INK MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023 by Ink Publications

A Guide to Finer Living in Connecticut & Abroad DECEMBER 2023

Vol 19 Issue 215 inkct.com

THIS HOLIDA H AY YS SEASON.....

UP PCOMING GARD PCOMIN G DE EVEN NTS! ARTRAAGGEOUS

360 ALLLSTA TARS

Art, Music, Theater, Singing, Dancingg, Audience Interaction… All on one stage. AAll done as a team of friends seeing the world and sharing a love of the Arts.

A magnif g ficent,, colourful and astonishingg expression p of a ggeneration that has reinvented the circcus,, 360 ALLSTTARS is a revolutionary production that will leave you dizzy with excitement!

SATURDAY, 12.30.23 | 4 PM

FRIDAY AY, 03.08.24 | 7:30 PM

THE ARTIMUS PYLE BAND & SOULSHINE

RED HOOT CHILLI PIPERS

Honoring the music of Ronnie Van Zaant’s Ly Lynard Skynard y and SoulShine, an Allmaan Brothers Experience p will take the stage at the Gaarde for ann evening of classic southerrn rocck that is sure to rock the house.

Bagpipes gp p s with attitude. Drums with a Scottish acccent. A blazingg rock band and show so hott, it carries itss own heealth warning.

FRIDAY, 02.09.24 | 8 PM

SATURDDAY AY, 03.16.24 | 8 PM

DON’T DO ON ON N’T MISS THE THESE T ES E SE UPCOMIN U MIN NG GARDE GAR EV VENTS! VENTS!

WORLD BALLET SERIES: SW SWAN W LAKE SUNDAY, 02.11.24 | 6 PM

AN EVEENING WITH DAV AVID SEDARIS Humorrist & Best Selling Author

Experience the legendary! Swan Lakee, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one o night only as a part of the World Ballet Series. See the icoonic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 ffouettés performed by Odile and immerse yourself in magicaal TTcchaikovsky’s music.

WEDNESSDAY AY, 04.03.24 | 7:30 PM

LES BALLETS TROCKKAADERO DE D MONTE CARLO

WHOSEE LIVE ANYYW WAY?

The World’s Foremost All-M Male Comic Ballet Company

TUESDAY, 02.27.24 | 7:30 PM

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo brings its internationally beloved troupe of male dancers to New London to perform a brilliant combiination of skillful pointe work and hilarious parodying of classical ballet favorites like Swan Lake. Spoonsorreed By: Blu-Prints Unlimitteed

THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF GEORGE G MICHAEL SUNDAY, 03.03.24 | 7:30 PM

The Life and Music of George Michaeel is a brand new concert-style show that chhronicles the amazing journey George Michael had with music and his fans. The show captures the peerformance and sound of George Michael with staging and lighting while telling his story through early e music hits from Wham! and his illustrious solo careeer.

David Seddaris is one of America’s pre-eminent hum mor writers. He is a master of satire and onee of most observant writers today’s m

THURSDDAY, 04.11.24 | 7:30 PM 90 minutees of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast membbers Ryan Stilees, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murraay will leave you gasping with the witty scennes they inveent before your eyes.

COLIN HAAAYY: SOLLOO

FRIDAY,, 04.12.24 | 8 PM Beloved for f his intimate, confessional live shows, Coliin Hay is widely known for being the influential and celebbrated front man of Men At Work with multi-platinum hits that include Down Under, Who W Can It Be Now and Overkill among many others. This show will feature Colin Hay and his fantasstic L based musicians playing songs from booth the Grammy winning Men at Work catalog band of LA and Hay’s solo catalog, including hits like Waiting For F My Real Life To Begin, Beautiful World and a many moore.

VISSIT GARDEARTS.ORG/EVENTSS FOR ADDITIONAL UPCOMINGG EVENTS AND TO PURCHASEE TICKETS

Find us on @gardeartscent e er 860.444.7373 x1 x | gardearts.org | 325 State Strreet, New London n, CT

DECEMBER 2023 Vol. 19 Issue 215

Feature Stories

Departments

East Hampton

Beven Bells

Bullish on the Bell If the name Bevin rings a bell, it’s because they have been crafting highquality authentic bells for longer than anyone else. The factory has been ringing aloud for nearly 200 years. Bevin is a big deal in the small Connecticut village of East Hampton (aka Belltown).

Westerly, RI

Dan Marantz

Art from Imperfection Some of the most damaged pieces of wood are also the most beautiful. “We don’t call them imperfections, because everything that’s made from and includes these perceived flaws is perfect. We just need to work around it.”

Noank Artist

Lynn Anderson

Flying Horses Save Christmas

Lynn Anderson has been an artist for nearly as long as she’s been on earth, it all hearkens back to her childhood in Rockland County, New York. Back then, using her creativity brought her happiness. Now it makes many others happy as well.

Diane’s Dish - Copper Beech Inn - Ivoryton Ask Ashley - Holiday Health What’s Greg Drinking? - Chenin Blanc

NINETEEN YEARS! If you have been reading INK since it was launched in 2005, I would like to take a moment to thank you! If you began publishing a magazine nearly twenty years ago as I did, the passage of time is a real “head scratcher.” I must confess that INK began with a leap of faith and a very raw sense that it could work. Oddly enough, all these years later, I still find myself wondering if it will. This is a magazine about the people of a place, and as of yet we have not run dry of interesting things and have only grown. This should illustrate how rich and fertile the soil is here in the northeast. After relocating to Connecticut many years ago now, I still see this area as in need of a treasure map. So many interesting stories surround each of us that call this place home. INK magazine was originally conceived by a person who had just come here and saw everything as new. So this magazine was to serve as that much needed treasure map and it was designed loosely as a set of documents. When I go back and look at our now old back issues it is like the rings on a tree. Businesses and people have come and gone, but that is how life moves, just as the tree itself is an outward expression of it’s time. Thank you sincerely for your time!

“The Disneyland of Grocery Stores.”

Contributors

Everything has an origin story and at Stew Leonard’s it began with a grandfather delivering milk in the horse and buggy days at Clover Farms Dairy – a small family farm in Norwalk, CT. The rest of the story and what became of it, is grocery shopping history.

