INK MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2023

"Happily, we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures."

Henry David Thoreau

Yes Mr. Thoreau but have you noticed that coolness in the morning? Like almost a light jacket type of coolness. Kind of hard to believe that summer is already retreating. School is becoming “a thing” again. Schedules are being made and the free-for-all is almost over. For many, fall is the best time of year and I think I too could be counted in that number. September is an in-between month. Well, have no fear because Christmas is right around the corner... I joke of course.

This September installment is one of those “all over the place“ type of issues that I personally love. A random cross section of life here in the Northeast. A little of this, and a little of that, and all of it good.

We are now rapidly approaching our nineteenth year of the magazine you are holding in your hand. It is still exciting every month when the new issue arrives. We are small, tightly knit group and all of us take great pride in what we offer to the public for free once a month. INK is of the people, by the people. We find our stories over a glass of wine or out for dinner or even at the grocery store. I still believe in the power of local. No matter how convenient the web is... sometimes the journey is as good as the destination. Enjoy!

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Del-Bourree Bach, Summer Breeze, Acrylic, 6 x 22”

Michael Naples, Bridging the Gap, Oil, 9 x 12”

Larry Preston, Bosc Trio, Oil, 11 x 14” September 29 to November 11, 2023 REALISM TODAY

August 26 – December 3 Through vibrant blue installations that envelop and beguile, Jac Lahav encourages viewers to explore the complex layers of human connection and growth. Lyman Allyn ART MUSEUM Celebrating the power of art since 1932

625 Williams Street New London, CT lymanallyn.org Exit 83 off I-95

Jac Lahav, Conditions of Change (1) 24k Gold Leaf, Acrylic and Flashe on Canvas, 72” x 72”, 2023. Courtesy the Artist.

BLUE SEEDS: Reflections on Foster Care

7

Howeverr, , their circle often soari

They are g they need

he is not alone. Soon others join him, s becoming larger and more defined, ng without flapping their wings. raceful, yet powerful going after what and want. They are wise creatures, pursuing goals at every turn, and yet, the protectors. Those who align hawks with t world believe that when you embrace the it is a sign that you are ready to take on a more powerful expansion and vision, the symbolizing a need to start looking forwa

In the quiet, agricultural community of N Stonington hawks are frequently seen flyi a property encompassing 50 acres of farm off by a classically repurposed barn that m history with contemporary design. Emplo beams, stone, polished concrete, and an a is immediately identifiable with yet anoth archway just 12.5 miles down the road. Th Kingdom of the Hawk, the newest expans vision for Michael and Merrily Conneryy, , a likelyy, , not the last

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ying steel

rchway it er similar is is ion and nd very

eating. W “WWe e like cr We e like having a projec Michael begins when in actuality it all beg 22 years ago when the then-Manhattan-ba

ct,”

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couple purchased a large plot of overgrown land overlooking tidal marshes in Stonington. The property hearkened back to the 1600s when it was a 108-acre working farm. In 1937, it served as a WWII-era airplane hangar, but now it was 2001, and it just sat there lifeless...century-old hayfields lying unused. After following the “for sale” ads for more than a year in the New York papers, Michael, an attorney, and Merrily, a successful real estate broker, made their move. They bought the piece of land but had absolutely no idea what to do with it. Although they had no background whatsoever with wine other than in the enjoyment of its consumption, they had the soil tested and found it amenable for growing grapes; so in 2003 they planted vines, and Saltwater Farm Vineyard was born, opening a Tasting Room to the public in 2006. The Connerys had a lot of good advice from the get-go and readily accepted it from those who knew. But as successful as Saltwater Farm is as a popular vineyard and place to gather for music, food, and an afternoon of peaceful reflection amid the vines, its real success came as a wedding venue, born completely out of serendipity. Friends of the Connerys loved the unique location and asked to be married in the airplane hangar that overlooked a vineyard and still maintained a vestige of the original runway. Word of mouth followed, and before long, Saltwater Farm Vineyard was gaining notoriety not just for their unusual French-born varietals, but as one of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues in all of New England. Bookings were coming in fast and furious, even for weddings as far as two and three years off.

“Then Covid hit,” Merrily says ruefully, “and the 70 weddings we had booked in 2020 shrunk to just 12, but when people emerged from isolation, even though many had already married in their backyard in the interim, they still wanted a party. So the bookings came back, and the weddings grew.”

