information on lead-safe practices and certification, go to the EPA Web site at epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.

TO LOVE, HONOR AND TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE

How couples navigate chore wars by Amanda Bomann I took the faceplate off an electric switch in my bedroom to paint. Once removed, the wires jutted out and I couldn’t screw it back on. Since it was certainly an eyesore and potentially a safety hazard, I asked my handy husband to do it. A day passed. A week passed. Months went by. Finally, I had spent an entire year cringing at the sight of electrical wires. “I think I’ll call an electrician to fix that,” I said one night, gesturing toward the wires. My husband’s eyes opened wide. OK, so I was being passive/aggressive by suggesting this, but I knew the thought of spending money would get his attention. “For that?” he asked, looking at me as if I had made a totally ridiculous suggestion. He walked out and returned with an electric screwdriver. Within one minute, the plate was back on. Unsure of how else to react, I started to laugh. It had bothered me for a year, and he had walked by it every day knowing he could fix it within minutes.

Couples continued on page 12

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Wonderful wizardry OF WOODCRAFT CARPENTRY by Robin E. Glowa I have wanted a tree house since I was a very little girl. My own special hiding place perched on high, where I could hold council with the forest creatures, plan amazing adventures and escape the mundane confines of life below. A simple four-walled structure would have sufficed, with a sturdy roof to ward off the raindrops and pine pitch, and just enough floor space for a sleeping bag, lantern and a spot to stash my treasures — blue jay feathers, river rocks and discarded snake skins. That tree house of my youth never got built. And as the years passed I had to put my dreams of living a little closer to the stars behind me. That is, until I met Scott Clarke, owner of Woodcraft Carpentry. Scott is a master builder of magnificent tree houses and playhouses that wildly exceed the simple fantasies of a small, would-be adventurer. His wonderfully whimsical, one-of-a-kind creations are beautifully constructed from natural

Scott Clarke’s whimsical playhouses incorporate reclaimed wood, hand-hewn timbers, stone, copper and crystals.

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and organic materials, including reclaimed wood, hand-hewn timbers, stone, copper and crystals. With a look that conjures up part Hansel and Gretel, part Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, plus the extreme and delicate elements of nature, Scott’s work is true alchemy. Each house is constructed to custom specifications, but all incorporate design elements that are of particular interest to Scott. “I love curves,” he says, with a smile. ”I love to incorporate the natural curvature of branches whenever I can.” Scott hand-cut the shingles and windows of the houses, giving them curving edges for a softly rounded, flowing appearance. He loves adding detail upon detail to his projects. “I always get carried away on the details,” he says with a chuckle. “I take a lot of time working on each project, working slowly. I like to stand there and think about it, bringing it to life as I go.” Scott brings these magical hideaway houses to life with delectable details and captivating color. The playhouse he built for his own daughter is a luscious and lively mixture of vivid purple, lime green and watermelon pink. A towering turret anchors one side, while a petite deck on the opposite side provides a perch for scanning the horizon. The hand-carved door is embellished with a giant sunflower, the door handle is a hand-carved ladybug and a crystal- embellished wind chime will gently clink with each passing whisper of wind. Not just a wizard at constructing wee human hideouts, Scott also creates fanciful

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dog houses and fantastic custom furniture. Scott’s artistic energy flows through each exceptional piece. Chests and hutches inlaid with curving copper panels, a bench featuring a sinuous serpent slithering through the back slat, sturdy yet sexy tables made with smooth planes of satin-finished wood, with rock and stone counterpoints. Earthy, yet elegant, functional with a bit of funk, Scott’s work incorporates his observations and deep love of all things natural into each of his unique pieces. The crowning touch to many of his creations are the hand-painted and hand-carved insects, sunflowers, dragonflies and ladybugs, which serve both a decorative and utilitarian purpose. “Ladybugs are lucky,” says Scott, “and dragonflies signify immortality.” Scott’s talents continue beyond the tree houses, playhouses, dog houses and furniture to large-scale projects, such as timberframe pergolas, unique outdoor structures and even his own home, which he has been meticulously restoring and adding onto. Hand-cut shingles and massive beams with hand-carved sunflowers are the marks of this creative craftsman.