28 44 56

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix

Connecticut

Stew Leonard’s

Jeffery Lilly founder / publisher

Ashley Alt - columnist

Carolina Marquez-Sterling - design

Laurencia Ciprus - editorial

Gregory Post - editorial

Susan Cornell- editorial

Diane Stober - editorial

Rona Mann - editorial

Jan Tormay - photos/editorial

Advertising

Jeffery Lilly - Publisher 860.581.0026 Bob Houde - Eastern Connecticut bob@inkct.com 860.303.6690

Rona Mann - Greater Connecticut six07co@att.net - 401-539-7762 Richard Malinsky - Shoreline richard@inkct.com - 215.704.9273

On the Cover: “A Prayer” Photo by: unknown

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Fabulouss fashion fo for all a of your fe festivitties 7 MAIN STREET ESSEX, CT T H E R I V E R L A N E .C O M @THERIVERLANE

“We are very much a town centered around bell making”

By Susan Cornell / Photographs Courtesy of Beven Bells

Its a Wonderful Life Bevens Bell Photo by Ralph Phil

hen you hear the Good Humor truck jingling down the street, you can thank Bevin Bells for that happy news. If the name Bevin rings a bell, it’s because Bevin Bells has been crafting high-quality authentic bells for longer than anyone else, and they’ve been at it for nearly 200 years in a small Connecticut village, East Hampton (aka Belltown). Bevin Bells also made the gong bell that opened and closed the New York Stock Exchange for nearly seven decades, the bell marking the rounds in Mohammed Ali’s boxing matches, and it was a Bevin Bell that gave Clarence his wings in It’s a Wonderful Life. Each Christmas, the Salvation Army brings out their red kettles and we hear the bells that herald the holiday season. That iconic ring is most likely from a Bevin Bell as the Salvation Army buys bells of all shapes and sizes from Bevin for many purposes, including giving bells as thank yous and awards for their employees and bell ringers. Some have the Salvation Army logo, others don’t. Odds are that if you have a bell, it was made by Bevin Bells in East Hampton, the center of bell manufacturing in the U.S. Bevin Brothers Manufacturing company (also called Bevin Brothers) is a six-generation family-owned foundry run by Cici Bevin, general manager, and her cousin Matt Bevin, president. Through the years it has made sleigh bells, sheep bells, doorbells, ship’s bells, and bells for countless other purposes. The Nutmeg State has the Hat City (Danbury), the Brass City (Waterbury), and the Silver City (Meriden). East Hampton is a bit too small to have “City” in its moniker, but it is known as Belltown, USA. And while there is only one bell manufacturer now, back in the 1800s the town was home to more than 30 different bell companies. The Bevin Bell Company only has 25 employees, but they crank out 500,000 bells every year. That’s 20,000 bells per employee per year! Keep in mind East Hampton’s population is only around 3,500, so that’s a lot of bells for a little town. Currently, Bevin makes 12 different categories of bells and each of those categories can have anywhere from two to eight or more varieties and then endless colors and finishes. “We are very much a town centered around bell making,” says Cici adding, “There are bells on every street sign, our high school mascot are the bell ringers.” Bevin Bells has quite a history. “As with many things like this, it did start out with a family. William Barton was the first bell maker in town. I’m supposing it’s just because that’s where he lived and that’s why he started the company here. He taught my ancestors how to make bells and then they opened their own company, which became Bevin Brothers Bell Company.” Barton is credited with the start of bell making in 1808, at which time East Hampton was only 65 years young. While there have been many, many other bell manufacturers in Belltown, Bevin Bells is not only the only bell manufacturing company in East Hampton but also in the entire county.

Bevin Brothers Employees 1885

Detail View Of Hand Cast C Brass Bells And Knockers.Photo Courtesy of LOC

Photo of the packiing room of the Bevin Brothers Bell factory

“Therre are specialty bell people who might make a certain sleighbell hbell as an artisan kind of thing, but we ar are the only real full bell ell manufacturer still in existence today y..” The 200-year anniversary is sneaking up. “W We were founded in 1832 32 so technically we’r we’re at 191 years this year and looking forwar ard to the 200th.” Cici iss sixth generation, so it was her thir third great-grandfather who was one of the four founding brothers of the company y.. During ng the early 1800s, Abner and W Wiilliam Bevin became indentur ntured servants to Barton. After finishing out their obligations, ations, the two br brothers set up foundries and began casting ng bells in their backyar backyards. They decided to go into business ness together in 1832 and, with the addition of br brothers

Chauncey and Philo, the Bevin n Brothers Manufacturing Co. became a family business. But why do bells exist, and wh hy do they play such an important role in our civilization? Bells arre a great communication device, there’s safety y,, and they help uss stay on time. “In the early days it was a form m of communication. There was a lot of lore that went around b bells in terms of warding off evil spirits and keeping you safe an nd providing good karma. People would hang bells at the front ont of o their house for that purpose,” she explains. “While bells in churches weree rung r because they were beautiful and because it would alert other othe people in town of things, it

Bevins Family portriats from left to right: Abner G., one of four brothers who founded the compan ny; Chauncy G., second generation; Stanley A., third generation; Chauncy GII, fourth generation ( graamdfather of current president Mathew G. Bevin); Stanley R., fifth generation. (Matt’’ss uncle).

Shopkeepers Call Bell

Sleeigh Bells

Nordic Bells

was also to do those very saame things in the beginning – to keep everyone safe inside.” Manufacturing evolved to sleigh bells. “In Bevin Brothers earliest days, they were a m massive piece of our business because which are very silent, or wagons, they were keeping sleighs, w oise, and alerting people of their that aren’t making much no presence and arrival – it wass a safety mechanism in addition to a beautiful sound.” In fact, law mandated that ssleighs have bells. “Then you have cows who are out in the field and free ranging, bells were hung on them to keep them safe and so you could find them at the end of the week or the month or the summer.”

Grace Bell

“T Today the bells serve a much different purpose because we don’t need them so mu uch for safety y.” There is one important exception – mines, wh hich need a form of non-electronic communication so if alll other systems fail, there is a manual way to ring people outt of the mine. “Now we well them fo or cheering at events, for hanging on Christmas trees, for little kids doing train rides with Santa, people wearing them o on mountain bikes, and pets and people out hiking to ward off bears – just a multitude of uses.” They are used in nursing ho omes by residents needing assistance, and to call the family for dinner. The evolution of the bell has been tremendous over its lifespan. Bevin is credited with inventing the first bicycle bell in 1865, and the first foot bell for the early horseless carriages. Isaac

View of Bevin Bells Fire 2012

Ali Alivs Liston, May 25, 1965

Bevin patented the first mass-producced bell toy y. “Back in the early days, bells were m made by melting metal and pouring it into a mold – casting a bell. It’s a slow process. Today o y,, we stamp our bells either outt of brass or steel. Those make a very different sound.” owbell or round like a tea “Most bells are fairly square like a co cowbell bell. The two shapes also have a different sound, even if made from the exact same material and similar size,” she explains. “Historically y, we made every bell that went into every washing machine, dishwasher and cash register. Those were actual bells that rang. A doorbell was actually a thing that turned on the door to make the sound.” As mentioned, the company created the Good Humor ice cream truck bell. Says Cici, “W Wee have a bell that we call our ‘ice cream bell’ and we still sell it all over the world for food trucks and the bicycles people who ride in South America with the food thing on the back of the bike. It’s a very big business for us.” There are other claims to fame. In the Saturday Night Live skit “More Cowbell,” that bell was a Bevin Bell.