During the downtime of the pandemic, Michael and Merrily were far from down. They had plans! They always have plans. This understated power couple thrives on plans and eats them for breakfast! Seems they had previously purchased another property prior to the pandemic, this time in the peaceful, quiet agricultural community of North Stonington, and three years ago they quietly planted vines there as well knowing that their proximity to the coast with sea, sand, and salt air would give their high-end product a clean, crisp salinity. The Connerys were favored by having the same advisors and supporters who helped them get started with Saltwater Farm, viticulturists from the north shore of Long Island along with their own vineyard master, James Mason who serves in that role now for both vineyards. Merrily says, “We’re fortunate. We’ve had virtually no turnover of employees all this time.”

Some of it may be good fortune, yes, but it says an awful lot about how Michael and Merrily treat the people with whom they work as a cherished team and not merely a staff. They treat their valued customers exactly the same way, allowing them to bring kids, dogs on leashes, their own picnics and snacks to Saltwater and Kingdom, along with their lawn

chairs and other accouterments so that they may stretch out, kick back, enjoy some wine and the live entertainment provided most weekends complemented with food trucks, the occasional raw bar, and the rare opportunity to totally relax looking only at the horizon, the vines, the forest, and the French-born red or white varietals in their glass. Kingdom of the Hawk is proud to offer their Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc along with live music most weekends and absolutely no admission charge. And now, Kingdom is actively booking weddings as well! Although Merrily is not a wedding planner, she is by her own admission, “the coordinator.” It is she who gives the tours of the luscious property and makes suggestions for flowers, photography, bands and DJs, limos, and more. Both Saltwater and Kingdom exclusively use three caterers, and couples are pointed in their direction to make a final choice. On their special day, weddings and the entire wedding party are given free rein of the entire facility, and at Kingdom, they may elect to have their ceremony out front under the exquisite architecture, their reception on the bluestone patio, or on the deck overlooking the valley showcasing incredible sunsets in the forward-facing western sky.

Asked what they wanted people to know and see in this INK story, Michael quickly replied, “The design-build.” The Connerys are fiercely proud of their architect, Christopher Vernott of Mercer Bertsche Vernott Architects in Old Mystic. The design/build of Kingdom was a 2.5-year project in the making. Vernott begins, “Michael has a sharp eye. He collects images in his head and like me, was drawn to the design of the back side with its valley view. Kingdom was built on a perimeter of fields, and I believe Michael was there every single day during the build helping to derive both form and shape. He loves the contemporary design but never wanted to lose the feel of the area’s history. It’s been a great collaboration, a partnership with both our best ideas realized.”

What’s next for the Connerys and their legion of happy followers? Sanctuary! Michael and Merrily give a wink and a nod to an old building out on the road on which they’ve focused next. Michael with his “eagle eyes” and spot-on vision sees the creation of a roadhouse/tasting room designed with lots of wooden beams, a more casual place where visitors can gather, listen, and dance to music from a ‘50s-era jukebox, and just kick back with friends over a beer or some wine. The name, of course, is perfect. Sanctuary...a refuge where everyone is welcome and can feel safe and comfortable, also a perfect reserve for nature. Plans are in the works, but their fruition will take some time. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, with an undefinable grace, the hawk circles overhead, one eye out looking for prey, the other looking down at the lush greenery, the vines that encircle, the magnificent building that stands as a testament to exceptional wine, extraordinary events, and always good taste.

He circles one more time, then flies away. But he will return. This is his sovereignty, and he is here to protect it. This is not a mere “project” at all. It never was. For this is the Kingdom of the Hawk. Come see for yourself, you too will return.

The Kingdom of the Hawk is located at 113 Pendleton Hill Road (Rt. 49) in North Stonington, just off Exit 92 off I-95. www.kingdomofthehawk.com

Visit their sister property, Saltwater Farm Vineyard at 349 Elm Street in Stonington, just off Rt. 1. www.saltwaterfarmvineyard.com

on th

gg nted firmly in cheek, eyes s in the clouds...someone es for over 25 years. Problem and what he’s created. re the grumpy ones without ke a look.