The natural curves of nature flow throughout Scott Clark’s designs and intricate details are a passion.

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Scott also built a massive post-and-beam studio for his wife Lynn, using handhewn wood from their own property. Scott decorated the peaked ceiling with handpunched copper panels featuring dragonflies and stars, in what might be regarded as a romantic ode to everlasting love. Lynn explains her husband’s creative process by saying, “Scott has a very

Carpentry continued on page 14

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• May 6, 2010 •

A LANDSCAPE TO ATTRACT BIRDS

Will be attractive to ‘birders’ as well by Deborah Roberts Thinking about landscaping your property? Why not consider birdscaping it instead? A garden designed to attract birds will be beautiful and sustainable and have many side benefits. The same plants birds enjoy also attract butterflies, bees and beneficial insects, so you’ll see better pollination of your flowers and vegetables. I bet you didn’t know the majority of insects in gardens are beneficial. So stop using chemicals to control “bad” bugs and allow natural predator/prey relationships to develop. The “good” guys, like lacewings and lady bugs, will keep the “bad” guys under control. And the birds will make sure your garden isn’t overrun by insects. Bird-scaping is also a great excuse to stop being so regimented about garden chores. Not only is slacking off OK, it’s actually encouraged. Birds like a little bit of disorder. They appreciate the open, loose habit many trees and shrubs naturally obtain as they mature, so you can stop pruning them into geometric shapes every season. Leaving seed

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pods and dried flowers on perennials and ornamental grasses over the winter provides food and shelter for birds and adds interest to your winter garden. A little bit of leaf litter or a small brush pile are good things in a bird-friendly garden. All you need to do is find the right balance that works for you and the birds. Bird-Scaping Basics Smart bird-scaping utilizes a mix of trees, shrubs and perennials to provide layers of all the essentials birds need to survive. Consider using native plants since they provide just the right type of food and shelter birds are looking for. Incorporate plants that flower, fruit or berry during different seasons. A densely planted mixed border on the perimeter of your lawn is more inviting to birds than an island bed in the middle of an open space. Use a diverse mix of plants but don’t plant one of everything. Instead, depending on the size of your garden, choose a few plants that match your site conditions and plant them in mass. A group of three of the same shrub is more appealing to birds than three different shrubs planted near each other. The same is true for perennials. Following this design principle will also make your garden more attractive since it will flow naturally. Before you rush out to buy plants, take an inventory of what’s growing in your garden right now. Chances are you already have some bird-friendly plants. If you have several deciduous trees (they lose their leaves in the fall), consider adding a few conifers. Don’t have any shrubs with berries? Buy a few. No fall-blooming perennials? That’s

Incorporate plants that flower, fruit or berry during different seasons.

SMART BIRD-SCAPING UTILIZES A MIX OF TREES, SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS TO PROVIDE LAYERS OF ALL THE ESSENTIALS BIRDS NEED TO SURVIVE. easy to fix. Here are just a few of the many plants that are stellar performers in a birdscaped garden. Think of your trees as bird apartment buildings. Some birds prefer the top branches, others the outer branches and still others

search out the nooks and cavities trees naturally provide. Native evergreen trees such as American holly (Ilex opaca) and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) are ideal birdscaping choices and also provide year round screening and privacy. Large shade trees such as oaks (Quercus), sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) are multipurpose bird magnets, providing food, shelter and nesting places for lots of different birds. Small flowering trees such as fruiting crabapples (Malus) and shadblow (Amelanchier canadensis) will draw birds into your garden throughout the year. Since shrubs have a smaller stature than trees, they bring birds to eye level.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and American cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) are all bird favorites and will add several seasons of interest to your garden. Perennials add a splash of color and provide a smorgasbord of food for birds. For a colorful display of flowers from spring right through fall, plant a mix of long-blooming perennials. Agastache, aster, bee balm (Monarda), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), coreopsis, echinacea, and Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium) are all bird favorites. Ornamental grasses such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium),