There is, sadly y,, no bell museum m or collection to view as, in May 2012, a lightning strike sparked d a fir fire that destroyed the Bevin Brothers’ historic factory y.. All the he historical bells, the historical documents, photographs and catalogs wer were lost when the entire factory burned to the ground. Only through a series of a few fortunate events was Bevin able to come back from that fire. e In less than six months, months bell production resumed in a facility a quarter mile away y.. The good news is that, right before the fire, e, bells had been lent out to the Essex Steam Train r for a small display y.. Bevin got those tho back. The company had also given several bells to the Chatham Historical Society over the years. “They have a fascinating display of bells from various manufacturers over time as well as a display of children’s wooden toys that feature bells.” Gift shops, hardware stores and general stores are all big customers. Like everything else, bells can also be purchased online. Bevin does market globally y, but most of the global sales are wholesale, such as mining companies.

“W We try to come up with new and better uses for bellss and new ways to sell them and keep them relevant to peoples’ lives – part of weddings, bike races, marathons – and making bells p those celebrations.” “W We’re quite bullish on the bell,” she chimes in. n another You can be sure the goal is to be around in Belltown 200 years, celebrating with bells on.

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Come see the “B BENEATH THE CLOUDS” shoo w of original fine art on display no w through Decembber!

RIIGINAL GIFT G S iginal Art and Loc cally Handmade Orig ginal Gifts

Original Art • Local Pottery • Silks, Scarves & Woven o Te extiles • Woodworking g • Soaps/Candles • Journ nals/Cards Jewelry Boxes • Earrings/Jewelry • Needle e Felting • Artistic Frames • Custom Mirrors • Handba ags Turned Bowls • Weld Art • Framed Photographyy • Local Authors • Forged Iron • Woolen Goods • Ornaments Sunrise Woodworks

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Wood Cuttingg Boards

Jade Michael Handbags

K Lockhart Bowls Kip

Original Art Journals

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Holiday Open Housse: Saturday, Dec. 9thh 5-8pm – Shop with Refreshments R and Livee Music!

Dan Marantz with clear epoxy table he created e for his home. Photo by Jan Tormay o Bark backgroound imagee by Tiim Mossholder

ithout a do oubt, wood artist, Dan Marantz believes somee of the most damaged p pieces of wood are also the mosst beautiful. “W We don’t call them imperfections, because everything that’’s made is perfect. We just need to work nd resident around it,”” said the Weesterly y,, Rhode Islan periodically at his hom me surrounded by his three cats p seeking atttention. Marred by y insects, rot, and weatherr,, Maraantz integrates thesse wooden pieces (usually with “live” tree edges) into o epoxy tables with blue “riverss,” shells, rocks, and pebbles. When a friend compliimented him on the beautiful table he created for him u using misshapen wo ood caused by tree rot and ants eating away the centerr, Marantz said he told him, “I diidn't make it. God creeated it. I just shaped it. Withoutt the tree, ng.” without th hat happening, I can't do anythin Besides being beautiful and natural there’s always Pierce, owner meaning to o Marantz’s work, said Sherry P and design ner of Waatch Hill Designs in W Weesterly during i i beb l h ne interview a telephon i i w. “He “H really ll puts effo ffort into it ing local...II just trust that when it's done, iit's heartfelt and there'ss a story behind it.” Pierce com mmissioned Marantz to create a ccolorful epoxy desk ktop with mahogany wood, blu ue “rivers,” and variou us-sized stones for her clients' beedroom nook in a $$3 million Narragansett, Rhode Island beach house, whiich they loved, she said. The sto ones used in this “dynaamic” piece were chosen by Marrantz “right home ” outside thee window of this home.

The Journey Initially y, Marantz M had no idea how to use epoxy y, so he began read ding books and watching Yo YouT Tu u videos. ube Over time he learned how to plane wood better and made a rou uter sled (track to hold the router at a set height). In n 2019, Marantz created a woodeen dining room tablee with clear epoxy for his son, D Derek, ek, as well as two smaaller tables. The following yearr, he made his first wooden coffee table with colored epo oxy y, shells, rocks, and pebbles for his living room. Daan also sold many clearr and colored coffee tables at Westerly’s Virtu Outd door Arts Festival in W Wiilcox Parrk in 2020.

By y Jan Tormay o y

Thus farr, th he artist has created about 25 ep poxy tables his inspiraas well as ccharcuterie boards. Each time, h tion comess from the wood he buys or thatt is given to h are always the "crappy" pieces. “I want him, which the ones w with the inclusions (holes) that h have rotted out,” Dan said. “It’s about not being perfeect. Yo You will never find one of my pieces that’s perfect…I don’t strive for p perfection. I strive for what I waant.”

The lengthy process of creating g his epoxy tables always begins in his home woodworkiing studio. He first flattens a slab of black walnut, maple, fi firr, or other type of wood on the top and bottom. Then he cu uts it to the length, width, and depth he wants, usually reemoving the bark, and then sands it. His focus is the look o of the wood, its grain, and any figures or designs in it. The wood is then brought to hiis dust-free epoxy room where he lays it down in an ad djustable, metal framework and covers it with about three-eighths-inches of combined Taable T To op Epoxy and Epoxy Haardener which he tints with out three hours when the blue-metallic powder. After abo epoxy is hard and sticky y,, he sprrinkles in shells, stones, and pebbles he picks up at local beaaches. At this point, he asks his wife, Nancy for her input. “It’s usually what I already know w,,” Dan said. Howeverr, every now and then, she offers uniqu ue advice that he is very thankful for. He then pours in another layerr of epoxy with diamond dust for a sparkly y, watery elem ment. Three hours laterr,, he adds a layer of clear epoxy y, which adds depth to the piece.“Once it’s poured and leeveled over the top it’s completely smooth,” Dan said he ttakes it out of the frame and ounds the edges, sands the routes it all the way around, ro top and add two mor moree coats o top, of epoxy y. W y. Wiith each piece, piece he continues to learn ways to improve and streamline the process, Dan added.