It’sthhekindof“attack”wecouldallu he funny bone, and it’s all becaus use now and then...an attack se of a Higganum-based is, no who h focus multi y i-talented artist with tongue plan sed straight ahead, and thoughts has been eliciting those response is, not enough folks know about him Those people are easy to spot. They’r smiles. Not like you. Not after you tak

Meet artist Roger Straub, but his is n in tandem with Mac O’Moodus, the first sketched in 1976 when a profess

not a solo act. He works character the art major sor at the University of Bridgeport asked members of his illu comic character. It didn’t take Straub little guy with the shock of red hair a what he couldn’t know was that yea little guy who was nothing more tha random art class would go on to be h and gain a certain identity and follow

ustration class to draw a b long to create the funny and matching beard, but ars later this compelling an an assignment in a his alter ego, have a name, wing that’s starting to grow.

Roger Straub was born into a family nearly seven decades ago.

of artists in W Waallingford

Ro Roger was infused with her DNA elor’s degree in art from the Un ub went on to Southern Connect ed a Master’s in Art Education. ked as a journalist, and became; e threat, indeed, but he just had

A, so after receiving a niversity of Bridgeport, ticut University where he He taught for a while, a talented musician...a not found his true voice.

Some for yo etimes you just need the stars to align so others can find it ou. When Straub was filling a three-year term as President

of the Connecticut Pastels Socie variety of black and white past inaone-maninstallationatthe

etyy, , he had accumulated a wide tels and was showcasing them

eContemporaryArtModern

e Contemporary Art Modern ) in Moodus. A visitor came by n feverishly snapping photo finally stopping long enough Morgan, the owner of The ked, “WWoould you like to be our

e in a one-man installation at the Project Gallery (Camp Gallery) the gallery one night and began after photo of Roger’s pastels, fi to introduce himself as Leland umpeter newspaper T Tr r r, , and ask Art Editor?”

There was no pause, there was it.” There was nothing to think staring him squarely in the face

no saying, “Let me think about k about...this was opportunity

gqy without further ado. Straub an association that evolved into m relationship, they developed a

,gppp d Morgan thus began an more than a great working deep friendship.

e, and Roger snapped it up S Strau

One seminal evening in 1999 M Roger’s grandmother’s cottage memories, where he has alway garner inspiration, and to reflec so loves.

Morgan came to the “red shed,” e, a place of wondrous childhood ys gone to think, to work, to ct surrounded by the nature he

“I asked him in, thought we’d maybe share a beer and some conversation,” but Morgan had something far more importan than just a casual visit in mind. He had what became the “ask of Roger Straub’s life.

an hi

had been 25 years since Straub rawn that little red-headed, red uy in art class, but he hadn’t thr he work awayy. . He knew it had to is mother’s attic, and with a littl nd a lot of hope, he eventually f is original work. Knowing he n

ame, he named him “Mac.” He liked the ame, it fit the characterr, , but somehow it wasn’t enough. Mac needed a last name…. ut what?

d had -bearded rown o be in le sweat found eeded a na na w bu C of un to in

reative people are famous for middlef-the-night ideas, and one such night, nable to sleep, a name suddenly came o him. “Machimoodus,” the name of the ndigenous people who had inhabited the titfMdhhhd

seemed to fit this situa was determined to we

ery territory of Moodus where he had pent summers with his grandmotherr, , the round on which the Red Shed was built, ight where Straub lay awake. So that ight, Mac O’Moodus was born! The old aying “bloom where you are planted” ation like the proverbial glove, and Straub ear it and wear it well.

Mac is unique in so ma factthathedoesnotsp

peak. He is an astute observer of the assionate lover of nature, and of all njoys paying homage with his tongue k, much like his creator.

A Musical Background

I Rest My Case

comic is also different from most found on the typical paper’s comics page in that it is a single panel, not a strip, here is no “word balloon” of dialogue over the character’s . There is merely a caption and always, a short one,

The comic is also dif newspaper and ther head. Ther perhaps just three to five words long. That’s how Straub likes it, how he interprets Mac’s thoughts. Hermits are generally people ds anyway of a few wor y. .

Over the years, Mac O’Moodus has appeared in more than 30 newspapers throughout New England and in a number of magazines. Mac himself has been emblazoned on t-shirts and fee mugs and published in books his buddy cof y, , Roger wrote specifically targeted at young readers, but with Mac’s rhymes and double entendres, adults will find and appreciate the humoraswell.TToogether Straub and Mac have taken simple phrases like, “Parallel Universe,” “I Rest My Case,” “A Political View Vi w,,” “A Musical Background,” and so many more into brainteasing, thoughtful, fun-filled takes on life. Just take a look at ound this story the images that surr y. .

