INK MAGAZINE - MARCH 2021 by Ink Publications

Vol 16 Issue 182

10 00 0 BES BE ST T ONE OF AMERICA A’’S

HOSPITA AL S ™

Exceptional patient outcomes and the highest quality care. It ’s why Middlesex Health is the only Connecticut hospital to win the America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ Award, two years in a row. And it ’s another reason we were chosen to be Connecticut ’s connection to the Mayo Clinic Care Network. MiddlesexHealth .org/best

March 2021

Vol. 16 Issue 183

Feature Stories

Departments

Ring’s End

Building Relationships since 1920

Navigating the World

The “blind girl” finds her way

Crusty Old Diver - Winter on the Water Music Mirth & Mojo - Gone Crawfestin’ Ask Ashley - Winter Survival Tips Hopping around CT - New England Brewing Co.

Master Swordsmith A Profile on Matt Berry

New Adventures on the Trail

Get your Goat (or Llama) on

The Cheesemonger - The 12 Families of Cheese, Part 1 On the Vine - The Right Bank of Bordeaux. March Events - We’re Back! (kinda)

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I would like to start off this note in reverence and to respectfully honor the loss of what is now over a half a million of our fellow Americans. With COVID-19 attacking a majority of older folks we find ourselves faced with giving up a huge swath of a generation. There is so much practical knowledge in these elders. These are the people that know the meaning of honest sacrifice, many fought for the freedoms we enjoy, and they are our history as a nation. Without these people we are indeed poorer. This is not to make light of the other wonderful people that have been taken from us. The husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, and best friends. With the vaccines steadily trickling out after a long years wait, I find myself hopeful. As Americans we are a resilient group. We see potential and act on it. My hope is that as time moves on that these masks we wear to protect one another will be lifted to reveal smiling faces. For now, the glimmer of hopeful returns lives in the eyes of stranger. Be well. Jeffery Lilly founder / publisher

Contributors 46

Of Murals & Dog Heads

Black Whale Defies Defining

Ashley Alt - ask ashley Caryn B. Davis - editorial/photography Alison Kaufman - music mirth & mojo Jim Lalumiere - hopping around ct Art LiPuma - on the vine Rona Mann - editorial Daniel Lev Shkolnik - editorial

Carolina Marquez-Sterling - design Paul Partica - the cheesemonger Vincent Scarano - photography John Tolmie - crusty old diver Kate Tolmie - photography Jan Tormay - editorial Joe Urso - design

Advertising

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In a Heartbeat

Making a Difference, Saving Lives

Jeffery Lilly - Publisher 860.581.0026 Bob Houde - Advertising Director bob@inkct.com 860.303.6690

Rona Mann - Greater Connecticut six07co@att.net - 401-539-7762

Cheryl Powell - Greater Connecticut cheryl@ink-pub.com - 860.608.5749

Richard Malinsky - Shoreline richard@inkct.com - 215.704.9273

John Tolmie - Eastern Connecticut john@inkct - 860.460.0005

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Lo ocal o cal Pottery

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RingsEnd.com

800-390-1000

Your Inspiration. Our Expertise.

"Y Yo o Inspiration - Our Exxpertise" our

At Ring's End The Most Important Things They Build Are Relationships by RON NA A MANN / photos courtesy Ring’s End

It's not about the massive in nven ntory that tops $30. million dollars. It's not about the 19 locations (9 full serrvice and 10 free-standing paint and design centers) throughout the state of Connectticut, including Weestchesterr,, New Yo York. It's not even about their 119 yeaars in business, although g you y don't get g to be aro ound that long g if you aren't doing something very, y, very right...and they are.

This is Ring's End, and at the verryy core of their business, it's alway ays been about YO YOUR ideas and THEIR know-how w,, your desire to build, re-

model, or beautifyy,, and their nearly 500 employees for whom this is not just a way ay to make a few bucks part- time, but the only way ay they know how to make a living. Ye Yes, employees nearly 500 strong, all of whom haave been fullyy in nvested in byy this compan ny. Ring g's End invests in each employee's ning, field product train training, and customer serrvice training so by the time a customeer comes to any one of their home improv ovement centers c they are afforded a special brand of serrvicce impossible to find in the local hardware store or big box emporium. emporium At Ring's End "seerrvice" doesn't mean answering questions likee, " What aisle has the masking tape?" or "Wh here do I find the power tools?" but the kind of o serrvice where these dedicated emplo oyees who o lo ove their jobs and take your job seriously find out wh hy you're there, what you nd what budget you haavve with want to do, an which to accomplish your project. Then, and

only then, can they lead yo ou the right way ay, sharing their knowledge an nd expertise and marrying it together with your inspiration, your ideas, and your ultimate goal.. In their industry Ring's End is extremely unique in this regard. They've also been unique in their approach to the pandemic. "Last March, we didn't know what was going to happen," Scott Herling, Director of both Pa Pain nt Operations and

10 When the initial lockdown was finally eased, people ventured out of their homes and into Ring's End, desperate for something to do that would be therapeutic, positive, and beautiful, and that's when the Ring's End folks delivered, as they have for over a century. "We service any project," Scott said, "regardless of size or budget. Our customers are the pro-contractors, the remodelers, the builders, the architects, and designers, but also the weekend warriors as well, and we are equally committed to them all."

Marketing remembers. No one did. But the longer it continued, week after week, month after month, people who were stuck at home began to see the need for freshening up and improving their space, and many then fostered a desire to engage in do-ityourself projects. "Most popular," Herling continued, "were the building and remodeling projects of bonus rooms, entertainment rooms, decks, and raised bed gardens."

Ring's End salespeople are not just clerks behind a counter trained to take your cash, check, or credit card in exchange for goods and services. "Our salespeople relish working on projects from beginning to end," says Herling.

"They enjoy helping customers from the very beginning straight through the duration of the project and really love it when that customer comes in with the finished photos of what they and we were able to accomplish together." Once again reinforcing Ring's End banner of "Your Inspiration, Our Expertise," not just a slogan, but a working philosophy in action. We need to take a pause here to explain the unique name for those who may not be aware of the history. Ring's End was started way back in 1902 as a coal and feed company that was located on Ring's End Landing in Darien. At the time it seemed only natural to name the small company after its address. Now there are 19 addresses exacting a wide swath throughout southern New England and into New York, but the name has remained as constant as the brand of service they are fierce about delivering. To that end, they have invested further not just in their people, but in their customers by adding both a Live Chat feature and a text help number to their website to afford their customers added accessibility. Their Live Chat is operational daily from 7AM-5PM with the ability to leave a message for a call back if it's after hours. Or you can text 203-PRO-HELP and speak directly with a Ring's End employee to ask product questions, place an order, inquire about their inventory, check the status of a delivery, check pricing on any item, or request a quote. This feature is available Monday through Saturday also from 7AM5PM. At any hour of the day or night, you can shop Ring's

Top left: David Campbell (President & CEO) and Tyler Campbell (Yard Operations Manager) Top right: Dave Morris (Estimator), Pete Mc Donald (General Sales Manager), Andrea Rangel (Sales Associate), Matt McVie (Purchasing Agent) Middle: Eddie Abbiati (General Manager, Ring’s End Niantic), Colin Campbell (Director of Lumber & Building Materials Sales & Operations), Kel Tyler (Senior Vice President) Bottom: Jerry Bobela, Assistant Manager and Scott Curcio, Production Manager, Millwork Facility.

11 Ever mindful of everyone's health and safety, all locations are disinfected throughout the day and deep-cleaned a couple of times every week; additionally, there are contactless pickup lockers in Madison, Orange, and Wilton for those customers who feel more comfortable doing business in that fashion. While many businesses felt the pain of being short of stock during these months and had to backorder significantly during the pandemic, Ring's End found that although it was a challenge, they were nearly always able to be well-supplied to meet the needs of their customers in every department.

End website and elect to either pick up your order at a location near you or have your items delivered to your home or business.

"Service to us is not just a word or part of a catch-phrase," Herling reiterates. "It's having the right people, the right training, and the right products so we can do right by our customers. We have to live up to what we're promising our customers every day, at every location, and with every transaction and every job."

A customer's budget, large or small, is always paramount with the folks at Ring's End. "We value engineer any project," Scott Herling says, "and price-wise we are always very competitive."

The greatest marriages have always been based on teamwork. That's why Ring's End is now alive and well and in its third generation because their relationship with architects, builders,

remodelers, designers, and YOU has always been a successful and lasting marriage. A marriage between your inspiration and their expertise, and that's not just a bunch of words. It's the heart and soul of Ring's End - their business philosophy, their history, and their enduring promise.

Top left: Shara Carlos (Commercial Truck Driver) Top right: Barb Orner (Paint Sales) Bottom Right: Zack Plunkett (Paint Center Manager)

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VA L E N T I N E H . Z A H N C O M M U N I T Y

G A L L E R Y

T H E GA L L E RY AT M I D D L ES E X H E A LT H S H O R E L I N E M E D I C A L C E N T E R

Virtual Gallery Exhibit Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. Council Members Present

February 22 - May 14, 2021

Linda Boisvert-DeStefanis, Delayed Departure, oil (detail)

Visit the gallery from the comfort of your own home at MiddlesexHealth.org/CWA Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. (CWA) was established in 1929 and continues to provide a forum for women’s artwork. This exhibit showcases the work of CWA council members and features a variety of media and subject matter.

250 Flat Rock Place, Westbrook, CT 06498 860-358-6200 + info@midhosp.org + MiddlesexHealth.org

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WINTER ON THE WATER By John Tolmie / Photos by Kate Tolmie The phone rings on a frigid Saturday morning bringing news of a recently acquired vintage trawler and an invitation to join on a midday winter cruise. A seasonal squall is threatening considerable snowfall along the coast, but will not arrive for another twelve hours. With a calm before the storm, a perfect opening had appeared for another adventure at sea. It was a perfect time to embrace the chill and rebel against the confines of winter. A crew of six boarded and each would take turns at the helm. The classic vessel had been born in Maine in the mid-1970s. The layout was ideal for both leisure and sport. A comfy berth lay tucked in the bow, with enough room to sleep four. The entire midship is a covered cabin with a galley, cozy seating, and a miniature charcoal stove that radiates astonishing heat for its size. An open aft deck completes the trawler which is presently decorated with dutiful fishing rods and a

pair of folding chairs. The angling would be sparse at best. Even if lady luck granted a catch, it would be released as most species were out of season this time of year. Either way, it was a rare and unorthodox opportunity to embrace Mother Ocean during the most inhospitable time of year. Chugging purposefully along, the radio squawked permission as a railroad trestle yawned open with a metallic groan, granting passage to open water, just a few nautical miles south.