Above Clockwise: Commissioned desktop for Dan Marantz’ Client Sherry Pierce, Daan Marantz’ first solid-wood buoy he made for the Stonington Lobster Tr Trap Tr Tree in 2022. Stonington Lobster Trap r Tr Tree in 2022 with Dan's added. Opposite Page Clockwise: Marantz’s epoxy charcuterie board with walnut wood, Wine Stoppers, Dan Marantz’ third epoxy table. All Photos by Dan Marantz

23 Finished epoxy tables range beetween $1,000 and $1,500. Prices depend on th he cost of supplies (averages $300), time iinvolved, which ranges from 20 to 30 hou urs (eight hours just to make legs), and fi final design. Unless commissioned, his tablees are all unique sizes, “because I like it to be what I see it should be,” Dan said. “If I can get 52 inches out of that board, why w would I cut four inches off?”

His work may be viewed at thee Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerlly y. Since being accepted into the gallery y, initially as a wood turner (which involves a jurying process), about 9.5 years ago, Dan said he has d really ll l d tto appreciate i t artt more and learned “loves” being a part of ACGOW W.

Other Works of Art Even though he only used a latthe once during his three years of high sschool woodworking classes, Dan beg gan turning traditional and segmented bow wls 14 years ago. His works range from $20 to $300. He has also created wine stoppers and Christmas ornaments. Working on the lathe requires a lot of focus, flying in all Dan said, because wood goes fl will catch directions; sometimes the tool w k out. Other on something and take a chunk knows what times it explodes, so he never k is going to happen. “That’s thee beauty of g to tell you working on the lathe. It’s going somewhat it should be. Rarely e y do o I llook oo at so e thing and say y, ‘This is the shape I want, and this is what I am going to get.’”

24 Referring to chunks of wood lying about, he said, “They're all waiting to become something.”One of the wooden bowls Pierce purchased from Dan was made from a massive tree that had to be cut down in Westerly’s Wilcox Park. "It's beautiful, absolutely gorgeous," she said. Initially, his plan was to just give his creations as gifts to his real estate clients after their closings and to charities for their auctions, said Dan, office leader for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, New England Properties in Westerly and Narragansett. The Livingston, New Jersey native moved to Westerly about 20 years ago with Nancy (a registered nurse) and their sons, Derek and Justin, starting over after selling his portion of his family’s multi-generational printing company and desiring to “be near the beaches.”

After a brief stint working at Home Depot’s service desk in 2004, Dan worked as a building supervisor at Habitat for Humanity for 3 1/2 years while studying for his real estate license. Reflecting on the joys of creating art from wood, he said it’s about the freedom to create, figuring out how to make something work, the ability to work with his hands, and seeing the final creation. His only real challenge is finding the time to work on his projects. He admits he gets attached to some of his pieces, which he won't give up. “There are pieces my wife loves…If she wants it, it’s hers. She’s got first dibs on everything," said Dan, adding he never sells his “first anything.” Dan Marantz’s work is featured at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, a fine arts gallery, situated in the former Westerly Train Station at 14 Railroad Ave. For more information, go to westerlyarts.com, Facebook.com/danmarantzamericancraftsman, email him at artist@danmarantz.com, or call/ text his cellphone at 401-487-6654

Above: Dining Table Photo by Dan Marantz, Dan Marantz with leveled wood in frame. The next step involves pouring epoxy within the frame, waiting three hours, and repeating this process numerous times. Sometimes, he tints the epoxy with blue-metallic powder and adds rocks, pebbles and shells. Some of Dan Marantz’ tools. Photos by Jan Tormay

Above: Accompanied by his cat, Sydney Ellen Wade, at their family’s home, Dan Marantz sits on an epoxy shell seat next to his turned wooden bowls and Banksia Seed Pod. Photo by Jan Tormay

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Dec 1 to Jan 27, 2024 Reception: Friday, Dec 1, 5-8 pm

Andrew Sjodin, Wild Plums on a Plate Oil, 10 x 10”

Laura Westlake, Long Journey Home Oil, 6 x 6”

Kyle Stuckey, The Light of a Paris Night Oil, 12.75 x 9.25”

Jeanne Rosier Smith Shiny and Sweet, Pastel, 8 x 8”

SUSAN POWELL FINE ART 679 Boston Post Road Madison, CT 203 318 0616 Jim Laurino, Path to the Sea, Oil, 14 x 14”

Tina Figarelli, And She Shall Appear, Oil, 16 x 20”

Diane’sDish

on Shoreline Dining

Photos and editorial by Diane Stober

The Copper Beech Inn: Historic, Romantic, and More

few years ago, I was seeing a guy who lived in Chester. Whenever we were out people would ask where we were from. I would say Old Saybrook, and they would respond with a bland,“Oh nice.”And he would say Chester and they would respond effusively,“Oh, I just love Chester!”We used to kid about that as it happened all the time. I feel like the response I received when I told people that I was going to the Copper Beech Inn for dinner was like the Chester response. Everyone had a fondness for the restaurant in Ivoryton, which has been around since 1972. It has earned its reputation as a special getaway – whether staying at the inn or just going for dinner - creating special memories for patrons.