Bird continued on page 13

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Couples continued from page 7 My husband is far from lazy. He can spend an entire Saturday afternoon picking up every pine cone in our backyard, and he actually looks forward to going to the dump. But there are household tasks that I want to see done and tasks that he feels are more important. We navigate what can be the treacherous territory of chore wars fairly well, but we do have our differences. Post-marriage, some couples make a smooth transition to domestic roles while others find themselves arguing about such simple tasks as taking out the garbage. In discussing the issue with other couples (who prefer to remain anonymous), what seems to cause the most friction is what needs to be done — how quickly and when. As with any issue in a marriage, communication becomes the key ingredient, but gender differences lead to conflicts. For example, if I ask my husband more than once to get something done, the word nag comes up. He can process what I am saying while gazing at the television and not feel a need to respond, so I think I need to ask repeatedly or it will not get done. Communication conflict and disagreements about household tasks are not unusual. According to Dr. Joshua Coleman, author of The Lazy Husband, for many couples who argue about household chores, the debate centers on whose job is more stressful, who makes more money and who works more hours outside of the home. Wives begin to use such tactics as affection and aggression, while husbands use avoidance techniques. The focus of the book is how to motivate your husband to complete more housework, but the root of the issue is your husband’s view of domestic work in general. So how do couples in Fairfield County fare? Couple A rarely argues except when it comes to household duties. During my phone conversation with them, the chore war was raging and I found myself in the middle. Husband A ended the conversation with the observation that they might need some couples therapy. “I’d ask, for example, would you mind cleaning the bathroom since I’ve done it the past three times. He’d agree, but it would not get done so I would just do it myself or we fight about it,” said Wife A. “This pattern remains. I ask, he agrees, and then there’s a delay until I start doing it myself or we argue. Or he sees me doing it and he gets defensive. Or I just wait it out until it gets done.” Wife A finds making a list helpful. Husband A does not. “I don’t need to see a list. I just leave if I see her making

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a list,” said Husband B. “She always has stuff for me to do, and I get told over and over until I get beat down and do it. She just gets more frustrated than I do. I have other things going on and just don’t find these issues [important] enough to get frustrated about.”

MARTHA STEWART

That’s a good thing

Personality types seem to be a variable in prioritizing the importance of household duties, as well as definitions of the word clean. I hate clutter. My husband keeps everything. I finally bought a cute basket, called it not a nice name and began throwing all of my husband’s clutter in it. This has helped. Couple B has some issues with dividing domestic chores, but finds adding some fun and humor helps make the issue less serious.

by Polly Tafrate

“We’ve designated certain things his job and certain things mine. But he’s a typical man. I ask, he ignores me, and I repeat myself. I started a gold star system where he gets gold stars for things like fixing something or cleaning the basement. We kept the chart in the kitchen, and once a certain number of gold stars was reached, we’d go out to dinner. But once we had a child, we stopped that.”

“I’ve been trying to get tickets to the Martha Stewart show,” I tell my daughter and her husband, “but it seems to be a closed shop.”

But there are still easier ways to an armistice.

“I know someone who works there,” he says. “When do you want to go? How many tickets?”

“What do you mean?” my son-in-law asks. “Don’t you just send in for them?” “I guess,” I answer, “but the wait can take months and you have no choice of dates.”

“We play a lot of rocks, paper, scissors for things like taking out the garbage and best out of three backgammon for the bigger stuff,” said Husband B. “And really, I just love praise. I need some praise in my life, and a good pat on the back always motivates me to do work around the house.”

I gulp and give him a date two weeks forward. I have two friends in mind who I know would love to go. They better not be busy. The next night my son-in-law calls. “You’re right, it’s hard to get tickets, but my friend may be able to swing it. I gave her your e-mail.”