Roger is currently working with a literary agent on a publishi deal that hopefully would feature not just a collection of his comics but his children’s books as well that not only are relatable and entertaining but have valuable lessons within th

ently publishing

elatable that speak directly and personally to little sensibilities.

Like so many great creatives of the past, Roger Straub’s talent has not been fully unearthed nor widespread, but it won’t be long. He is surrounded by ongoing support. On one side of him stands his greatest fan, wife Michelle, who has always been his biggest cheerleaderr, , and on the other side stands his alter ego, Mac O’Moodus, never saying a word, but never having to do so. He merely stands firm looking at the horizon with vision, humorr, , and that unique, positive, and whimsical take on life.

No siree, it won’t be long at all.

e Mac Attack? Check out this fantastic website: r W Waant mor reedshedstudios.com. Mac’’s s on Instagram as well @macomoodus

Rosemary Cotnoir, Estuary(detail)

By Jan Tormay

amous for its live blues music and large, sunken dance floor for the last 90 years, The Knickerbocker Music Center, Inc. (The Knick) in Downtown Westerly, Rhode Island continues to reinvent itself – without forgetting its roots. Situated at 35 Railroad Ave., diagonally across from the Westerly Train Station, the building still shakes when trains go by.

Its storied history includes performances by Booker T. Jones, Big Walter Horton, Roomful of Blues, Brothers Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Johnny Copeland, Leon Russell, and many others.

Today, The Knick features a wide range of performers playing rock-n-roll, Americana, R&B, contemporary, Reggae (including AKA), Hip Hop and country music, as well as blues.

Internationally- and nationally known performers

Kabaka Pyramid, Deer Tick, Amy Helm, Rusted Root, The Felice Brothers, Doyle Bramhall, Brett

Dennen, Joe Pug and Giant

Panda Guerilla Dub Squad have graced the stage in recent times. Favorite regional talent includes Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots, as well as Will Evans, The Knick’s national talent buyer.

Grammy award-winning musician and bandleader Jon Batiste also performed and orchestrated music for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” from The Knick for three months during

Covid in 2020. The connection was made by Michael McDonald of Mick Management, a friend of the Knick’s, a member of the United Theatre Board of Directors and Batiste’s former agent.

Additionally, The Knick created “On the Road to Newport” to support Newport Folk Festival performers - giving them a space to “warm up” in front of a smaller audience. On its way to the festival in July, Heavy Makeup performed with Edie Brickell (secret appearance), known for her song, "What I Am."

Musician Glenn Thomas of Nashville opened for the band.

The Knick’s Long History

Brothers Albert and Paul Vitterito closed their ice cream shop and built The Knick at the end of Prohibition in 1933, naming it after the Knickerbocker Express train that passed through town on its way to New York and Boston. By the early 2000s, times had changed; patrons were older, business slowed, and The Knick was at a low point, said Executive Director Mark Connolly, who came on board in 2011 with Jon Kodama (who left in 2014) –both in the Mystic restaurant business for several decades.

“That's why we had to rebuild it. We had to reinvent it in a sense, but stay true to our blues,” by bringing in blues musicians, even though they’re not going to be the biggest draw, Connolly said.

Knickerbocker Music Center’s exterior. The Knick is situated at 35 Railroad Ave. in Westerly, diagonally across from the Westerly Train Station. Photo courtesy of Jan Tormay

Jake Mortrude plays in The Knick’s Tap Room. Photo courtesy of Knickerbocker Music Center

W Weesterly purchas

Jr. in 200 ingitsfa

y Blues, LLC raised $1.5 Million t om Paul V se The Knick fr Viitterito, enovate its interior 09 and r r, , leavaçademostlythesame

to ing its façade mostly the same.

“Bringing it down to the studs,” The Knick, which holds 400 people, underwen an extreme makeover to give it more of a “clubby” atmosphere, Connolly said. It opened later the same year with dark green walls, Zildjian cymbal sconces,a raised, wider stage, improved lighting, and more space around the Starlight Ballroomdancefloor.Upgradedwith

Ballroom dance floor. Upgraded with soundproofed walls, musicians can now perform simultaneously in two separate rooms.