The main building housing The Copper Beech Inn restaurant was constructed as a home in 1889 by Archibald Welsh Comstock, son of Samuel Comstock who was an importer of ivory and manufacturer of piano keys, combs, dominoes, etc. As I walked up the steps to the porch, I could feel the grandness of the building. Opening the exceptionally large door I went inside to the vestibule with a welcoming fire in the fireplace. This room serves as check-in for the inn as well as the restaurant. The gorgeous heavy interior wood doors with intricate designs and moldings, the wood paneled staircase, classical wallpaper, and what may be a Mary Cassatt print over the fireplace all work to create a feeling of escape from the hectic lives we live. It’s like taking a deep breath and relaxing. Frank Perrotti has owned the place for about 10 years, and his daughter became the manager a few years ago. Christa has brought craft cocktails and a variety of menu specials to put her mark on the restaurant. She loves the romantic aspect of the inn and enjoys making special occasions truly memorable. Christa commented that her team “gets giddy over that.” Although, even without a special occasion, dinner is pretty special at The Copper Beech Inn. It has been said, that if a guy takes a woman there for dinner, the guy is serious about the relationship. (Ahh, someday…) On the night I was there I thought I’d try a cocktail from their Autumn menu. I had the Apple Old Fashioned made with Makers Mark Bourbon. (I had once traveled to the Makers Mark distillery in Kentucky, where I tried my first and only moonshine, so I have a special fondness for Makers Mark.) Ohhh the Old Fashioned was just so good – at each tiny sip, it just got better and better. As good as the cocktail was, it was time to sample some of the traditional New England specialties: clam chowder, crab cakes, and pot roast. Oh my! The creamy clam chowder was loaded with clams and not overloaded with potatoes. The crab cakes were served with a remoulade and the combination was perfect. I lived in Annapolis where crab cakes are a staple. I must say these contained just the right amount of breading. Finally, the pot roast – just thinking of that as I write this my mouth is watering. It was melt in your mouth pot roast. Now dessert you ask? Well, after eating all of that I chose to pass on dessert so I would have a reason to return. For my dinner, I chose to sit at the bar where I quickly met Debbie who took such pride in the drinks that she concocted. The bar at the Copper Beech is quite large and is a friendly spot where you can get into a conversation with your “neighbors.” Debbie makes sure that all her customers feel welcome. The bar area also has tables but, if you are going to dinner there, I suggest you sit in one of the dining rooms. The one thing that is remarkable about dining at The Copper Beech Inn is how special it feels. The tables in the various dining rooms are spaced nicely so that you have the feeling of a private intimate dinner. Perhaps that’s why it is known as such a romantic place. With the joyous yet hectic holidays upon us, it’s also a place to treat yourself to an Old Fashioned when you need a respite. Mmm, now there’s a thought! Maybe I’ll see you at the bar! Diane is the owner of CT Shore Walking Food Tours, LLC. She hosts three-hour walking tours of Old Saybrook, sharing her knowledge of local history. Visit her website: https://ct-shore-walking-food-tours.ueniweb.com/ or you can email her at: ctshoretours.oldsaybrook@gmail.com

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OUR STORY LIVES ON... Experience the world’s largest Native American Museum and discover the story of the Pequot people, their connection to their environment, hardships and their resurgence.

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by Rona Mann / Photos Courtesy of Lynn Anderson ou could say it’s in the DNA, that product of cell division inherited by children from their parents. At least, that’s the scientific explanation. But when you speak with Lynn Anderson who’s been an artist for nearly as long as she’s been on earth, it all hearkens back to her childhood in Rockland County, New York. From the first, she was drawn to all things involving art and naturally believed, “I could easily do this, so I just thought everybody could do this.” She didn’t look upon what she created as special or different, she just loved doing it. It made her happy. It still makes her happy. One difference: now it makes many others happy as well. When you sit with Lynn even for a few minutes, there is an overwhelming sense of calm mixed with humor and happiness that just seems to radiate because she decided long ago

The cover illustration of “The Flying Horses of Watch Hill Save Christmas,” a whimsical tale of what happened when Santa’s reindeer all came down with reindeer flu and the worldwide deliveries would have to come to a halt on Christmas Eve.

that when the world is too much with her, she would simply take a deep dive into something that hadn’t existed before and create it. It appears to have gotten her through loss, uncertainty, unrest in the world, and even a pandemic. She is small in stature and presents an innate gentleness, but let it not fool you. Lynn Anderson is possessed of a measured determination fired by strong will and fierce passion. Anderson’s home and studio are joined at the hip and yet, totally separate. When one visits, they are immediately shepherded upstairs to the living space for a greeting from a 14-year-old sweet, gentle speckled English setter and then to the slider in the living room which offers a private cove accentuated by an unparalleled view of Shelter Island Sound, with accompanying ripples from Long Island Sound and the Mystic River. It is pristine, an homage to nature, and quiets the inner chatter. It’s difficult to imagine anyone could tear themselves away long enough to accomplish

35 anything, but it is this that fuels the soul and spirit of the artist. “Everyone who comes here has to see this first,” she says. “This is me.” The “me” of Lynn Anderson is as varied and woven together as the multiple media of her art. Although the talent appeared to be inborn, she commenced honing her craft supported by a solid education which began with a Fine Arts Degree from Syracuse University. Along the way, she added the University of California, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and Lyme Academy. It appears she eagerly soaked up knowledge to broaden technique, and nothing along the way was wasted. Anderson was advised during her college years to also take education courses because “creatives rarely can make a living on just art and needed something on which to fall back.” So Lynn took those Ed courses and did indeed teach for a bit; but like the outspoken creative she is at heart, “did not like babysitting a bunch of kids while dabbling in water-based paints. It was not for me. I wanted to make art, not teach art.”

37 The young painter’s first real exhibit came at the Pratt-Wright Gallery in Noank where about a half dozen of her watercolors were on display. “I didn’t want to do flowers and landscapes like so many other artists,” Anderson said. “I did what we refer to as ‘rocks and docks.’ Hey, this is New England, it’s what people want.” And indeed they wanted her work. “I think I sold one or two, but it wasn’t to family who feel obligated to buy. It was to strangers who actually loved my work and wanted it. That was so thrilling to see my work sold to people who appreciated it.” Fresh out of school, Lynn found a job with the audio-visual department at West Virginia State in Charleston. She knew nothing about AV, but they needed someone who could draw. “It was my VISTA, my Peace Corps. At that time, almost everyone I knew was doing that right after college, so I considered this experience at a small land grant college my VISTA.” After a year, Anderson’s father saw an ad in the N.Y. Times classifieds that the Mystic Seaport was looking for an AV person.