Couple C has reached a level of compromise many wish to attain.

Soon I receive a “Dear Special Guest” invitation, complete with rules masquerading as guidelines: You must submit the names of your guests ahead of time and on the day of the show present a government-issued photo I.D. to be cross-checked with the door list reservation. We’re told to “dress to impress,” recommending that we wear solid bright attire/dress shoes/heels.” Because the studio audience is often on camera we’re advised not to wear dark or muted colors or prints. I also receive a few telephone calls from them confirming our reservation.

“We’re not locked into any job. We just ask each other nicely, and it gets done. Without question, we split the responsibility down the middle, and neither one of us does more than the other,” said Husband C. “We’re a team. My husband takes initiative and does what has to be done. Taking care of our place together is part of the package, so we just take turns with what needs to get done and rarely argue about it,” said Wife C.

Two weeks later, on a cold and icy December day, the three of us wait under the striped banner at Martha’s Chelsea television studios. It’s 12:30 — the time we’re told to be there for the two o’clock taping of the show.

I felt a tinge of jealousy about their chore nirvana. “But this just doesn’t seem normal,” I said. “Actually, I think we have some role reversal,” said Wife C, “where I am more like the laid-back husband and my husband is like a wife when it comes to household duties. And it works.”

Martha continued on page 14

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Agastache is one of many flowers that will attract butterflies.

Bird continued from page 11 Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pennsylvanica) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) can be used as accent plants or groundcovers. Don’t Forget To Supplement An often overlooked feature in bird-friendly gardens is a source of clean water for bathing and drinking. Birds generally prefer shallow bowls with gently sloping sides. A rough surface is better for bathing than a slippery surface. Birds love running water, so installing a dripper or mister will make your birdbath even more inviting. Don’t forget to change the water every few days and clean the bowl periodically with a scrub brush. Bird feeders are also an important part of a bird-scaped garden, providing supplemental food year round, not just in the winter.

To attract a wide array of birds, offer different styles of feeders and a variety of food sources, like seeds, nuts, suet and nectar. Position birdbaths and bird feeders near a ready source of shelter, just in case the birds need to make a quick getaway. Don’t forget to include a bench or comfy chair so you can relax and enjoy all the sights and sounds of your bird-scaped garden. When the neighbors drop by and notice the leaf litter in the corner and a few spent flowers on your perennials, they might comment that your garden has gone to the birds. And you can happily sit back and say, “Yes, yes it has.” Deborah Roberts, a professional landscape designer, is the owner of Roberts & Robert Landscape and Garden Design in Stamford. Contacts: 203-979-3672, droberts@robertsl andscapes.com (Web), gardenofpossibilities. com (blog).

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• May 6, 2010 •

Martha continued from page 12 We go through security, which is almost, but not quite, as intense as at the airports. Once inside, we’re in a waiting room, and, judging from the chatter around us, as excited as everyone else. We’re asked to sign an audience release and waiver form and then we’re free to browse at the Martha Stewart shop where we can purchase anything from a rain slicker to an apron, all with her imprinted logo. An energetic man bounces into the room to welcome us. We dub him, the cheerleader. “Raise your right hand and repeat after me,” he says. We parrot his words promising not to leave our seats once inside the studio.

Scott’s daughter is the proud owner of this magical playhouse.

Carpentry continued from page 9 unique way of creating. He is always open to his surroundings, always seeing something in nature that inspires him. His work is so beautiful because his creative energy just flows, and the end result is so amazing.” Scott says “My work is really different. Nothing is mass produced; every piece is completely custom. Since I was 16 years old, I have been building things. I think I have built just about everything there is to build, except a boat.” “I got involved in a very interesting project in Ridgefield,” Scott says. “I was hired to build a playhouse for a couple who run an animal-rescue farm called Binn Animal Rescue (binnanimalrescue.org). They rescue every kind of animal, from llamas to horses, rabbits, dogs, you name it. They started with one duck and it went on from there. The playhouse was intended for their grandkids, but the goats really loved it. Well, they were so pleased with the

Cabinetry is often embellished with handcarved ladybugs for good luck and dragonflies, which signify immortality.

playhouse, I ended up building all sorts of things for them, including a 17-foot bridge complete with a gate decorated with hand-carved fish.” Earthy, whimsical and highly original, Scott can make your fantasy structure a reality. Made by hand, from the heart, to last a lifetime. For more information: woodcraftcarpentry.com; 203-459-4919.