The lone trawler makes way through the channel, passing silent marinas with empty docks whose fair-weather occupants’ slumber on land wrapped in blankets of white shrinkwrap. The mouth of the channel opens and with it an oncoming marvel. A massive tall ship adorned with three proud masts has unexpectedly materialized. The aft cabin door slides open as one of the trawler crew exits with a camera in hand. She braces herself, raises her lens and the shutter clicks capturing the moment. The vessels pass as crews waive, yet currently unbeknownst, the tall ship ‘Peacemaker’ was carrying a seafaring religious cult in her wooden belly. Even on a desolate winters’ day, the sea continued to amaze with an infinite arsenal of queer encounters.

Morgan Point Light drifts past, bidding the crew farewell. With the open water now to themselves, the trawler is welcomed with choppy seas and a bone-chilling breeze. In the warmth of the protective cabin, snacks, cocktails, and a few treats for their canine mascot emerge as cheerful palaver mixes with music under an ethereal winter sun. An hour had passed, with the trawler now hovering over a rocky pinnacle, known to hold fish. On the bow, the anchor is freed with a splash, vanishing into the green sea. It bounces across the bottom until finding purchase, springing the anchor line taught. The trawler sways into position as its bow rights itself with the oncoming tide. Most of the crew huddle inside but a foolhardy pair stagger to the aft deck. It was time to wet some lines. Crabs are baited, lines are weighted and plunked into the bubbling brine. Faces freeze and fingers numb instantly, but fishing is an unforgiving passion, overshadowing both sensibility and comfort alike. The stumble eased as the fisherman swayed in harmony having found their sea-legs. Lines were reeled in for a bait check. Hollow carapaces appear topside. The fish are here. The excitement staved the cold as fresh bait is cast once again. Below, cautious

nibbles tug the line as unseen critters cautiously peck away. Above, the anglers wait with unhurried anticipation. One of the rods ceases to dance and abruptly bends as an aquatic denizen takes the bait. The fight was short as was the fish, too small to harvest even in-season, and after a quick photo was sent home with a lesson learned and a sore lip. A few moments later, a second fish flopped on deck. The juvenile wrasse protests in the grip of a strange hand. But relief arrived with the pull of a hook, a gentle toss, and a watery plop. Chilled to the bone, the satisfied anglers stow their tackle and retreat to the warmth of the cabin.

The sun had lowered and threatens dusk. The tide had also shifted and begins to argue excessively with the opposing wind. Time had come to pull anchor and set course homeward. The rock and roll of waves had taken its toll and the trip home feels much slower than the ride out. The day had begun with the relief of being trapped indoors for the past month. But now the crew found themselves wanting t h e v e ry d o l d r u m s o f c o m f o r t t h ey had wanted to escape as the happily e x h a u s t e d crew arrived dockside, each carrying a memory of a rare Connecticut adventure on the seas of winter.

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Spring into Art March 5 to April 10, 2021

Larry Preston Pansies Oil 12 x 16”

David Dunlop Above and Beyond Oil on aluminum 24 x 36”

Susan Powell Fine Art

679 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 203 . 318 . 0616 www.susanpowellfineart.com

Del-Bourree Bach Tidal Stream Acrylic 6 x 6”

Explore the rich and v arried work off artist and dessig gner Louis Comfort T iffa i nyy.

Ly yman Allyn

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M U S E U M

625 Williaaams Street • New Londo on, CT www.lymanallyn.org a • Exit 83 offf I--95 Tw welve Lily Lamp p, ca. 1906, Tiffany f Studios, New Yo ork (1902––32), blown glass, bron nze with gold doré patina. Museum Purchase n c e from Lillian Nassau Gallery, New York, 2020.

Navigation is NOT Just for Ships The “Dumb, Blind Girl” Who Found Her Way

by Rona Mann

(nav.i.ga.tion) “The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route.” There you have it, the actual dictionary definition shown above. As you can see, it doesn’t strictly refer to boats. It can, and rightly should refer best to people, because it is we who must navigate through life’s uncertain waters. Some of us meet the waves and quickly learn to surf successfully, while others are met headlong by insurmountable waves that forcefully overtake them, and still, they emerge victorious. We wake every morning, and whether clumsily or with careful planning, navigate through our day. We navigate through traffic as well, although that is often more than navigation - it’s a challenging game of chess - and we have to dodge and weave

so as not to be captured or checkmated. On a larger scale, we all navigate through life with its ups and downs, wonderful friendships, difficult people, happy times, and tragic ones. Most of us frequently navigate through the uncertainty of finances, often going from “well off” to “geez, I hope I don’t bounce that check,” sometimes both circumstances occurring within the same week. And then, there’s Giulia. Since birth, Giulia Jaramillo has been swimming against the tide, navigating wave after wave, surmounting them all, eventually emerging victorious. Still, it has never been an easy navigation. It took many years – 35 - in fact until she found the truth. Jaramillo was born in Acri, Italy situated in the southern part of the boot known as Calabria. To

Baby Guilia and her parents

her parents, she was born less than perfect, for she was born with a condition later diagnosed when she was nine years old as macular degeneration. Although it is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60, it can occur at any age, even, as in Giulia’s case, childhood. Juvenile macular degeneration is a group of rare, inherited eye disorders that cause central vision loss, the most common one known as Stargardt disease caused by a recessive gene in which the small central portion of the retina known

This how the world can look to someone who suffers from Macular Degeneration.

as the macula, deteriorates. Stardgardts doesn’t make a person totally blind but causes vision to rapidly deteriorate often from a visual acuity of 20/20 to 20/200 or worse, rendering the victim legally blind. It is the retina that is the light-sensing nerve at the back of the eye. Macular degeneration can, but does not always, cause blindness. In Giulia’s case, by the time she was eleven, she was rendered legally blind, left with just some peripheral vision and with a family that tried to hide her away, calling her “the dumb, little blind girl.” Her family was ashamed because in their culture they felt this rendered her less than perfect, which was not acceptable, however, Giulia remains fierce in telling anyone that her family is a loving one, and she doesn’t blame them a bit. “It isn’t their fault, it’s their culture. But I realized one day that I cannot listen to these people any longer, so I promised I would keep it a secret

Giovanni Marri, head of an employment training center in Milan that caters to the handicapped says,“The biggest obstacle for the country’s physically challenged may, in fact, be the fabled Italian family itself. Because of the social stigma that still attaches to disabilities, “they tend to keep disabled people at home and out of public view.”

that I couldn’t see well, and I would always play dumb.”Her mother constantly said,“I don’t want to get stuck with you. I want to marry you off,” but she felt it was impossible because the girl was somehow damaged goods. In addition to the psychological abuse, there was also physical abuse “My father would beat us the night before a holiday. I don’t know why. He would find any excuse. One day I fought back by saying, ‘If you ever do this again, I will knock you out!’ He stopped beating us, but he threw our presents at us instead.”

Jaramillo’s parents fit this mold to a tee, consistently wanting to hide her away from the outside world because they felt that her disability somehow reflected poorly on them. Since they were embarrassed to offer the young girl help, her own road to self-navigation began. When the family moved to the United States and settled in Rhode Island, the young girl begged her parents to take her to an eye doctor, but they refused, so she found one on her own and walked to his office herself. When she needed more advanced therapy from an ophthalmologist, she got the Red Cross to take her back and forth to

Although she had grown up in a world of deception and abuse, this 4’8” powerhouse does not believe in words like “no” and “can’t” and shares this philosophy every day of her life, whether she’s with her much-loved husband and grown sons, her ever-widening circle of family and friends, or her clients. She is self-directed, on point, and full of joy. “Don’t let anyone ever tell you you’re not worth it,”she admonishes.“If they do, then tell them they’re a jerk!” Then she laughs heartily, so comfortable is she in her own skin. She loves living in southeastern Connecticut, is unabashed at telling you all she’s done to pull herself up, yet she doesn’t think for one minute that she’s special at all. In fact, she will push you to fight your own demons and rise above them.

Providence. At school, Giulia taught herself to follow the motion of her teachers’ hands, deciphering the letters they made as they wrote on the board in class, because she couldn’t read it any other way. Fiercely determined to overcome any obstacle in her way, Giulia went on to graduate from Westerly High School and dreamed of going to college. When her father told her he wasn’t going to pay for a girl to go to school, she navigated once again and found a way once again, eventually graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Rhode Island, then continuing on to earn a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Today, Giulia who is married, has two grown sons and lives in Pawcatuck, has her own thriving psychotherapy practice in Mystic, helping individuals, couples, families, veterans with PTSD, and others to navigate successfully through their own rough waters. She frequently shares her story with her clients to let them know they can overcome their problems as well. Two years ago, she shared her story with the world, writing a book called Navigating in the Dark. It quickly rose to the bestseller list on Amazon.com and is presently available at both Savoy Bookshop in Westerly and Bank Square Books in Mystic. Additionally, Giulia loves to speak to groups and is now frequently sought after as an inspirational speaker.