He sent it to his daughter who promptly “did nothing but let it lie around for about three months.” One day, she picked it up and wrote the Seaport a cheeky letter beginning with, “You probably haven’t found anyone yet who could do this….” They hadn’t. Lynn scored an interview, got the job, and remained there for 10 years holding titles that ranged from Audio Visual Specialist to Supervisor of Photography to Supervisor of School Services. Always, throughout her long and successful career, Lynn has learned when to keep quiet and just observe and learn (“watch one, do one”) and when to open her mouth and say, “I want.” It’s been a successful combination that’s worked like a charm. Often, she taught herself. “Calligraphy was really popular in the late 70s, so initially I taught myself how to do it, then I took some classes." It served her well as her beautiful calligraphy allowed her to start her own lucrative business, teach calligraphy, and ultimately use it in books. But the true artist in Anderson was restless, and after 10 years she left the Seaport and started to paint again. In 1992, she joined a startup visual arts cooperative called the Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly (ACGOW) which is still one of her

greatest passions. She has remained a member for 31 years, exhibiting, managing, and sitting on the Board. Anderson attributes ACGOW to teaching her what it means to be a working artist. While still at the Seaport Lynn wrote several books, always incorporating her exquisite calligraphy into the design. Her “Christmas Memories Book” is still very popular and still sold at the gift shop. Because her brother, Gary, a painter, sculptor, woodcarver, and artist in his own right was the “curator” of the Flying Horses of the Watch Hill, RI Carousel, it prompted her to begin drawing and painting and writing stories of their adventures. Eventually, that led to a successful book, “The Flying Horses of Watch Hill” which answered youngsters’ queries of where the horses spent the winter. Months ago, Lynn followed it up with “The Flying Horses of Watch Hill Save Christmas,” a whimsical tale of what happened when Santa’s reindeer all came down with reindeer flu and the worldwide deliveries would have to come to a halt on Christmas Eve. No Christmas presents this year! Then the flying horses decided to help out, to see if they could fly with Santa to save Christmas. Yes, it’s a children’s book, but adults will share happy smiles and happy tears when they read it. It has sold out wherever it shows up, but Anderson assures us you can get a copy or two or five(!) in plenty of time for the holiday. (information is below). She wrote the story and all editorial cartooning and illustration is hers employing exquisite detail and color. What’s next for this multi-talented woman who so loves Christmas and equally loves delighting people with her art? Looking around her Cove’s Edge Studio one sees cartoons, illustrations, portraits, sculpture...art and artifacts both created and collected over a lifetime of work, whimsy, happy holidays, and not-always-calculated risks. She has been asked to write a book about the “Infinite Possibilities” project, the in-theworks monumental 30’ sculpture off Ocean Beach Park in New London that will serve as a beacon to those on land and sea, but that is not yet definite. However, one thing

is definite. Lynn Anderson doesn’t appear to have a “bucket list.” She just does what makes her happy, what comes into her head and into her heart, and she has no plan of stopping anytime soon. “You don’t retire as an artist.” In case you’re wondering, the calligraphy, watercolors, oils, and acrylics, the illustrations, the editorial cartooning, the tonguein-cheek captions, the double entendres, the delightful writing for children and the adults who love them... all those things Lynn Anderson does so well? Everybody can’t do that. No how. No way. Contact Lynn at www.Noanklynn@Me.com Find books in either hardcover or paperback this holiday at the Artists Cooperative Gallery in Westerly, the Ocean House gift shop in Watch Hill, walmart.com, amazon. com, or ask your favorite bookstore to order it for you. It may be brand new, but it’s destined to become a holiday classic.

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Staying Healthy for the Holidays By Ashley Alt The importance of mental toughness during the holiday season We know the drill. Wash our hands, set boundaries, try not to overeat, and take walks. This is the typical (albeit important) regimen of staying healthy—and sane—during the holiday season. As we know, the holidays can be an intense time of stress due to difﬁcult family dynamics, an overabundance of food set out all the time, high emotions running, and more. While these so-called “triggers” can put us in a state of anxiety, overwhelm and even depression, I believe we are responsible for our reactions to uncomfortable moments. Too often, especially as of late, people have been blaming their feelings on others’ behaviors and comments, scaling from things we get bothered by on social media to real-life conversations had with friends and family members. Our emotions are our own, of course. But at what point do we take accountability for what we consume, online and offline? For the sake of our own mental health, especially during a time as crazy as the holiday season, at what point do we take matters into our own hands, rather than placing blame on others’ comments and behaviors? More often than not, what we perceive to be true and what is actually true are in conﬂict with one another, due to our own insecurities and

beliefs about the world. I believe our mindset is our superpower. When we are in a place of positive, strong and healthy mental health, we can overcome anything. Board certiﬁed physician specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Banita Sehgal, provided some tips for staying healthy and connected this holiday season. Having practiced medicine for 24 years, Dr. Sehgal teaches patients how to take control of their health holistically, as well as medically, when they need it. She states we can bolster our self-care this holiday season by maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and ensuring we get adequate sleep. “Mindfulness practices, such as brief meditations and journaling, are also useful strategies that empower us to stay present with ourselves and our loved ones, which translates to healthy choices,” she says.“It’s also a good idea to have an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician so that should you feel under the weather or need medical support, you’ve got the right person to call.” Additionally, Dr. Sehgal recommends people find time to enjoy their favorite activities and prioritize relaxation, despite the hecticness of the holidays.

45 Emphasizing what I said earlier about the holidays being a difficult time for some from an emotional perspective, Dr. Sehgal recommends patients to work together with their physicians “to create a roadmap for success.” Knowing sensitivities including being surrounded by food and navigating complex family dynamics are at play, Dr. Sehgal emphasizes selfcompassion, such as “engaging in positive self-talk through repeated affirmations and forgiving yourself for challenging moments.” Building these positive mental health approaches for the holidays, she says, also includes making time for activities that improve your feeling of well-being. This can include taking a daily walk for 30 minutes with a friend or doing an online yoga class to calm and center your mind. Her main advice for maintaining good mental health during the holidays is connecting with friends and loved ones, followed by practicing self-care and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, in spite of the holiday hurdles. “Remember, it’s perfectly okay to seek additional help if you’re overwhelmed, whether that be reaching out to friends and family, or a professional,” Dr. Sehgal states.“It’s important to prioritize your mental health just as you would your physical health.” As for the more straightforward ways of staying on top of your health this season, Dr. Sehgal touches on the common pillars of health including sleep, fitness and eating a healthy and fulfilling diet in moderation. Sleep has been referred to as the foundation of good health, because it truly is that important for us to be sharp, present, and productive in all other areas of our lives. Dr. Sehgal builds on this premise, stating,“sleep is so important because it provides our brains with the rest they need to properly function throughout the course of the day. When we don’t get the sleep we need, our brain becomes too overloaded causing issues like brain fog, short-term memory loss and confusion. When these sleep deprivation symptoms are in action, they only heighten other feelings like stress and anxiety.”