Seat numbers are called in order and we walk upstairs. To our delight we’re in the VIP section in the row behind the presenting guests. There we sit, three blondes wearing various hues of pink jackets. This compact studio reminds me of a dollhouse. It has several adjacent areas, just the right size for Martha and a guest or two. A screen where a stenciling artist will demonstrate his craft partially blocks our view of Martha’s kitchen area but we can still see her signature white cakestands, pitchers and bowls on shelves. Off to one side is another kitchen where we catch a glimpse of aproned cooks prepping for what must be tomorrow’s show as today’s is going to be just decorating. As a foodie, I’m disappointed, because I’d hoped to watch Martha in the kitchen. Other cozy areas are the living room, craft area, greenhouse and potting shed, which has a faux panoramic Manhattan window wall. Our cheerleader bounces in telling us to watch him for signals as when to clap and when to be quiet. He coaches us in such a serious manner that we’re reluctant to chuckle, sneeze or cough. Men stand behind several large cameras on wheels ready for the show to begin. “You’re the first people Martha will see when she walks through those double doors,” he says. “Stand up, smile and clap loudly.”

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The show concludes with a minor re-taping. Martha flubs her first goodbye, wishes the TV audience a premature Happy New Year on the second (the director reminds her another show will be aired before then), and despite her annoyance she manages a believable and sincere good-bye on her third try. When the cameras are turned off she takes the mike, stands before the audience and asks for a few questions. Some know this is coming and have notes. Here’s Martha at her best, telling one woman with an apple pie concern to press down on the crust before baking. Martha demonstrates this with her palm and adds with a smile, “But don’t let anyone see you doing it.” Back downstairs we retrieve our coats from the coat-check, find the Martha items we’d purchased and take the little goody bag filled with Dove chocolates. Once again we’re on the sidewalk under the striped banner as a taxi zooms past spraying us with droplets of slush. We’ve left perfection inside.

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Martha uses the teleprompter located on each camera, making contact with an unseen TV audience but seldom with us. During commercial breaks, which we do not see, we listen to loud, hip music while our cheerleader circulates throughout the audience handing gifts to a lively few. The ones we recognize from our seats in front are a set of Gladware bowls and bottles of hand lotion. We’re disappointed that Martha doesn’t interact with her audience at these times, but she’s ever the professional, re-arranging a notebook and conferring with her staff. Once the cameras start rolling again she resumes her smooth, suave and polished persona.

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Four, three, two … and there’s a smiling Martha wearing black pants paired with a flowy black top. We later comment on her absence of jewelry and marvel at her ease with walking in stiletto heels. The fact that she’s traveled from Las Vegas the day before and completed a live show this morning doesn’t show. Martha’s subtle make-up and hair enhance her natural good looks. She looks just as she does when I watch her on TV.

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• May 6, 2010 •

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HOME I OF THE I MONTH ■

ENTERTAINERS’ DELIGHT LOCATION: Estate-like grounds surround this home in a sought-after section of Trumbull. PROPERTY: Mature trees and landscaping and sweeping lawns complement the handsome stone patio and free-form pool. HOUSE: Built in 1980, this expansive home has a living room, dining room, family room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling, an eat-in kitchen with fireplace and pantry, a sunroom with vaulted ceiling, five bedrooms (two master suites) and five and onehalf baths. GARAGE: Three-car attached. PRICE: $1,000,000. REALTY: William Pitt Sotheby. Agent: Janice Engel, 203-452-5562. Photography: Wayne Ratzenberger.

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