In a sense, we are all blind. Giulia’s family turned a blind eye to her affliction and branded her less than perfect and therefore lacking in worth. All of us tend to label people who appear to be less than whole, which renders us victims of our own blindness. We live in a society that often jumps quickly to conclusions about others, turning our backs on them and missing what we could see with our own peripheral vision. Disability has always been, and will likely always be, a part of the human condition. Society wrongly teaches us to value physical perfection, beauty, intelligence, and anything less than that perfection should be shuttered away, covered up. Years ago in Rhode Island, there was a man in the basement of a local building who would “sell” driver’s licenses to Italian girls who couldn’t pass the driving test. Giulia’s father took her there, paid off the man, had her photo taken, and a license was issued, all in yet another attempt to make her appear “normal” to the outside world. Wisely, she does not use this license

and never drives, even though she has some peripheral vision. One would think all of this would create an angry, bitter woman, but that is not Giulia Jaramillo, not at all. “I am a great believer in the utility of life,” Jaramillo says. “I always am looking to use life to my best advantage, and now I am at peace.” Not bad for a “dumb little blind girl.” Sometimes when you learn to navigate in the dark, you may just be lucky enough to dance in the light. You may contact Giulia at Dialect Psychotherapy, 12 Roosevelt Avenue in Mystic. (860) 786-4752

Guilia and her sons, Lucas and Jacob

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Master Swo ord dsmith h

Matt B Ma Be err e rry A Profile f e By John Tolmie o Photos by Kate Tolmie o and Jim m Cooper

uring the first millen u nnia in Europee, an n northeastern ellusive riddle had fin nally been solved. Until th hen, o war had been heaavy weapons of and cumbeersome. Swordsmith hs, whose nam mes are lost in time, had invented a new type of steel th hat y. rivals even n today’s technology Blades becaame lighterr, more flexible, fl resisted corrrosion, and those who w wielded th t hem would change the course off history hi t y. These h Th weapo ons were as deaadly as they were elegant, e adorned, an nd ornamented witth intricately woven w designs. Cap ptivated by theirr history y, Matthew ‘M Matt” Berry decid ded to focus on forg ging weaponry p y specific p to this era. “The most enligh htening moment for me ass a swordsmith wass when a private colllector leet me handle and sw ginal wing around his orig Ulfber rh ht Vi Viking sworrd. Tw Twenty lightbulb bs U tu urned on in my head d all at once. Even after a a thousand years in tthe ground, the swo ord w so well was thaatt it could t my ll made d th ld still till talk t lk to arrm and brain, telling g me how to use it.” ” Matt reecalls, “I remember thinking ‘Oh! This is the go oal! This is what a real r sword feels likee!’ I still haaven’t completely duplicated d the feel of o that Ulfber rht just yet, butt I get closer every tiime.” U

Over the years Matt grew in his affinity for these ancient swords. He had dabbled in forging from time to time, but raising a family, earning a Ph.D., and pursuing a career had put his hobby on hold until a friend suggested he take a bladesmithing course. “Getting my doctorate actually made me a better swordsmith, because it taught me what it takes to be an expert,” Matt says, “You have to do tons of research, talk to as many knowledgeable people as you can find, come at the problem from different angles and disciplines, use primary sources whenever you can, and treat all interpretations with some skepticism, including my own. Most of all, you realize you are never done learning.” So, Matt traveled north to Lewiston, Maine, and enrolled at the New England School of Metal Work. “Half the school is devoted to training welders and the other half teaches bladesmithing and blacksmithing. Welding is a practical skill, whereas smithing is more of an art form. But they both have one thing in common,” Matt

grins, “they are brought together by working with steel.” After completing school, Matt was welcomed as a member of the ‘American Bladesmith Society’. Today, the master swordsmith works on his weapons between two locations. On his property, Matt built a barn that houses his casting forge where he creates ornamental hilts for his blades. “Most swordsmiths can either forge a good blade or can produce good handles, but there are only a few that are good at both, so my goal was to become good at both,” Matt says this as he produces a plastic tub overflowing with a myriad of items carved from hard wax. Each piece had been meticulously sculpted by Matt’s own hands. “I would basically die if anything happened to these,” Matt admits, “These carvings are irreplaceable. I’ve spent thousands of hours making them.” He plucks a small piece from the pile and says, “This is a wolf’s head I carved from high-resolution photos taken from a Celtic knife handle. The

original is housed at the British Museum of History. This is pretty much an exact copy. I even used a micrometer to measure every detail.” Matt blames his parents for his dichotomy. His mother was an artist, and his father was a molecular biologist, both the arts and science are in his DNA. Matt not only designs blade handles in his barn, but he also crafts jewelry, arrowheads, coins, and other ancient reproductions. “I’m casting a tree of bracelet-heads today,” Matt says as he dons thick leather gloves. “I’m currently melting sterling silver at seventeen hundred degrees. Then I’ll pour it into a mold inside the vacuum chamber.” Using tongs, Matt lifts a glowing cup of molten silver which he pours into the chamber. After a few moments, Matt removes the mold and sets it on the concrete floor to cool waiting for the orange glow to fade. “I let it cool to about eight hundred degrees and then dunk it in a bucket of water. The sudden reaction blows apart the plaster and frees the casting.” Matt explains as he dunks the

“Welding is a practical skill, whereas smithing is more of an art form. But they both have one thing in common they are brought together by working with steel.”

“The fact that the more deadly swords often are the more beautiful ones, really makes me wonder about the patterns of reality.”

mold causing the water to instantly boil. Once the hiss of steam dissipates, Matt pulls the vessel free revealing twelve dragonheads to be mounted on his hefty Celtic and Nordic-inspired bracelets.

It is a short walk down a stone path from the forge to his home. Inside, a display of swords and finished castings lay across his dining room table. It was like stepping back in time. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to do.” Matt says pointing to a particular blade, “That is a real sword. It is an exact copy of Viking sword that was dug out of the ground.” Matt’s dedication runs deeper than just blade-smithing. He has been trained as a practitioner in sword-fighting as well as a dedicated historian on the practical use of ancient weaponry. This intimate knowledge has greatly assisted Matt in his quest for authenticity. “The miracle, way back then, was creating ‘clean steel’ that was light and flexible.” Matt says lifting a sword, “One of the tests I do before sharpening is locking them in a vice and bending them to ninety degrees. If I did my job right, they spring back and remain true.” Matt puts the sword tip on the table, places his palm midshaft, and pushes down, bending the sword into an arc. He does this a few times. Satisfied, he stares down the blade and nods. “Still perfectly straight.” Matt says, “In battle if your sword gets stuck in a shield moving forward, your blade will bend. But, once you move away,

it springs right back for an easy counter-attack.” Matt makes a few quick motions with the sword. This fellow not only makes deadly weapons but is proficient in their formidable application as well. “I like making swords because they are both art and a tool. Seeing how function and beauty intertwine is fascinating to me. The fact that the more deadly swords often are the more beautiful ones, really makes me wonder about the patterns of reality.” Matt’s second forge is in Wolcott, Connecticut at Dragons Breath Forge, where Matt makes his sword blades and is a well-known celebrity. He had competed twice on the History Channel’s popular show, ‘Forged In Fire’ He did not win his first bout, however, he had impressed the judges and was invited back for a redemption round. There, he bested each competitor and was awarded first place. “It was super stressful. It’s near impossible to forge a quality blade in a few hours. I’m a bit OCD, so the time crunch was super challenging.” Matt laughs, “It was an amazing experience though. Plus, I won cool twenty grand!” Matt gets straight to work and fires up his forge as hungry flames belch forth. As the forge readies for business, Matt holds out three half-inch

square rods that have been clamped together and about two feet in length. “What I’m going to do today is weld the seams in the forge and then fuse them together by hammering on the anvil.” With the temperature now optimum, Matt inserts his metal bundle in the volcanic belly. “I use a mix of modern and ancient technologies. I try to pick what works best without compromising the integrity of the sword.” Matt says, “CNC machines can turn out a perfectly symmetrical blade, but they lack the subtle character of forged blades, so I hammer out my blades using hammers and anvils much older than I am.” The master swordsmith waits patiently aside as his infant sword steadily begins to glow. “I mostly use modern steels because they are pretty much perfect. But I am attracted to the process of making my own steel. I’ve made quite a bit of steel using magnetite-sand I gather on the Connecticut beaches. The steel isn’t quite as good as modern steel and it’s more difficult to work with. But handmade steel is way more beautiful than modern steel and produces blades that reveal patterns like wood grain when finished.” Temperature and timing are key factors when forging a sword blade. Matt retrieves his project, places it atop the anvil and begins to hammer as sparks burst forth under each impact. The hammer is then set aside, as Matt feeds the forge once again. Heating, hammering and inspecting repeat over and again until Matt is pleased with the result. The metal is heated one final time and then rushed to a massive automatic hammer that will assure complete fusion. A bucket of water bubbles with fury as Matt cools the steel into submission. Steam curls from the infant sword as Matt pulls it from the water. “I’ll be working this for a while.” Matt says as he inspects, “It’s about half an inch thick right now, but when it’s finished it’ll be less than a quarter-inch and

almost doubled in length. Once the blade is finished, it’s back to the home forge for a proper handle.” With the burgeoning sword in the capable hands of the master swordsmith Matt, the blade would soon transform into a masterpiece forever honoring its mysterious forefathers. Matt can be found on the web at hopkinsforge.com or visit Matt’s Etsy store, “Hopkins Forge” where you can purchase a Dragonhead bracelet or a Viking Berserker sword for a measly twenty grand.

Gone Crawfestin’ By Ali Kaufman Years ago I found a festival in New Jersey that was the closest thing to experiencing New Orleans without hopping on a plane.

being evident in everything they do. From the excellent front gate welcome to safety protocols, keeping ice plentiful, and facilities stocked, right down to the chocolate mints that get left at your campsite, these folks go above and beyond to make sure you have a wonderful time. Now, with vaccinations on the rise, and the numbers of infections hopefully on the decline, it is time to look ahead and think about being together again, sharing the gift of music, food, and family.