Because it can be hard to fall asleep when we have so much on our minds during the holidays, she suggests a warm bath, sleepy teas, aromatherapy, white noise and/or a weighted blanket before bed to drift off more easily. As for staying active during this lazy season, Dr. Sehgal reminds us that fitness can be as simple as regular walks or at-home workouts (which I, along with millions of others, can attest to as a result of Covid).“Daily exercise benefits our mental, physical and emotional health by reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing our overall wellbeing,” she emphasizes. “Some patients are also seeing success with fasting, coupled with staying active,” Dr. Sehgal continues.“A fasted workout can improve fat oxidation and increase mental strength, which enhances the production of growth hormones and induces autophagy.” And last but not least: those pesky sweet treats. Enjoying holiday meals and treats is all about moderation. If you find you’re struggling with this, Dr. Sehgal recommends using stress management techniques to help reduce persistent cravings, which can lead to emotional and mindless eating. Focusing on balanced, nutrient-dense meals for satiety and sustained energy is a great tool to use in addition to stress-management coping mechanisms like exercise, connecting with a friend, and breathwork or yoga. “Food groups with protein, fiber-rich content and healthy fats can help you feel fuller, reduce cravings, and make you feel more satisfied,” Dr. Sehgal states.“Healthy snacking throughout the day is also useful to cut down on those tempting cupcakes your colleague put out at 3 pm. Another important tip that encapsulates all of the aforementioned health tips is remembering to drink plenty of water. As Dr. Sehgal says,“staying hydrated gives you the illusion of fullness since thirst can be confused with hunger!”

Happy Holidays to you all, and see you next year! If you would like to keep with Ashley, you can follow her on the gram @ashleyalt_ and @valtbrand and sign up for her newsletter, Take A Sip, which takes a deep dive into the worlds of mental health and wellness: ashleyalt@substack.com.

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By Laurencia Ciprius / Photos Courtesy of Stew Leonard’s

Is 45 minutes enough time to talk? I’m on my way to meet a turkey...a live one... it’s always something at this time of year...

n the leading edge of the holiday season, Stew Leonard, Jr. – arguably the scion of the most famous grocer in the world – is calling from his car to talk about the ever-changing retail food narrative, supply chain challenges, and how to keep the magic of his family’s 100-year story in place. It is a can-do saga that has consistently ensured Stew Leonard’s standing rank in the Forbes 100 Best Places to Work and maintaining the magic, prompting the New York Times to dub it the “Disneyland of Grocery Stores.” Stew Leonard, Jr. credits a 100-year family provenance that began with his grandfather delivering milk in the horse and buggy days from Clover Farms Dairy – the small family farm in Norwalk, CT. The dairy was destined to be a family business and Stew, Sr. took up the reins with vision and commitment. A graduate of the University of Connecticut Agricultural School, he carried his knowledge of contemporary dairy farming back to the family business, with an eye trained on the future.

Photo by Steve Hockstein

Family on store sign-1971

Stew Sr. delivering milk in snow 1950’s

In the 1960s, the highway system expanded to accommodate the bedroom communities outside of Manhattan, with plans for the Rte. 7 corridor slated to Stew Jr ,Tom, Beth in car cut straight through the existing farm. Compounding the Leonards’ concerns was a decline in demand for home-delivery dairy products. With the vision of opening a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for dairy products, Stew Sr. literally bet the farm and all of the family assets on the next steps – a massive gamble, but one that exponentially paid off. Stew, Jr. reflected. It was like the stuff that inspired the first Rocky film. Dad risked everything to make his vision a reality. He liquidated every asset we had to make this dream a reality... and those were scary times. Amazingly, he was granted the largest SBA loan of its time – a colossal $500K note. Stew Sr. was a showman and loved Vegas... the ample neon signage and the dazzle of that experience were his inspiration. He was equally wowed and inspired by the evolving technology of the animatronics that were showcased at Disneyland – where we often visited – and the New York World’s Fair. The 17,000-square-foot flagship store opened in Norwalk, CT, in 1969 and was like nothing else. This was the era of a handful of chain grocers who floorplanned their brick-and-mortar stores in a standard fashion. Stew Leonard’s was a guided fantasy experience, with a single-aisle labyrinth taking you through an entertainment extravaganza. This was the longshot proving ground for unparalleled success. Initially offering a scant handful of dairy products, Stew Sr. made up for it as a strategic

When Stew Leonard’s dairy store first opened in 1969, it employed just seven people, and sold eight products: Today, each Stew Leonard’s store stocks only 2,200 carefully selected items, in contrast to standard grocery stores that often sell 45,000 items.

businessman and dazzling showman with the addition of attention-getting attractions. Spied by a family member during a visit to Chuck e Cheese, Stew, Sr. quickly tracked down and added the animatronic Sally on the Piano to the delight of throngs of customers. Then came Hank and Bean...a Little Baker...followed by an ongoing expansion of must-see attractions to add to the experience. Ever the Master of Ceremonies and host, Stew Sr., was completely hands-on in building the customer base. With a fraction of SKUs compared to traditional chain grocery stores, Stew Leonard’s difference was a consistency of quality and an untouchable level of customer service. The business model became the stuff of legend – emblazoned in the Guinness Book of World Records for highest retail dollar sales per square foot and cited as a case study in excellence within many business school lecture halls. The business model is also covered in Tom Peter’s eponymous management guidebooks Thriving on Chaos and A Passion for Excellence. Stew Leonard’s commitment to exceptional

Blake, Stew, Stewie and Kim

Exceptional customer service is carved on a 3-ton piece of stone.

customer service is carved on a 3-ton piece of stone at the store entrance. The story leading up to this essential philosophy occurred in the first two weeks of the store’s opening. Stew, Sr. faced off an angry customer who was questioning the freshness of a $.95 gallon of eggnog. Taken aback, Stew Sr. attempted to convince her otherwise since he had successfully sold 200 gallons from the same batch. Finally refunding her money from his pocket, she swore she’d never return to Stew Leonard’s. Upset, he later shared this story with his wife, Marianne. Rather than sympathizing, she took him to task for arguing with the customer, explaining that only one disgruntled customer was needed to adversely impact the new business by never returning and spreading poor word-of-mouth. From this teachable moment, Stew, Sr. – and the following generations – adopted the customer service model that ratcheted Stew Leonard’s reputation into the stratosphere:

Stew Sr. and Marianne Leonard

Stew Jr. and Stew Sr. pictured with Stew Leonard’s delivery truck.

chance to taste fresh croissants, roasted coffee, and pizza from the in-house pizza oven. There is also a top-tier flower market; meats are of the best quality, and there is even in-house hand-crafted mozzarella. Ice cream cones – always a draw from the get-go – are free with every $100 in purchase. There is also Bethy’s Bakery boasting authentic French baked goods and bagels, which was the innovation of Bethany Leonard Hollis, daughter of store founder Stew Sr. Run strictly as a family business from its genesis, Stew Leonard’s is looking ahead to keep pace with shifting trends in the grocery industry. What is ahead for the expansive chain – currently counting seven locations in the Metro Area and another opening in Clifton, NJ in 2024 – to innovate and answer to shifting demand, with the introduction of stores like Trader Joe’s and Aldi’s into the competitive arena?

The stone reads: Stew, Jr. pauses. 1. The Customer is Always Right 2. If the Customer is Ever Wrong… Reread Rule 1 Over time, there were added attractions – visible stores within the store stations demonstrating how Stew’s workers produced their signature products. Dubbed Show and Sell, Stew’s offers customers the

I think about my legacy a great deal. Stepping onto my dad’s shoulders, I have introduced wine and spirits. I think we sell more wine these days than milk! There is a growing demand for affordable, healthier, lower sodium, and organic foods. Considering we began in

Leonard Family 2019

Kim, Stewie the Duck, Stew Jr., at swim school

It is essential to teach children to swim, as it is the leading cause of death in youngsters under the age of 5. We offer 20,000 free swimming lessons to underserved kids, and every penny of the profits from this venture goes directly to fund initiatives for inner-city children. The school is a family initiative in response to the tragic loss of Kim and Stew Leonard, Jr.’s 21-month-old son, Stewie, in a drowning accident. The family also founded the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, which has earmarked millions of dollars in funding for swim lesson scholarships for underserved children. There are also two Stewie the Duck children’s books that explain water safety. the 1960s with a scant number of products, we now boast over 2,500 items with an emphasis on freshness. Due to their uniqueness, we have a loyal customer base, and the stores are a destination. He pauses again and reflects upon his legacy as the next generation of Leonards begins to weave into the business fabric. We are incredibly proud of our Stewie the Duck Swim School that opened in 2023, across from the Norwalk Flagship store.

Stew Jr. is thinking about turkeys as we wind up the conversation. We make certain that there is something for every customer – even in the options for our holiday turkeys with several alternatives at every price point. There is a live one waiting for Stew, Jr., and just like his father, the moment will be a classic photo-op! To learn more about CT’s legendary shopping destination, visit https://www.stewleonards.com/

Stewie the swimming duck

Photo by Chase Leonard

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These were the words I would toss out at my now newly-married friend and coworker, Jess at Saltwater Farm Vineyard. It was a reference to a bottle of sparkling Chenin Blanc that had been purchased in July. It had been stashed in the wine fridge for safekeeping knowing that it was not the right time to crack into it that day. It was meant to be savored at a better time with the right vibe for the product of these vines. Every month between July and November, we would make plans to dive in, yet life gets in the way. These are the vineyard’s busiest seasons. Toss in her planning a wedding and my family expecting a second child, and there is barely room for the weekly adulting of groceries and bills. Yet the funny thing about life is that sometimes the universe really does toss things into the order you never knew you needed. Such is the case with Mousse-Tache sparkling Chenin Blanc. The right time was waiting for us, we just had to be patient. The format of toggling between malted barley and fermented grapes has gone off the rails a little as of late. Long standing voice of reason in the Ink Magazine journey, Rona Mann dropped off the November issue and pointed out an opportunity to feature a sparkling beverage in honor of the holidays and the arrival of my son - more than enough reason to continue the run on wines. By the time this is printed, God willing, my son will be safely delivered into our arms with mother and son happy and healthy. I am writing this article watching my wife in constant awe of her grace and strength during pregnancy. Lord knows the last time I had a chest cold I was ready to send for Last Rites. So with all of that said, you are welcome in advance for the contents of this bottle. As a peace offering to the beer fans of this magazine, does it help that this particular bubbly is bottlecapped? It certainly does not hurt the effervescence, which is more than apparent in tight strands of bubbles that rise up from the bottom of the glass like a properly shaken snow globe. It is pale golden in color with the warm brightness of the sun reﬂecting off of snowy tree branches in the morning. Another reason this wine makes for a great holiday splash is the subtle notes of white ﬂowers and pear which could almost trick your senses into

thinking summer is still lingering outside your window, weather app be damned. The holidays are so many things to us all, and versatility is a key component to not losing your mind trying to juggle all of the trappings of December. This extra Brut white French wine“eats rubber bands for breakfast,”as my retired Marine father would say.You can serve it neat, pour it over ice, or incorporate it into a spritz or a cocktail. It can be paired with unwrapping years of family baggage as easily as presents. You just need to make sure you find a place from which to source it, in my case it was the beverage professionals at Spencer and Lynn package store in downtown Mystic. Before you open the door to your childhood home (or open your home back up to your children), finding the right bottle is of utmost importance. Mousse-Tache sparkling Chenin Blanc lets your friends and family know that the liberal arts degree that you earned was well worth the investment. It is a wine that is designed by maker Jeff Carrel to be engaging and fun, like Scattergories or Scrabble for the library card users in the crowd. Yet it is every bit as serious as the games of cribbage or pitch that may adorn other tables. It is office and block-party-approved and appropriate, just make sure you bring a bottle opener and an open mind. Southwest France is the source of this charming Chenin Blanc offering. Boasting of modern techniques and vision, it is vibrant and inviting, qualities that one can only dream of when considering the social callings that might justify purchasing a bottle or two of these bubbles.

Ultimately, you want to have a happy holiday season. Even if you prefer to invoke the speciﬁc one you are celebrating, I think we can all agree that this is a time of year when we all deserve the hope of humanity. The prospect of peace seems too often daunting and beyond reach, but December has a little built-in magic that makes even the loftiest of ideals seem downright sensible. While we may pray for the larger and loftier goals, we can do plenty to effect positive change in our inner circles. Irish though I may be, this is the time of year to ease the grip on some of those grudges. Raise more glasses than tensions and offer more compliments than critiques. The bubbles in your glass won’t be the only thing you lift this year.

Holiday y greetings ‘Tis the season for spreading good cheer—ha appy holidays to you and your family from m the Poulin Wealth Managem ment Group.

Poulin Wealth Ma anagement Group 200 Glastonbury Bo oulevard, Suite 103 Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 657-1757 www.poulinwealth.c com Investment and insurance products: • Not insure ed by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit off, or guaranteed by y, the bank or an afﬁliate of the t bank • May lose value © 2023 RBC Wealth Manag gement, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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