The T Taap Room, which offers a more intimate setting and cocktails with herb and other drinks popular with young people, was also renovated with a new hipster vibe and small stage for sing-songwriters, said Connolly er y, , adding

All the T Taap Room ideas were inspired b Thomas, a W Weesterly native, who has bee pursuing his folk and singer-songwritin eer playing guitar car r, , piano and other instruments in Nashville since 2018.

ough his d about The Knick thr

s’ stories. In 2010, he attended a

as said in an email that he first d, e ter a gy y g “it’s doing really well.”

olved. as a music venue” and wanted to diately drawn to its history and

be invo mojo a by en ng e ting e eturns to The , Thomas r icallyy,

in 2016 reopen design media, Soon a

6. ap Room Ta ning and managing the T ns, booking talent, and ultimately eating graphic , bartending, cr d, he was handling social afterwar

Period

play in other a Knick t ea.” n the ar acts. “It is my favorite place to to play solo or as a member of y

Clockwise: Singer-Songwriter Glenn Thomas of Nashville. Th W Weesterly native has been pursuing his folk and singer-songwrit eer playing guitar car r, , piano and other instruments in Nashville

pygg , ,p since 2018. Photo courtesy of Annelise Loughead. Patrons enjoy an evening at The Knickerbocker Music Center.

Photo courtesy of W Wiill Evans.

sT ector Mark Connolly in The Knick’ Executive Dir ’s Taap Room, renovated with a new hipster vibe and small stage for singer-songwriters. Photo courtesy of Jan T Toormay

Hlhdttllthhfititi He also reached out to all th inviting them to hold charit people into The Knick for th

he area nonprofit organizations y benefits, which brought many he first time.

The Knick offers free weekl Coast Swing) every W Weedne by live music and dancing w break occurs each summer esterly T W We ToownBeach.

ly dance lessons (primarily East sday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. follow with a $10 cover charge. A six-w during “TTuunesontheDunes”a

New Ideas

AfterWWeesterly Blues dissolved it partnership with the Rhode I Providence – helping to fund th School at the UNITED in the U Between 2014 and 2021 when i porting the music school in difff dihChihdW

“YYoouthOn-the-Mic”forsix

xthtotwelfthgradersheldthela

y local t ed week at the ast y

Youth On-the-Mic for six Sunday of every other mon xth to twelfth graders held the la nth “packs” The Knick, Connoll studentsintheCharihoandWWeesterly areas,” Connolly said.

d, The Knick entered a nonpr f-Island Philharmonic in East he construction of RI Phil Music einWesterly United Theatr We y. t opened, “we were just supferent ways, doing things for W l ”Cllid

During this time, The Knick sporadically offered master classes – including one taught by Batiste in 2018.

of

The school and The Knick are now sister venues and students can take classes at both locations. “Our goal is to have a multi-venue campus for the arts, whether it be singing, music, theaterr, , or whatever.”

"WhenIstartedhereIfeltlikethisplacewasforgotten”said d

When I started here, I felt like this place was forgotten, said Connolly who always keeps the neon sign on with its former name: Knickerbocker Café. When people go by The Knick on this busy street, “whether they want to, or know it…that sign is going to be somewhere in their head.”

Above: Jon Batiste (centerr, , fourth from l courtesyofRhodeIslandPhilharmonicM ’ left) with Knickerbocker Music Center ’s s Jazz Master MusicSchool Class in 2018. Photo

courtesy of Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School.

vans. anite Photo Inc. Master Class in 2017 erbocker Music Centerr.

d our partnership with them.”

to b per He

become nationally known. rform at The Knick and then wa said part of the fun is seeing up

Rec

and the bec said Weesterlyga YMCA the y cently inW

ir grandkids. That's all part of t cause everybody wants to come obably get 300 to 400 p e pr d.“WWe avepermissionto

atching them go on p-and-comers

e will have a shorter walk to Theatr ons of The Kn so students and patr

e e they'r parking lot (wher YMCA

Connolly said.

eate another His other idea is to cr

, wh y, Room that will access the alley

r place tables “and maybe do lunch

the music school e see their kids or e people in her eally cool.”