The second year I attended, I personally thanked the producer and owner of the festi-val, Louisiana resident, Michael Arnone. It wasn’t difficult to find him, he is omnipresent, covering the Sussex County Fairgrounds in one of the many golf carts that canvas the extensive area, making sure all is well. There is not a job at his festival that he has not done himself, This yearly ritual, like almost unlike many of the giant every aspect of our lives, took festivals that are owned a backseat when the world by conglomerates and pivoted to deal with the panoften staffed by voldemic. While for most of us unteers, Crawfish Fest is it was a lousy still privately owned, prodeal to skip duced, and pro-moted by something we a real person who has Christone “Kingfish” Ingram look forward to, made it his life’s work to bring the rich heritage, food, and music of Lou- for the people that are an integral part isiana to Augusta, New Jersey for three days every of bringing these entertainment events year. Michael’s festival does not have volunteers, to fruition it is their life that had been he has a crew, his motto being,“If I am getting paid, put on hold. The ripples that fan out from the cancellation of a festival are they should too." wide-reaching and personal at the same Many of these experienced staffers have been with time. The talent Michael books for his him for well over 20 years, their commitment three stages are most often bands that

travel up from New Orleans and the southern region, securing an “anchor” gig means bands can often string together other bookings. Well respected industry professional, Page Stallings, Director of the Ketch Agency, who handles musicians like Bonerama and Jonathon Long among others, stated that,“During ‘normal touring’ times, most acts would go out and play around 7 dates in the 10 days touring the East Coast”. The impact just expands from there, for venue owners, restaurants and so many other businesses that peripherally feel the economic loss as well. Fast forward to today, af-ter juggling several dates, the weekend before Labor Day, August 27th- 29th has now been scheduled, and while the highest priority is safety, Michael and his team are

Samantha Fish

cautiously optimistic that it will be a go! Arnone has huge gratitude for the many, just about 99% of ticket holders that held onto their passes, and wants them to know that their tickets will be honored. Michael has taken advantage of this downtime to update the website and ticketing procedures, streamlining and making the process even more user-friendly. While the water/electric hookups have been sold out for months, there are still sites available to camp or there is always the possibility of staying close by but still purchasing a camping ticket so you can attend the campers-only shows that go on after the day pass holders have

exited the grounds. Camping tickets include the added beneﬁt of Michael’s own Jambalaya served up piping hot and perfectly picante.There are other tiers of ticketing, and Arnone is always coming up with new ways of upping the experience for all guests as well as VIPs looking to host several friends or a party; one couple even got married at a beautiful ceremony during the festival! I’ve touched on the food but there is so much more to say, for this is not your typical fare. First off, the crawﬁsh, all 10,000 pounds of them, are trapped on the Tuesday be-fore, and then trucked up for the

boil, 300 pounds of the Louisiana crawfish tail meat with the fat that goes into the Étouffée. The oysters are also from the Gulf and roasted on an open fire, and the fried oysters that make up Po-boys are tucked into Lei-denheimer French loaves, still made in New Orleans. Morning brings steaming mugs of Community Coffee with chicory from Baton Rouge and beignets under a mountain of powdered sugar. One has to fortify themselves for the dancing that is sure to ensue. Along with the mainstage and its expansive field, there is the Dance Hall where even the most trepadacious two-stepper can find a partner and a free Cajun/Zydeco lesson. Mostly all the talent that was originally booked has re-signed, complete artist lineup is on the website and includes favorites like Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and Grammy Winner, Terrance Simien. Rising stars like Christone Kingfish Ingram, Jonathon Long, and Ally Venable will be there as well. One of my fa-vorite traditions is the Sunday Morning Gospel that is always worth crawling out of the tent for, no matter how late the night before ran. This year, Sunday will feature United By Music, an international non-profit group made up of “exceptionally talented neuron-diverse and neuro typical musicians." Blues, Brass, Gospel, R&B, Zydeco, Jazz, plus food and a family-friendly vibe, it is all part of the celebration, so consider yourself in-vited to Michael Arnone’s 31st Annual Crawfish Festival. Laissez les bon temps rouler!!! (let the good times roll)! Crawfishfest.com for all the details, tickets, and up to date safety information.

Big Sam’s Funky Nation

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Photo by Susan Cornell

New Adventures on the Trail

Hiking That’ll Get Your Goat (or Llama) by Susan Cornell The number of hikers, bikers, kayakers and snowshoers has exploded over the past few months with the plague.

Courtesy of Rowanwood Farm

“At summer camp, the kids always enjoyed

walking the goats out into the woods and

t a certain point, though, these alfresco enthusiasts will seek something new; achieving those 10,000 steps/day simply won’t motivate sufficiently, and more novel, physically distanced experiences will be sought after. As I scrolled through Facebook and Instagram posts, I noticed hikers on Connecticut trails with goats and llamas. Bada bing!, the answer to how to add variety to outdoor adventures. Turns out, there are farms offering a wide range of furry activities, whether you’re four or ninety-four, a family, on a first date, or simply could use an emotional health boost. And times have changed for farmers just as much as they have for the rest of us. At Blue Button Farm in Easton, owner/ farmer Holly Pryor used to depend on her goats’ fiber rather than nature goat walks.

Top Left and Right: Photos by Susan Cornell Bottom Right: Courtesy of Country Quilt Llama Farm

She also used to run summer camps. But with Covid, away went camp sessions and craft shows … and income. Pryor reminisces, “At summer camp, the kids always enjoyed walking the goats out into the woods and would say things like, ‘These are the best walkers,’ or ‘These are the best petters,’ so a lot of it was the kids’ excitement over it.” Blue Button started offering birthday parties with goat walks, kids and parents found them GOAT, and nature goat walks took off. Pryor’s Pygoras are fuzzy, cute, and so soft. Among us on our walk were Forrest (as in Gump), Harry, Curly, and Moe. “They just have the best hair, and they’re so fun. It’s something people see right away,” Pryor says. She has tried her sheep on walks, but they’re just too herd-oriented; if there’s a problem, sheep just stick together. Goats, on the other hand, go to her if there’s a problem needing to be sorted out. Goat walks are

a year-round activity although rainy days are out. “Goats are fine with cold but don’t like getting their feet wet.” While there’s no minimum age, she recommends this activity for kids no younger than four. Of course, goat walks aren’t just for kids, and for those who aren’t inclined to climb hills like a goat, she offers “Pet and Play” where one sits in their pen and the goats either sit in one’s lap or put their head in the lap. Bradley Mountain Farm in Southington offers not only goat walks but also goat snuggles, yoga, cuddle therapy, fairy goatmother playdates, Go-at painting, full moon goat walks, and other quirky activities. They’ll even deliver goats to birthday parties, picnics, reunions, weddings, and wedding proposals in their Goatmobile with “Goats on the Go.” With 33 there are too many to list by name here. Event Leader, Terri Battaglia, who bellows out “Gooaaa-teeeee” with the best of them as

we discovered on the walk along Crescent Lake Trail, then into the woods and their pasture, says goats love to get out. “Especially in the warmer months, it’s an all-you-can-eat salad buffet. As we walk we have goat treats (compressed hay pellets) which are really good for them. They do activities, and they’re very social, so the interaction is very good for them – it’s good for their health as well as ours.” From the people’s perspective, “It’s very therapeutic. I see people coming in, and they confide in us. ‘I was lost,’ or ‘I was feeling sad’. It just helps them – just being with them is therapeutic.” Goats, she explains, don’t really show their emotions as a dog would, but they are “very intuitive and do like to cuddle in the right situation.” While folks have been walking goats at Bradley Mountain Farm since 2016, business has taken off recently. “What I’ve noticed with Covid is that people are buying multiple tickets in a day and

Top and Right: Photos by Susan Cornell Left: Courtesy of Blue Button Farm

“ literally a walk. Anyone can do it – from 4 to 94. Families do it, couples do it.” making a whole day of it, not just one activity. I think it’s become people’s happy place.” If you’re looking for more steps and adventure, or goats aren’t you’re thing, llamas may be just the ticket. For years, Country Quilt Llama Farm in Cornwall focused on educational programs at daycare centers, schools, libraries, and pet therapy at convalescent homes, all out due to the virus. Owner/farmer Debbie Labbe and her llamas -- Theo, Harley, Robert, Gordon, Leo, Rio, Bentley, and Cooper -- also offered walks but that wasn’t the main gig … until now. “The walks have been exploding since it’s different. It’s literally a walk. Anyone can do it – from 4 to 94. Families do it, couples do it.” Two llamas are on the walk. Labbe travels in a minivan to meet the customers at the trail. “Only two llamas fit in the van so it’s always a big surprise for them when I pull in and they’re looking for someone pulling a trailer,” she says. For the llamas (Labbe notes that she’s speaking only about her own), the employment is great. “Llamas are naturally work animals. In South America, llamas are pack animals so they are excellent work animals. In my opinion, llamas need a job just like working dogs need a job – the herding animals need something to do.” Llamas are curious animals, and hers are no exception. “They like going out and doing stuff. That’s why I did the other stuff with them too.” Labbe’s eight llamas take turns as far as who goes out on walks and who goes to

43 other programs. “It gives them something to do during the day, it keeps them entertained or doing a job. They like it. That being said, not every llama wants to work with the public as much as I do.” Each llama has a different personality. When she shops for a llama she shops strictly for personality because she needs the one that’s going to do it. “They either want to do it or they don’t. You can’t train that into a llama.” “For the people, it’s very therapeutic. I’ve had so many people go on the walk with me and didn’t realize how relaxing it is. You walk, and they follow you. You’ve got a lead rope, but it’s a slack lead rope so you’re not pulling them along. You almost forget they’re behind you, that’s how easy it is.” Labbe says she has had many say to her “Wow, I’m so glad I did this.” She adds, “The fact that they’re outside is part of it – they enjoy that (the people and the llamas) but they did not realize how relaxing it was going to be.” At Rowanwood Farm in Newtown, owner/ farmer AJ Collier informs, “Llamas don’t exist in the wild, they’re manmade - 6,000 years of selective breeding to be pets which are gentle and calm work animals.” What surprises most, she finds, is that llamas aren’t what they’re often portrayed to be. “They really don’t spit or kick or jump if they’re well cared for,” she says adding, “They’re sentient creatures.” Llama hikes started on the West Coast and have been spreading. She has 20 or so Bolivian, Chilean, Peruvian, and Argentinian minillamas whom she takes to the hikes in her “LlUber” or “Llama Limo.”

sentient creatures.”