Above: Photo of The Knickb Commerce.

os of the Knick's 90th Anniversary Celebration. Cou bocker Music Center and Ocean Community Chamb

Knickerbo Knick Executi cians who prev Executive Dir main stage. Ph g

is an

Thomas believes “liv but the Knickerbock independent and no

ve music venues are important i ker is even more special, “becaus ot part of a large monopoly like L

Thbli“li iittiin general,” se it is LiveNation.” needs a o regularly n fortunate reas show up p-and-comore intimate operforming

k to survive in a small town, it ested people who are willing to sic,” he said. “The club has been W Weesterly and the surrounding ar ee acts ranging from regional up nown national acts. It’s a lot mo yofthestagesartistsareusedto of a club than many on, which lends itse The Knick.”

Also, for “The Knic community of inter come hear live mus that the people in W year after year to se ing artists to well-kn ofaclubthanmany

y of the stages artists are used to performing elf to the unique experience of the shows at

Connolly credits Ph The Knick going du the renovation of th Phil Music School a

hilanthropist Chuck Royce with keeping uring challenging times and spearheading he United Theatre and construction of the RI at the UNITED at the same location.

Royce currently ow behind it, is preside

wns The Knick property and the house ent of the Knickerbocker Music Center’s ,p board of directors a

and a major investor in the United Theatre.

Formorre e information ab to knickmusic.com, emai

bout the venue or to learn about upcoming events, go il kmc@knickmusic.orrgg, or call 401-315-5070.

What is Greg Drinking?

When September arrives, the stored memories of Oktoberfests long past appear like a meter of schnitzels to a table of famished friends. Welcomed, certainly, but with admitted trepidation. There is a beer for just this moment: Hedwig, an offering from Alvarium Beer Co.

Alvarium Beer Company certainly did not exist when I was bouncing between double shifts at East Side Restaurant and spending the hard-earned tips at exotic locations like the Dug Out Cafe (all in New Britain.) What did exist was my fondness of a childhood book series that was actively releasing volumes well into my twenties. That, combined with a trial by fire training regiment regarding beers from the Deutschland, created fertile ground for choosing this Connecticut concoction so many years later: Hedwig Festbeir. As far as beers go, you need to give yourself room to build on things you have already tried and enjoyed. So if you are the type of person that doesn’t get an anxiety attack when CVS starts rolling out Halloween decor, do yourself a favor and prioritize finding a pint of this fabulous beer.

If you came into this style of suds during the peak Sam Adams era, you are ready for an upgrade. Fear not, this festbier fits everywhere it needs to. Slightly sweet, with malt that could carry you the entire nine miles from where the Rock Cats were to where the Yard Goats are, and is surely a home run. It differs from the Boston Beer Company offering in the best ways, being closer to what is currently being poured in Munich than Massachusetts. The guidelines for this are spelled out explicitly in German beer circles, so Alvarium had as much guidance from abroad as they needed. What makes this beer unique is that they really never shortchanged what makes this style so successful. The color is rich yellow, not unlike the New Britain flag and seal. Smells invitingly of warm fresh bread, enough to wonder if this is a collaboration with Sift (bakery) here in Mystic/Watch Hill. Just the right balance of sweet and savory. Sure you can lean into the obvious cuisine of wursts and pretzels, but find a pizza or sandwich this beer couldn’t make better and the next one is on me!

There was a time in my life when in four to six weeks at a certain Connecticut culinary landmark, one had to make the most of a

precarious situation: being a server/bartender at The Eastside Restaurant in New Britain during Oktoberfest. It was there in my post-UConn years that I learned, for one thing, that Oktoberfest actually begins in September! Other lessons were more nuanced, regarding German beer pouring laws and what made spaetzle worth adding as a side. They had just completed a lovely upper ‘Bier Garden’ area and needed staff. I was the only one who would be ordering a lederhosen instead of a dirndl. Suffice to say: I was worried that maybe I had missed my mark with this particular employment posting (on Craigslist of all places). All I knew was that I had a ‘92 Volvo station wagon that needed work, so hoisting a few mugs to get through emissions was the path of least resistance. It is with great pleasure that I circle back to those years when in a Polish city, at a restaurant owned by Italians, I found German beer to be beautiful.

New Britain, like so many industrial towns, relied on manufacturing and close-knit communities to keep the city alive. What seems to separate it from so many others in outright disarray in current conditions is the latter more than the former. New Britain is a lot of things, and tough is foremost. Alvarium Beer Co., founded by Brian Bugnaki and Mike Larson, embodies the relentless spirit of the city with every can it fills. The logo they chose is an homage to the city motto which proudly boasts that “Industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey.” I keep a few beehives with my family here on the coast, and their use of our embattled tenants both in imagery and in ingredients is more than enough reason to applaud their authentic approach. Even the name Alvarium itself means ‘beehive’ or ‘apiary’ in Latin, so the buzz is not just a side effect of the beverages! Everything from their creative art on the cans, to the emphasis on a stronger female presence in the company is as refreshing as the products they brew with great passion and consistency.

Hedwig is a reference to the loyal feathered friend of one Harry James Potter. Much like the bird in the book, Hedwig as a beverage is not going to let you down! Whether centered around a charcoal grill debating college versus professional American football, or taking a glorious late summer/early fall boat trip around the Sound, this beer is the kind of refreshment that is ideal for, and thankfully from, New England.

Editorial and photo by Gregory Post

HER NAME IS LOLA… SHE IS A SPARROW

By John and Kate Tolmie

In late spring and early summer, an abundance of vulnerable baby birds are encountered on the ground. What does one do when presented with a helpless baby bird? My wife and I were presented with this very dilemma on June sixteenth.

It was a Friday and my wife Kate had texted a photo of a baby sparrow she had found. The nest was too high to safely reach, and the bird

legal to keep sparrows, as well as starlings, because they’re not considered songbirds. Also, rehab centers won’t take them because sparrows are an invasive species.”With that began a threeweek journey to raise and release a wild bird. We named her Lola. She just looked like a little lady.

“I went on as many websites as I could and found what to feed a nestling. Lola was about five to seven days old from comparing her to other images and it was easy to find recipes for a proper diet.” Kate explains, “At first, I made a formula of kitten food, hard-boiled egg, and meal worms. When she grew a little bigger into a fledgling, I added calcium and finely ground sunflower seed. In the beginning it was hard for

her to process a full seed. As she grew, I add a little peanut butter.”

With the wealth of information at her fingertips, Kate took the lead in training little Lola to be a

would most definitely be scooped up by the many domestic cats and indigenous predators about. She called and said, “I watched to see if the parents would come back to feed it. But after a few hours I knew that the bird had been abandoned because it stopped chirping or calling out. It was just lying there helpless.” Kate brought it home in a small box. It was about a week old with the look of a misshapen half nude grumpy old man. It quickly was identified as a house sparrow. Kate was on her iPad before the door had fully closed. She was on a mission to save the little one's life. While she researched, I fed it some wet cat food to the chagrin of Chunk, our fluffy kitty. It was a hungry baby bird who greedily and gratefully gulped down the pate. After a quick poop, the little chick settled down for a nap. Kate returns with a smile. “I found out that we can help raise the baby!” she explains, “from what I read, it seems to be

bird.“I started taking her outside right away. As soon as she could hop around on her own, I supervised her in the garden looking for bugs and seeds to eat.” She says, “Inside, I had sprinkled food on the ground for her to pick at, trying to teach her before I took her around the yard.”

Lola had taken over our lives. She had a routine and needed feeding multiple times throughout the day and night. Kate spent the entirety of her free time with Lola in the gardens. “I showed her all the spots where there was water. Then we did our little flight practices from my hand to the grass. Then one day I took her out to the garden, and she just took off to a tree!” she says with a smile, “That was her beginning of really becoming an outdoor bird.”

Kate spent hours with little Lola outside to help the fledgling acclimate to the wild, “I increased the time between calling her back to me as well, and she just became more and more independ-

ent. I just let her do her thing and didn't force her to do anything that she didn't want. However, she usually wanted to come inside to eat or nap.”

Instagram and YouTube were other tools Kate used to help rear Lola.“I watched a video about this woman that rescued a sparrow that had a broken beak when she found it.”Kate says with a sympathetic frown, “The poor thing's beak was broken and bleeding, so she brought it to a rescuer who was going to euthanize it! So, she picked him up and she raised him. She named him ‘Happy’ because his little beak grew back curved like a smile!” Kate laughs at all things cute. She continues saying, “I learned a lot from her In-

stagram on mannerisms during a sparrow’s maturation. I finally released her after she decided she wanted to be released. I wanted to give her the freedom to choose her own life.”