“They’re calming, sense your energy, and are very alert. On the trails, they can show you things you may not notice. They’re loyal, friendly, and need exercise so they, too, love walking through the woods.” Collier loves what she does because it gets people into nature, with animals and without technology. While we may be socially distanced from other people, getting physically closer to trails and farm animals is a darn good antidote to the pandemic. Here’s how to get your goat...or llama: Blue Button Farm - bluebuttonfarm.com Bradley Mountain Farm - bradleymountainfarm.com Country Quilt Llama Farm - countryquiltllamafarm.com Rowanwood Farm - rowanwoodfarm.com

Top Left Page: Photo by Caryn B. Davis Bottom Right : Photos by Susan Cornell Top Photo: Courtesy of Rowanwood Farm; Middle Right: Courtesy of Country Quilt Llama Farm; Bottom Left: Photo by Susan Cornell

AskAshley

How to Make the Most Out of the Remaining Winter Season Are you here yet, Spring? We’re ready for you. Did the groundhog see his shadow? I feel like no one ever knows (or cares, for that matter).

know it doesn’t feel like it, but Winter will come to an end. This cold weather season is feeling particularly long and drawn out for obvious reasons that we don’t need to drum up. With recordbreaking low temps, never-ending snowstorm forecasts, and travel restrictions, it sort of felt like we were caught on a giant, stranded snowbank forever. Hopefully we will have seen the last of Zoom (doom?) life by the end of 2021, and can confidently bid farewell to depriving ourselves of dinners with friends and get-togethers with family members. Due to the increasing number of coronavirus vaccinations administered, as well as the predictions from medical professionals that there is a light at the end of the Covid tunnel, I’m feeling optimistic about the new and improved life ahead of us—and I think you should too. While some of us found a tinge of reprieve at ski resorts, occasional restaurant outings, and whatever quarantine hobbies we’ve mastered, it’s fair to acknowledge how difficult this Winter season (and this entire year) has been for everyone. In the spirit of positivity, I give you 8 winter activities to look forward to as we daydream about vibrant Spring flowers, baseball games, warm-weather outfits, and socially-distanced picnics in the park.

8 Fun To-Dos with your Quarantine Pod Before Spring is Sprung

Visit a neighboring town you’ve never been to before. Make it a day trip or a weekend-long stay, just make sure you pack your parkas. While you’re exploring your new surroundings, you can check out a local museum, dine at downtown eateries, stroll the tree-lined streets, and drop in local businesses to see how the owners are holding up. Grab a souvenir or two so you can remember your Covid vacation for years to come.

Volunteer. While dropping off old t-shirts, books, and kitchen odds and ends might make you feel better about the clutter in your house, it doesn’t do much for your soul. Make volunteering meaningful by witnessing the full impact of who you are helping, and how you are making a difference. Check your local listings for soup kitchens, homeless shelters, missionaries, humane societies, and other nonproﬁts that need your help. Serving your community, especially now, certainly beats another Netﬂix weekend marathon.

Go on a foodie tour. Connecticut is home to many delicious and authentic foods, with hot lobster rolls, homemade ice cream, thin crust pizza, and apple cider donuts topping the list. Venture out to new neighborhoods and go ﬁnd the trendiest, most incredible-tasting

rocketing thanks the unﬂattering of Zoom calls, enhancing youAnother can. Another perk this fromfoodie this foodie adventure? Thetime next time rocketing thanks to thetounﬂattering anglesangles of Zoom calls, enhancing dishesdishes you can. perk from adventure? The next our looks—through or alipstick new lipstick shade—simply feels good. your loved ones come to you’ll visit, you’ll be viewed as home your home our looks—through BotoxBotox or a new shade—simply feels good. your loved ones come to visit, be viewed as your state’sstate’s theappointment hair appointment putting off,yourself get yourself expert. Book Book the hair you’veyou’ve been been putting off, get the the foodiefoodie expert. expensive treatment you know is worth andabuy few new expensive salon salon treatment you know is worth it, andit,buy few anew (or better yet, gently wardrobe all aneed a pick-me-up a staycation. an entire year (or better yet, gently used)used) wardrobe items.items. We allWe need pick-me-up Book Book a staycation. We’veWe’ve been been homehome for anfor entire year at thisat this now again. and again. a form of self-care that makes us feel I think it’sto safe sayallwe all deserve a vacation. Whether everyevery now and It’s a It’s form of self-care that makes us feel point.point. I think it’s safe saytowe deserve a vacation. Whether awesome ourselves, and it’s liberating. you need to rekindle the romance with partner your partner are desperate awesome aboutabout ourselves, and it’s liberating. you need to rekindle the romance with your or areor desperate for aventure, solo venture, your staycation, andAs stat. Asknow, you know, for a solo book book your staycation, and stat. you New New England is known its quaint charming downtowns, the Snow. Snowy England winters England is known for itsfor quaint cities,cities, charming downtowns, and and Play Play in theinSnow. Snowy New New England winters aren’taren’t just just beautiful, they’re legendary. numerous beautiful, they’re legendary. With With numerous state state parks,parks, trails,trails, and forests, are outdoor activities for anyone to enjoy. Pending and forests, there there are outdoor activities for anyone to enjoy. Pending regulations, can down tube down mountain CovidCovid regulations, localslocals can tube snowysnowy mountain sides,sides, go go ice climbing, a snow bike, ice skating, snowmobiling, skiing, ice climbing, ride aride snow bike, go icego skating, snowmobiling, skiing, winter camping, and more. Ctvisit.com is an excellent resource winter camping, and more. Ctvisit.com is an excellent resource for for dowhere and where what what to do to and to do to it. do it.

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the beach. Beaches an underrated destination. If Go toGo thetobeach. Beaches are anare underrated winterwinter destination. If you to head to a beach thisof time year for a or walk or aeven a picnic, you head a beach this time yearoffor a walk even picnic, the the are endless. be crowded, you don’t pay for perks perks are endless. They They won’twon’t be crowded, you don’t need need to paytofor parking, andcan youalmost can almost guarantee and quiet (if that’s parking, and you guarantee peacepeace and quiet (if that’s what what looking for).your Put hot yourtea hotortea or coffee in thermos, your thermos, you’reyou’re looking for). Put coffee in your and and a winter the beach with family. your family. spendspend a winter day atday theatbeach with your you it. have it. I hope yougive willsome give some (orofall!) of these ThereThere you have I hope you will (or all!) these winterwinter activities a go. Happy wintering. activities a go. Happy wintering.

In addition the suggesAnd! And! In addition to thetosuggesdistinguished culture. Take advantage the beauty around you tions by tions let’sforget not forget distinguished culture. Take advantage of theofbeauty around you by above,above, let’s not the the making reservations the ﬁnest Bed Breakfasts and Breakfasts and the Inns the classic, activities making reservations at theatﬁnest Bed and and Inns classic, cozy cozy winterwinter activities Northeast proudly its residents. been relying on to preserve Northeast proudly offersoffers its residents. we’vewe’ve been relying on to preserve our health and our savesanity: our sanity: our health and save a snow day baking. 2020go will go down in history as many Reading having SpendSpend a snow day baking. 2020 will down in history as many Reading books,books, having moviemovie recorded chronicles, a positive will be forever known marathons, hosting recorded chronicles, but a but positive thing thing it willitbe forever known marathons, hosting virtualvirtual game game for is theofyear the banana wehave may grown have grown tired nights, of nights, redecorating for is the year theof banana bread.bread. WhileWhile we may tired of redecorating “blah”“blah” spacesspaces that particular whyspend not spend a Saturday an entire our homes, hiking, and snugthat particular bakedbaked good,good, why not a Saturday (or an(or entire in ourinhomes, hiking, and snugweekend) baking homemade cookies or cupcakes, then sending withkids ourand kidspets. and pets. weekend) baking homemade cookies or cupcakes, then sending them them gling gling with our to everyone you missed have missed spending timethis withpast thisyear? past year? to everyone you have spending time with Again,Again, If youtowant with Ashley, If you want keepto upkeep withupAshley, sign sign is a much productive of than time binging than binging the latest this isthis a much more more productive use ofuse time the latest on on her Happiness newsletter up for up herfor Happiness Hacks Hacks newsletter or doom scrolling ourselves into thecorners dark corners the Internet. Hulu Hulu or doom scrolling ourselves into the dark of theof Internet.

at https://ashleyalt.substack.com/. at https://ashleyalt.substack.com/.

Give yourself a makeover. Let’sit.face it. Sometimes therapy is Give yourself a makeover. Let’s face Sometimes retail retail therapy is the form best form of therapy. surgery appointments the best of therapy. With With plasticplastic surgery appointments sky- sky-

Of Murals, Dog Heads, Furniture, Antiques

Black Whale Antiques By Caryn B. Davis

nyone driving through Hadlyme four corners has surely noticed a large red, barn board building with a lifelike painted cow on the side. This ramshackle structure originally housed the F. E. Banning Carriage Factory where they made horse carriages and Windsor chairs and later, the country’s first wooden mobile home. But for the past 38 years, Tom Rose and his business partner, Patrick Csora, have been selling antiques, period furniture, garden ornaments, and Rose’s original artwork from this finely curated and elegant shop that bears the name Black Whale Antiques. “I bought it from a woman whose husband had a marine and nautical antique store called the Black Whale. She wanted me to keep the name as a gesture to him, so I did, even though I don’t sell many marine items,” says Rose. Inside are a series of rooms, including Rose’s painting studio, and each is decoratively arranged with Chinese ceramics, hand-painted furniture, tables and chairs in various shapes and sizes, plush sofas, and Tom’s murals and paintings which seem to complete and complement each space. Wandering around as one room opens into the next, you feel as though you are a guest in someone’s home. And that is precisely the point. Rose and Csora have intentionally designed it this way. Some rooms are more formal in their choice of furnishings, while others possess a certain country charm. In other areas you might find an array of wicker furniture and garden ornaments, or Rose’s hand-painted furniture that have included a 19th century English chest painted in an Anglo-Indian style; an American pine four-drawer cottage chest circa 1900 painted in a Delft Charger

Photo Courtesy of Black Whale Antiques

Photo by Caryn B. Davis

Chinoiserie Chinese motif, and an 18th-century pine cupboard painted using the Trompe l’oiel technique to mirror horticulturalist Bunny Mellon’s potting shed.

Country Living magazines, and he has also been hired to furnish homes for clients.

“I like the combination of an antique shop and a gallery. They marry together very well. A straight gallery is kind of sterile, I think, with its empty rooms and just paintings on the walls. With this, people can relate the paintings to a home and the furniture,” Rose says.

“A long time ago I did a wonderful penthouse in Manhattan in the art deco style, and I had custom furniture made for it. I also did a maisonette on Central Park West. It was fun,” Rose says. “But I prefer to run a shop and have decorators come in and buy from me. It’s a lot easier than traipsing around trying to put things together. I find it more interesting and less maddening.”

Rose has been an artist for several decades. He graduated from Paier College of Art in New Haven, Connecticut in the 1960s after studying commercial art and illustration, and then earned his postgraduate degree in portraiture. After college, he opened a similar shop in Cape Cod and then in Farmington, Connecticut before relocating to Hadlyme. His work has been featured in several publications including House Beautiful, Colonial Homes, and

Rose is attracted to period paintings and murals and likes to paint his large scale scenes in the same manner as Jean Zuber, a French artist from the late 1700s renowned for his woodblock printed wallpapers and furnishing fabrics. (Zuber’s designs were so well regarded that he was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1834 by

First Mobile Home, Photo Courtesy of Black Whale Antiques.

F. E. Banning Factory, Photo Courtesy of Black Whale Antiques.

Photos by Caryn B. Davis

King Louis Philippe, and one of his wallpapered murals entitled “Scenes of North America,”“I like Zuber’s style. It’s very flat painting,” Rose says. Rose is often commissioned to create custom murals, which he then has the ability to roll up and ship worldwide as he paints them on canvas from the comfort of his own studio. With some scenes, Rose has garnered inspiration from local landmarks such as the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry depicted with old steamships on the Connecticut River, or Gillette Castle looming above the river on a hillside known as the Seventh Sister. Others are farther afield like his mural of Gloucester harbor circa 1820 and “The Hongs of Canton” representing the Thirteen Factories along the Pearl River which were once the center for Western trade in China during the 1700s and 1800s. In addition to the murals, Rose is partial to replicating English Left to right Clockwise: Boston Bull, Courtesy of Black Whale Antiques, Remaining Photos by Caryn B. Davis. Right Page: Photos by Caryn B. Davis, Barn Yard Gothic, Courtesy of Black Whale Antiques.

equestrian paintings and marine paintings, again from the 18th and 19th centuries. Most of what you see on the walls in his shop are Giclée canvas prints as the originals tend to sell out fast. Rose appreciates the artistic sensibilities of British maritime painter, James Edward Buttersworth, who is considered to be one of the preeminent ship portraitists of the nineteenth century. He also likes to mimic the style of Fitz Hugh Lane, an American painter and printmaker, who like Buttersworth, also excelled in his reproduction of sailing vessels. “I used to sail when I was much younger and have always loved sailboats,” Rose says. While his maritime paintings are obviously more historic and serious in nature, his portraits of dogs are not. These whimsical pieces are simply a delight to behold and of course, well crafted.

“About 15 years ago I had a one-man show of my work called “Animal Farm,” and it was a tribute to the art of painting dog’s heads on human bodies. It’s called anthropomorphic art and it dates back to the Egyptians. The most recognizable are of the English bulldogs playing poker. The English had a lot of fun with anthropomorphic art,” Rose says. Rose artfully adds the heads of different canine breeds to the work of the old masters such as a bulldog in James Whistler’s “Whistler’s Mother”; or a basset hound as the wife in Grant Wood’s “American Gothic”; or a hound dog in Leonardo DaVinci’s painting “Lady with an Ermine”. “I think it’s fun to do a serious painting like the “Mona Lisa” and put a Labrador Retriever’s head on it. I like the juxtaposition of taking an old master painting or putting a dog in costume. It’s a sense of humor. Some people come in and are very disturbed by it, but you can’t please everybody. It’s fun,” Rose explains. “Tom will, from time to time, paint somebody’s pet for them. But he has requirements for that too. It has to be a straight-on shot

of the animal, and it can be in a particular costume or without a costume. For example, he’s painted a Bassett hound as Queen Elizabeth in her ceremonial robes,” Csora says. So next time you’re driving through Hadlyme four corners, allow your curiosity to lead you inside the Black Whale Antiques where enchanting surprises await that defy defining. To stay informed, follow Black Whale Antiques on Instagram @blackwhaleantiques.

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"... But unexpectedly and secretly the giant heartbeat enters our being, so that we scream --and are transformed in being and in countenance." Rainer Maria Rilke

Profile by Alli Ganino Photos Courtesy of Ina aHeartbeat HeartbeatFoundation Foundation Photos Courtesy ProfileofbyInAlli Ganino Photos Courtesy of In a Heartbeat Foundation

IN IN A A HEARTBEAT HEARTBEAT Making MakingaaDifference, Difference,Saving SavingLives Lives n August happens in the bodybody n August happens inhuman the human th 24th, 24 2006, whenwhen a person stopsstops breathing. , 2006, a person breathing. 17- yearIt is generally considered a sign 17- yearIt is generally considered a sign old Mike of death. Someone called 911, 911, old Mike of death. Someone called Papale but Mike almost certainly would Papale but Mike almost certainly would started his his not have survived if a volunteer started not have survived if a volunteer day, day, as usual, withwith an early EMTEMT hadn’t beenbeen next next door.door. The The as usual, an early hadn’t morning workout. He He EMTEMT rushed into into the gym to see morning workout. rushed the gym to see hit the at 6:00 MikeMike turning blue,blue, still agonal hitgym the gym at A.M. 6:00 A.M. turning still agonal withwith his brother, worked gasping, and began to perform his brother, worked gasping, and began to perform out until about 8:00,8:00, thenthen CPR.CPR. CPRCPR allowed Mike’s brainbrain out until about allowed Mike’s headed overover to the to survive untiluntil the ambulance headed torec the rec to survive the ambulance center for afor basketball arrived withwith a defiabrillator center a basketball arrived defibrillator campcamp directed by his machine. Without CPR,CPR, Mike’s directed by his machine. Without Mike’s father. A rising highhigh school chances of survival werewere slim.slim. father. A rising school chances of survival senior and competitive His odds of surviving without senior and competitive His odds of surviving without basketball player, MikeMike permanent brainbrain damage werewere basketball player, permanent damage helped his dad a sort eveneven slimmer. helped his as dad as a of sort of slimmer. counselor by running drillsdrills withwith younger counselor by running younger key element to Mike’s survival of of Another key element to Mike’s survival kids kids and coaching somesome games. MikeMike can’tcan’t Another and coaching games. cardiac arrest was was the defi sudden cardiac arrest thebrillator defibrillator tell you whatwhat he did tell exactly you exactly hethat did morning, that morning, sudden machine. We’re all familiar withwith the the machine. We’re all familiar because he doesn’t remember any of it.of it. because he doesn’t remember any paddles usedused to shock patients backback to life paddles to shock patients to life At about 10:30, MikeMike sat down in the on television medical dramas, but in real At about 10:30, sat down in the on television medical dramas, but in real bleachers for afor quick breakbreak withwith his best life, these devices are aare critical weapon in in bleachers a quick his best life, these devices a critical weapon friend. Suddenly, MikeMike slumped forward ghtfiagainst cardiac arrest. Think of it of it friend. Suddenly, slumped forward the fithe ght against cardiac arrest. Think in hisinseat. There had been no warning this way: A heart attack is often caused by by his seat. There had been no warning this way: A heart attack is often caused signssigns nor symptoms, but Mike’s life was in in a plumbing issue,issue, suchsuch as a blockage. A A nor symptoms, but Mike’s life was a plumbing as a blockage. extreme danger. He had into into sudden suffering a heart attack experiences extreme danger. He gone had gone sudden person person suffering a heart attack experiences cardiac arrest, meaning his heart had had symptoms suchsuch as chest, arm,arm, or jaw cardiac arrest, meaning his heart symptoms as chest, or pain, jaw pain, stopped beating and was no longer pumping sweating, and shortness of breath stopped beating and was no longer pumpingnausea, nausea, sweating, and shortness of breath blood to histobrain. At that MikeMike and requires immediate medical attention blood his brain. At moment, that moment, and requires immediate medical attention had ahad 90% chance of dying. No one not stop breathing or require a 90% chance of dying. No around one around but may but may not stop breathing or require him,him, including his father, understood the the CPR.CPR. Sudden cardiac arrest, on the including his father, understood Sudden cardiac arrest, onother the other severity of the MikeMike appeared hand, is more like an malfunction. severity ofsituation. the situation. appeared hand, is more likeelectrical an electrical malfunction. to betobreathing, but in reality, was was agonal whenwhen the heart stopsstops beating be breathing, but in reality, agonal It occurs It occurs the heart beating gasping. Agonal gasping is a refl that without warning. SomeSome patients may may feel feel gasping. Agonal gasping is aexrefl ex that without warning. patients

In just one yearr,

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dizzy or sweaty just before the arrest, but b in most cases, there are no symptoms. Th he victim lloses consciousness, i stops t b breathing, thi and a d needs d immediate CPR to have any chance of survival. A defibrillator machine provides the ellectrical surge needed to jump-start the heart and a get it beating again. Mike spent two weeks in the hospital aafter his sudden cardiac arrest. He has no memo ory of his medical emergency or the first two days of his hospitalization. Doctors diagnoseed him with a heart condition called hypertrop phic news with cardiomyopathy y.. His parents took this n skepticism. How could a healthy 17- yeear-old pertrophic varsity athlete have heart disease? Hyp orm of cardiomyopathy is the most common fo out of heart disease, affecting between 1 or 2 o on that every 500 people. It’s a genetic conditio causes the heart muscle to become abno ormally thick. Many people never develop sym mptoms, while others experience shortness of brreath or dizziness with exertion. Others, like Miike, go into sudden cardiac arrest. There’s no ccure, but y, or an treatments include medication, surgery implantable device to help the heartbeaat normally y. In Mike’s case, doctors prescribed beta blockers and implanted a defibrillator in his cheest to monitor his heart and deliver electric sh hocks if his heart goes into an abnormal rhythm.

Despite the available treatments for his heart ore disease, Mike’s basketball career was over. Befo his hi sudden dd cardiac di arrest, he h planned l d on playing l i in college and was being actively recruited by Division 2 and Division 3 schools. His parents recognized his need to find a new passion in life and basically forced him to start volunteering with the American Heart Association in their hometown of Wallingford, CT. It didn’t take long for the volunteer work to click for Mike. His family started talking about launching their own non-profit and finally made it official in 2015 with the formation of the In a Heartbeat Foundation. In just one yearr, 475,000 Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest. In a Heartbeat aims to reduce that number by promoting the two treatments most effective in increasing survival rates: CPR and the use of automatic external defibrillator machines, or AEDs. If you’ve ever taken a good look around a fitness center or school, you might have noticed an AED on the wall. These portable and fully automatic devices save lives by delivering an electric shock. Unlike the paddles and machines used in hospitals, AEDs can be used by anyone, even without prior training. In a Heartbeat raises funds to purchase AEDs for small businesses, charities, and individuals who need them.

A simple,

non-invasive

EKG is a fast, reliable way to diagnose

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in teens before the onset of

symptoms.

When looking for the right AED to donate, Mike went to a distributor and began exploring options. Right away y, one AED stood out as nonintimidating and easy to use. With clear directions and only two buttons, the AED produced by a Connecticut-based company called Defibtech became In a Heartbeat’s device of choice. Defibtech AEDs are bright yellow and easy to spot in public places. Mike thought their design made them very easy to use. Around the same time, Defibtech CEO Bob Reinhardt started an initiative to bring AEDs at a lower cost to those who need them most. Mike and In a Heartbeat fit the bill, so the two organizations began to work more closely togetherr.. So farr,, In a Heartbeat has donated 154 Defibtech AEDs to o individuals, small businesses, and charities. For each AED donated, In a Heeartbeat provides CPR and AED training. These two treatments together can double or triple a victim’s chances of surviving sudden cardiac arressts. In a Heartbeat also helps young athletes copee with the drastic life changes that come from liv ving with heart disease. They provide a CPR/A AED Training Program and host fundraising g events throughout the year and offer cardiac screeening for children. A simple, p , non-invasive EKG iss a fast, reliable way to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in teens before the onset of symp ptoms. By providing all of these services, Mike hopees to increase the survival rate for victims of sud dden cardiac arrest.

...learn the basics of CPR any way you can, even if that means

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YouT o Tu ube videos.

Not surprisingly y, it’s working. In a Heartbeat learned a life had been saved the day before Thanksgiving 2019 by an AED provided by the foundation. A man took his son to a physical therapy appointment in Milford. During the appointment, the father suffered sudden cardiac arrest and was saved using a Defibtech AED that In a Heartbeat had donated to the physical therapy practice. Like many non-profits, In a Heartbeat’s fundraising plans had to change during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their fundraiser at Stony Creek Brewery in Branford was canceled in 2020. They were able to have their usual 5K, but virtually y, and held their annual golf tournament at the Wallingford Country Club. As the pandemic drags on, howeverr, enthusiasm for virtual events is waning. Mike’s passion for his work hasn’t dimmed, and he has plans to increase the number of AEDs In a Heartbeat is able to donate each year.

What can you do to be prepared to help in a cardiac emergency? Mike suggests learning CPR. A certification class takes only about two hours of your time. While certification is great, Mike would encourage everyone to learn the basics of CPR any way they can, even if that means watching Yo YouT Tu ube videos. Many CPR classes now include an AED element. While AEDs are designed to be used by literally anyone, becoming familiar with how they work can save precious seconds in an emergency situation. If you own a small business, consider purchasing an AED. When you visit airports, gyms, or schools, take note of where the AEDs are located and familiarize yourself with the differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest.

To learn more about In a Heartbeat and their upcoming events, or to make a doonation, visit theirr website at inaheartbeat.or inaheartbeat orrg. g Y Yoou can also find them on Facebook @inaheartbbeatfoundation. To learn morre about Defibtech AEDs, please visit defibtech.com or find them on n Facebook @ defibtech.llc.

opping Hopping Around CT.

Photos & proﬁle by Jim Lalumiere

resurrected in Norwalk and eventually sold to head brewer Rob Leonard in 2002. Rob moved the brewery to Woodbridge, where it ﬂourished and became one of the cornerstones of the Connecticut craft beer scene. In 2013, NEBCO outgrew its brewery and built the 15-barrel brewhouse across the street, where it currently resides.

New England Brewing Company The Pride of New Haven

Connecticut’s craft beer scene goes back to the Golden Age of Brewing (1870-1977), when there were no less than 14 breweries operating in the Hartford and New Haven areas. One of the earliest breweries was the New England Brewing Company (NEBCO) dating back to 1897. 92 years later it was

Until six years ago, NEBCO was available in surrounding states as well as Connecticut. It was at that point that the decision was made to pull out of other states and focus solely on CT. According to Marty Juliano, Director of Business Development,“If you can’t make enough beer for your own state, it doesn’t make sense to ship beers to other states.” Jamal Robinson, Director of Sales, added, “Don’t neglect your home market and the people who have built your brand.” Both of these gentlemen have been stalwarts in the beer industry for decades with other breweries, and now form the backbone of NEBCO that has seen sales double in size

since pulling back to their home state. NEBCO now produces 20,000 barrels of beer for CT, having maxed out their new brewery within six years of opening. The craft beer scene is very hype-driven and some of the most hyped beers to come out of CT have ﬂowed from the tanks in Woodbridge. One of the ﬁrst beers to have a cult following with the hop-crowd was GandhiBot IIPA (now known as G-Bot after losing an infamous lawsuit). In a world of hoppy

beers, G-Bot still stands out with its dank aroma of pine, full citrusy ﬂavor and easy drinkability, even at 8.8% ABV. Another one of NEBCO’s most sought after beers is Fuzzy Baby Ducks. The all-Citra hopped IPA gives you huge papaya, mango and citrus ﬂavors. There is enough hoppiness from the dryhopping to satisfy even the most passionate hop-head. Double Fuzzy and Triple Fuzzy are now brewed on an incredibly limited basis. I was lucky enough to be at NEBCO when Triple Fuzzy was on draft and can attest to the fact that it is one of the smoothest 10.4% ABV IIIPAs you’ll ever have, if you’re lucky enough to ever have it.

“If you’re not having fun in the beer business, what’s the point of being in it” Jamal claims. No one ever accused NEBCO of not having fun, especially with their beer labels. One of the early fan-favorites came in the form of Imperial Stout Trooper, a 9.5% ABV Imperial Stout that caught the eye of George Lucas of Star Wars fame when the original label was adorned with a Storm Trooper mask. After a cease-and-desist letter was sent to Rob Leonard, a portion of the mask was covered with comedic glasses, nose and mustache. I assume the original letter is framed somewhere in Rob’s ofﬁce, a testament to never take yourself too seriously. Legend has it, Rob sent a case of Stout Trooper to Lucas as a tonguein-cheek truce. This year’s Stout Trooper cans have the added touch of a Covid-friendly mask with “2020” printed on it. NEBCO’s specialty and rotating beers account for only 15% of their sales. The true workhorse of their catalog is the always consistent Sea Hag IPA. 17,000 barrels of their ﬂagship beer are packaged in cans and kegs every year for their passionate customers. The citrusy and crisp IPA is not available for purchase at the brewery, however. Partnerships and relationships with local package stores and bars are very important to the NEBCO crew, and they don’t want to take sales away from the businesses who support them.

are fresh and consistent. Their goal is to never have more than 30 days of inventory at their distributors, and most of their beer that you see on package store shelves are only 1-2 weeks old. According to Jamal and Marty, being relevant in other states is a lot harder than it used to be. Being relevant in your OWN state is now much more appealing. Having a small team who focuses on the beer drinkers in their home state, the brand, culture, and most importantly, the liquid, is what sets NEBCO apart from most breweries. In 2020, NEBCO, the CT Brewers Guild, and Sacred Heart University teamed up to form the “CT Brewers Guild African American Brewing Scholarship”, which raises money for black students to go through Sacred Heart’s brewing program. This scholarship is to help diversify the craft beer industry and once through the program, the students have an internship at the New England Brewing Company. This, along with other community-based programs, is NEBCO’s way of giving back to the communities who have supported them for years. According to Marty, look for “big news” in 2021 from the team at NEBCO. I’m excited to see what they have in store for Connecticut. New England Brewing Company 175 Amity Rd. Woodbridge, CT Hours: SundayFriday: Noon - 5:00pm

With the hyper-local focus of today’s craft beer drinkers, it’s imperative the beers people buy Jim Lalumiere, lover of all that is hoppy, malty and sour.

The

Cheesemonger Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop, Centerbrook CT

The 12 Families of Cheese – Part I

here are approximately 12 families of cheese produced in the world – at least by my way of classification. By “family” I refer to cheeses that are grouped by certain logical characteristics. For example, if a cheese has blue veining it is typically grouped into the blue cheese family. There are some cheeses that can logically fit into more than one family. For instance, Danish Blue Castello, a soft-ripening blue, fits into both the soft-ripening and blue families. It would be almost impossible to classify cheese in a perfectly distinct manner because of the nature of complexity involved. There are many ways to group cheeses; one could group by ripening process, type of milk, age or ripening time, texture, appearance and even region. You see the point. No one, regardless of expertise level, could possibly know all 12,000+ cheeses in existence today. Therefore, once you understand the 12 families it becomes much easier to buy cheese. The benefit of this knowledge can be compared to buying wine. For example, if you are looking for a Cabernet Sauvignon you may not know the specific cabernet label you are looking at, but you will at least know approximately what to expect in terms of flavor profile. Once you know the 12, you can simply pick a few different families for your cheese tray, and you will be off to a great start. Instead of trying to remember the name of a specific cheese, you might ask what is good in terms of your favorite families, like so: “I would like three cheeses today. What do you have in good condition in a softripening family, a blue and maybe a fresh, soft goat? This way, it becomes easier for you. You will like the results. So let’s break down the first six (of 12) families:

• Fresh

Often called unripen, this is a very young cheese with a short shelf life of only a few weeks at most from production. This type of cheese generally goes through a transition of fresh to tart to sour. Examples would be Cottage, Ricotta, Farmer cheese, Mozzarella and Cream cheese. You will also find many goat and sheep cheeses that fit into this family as well.

• Soft-ripening

This type is one of the most popular and most understood within families of cheese. The name comes from the action that takes place. This kind of cheese is first sprayed with penicillium camberti, a white mold. Then, as the ripening process develops, it softens from the outside in. When first made, a soft-ripening cheese has a hard core in the center. As the cheese begins to ripen the core disappears. Once gone, it is considered fully ripe. This process will happen within just a few weeks. There are three types of soft-ripening cheeses classified by butterfat content: Single Crème - 50% butterfat Examples: Brie, Camembert, Coulommiers, Melinda Mae Double Crème - 60% butterfat Examples: Fromage d’Affinois, Supreme and Brie Triple Crème -75% butterfat Examples are: Brillat Savarin, Delice d'Argental, Délice de Bourgogne, Boursault, Belletoile , Mt Tam, and the new Fromage D’Affinois Triple Crème

Please note that not all soft-ripening cheeses are created equal. Many have been stabilized to give the large markets a longer shelf life, but the soft creamy purpose of the cheese is also lost. In addition, you may not always be able to tell the condition of a triple crème by its appearance. This is one cheese you truly want to try before you buy, and I always recommend buying this type by condition, not by name.

• Washed Rind

Unlike soft-ripening cheeses that have a white bloomy mold sprayed on them, this type of cheese gets washed with a different mold. Then it is allowed to ripen in a moist room where the washed rind develops. This orange-hued cheese is more pungent and flavorable as a general rule. It can over-ripen quickly, so it is best to taste when you can. Examples are Limburger, Chaumes, Epoisses, Livarot, Munster, Stinking Bishop, Grayson, Pont l'Eveque, Von Trapp Oma and Arethusa Diva.

• English

This is a large group of cheese produced in Great Britain with the similar characteristics of subtle buttermilk undertone and a crumbly texture. This is certainly an over-simplified definition of a great cheese. You really need to try the small farm production cheeses to truly appreciate them. Examples are Cheshire (pre-dates cheddar by 400 years), Caerphilly, Wensleydale, Leicester, Double Gloucester, Cotswold and Lancashire.

• Cheddar

Known for the Cheddar-type cut curd from which it is made, Cheddar is originally an English cheese but the largest production is now made in the United States and Canada. Examples are Cheddars by name from Connecticut, New York, Vermont, Wisconsin, Canada, England, Oregon, etc. Specific names include Colby, Tillamook, Longhorn, Quebec, Grafton, Cabot, Tapping Reeve and Black Diamond.

• Swiss

This is a slow-ripening cheese, free of added bacteria (in the way that a Brie or washed rind cheese is cultured). In the Swiss family, cheeses are ripened with salt and time, usually over the course of several months to a year, with little changes noted. Examples would be Appenzeller, Emmenthaler (the original Swiss cheese with “holes” in it), Gruyere, Leerdammer, Comte, Beaufort and Raclette. As a general note, when buying cheese, the proof is always in the taste. Be wary of slick marketing concepts designed to make one perceive a greater value than the cheese actually has. Next month I will cover the remaining six families of cheese. In the interim, mention the defining names of the cheese families you like to your cheese monger during your next trip out for cheese. Then let the monger search for something special in perfect condition for you.

Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop www.cheeseshopcenterbrook.com

By Art LiPuma, “The Wine Seller” SeaSide Wine & Spirits, Old Saybrook

Saint Emilion Sunrise, Bordeaux Vineyard, France, Europe

The Right Bank of Bordeaux Entre-Deux-Mers T

he right bank of Bordeaux' wine growing region includes the influential properties of Saint Émillion and Pomerol areas which produce an abundance of high-quality wines while also producing many everyday inexpensive Bordeaux reds. This area for growing wines is noticeably different than the Left Bank. First, the area is much smaller, and the soils are of limestone and clay rather than gravel utilized on the Left Bank. The grapes ripen a little earlier, which is why Merlot is the predominant grape. Cabernet Franc is the second largest grape grown on the Right Bank, unlike the Left Bank where Cabernet Sauvignon is the predominant varietal. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, and Malbec are also used for blending. Merlot, being used as the leading grape in the wine, gives a slightly softer complexity, however, it is more fruit-forward than jammy with big rich fruit like some of the California style Merlots. These wines also have great age-ability, lasting several years or even decades from some of the pristine vineyards. Quite a few of the Saint Émilions are labeled as Grand Cru which stands for First Growth, the wineries premiere wine. A few of the famous vineyards in Saint Émilion are; Château Pavie, Château Belair, andChâteau Cheval Blanc; which was originally known as Château Figeac. These wines are noted for their quality and age-ability. In this vineyard, they planted equal quantities of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Pomerol is a much smaller area than Saint Émillion and was under the radar for many years, partially due to the lack of any famous landmarks. However, the area has many small vineyards producing high quality wines but with only small yields. One of the most prestigious wines in the world comes from Pomerol, which is Chateau Petrus, a wine that is made from nearly 100 percent Merlot owing to the unique soil which is partially responsible for its superb taste. A smaller area in Pomerol is Lalande-de Pomerol; this area has had a slow start producing wine but with some replanting, it is turning out to be a well-developed wine growing area containing Merlot, rich & soft but mostly dry wines. Fronsac, an area west of Saint Émillion, was devastated by phylloxera (a vine disease caused by a tiny insect that feeds on the vines ultimately destroying many vineyards in Europe.) It was replanted in the '90s, and it is known once again as a great wine area on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The area grows a lot of Merlot and Cabernet Franc with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petite Verdot. South of the “Right Bank” lies the big wine-producing area of Entre-Deux-Mers Although this area is famous for its white wines, which are generally a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle, these are the only white grapes grown in this area and tend to have a light to medium body with a dry finish. They pair well with seafood dishes, salad, and light chicken dishes. They also produce a few sweet white wines.

Being this area is strong in producing whites, it is even stronger and perhaps considered the workhorse of producing red wines consisting of the widely planted Merlot grape. The wines consist mostly of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends. Although these wines come from this area they are generally labeled Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur. In Entre-Deux-Mers the top producers are Chateau Bonnet, Chateau Thieuley, and Chateau de Reignac. The wines that are produced from Right Bank and Entre-Deux-Mers give Bordeaux a well rounded selection of red and whites ranging from extreme high quality wines to everyday table wines so visit Saint Émillion, Pomerol or anywhere in Entre-Deux-Mers through the taste of wine and enjoy! Just remember, people who wonder if the glass is half full or half empty should keep in mind that the glass is always refillable!

Cheers!

Art LiPuma

MARCH EVENTS

66 Reservations suggested. Space is limited. Wednesday March 17th 5pm-8PM Little Pub Old Saybrook, 1231 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 (860) 339-5591 more info at www.littlepub.com/oldsaybrook

Tuesday Night Trivia Live Trivia is back! Little Pub has partnered with DJ Trivia to bring socially distanced live trivia nights back to the Shoreline. These socially distanced live trivia nights will be held in our enormous dining room complete with air sanitized by bipolar air ionization filters. All tables and teams will be socially distanced. Reservations suggested. Space is limited. Tuesday Nights 6:30-8:30. Little Pub Old Saybrook, 1231 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 (860) 339-5591 more info at www.littlepub.com/oldsaybrook

Bottomless Brunch It’s a Bottomless Brunch Weekends at Little Pub Guests can order from our regular bottomless brunch menu or choose from a Daily Special Brunch menu featuring Lobster Benedict, Beef Tenderloin and Eggs, and other dishes while enjoying endless Mimosas and Bottomless Bloody Mary’s. All Egg Dishes feature Farm Fresh Eggs from the happy hens in The Little Pub Chicken Coop, and all honey used comes from the Little Pub Honey Company apiaries. Reservations suggested. Space is limited. Saturday and Sunday 11:30AM-3PM. Little Pub Old Saybrook, 1231 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 (860) 339-5591 more info at www.littlepub.com/oldsaybrook We’ve started to book bands!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Little Pub with Jamie’s Junk Show Welcome back for a special socially distanced St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Little Pub with corned beef dinners, green beer, Guinness, and Live music from Jamie’s Junk Show.

Susan Powell Fine Art, Madison CT Spring into Art March 5 - April 10, 2021 Celebrate the change of season with our new exhibition, Spring into Art! Over 20 award-winning artists whom we have represented for many years, as well as newly invited artists are participating in this exciting Spring show. Stop in the Gallery from 11 to 5 on Friday, March 5, the first day of the show, which continues through April 10. Private appointments are also available. This exhibit features a varied selection of subjects including landscapes, seascapes, still life, florals, figurative and New York City scenes. The gallery is located at 679 Boston Post Road, Madison near the fire station. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, and any day by appointment. For further information, please call (203) 3180616, email us at susanpowellfineart@gmail.com and visit www.susanpowellfineart.com to see works in the show. IMAGE: Katie Swatland

First Friday - Friday, March 5, 2021 5:00 PM 8:00 PM Chester Village Main Street Chester CT 06412 USA (map) Join us for First Friday in the Village! Come stroll, shop and dine with us. Many shops will feature sales or special exhibitions- please visit individual businesses’ website for detailed information. Hope to see you there (with your mask on!)

The most m powerful annd most listened to radio staation on the t shoreeline. ww ww w.wbmw w. wbmw w.com w. com