The date of this writing is July seventh and Lola is a free bird. It has been four weeks since her birthday, give or take a day or two. After thirty days, house sparrows are ready to leave their parents behind. “Lola decided she wanted to

live outdoors with the other birds. We gave her a chance at life and she gave us a purpose of love and joy.”Kate laughs and sings a rendition of Barry Manilows Copa Cabana, “Her name is Lola… She is a Sparrow… and I loved her right down to my marrow... She is my baby… She is the cutest… she’s a little birdie Buddhist!” Kate’s eyes well at the corners as happy tears roll down her cheeks. Mine too.

Lola lives out in the trees behind our gardens. We can hear her all the time. Somehow, we can tell her chirps from the others. And she even stopped by for a treat a little while ago. Maybe she will come by for a visit in the future. That would be nice. However, it is her freedom and happiness we most want for our little Lola. Yeah, the empty nest syndrome? The struggle… it is real.

OUR STORY LIVES ON...

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

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and put together unusual and complex color stor she reflects. “My husband says that nature never It all melds beautifullyy. No matter the scale of her es – from 5x5” to 1,500 sq ft – Genser paints with elements and forms topographies and ocean trenc aerial views, and deep focus statements on a cellu level. The mesmerizing pieces split, shift, morph devolve, and seemingly animate. The view is omn and remarkably inspired. “Google Earth is my fri quipped as we discussed inspiration. “...so is the SpaceTTeelescope”.Sheradiatesapersonaldeptha

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Inspiration and possibility are your life’s work is to interpret world.

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e limitless when t the natural and experience the work of Amy Genser firsthand.

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t the Exhibition. of Amy Genser

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Your Inspiration. Our Expertise.

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The Cheesemonger

The HAZY, LAZY, DAYS of Summer CHEESE.

When Mother Nature turns up the heat, we all look for ways to keep cool. This also means staying out of the kitchen and keeping meals simple and fresh. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to some wonderful cheese recipes that don’t require cooking and are simple to put together.

Tomatoes & Mozzarella – Caprese Salad. This summertime staple is often overlooked. However, when fresh tomatoes are in season there is no better compliment than fresh Mozzarella. Tear a few basil leaves, add good extra virgin olive oil, a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar and it’s the perfect side dish to anything. Try it with your favorite Pinot Grigio or Chianti.

French Feta & Watermelon Salad – Chunks of sweet watermelon and French Feta couldn’t make a better pair. French Feta is milder and creamier than other feta’s. And I recently discovered thinly sliced red onion kicks this salad up to the next level. But don’t stop there – add a drizzle of your favorite balsamic (or try a Raspberry balsamic) and a sprig of mint… basil works great here too along with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

Caesar – Crisp Romain lettuce and crunchy sourdough croutons makes this the perfect summer dinner or side; don’t forget the shaved Parmigiana Reggiano. Or for something different you could try the Piave Vecchio a younger version of Parmigiana Reggiano with less salt. Or something we’ve been loving lately, crumbled Blue D’Auvergne - a creamy, herbaceous blue cheese from France. Don’t knock it until you try it – and don’t forget the Rieslings or Albariño.

Stilton, Sweet Butter, Table Water Biscuits & Port Wine – Stilton is a natural blue cheese and often referred to as the King of Blues and rightfully so. It has a rugged exterior with a creamy, cheddar like texture. This cheese is impressive especially when it arrives in 15-pound wheels. Spread a thin layer of sweet butter (never salted) on your favorite water cracker, then a good amount of Stilton over the butter. The butter will add moisture to the biscuit and help smooth out the cheese. Pair this with a class of vintage port and you have yourself a great snack. Adding the port though really makes this a great dessert as well.

Burrata and Summer Fruits – This is one of my favorite salads, I make it every chance I get. Mini Burrata (Burrata may look like a ball of mozzarella, in fact, its exterior is mozzarella, but the difference is in the center. Burrata is filled in the middle with Stracciatella. A creamy, soft cow’s milk cheese) peaches, plums, cantaloupe, cherries, cherry tomatoes (yes, they are fruit) and black berries, or use the fruit you like, maybe a little prosciutto, there are no rules. A vinaigrette made with raspberry champagne vinegar, olive oil and torn basil completes this simple salad. You can also use balsamic vinegar, either works – it’s all about what you like. Add an Aperol Spritz, a lazy summer evening and dinner is served.

Deana Simmons

The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook / Cheese Monger.

The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook