November 2016 A guide to finer living in Connecticut & abroad.
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Vol 12 Issue 131 2016
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Features
NOVEMBER January 1, 2016 2006
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Columns, Reviews, Events
ISSUE CONTENTS
The Cheesemonger Eleni Med Esthetics More than Skin Deep
pg. 8
Best Buys
pg. 80
On the Vine pg. 84
Out of the Box
November Events Events throughout Connecticut Celebrity Cruises Explore the Galapagos Islands in Style
pg. 16
pg. 88
MAKE EVERYDAY THE HOLIDAYS...
GIVE A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION!
Compass Rose A Destination with a Connection
pg. 26
Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II: Preserving the Past… Advancing the Future
pg. 34 The Guitar in the Barn The“find”that Inspired BETHANY GUITARS
subscribe online at:
inkct.com
pg. 44
On the cover: Pilgrim women sitting in her home - Photo courtesy Plimoth Plantation
INK staff
WRITTEN IN STONE: The Ancient Obsession of Karl Kaufmann
Contributors:
Advertising:
Jeffery Lilly- publisher/design/founder
pg. 54
Stephanie Sittnick- publisher/sales/design
Contact us to receive our media kit complete with detailed advertising information including ad rates, demographics, and distribution in your area.
Carolyn Battisa - editorial Laurencia Ciprus - editorial
Meigs Point Nature Center A New Place for Snakes, Skates, and a Lot of Learning
pg. 64
Caryn B. Davis- editorial/photography Charmagne Eckert - editorial Gina King - Design in Mind Sharma Piersall Howard - editorial
Archaeological Team Reveals Ancient Connecticut Mystery
pg. 74 We encourage the public to submit stories, poems, photography, essays, and all things creative. If you know of a person or place of interest, please submit your ideas to: submissions@ink-pub.com We will do our best to put your ideas in INK.
Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Advertising advertising@ink-pub.com 860-227-8199 Kaitlin K. McDermott - Greater Connecticut kaitlin@inkct.com 203.273.3762
Nancy LaMar-Rodgers - editorial Barbara Malinsky- editorial Rona Mann - editorial
Cold Case-Mystic
Please direct your advertising inquiries and questions to:
Cheryl Powell - Saybrook - Branford cheryl@ink-pub.com 860-608-5749
Paul Partica, The Cheesemonger
Rona Mann - Clinton - Stonington
A. Vincent Scarano - photography
six07co@att.net 401-539-7762
Every issue is printed using 100% Soy based ink. All content of INK Publications including but not limited to text, photos, graphics and layout are copyrighted by INK Publishing, LLC. Reproductions without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Ink Publishing, LLC is not responsible for images or graphics submitted by advertisers which are not copyrighted or released for use in this publication.
INK PUBLISHING, LLC 107 Hemlock Valley Rd., East Haddam, CT email: info@ink-pub.com www.inkct.com
© 2016 Celebrity Cruises Inc. S Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.
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More than Skin Deep: Eleni Med Esthetics by RONA MANN / Photos Stephanie Sittnick
She’s not a doctor, but she’s everything a good doctor should be.
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he’s well trained, invests herself in continuing education to keep on top of her field, has a strong, personal connection with her clients, treating each on an individual basis and giving them all of herself during their appointment, and she’s a thorough professional. You don’t call this pint sized beauty with the long flowing hair and fiery eyes, “doctor.” You call her simply “Eleni,” but do make sure you call her, because whether a young person, teen, young adult, middle aged, or senior, you have skin; and like the other organs in your body, that skin should be nurtured, protected, and checked. Yes, skin is indeed an organ...the largest organ in the human body; and while there is a misconception that skin care falls strictly
under the heading of beauty, that could not be more wrong. Still, beauty is certainly a wonderful fringe benefit of the medical attention you should give your skin. Beauty is actually what led Eleni to this profession. Eleni is Eleni Nicholas Pertesis, a ball of energy who was born in Fairfield, but grew up in Old Saybrook always loving makeup, having her nails done, and trolling the beauty and makeup aisles of the drugstore. A very typical young woman. But upon reaching her teens, Eleni developed acne; and suddenly skin was not just about beauty and makeup any longer. She needed more than foundation and powder to solve the problem. Eleni found that help when she visited a medical esthetician and achieved success. She
began using skin care products that were prescribed specifically for her problem and saw how a medical approach could help. “I was a little kid, absorbing everything like a sponge,” Eleni says. “I wanted to know everything about my skin and about the field of medical esthetics. I was hooked.” Although she grew up in a restaurant family, Eleni had always been drawn to beauty, to skin, and to helping others achieve good health and their ideal look. “I’ve always been a nurturer at heart.” She didn’t have to go far to achieve her dream, enrolling at the highly accredited Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics in Woburn, Massachusetts, which teaches its students progressive clinical skin care technology. It was “medical school” for Eleni who jumped right in, taking a year long full time program with an intense course load
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of 1200 hours. “I wanted to learn everything, do everything,” Eleni said with her trademark enthusiasm. There is a marked difference between what Eleni calls “the regular esthetics of basic facials and waxing” and medical esthetics, which is more clinical and beneficial. “As a medical esthetician I am a specialist in treating skin conditions like melasma (dark patches on the face), cystic acne, intrinsic and extrinsic aging,
and many other skin conditions.” Eleni is not a replacement for a dermatologist and believes “you should still have a yearly checkup just like any other medical checkup.” But when there are skin conditions, Eleni can successfully treat them. She is not someone who took a course and got hired by a beauty salon, but a medical esthetician who is fully trained and worked in every setting before opening her own practice. “I was a kid when I graduated 16 years ago and needed to pay my dues.” And pay them she did having worked in varied arenas from day spas and resort spas, to salons and plastic surgeons’ offices. She is quick to point out that there are many different skin care lines too numerous to mention here. But Eleni only uses and recommends the highest quality medical and organic grade products for her clients.
Skin is a very personal organ. Just as no two people have identical livers or kidneys or hearts, that enormous organ that wraps and protects our body is as individual as the person inside and must be protected. Eleni does not consider what she does a spa treatment per se, but rather “skin therapy” meant to heal and/or cure. “Skin care has evolved. That’s why I’ve studied both European and American treatments because there is no one treatment that’s right for everyone.” A new client at Eleni Med Esthetics can expect much the same experience as an initial visit to a new doctor. “We talk. I take time. I want to know their history, what kind of diet they have, what their lifestyle is like, how much sun and UV exposure they get, and any prescriptions they take. What, if any past treatments, have they had? What worked? What didn’t? Why are they here?” Then Eleni personally tailors skin therapy specifically for that individual; and
13 are and definitely make them feel better. I have products that are 100% safe on cancer patients as well as on kids and pregnant and nursing moms.” Eleni Med Esthetics is “a one woman show.” But that one woman with the thorough medical esthetics training can also do eyelash extensions, nail therapy, scar treatment, and more, each service personally and individually administered without an eye on the clock. “I’m one-on-one.” Eleni Nicholas Pertesis is many things: a highly trained Master Medical Esthetician, an inquisitive student who refuses to stop learning, a dedicated professional and friend to her clients who come from all over the state for her expertise and gentle hand. Most of all, she is honest, open, and refreshing.
slowly as their skin therapy evolves, so does the relationship. “My clients are my friends. I’m always on the lookout for something new that might benefit them. We do a lot of hugging around here,” she laughs. Even those undergoing the ravages of cancer have found great benefit at Eleni Med Esthetics since Eleni is also Cancer Care certified. “Of course they must see their dermatologist, but we can do preventive and post therapies to help maintain where they
“When I was a kid just starting out, I was having a blast. Now it’s a complete dedication to clients being their own kind of beautiful. I just want to spread the love.” The “doctor” is in at The Shops at The Mill House, a beautiful, peaceful setting overlooking the water and bamboo trees at 5 West Main Street in Chester. Www.elenimedesthetics.com (860) 510-8814 Make an appointment and treat your skin like you treat the rest of your body!
SKIN THERAPY
Eleni Nicholas Pertesis
FIRE & ICE FACIAL This intensive clinical facial is designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing, softening and encouraging cellular renewal. The centerpiece of this remarkable treatment system is a combination of two therapeutic masques: the extremely powerful Intensive Resurfacing Masque and the soothing Rejuvenating Masque. Boosts blood flow with a punch of niacin. Awakening your senses. EFFERVESCENCE "FIZZ" FACIAL The FIZZ Facial is designed to smooth, brighten, and purify your skin. Designed to provide you with immediate and lasting results. A mud masque of citrus & rosemary is applied to open your pores and draw out additional impurities. Next, citric fruit acids amplify with the resurfacing masque, used to exfoliate & smooth the skin while providing a champagne-like sensation. Finally, a copper and botanical mist to aide in collagen production is applied. LUMINESCENCE GLOW FACIAL Revitalize skin with a mask that incorporates a combination of papaya puree and additional fruit extracts from lemon, orange and apple to brighten dull complexions and exfoliate, leaving the skin with a healthy glow. Green tea, vitamin E and honey are moisturizing antioxidants that help keep the skin soft and hydrated. This results-oriented therapeutic mask is appropriate for all skin types and conditions to refresh and renew. PURE PORE DETOX FACIAL Purify with this excellent choice for detoxifying all skin types. The active blend of antioxidants, lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids exfoliate and promote a purified and clear complexion. This gentle, deep pore cleansing treatment provides clarifying benefits. Advanced extractions remove impurities. Leave feeling refreshed, refined and smooth. CLARIFY & DEFY ACNE FACIAL Targeted for those with problematic skin, this treatment will reduce p. acne bacteria, is an anti-inflammatory and will balance over sebaceous glands. A blend of salicylic acid, antioxidants and purifying ingredients helps promote a bright, clear complexion. Advanced extractions and a calming mask will help asphixiated skin. OXY TRIO ANTIOXIDANT FACIAL Excellent for smokers, after a detox cleanse or those with poor circulation. This antioxidant therapy supports skin metabolism. Key ingredients are blend of yummy Pumpkin Seed Oil, rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients, Hydrolyzed Candida Saitoana Extract, a type of fungi that supports the skin’s natural detoxification process and Wild Cherry Bark Extract, an antioxidant that provides calming properties. ADVANCED CLINICAL THERAPY ENHANCED JESSNER'S PEELS This variety of gentle and innovatively blended formulations effectively smoothes surface texture while brightening and inhibiting skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation). They also help heal and reduce breakouts, control oil, and soften lines and wrinkles to provide a more even skin tone. BLENDED TCA PEELS These skin-friendly yet effective peels address many skin conditions without the discomfort or downtime associated with traditional TCA peels. Our blends contain a variety of beneficial ingredients to help treat breakouts, skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation), fine lines and wrinkles, while leaving the skin plump and hydrated. TRIPLE PEELS Ultra advanced and triple the correction incorporating a custom treatment per client's needs. Appropriate for advanced complex skin conditions. A combination of Oxy Trio, Pure Pore Detox, Clarify & Defy Peel, Jessner's, or TCA Peel options are utilized to seek the optimum result. To read full menu of services please go to www.elenimedesthetics.com
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VALEN T I N E H . Z AH N C O M M U N I T Y
G A L L E R Y
T H E G A L L E R Y AT M I D D L E S E X H O S P I TA L S H O R E L I N E M E D I C A L C E N T E R
“V Visual Consensus”” Gallery Exhibit
Nov. v. 3 - Jan.. 4 Opening Reception • Thursdaayy, Nov. v. 3 • 6 - 8 p.m. p..m.
Jill Vaughn, Birch Adrift, watercolorr,, pen and paper collage (detail) (dettail)
Experience the Community Gallery att Middlesex ex Hosp spital Shore reliline Medi dical Cent ntter Featuring works by artists of
Gallery One Gallery open during regular business hours Sponsored byy
250 Flat Rock Place, W Westbrook, estbrook, CT 06498 860-358-6200 • info@midhosp.org • middlesexhospital.org
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Join us for a holiday gathering on Thursday, November 17 to introduce Tina Ashmore and her Jeweled Harvest Collection. THURSDAY 5-8 FRIDAY & SATURDAY , 10-5
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Bucket List? Explore the Galapagos Islands in Style with Celebrity Cruises! by RONA MANN You just have to know that when a premiere cruise line chooses to incorporate the name Celebrity as part of their moniker, they’re going to have an awful lot to live up to. And yet, since 1988 when Celebrity Cruises became a major player in vacation travel, they not only set the bar for luxury cruising, they continually keep raising it. You just can’t beat reputation. Whether it’s a brand, a venue, or a person, reputation outlasts all the advertising dollars, all the hoopla, all the
That’s why when it comes to vacations – and more specifically to cruises – reputation should be the most important element in making a choice of cruise line. While there are many lines of all sizes and types, few have the loyal repeat customers, the experience; and yes, the reputation of Celebrity Cruises, a part of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. You recognize Celebrity visually for that iconic “X” which is the mark denoting modern luxury with contemporary design, unparalleled dining experiences, and a caliber of service that only Celebrity Cruises’ 12 ships provide. All offer luxury vacations spanning all seven continents, plus immersive cruise tour experiences in Alaska and Canada. And now there’s something brand new and very exciting in destination experience and all-inclusive offerings. Celebrity Cruises now has two distinctive new ships, Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xperience, which will begin sailing March of 2017 to the magnificent Galapagos Islands. They will join Celebrity Xpedition, offering six unique itineraries, 15 islands, more than 30 ports of call,
and multiple packages from which to choose. The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of islands on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, surrounding the center of the Western Hemisphere. They are considered part of Ecuador and are famed for their vast number of endemic species, their natural beauty, and temperate climate. A Celebrity cruise to the Galapagos belongs firmly on your bucket list because...well, look at what these brand new ships offer. Both the Xploration and Xperience are uniquely intimate. Unlike some cruise lines, there are not 4000 people packed onboard...not at all. This is the zenith in cruising, as the Exploration is a luxurious catamaran featuring just eight staterooms, each with a window or veranda offering unforgettable views.
20 Bay, Espumilla Beach, Mosquera Islet, Chinese Hat, Kicker Rock, Cerro Brujo, Walls of Tears, and Puerto Villamil – the home of the Galapagos Giant Tortoise Center, for many the highlight of a trip to the Galapagos Islands. In addition to the two new ships, the awardwinning Celebrity Xpedition will offer you luxury with 10, 11, or 15 night all-inclusive choices. Launched just two years ago, it features exclusive land excursions that range from dining on authentic cuisine prepared by local residents, to contributing to the protected islands through the Scalesia Reforestation Project in partnership with the Galapagos National Park. All sailings are custom designed to fit your idea of luxury...whether that’s being active... or just relaxing and being pampered.
The larger Xperience likewise offers a lavish experience to guests staying in its 24 stylish staterooms. Regardless of which ship you choose, each stateroom boasts deluxe accommodations with upgraded premium bedding, LCD TVs, and high speed internet service throughout the ship. All vacations feature award-winning shore excursions led by expert naturalists...it’s like having Darwin there himself, as he once was so long ago. Hungry? There’s no mob scene with Celebrity’s cruises to the Galapagos. You’ll dine intimately on specially crafted meals that feature fresh regional seafood and fish, all prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. Complement your dining experience with regional coffees, chocolates, premium spirits, and a curated wine list. And always you are served, spoiled, and pampered by the best staff at sea today. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, refers to the Galapagos as “the trip of a lifetime onboard our newest ships with itineraries featuring ports of call we’ve never visited before, an experience exclusive to Celebrity.”
If you put the Celebrity Xperience on your bucket list, you may choose from a 7, 10, or 13 night allinclusive vacation featuring new ports of call including Mosquera Islet, Black Turtle Cove, Cerro Brujo, Santa Fe, Darwin Bay, and El Barranco, famous for its Prince Philip steps that lead to vast seabird colonies. The 13 night itinerary offers two nights exploring Quito, Ecuador, next sailing for seven luxurious nights, capped off by a three night experience during which time guests will disembark the ship. They will be staying at a seaside hotel, visiting a farm or greenhouse to gather provisions that later will be used for an exclusive dinner, and spending time with a local fisherman. Guests will then help select the special catch of the day the chef will later use to concoct an unforgettable dinner following an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling in paradise. If you favor the Exploration for that list of yours, you’ll be signing up for the ultimate experience in the Galapagos. Guests can charter their own ship for a seven night allinclusive experience with a variety of pre and post-cruise experiences. New ports of call on this special cruise include El Barranco, Darwin
Just months ago, Celebrity Cruises announced the planned acquisition of award-winning Galapagos tour operator, Ocean Adventures and its two ships, the 48-person M/V Eclipse and the 16 guest catamaran, M/C Athala II. This grows the Galapagos fleet capacity for Celebrity
substantially, which means more choice for your luxury vacation. Isn’t it time you treated yourself to a very different kind of cruise vacation? One where you’re not one of thousands, but where you’re treated like one in a million. That’s what Celebrity truly means: not always being famous, but being treated as though you are. Where no detail is left unnoticed or ignored. And really, when it comes right down to it, isn’t that what you want in your vacation? Once you’ve taken a Celebrity Cruise, all the rest are just boats in the water. And once you’ve sailed to the Galapagos Islands on a Celebrity Cruise, you may never want to go back to work! For more information contact Celebrity at 800CELEBRITY, www.celebritycruises.com or contact your local travel agent.
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SUNDAY BRUNCH H 10 2:00 10-2:00
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MAY WE CATER FOR YOU? Family descending for Thanksgiving? Crowds coming to celebrate year-end holidays? Intimate cocktail party on the calendar? Planning a romantic dinner for two? Breakfast, luncheon or dinner buffet on the schedule? Gathering to watch a game with friends? Maybe you just want to take a moment in your hectic schedule to sit and enjoy a warming bowl of soup and a delicious sandwich!
A small prepared foods shop with lots to offer, Dough on Main can help ... big or small ... from appetizers, main courses and sides ... to desserts and so much more.
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Visit our website for daily specials and DOUGH TO GO for dinner.
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2 5 A RT I S T S
Annual Holiday Show NOVEMBER 11 TO DECEMBER 31, 2016
Opening Reception: Friday, Nov. 11, 5-8 pm.
Ann McGrory Titmouse and The Teapot Pastel and gold leaf 9 x 9â&#x20AC;?
Susan Powell Fine Art 679 BOSTON POST RD., MADISON, CT 203.318.0616 email: susanpowellfineart@gmail.com View works at: www.susanpowellfineart.com
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Compass Rose, Deep River
A Destination with a Connection By Gina King Photos by Stephanie Sittnick
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n nautical terms, Compass Rose is the figure on a compass, map, or nautical chart used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions; North, East, South, and West. Befitting its name, Compass Rose, women’s clothing and gift store in Deep River, has charted its own course with all points leading home. Upon entering Compass Rose off River Street, customers are greeted with a friendly hello and the musical sounds of either German Beer Hall music, a Dave Matthews favorite, or holiday jingle. And if you come by on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday a cold beer awaits as you peruse the fair trade wares, casual clothing, and surprise gifts that just make life more fun. Fun and surprise are two elements of shopping and browsing used to describe this “everyday clothes for everyday life” unique clothing and
gift store that owner Sage Novak has created in her hometown of Deep River. “It’s very important for me not to do what others are doing,” says Sage. “We (other stores) all have a great deal of respect for each other and don’t want to duplicate. Whether it’s a gift, a treat, a sweater, or going on a first date, you want something fresh.” She was surprised herself when she opened her just-for-guys store (yes, women are welcome too) seven years ago. Coming from a successful career in real estate, she had no fashion nor retail background but found her life thrown off course after she unexpectedly lost her husband, Rob when he was only 33. Sage reinvented herself, combining her previous skills in real estate-effective communication, marketing, merchandising, and a love for customer service-and charted a new course in opening her first retail store. She dedicated the first part of the store name Anchor, after Rob, to symbolize his steadfast, loyal, and strong per-
Sage Novak
sonality with a love for boating; and Compass, for her husband Dan (whom she married in 2013), to symbolize his helping her to get back on course and give her and her two girls, Grace and Natalie new hope and direction.
31 when they reminisce about the dry goods store days and remember buying their grandmother a pair of underwear every year. Or when they purchased that favorite pair of comfy shoes. When the long running real estate business left the space, Sage went to work renovating the storefront for Compass Rose. The floors were refinished, and a lot of the original woodwork was kept intact. She even incorporated some of the pieces of furniture in the new Compass Rose design such as the ornate glass display case that is currently used as the counter and a beautiful wooden bench that blends in nice with the Woolrich blankets and sweaters draped over it. “This is a proud little town,” explains Sage. “We have tried to respect it and care for the store.”
The male customers have loved having their own store space, walking around with a beer in hand while they check out flannel shirts by Woolrich, rugged wear by Carhartt, holiday sweaters, and one of a kind gifts. Opening the women’s store across the street from Anchor and Compass was a natural progression that was partially fueled by her female customers who kept asking when she would sell women’s clothing. “Well, this is silly if I don’t listen,” stated Sage. “Next thing you know, I did it,” she says with a smile. She chose the Deep River location to stay proudly planted where she was born and raised. Her parents owned the local marina down the street and have since retired from the business, but the spirit of strong community ties resonate with Sage. “A lot of boaters say,’ I know your parents, and I knew you when you were little.’ Deep River is a tiny little town, but people find their way here and love it.” The space where Compass Rose resides has a long resilient history, first as a dry goods store and then as a real estate office for the past 40 years. Sage loves to share in her customers’ memories
Owning the two stores has been hard work, she admits, but she loves what she has created, building off the success of Anchor and Compass and has a great staff made up of local girls from in-town. Jane Hamblett found her way to Deep River by way of Northern England 13 years ago and loves working at Compass Rose. “This is a happy place, and the small business is a really nice concept to follow on from the guy’s shop,” says Jane. “I love Sage’s concept about fair trade, good quality, and fair pricing.” She tries to carry things that are unique and make a statement, minus the high prices. “I want people to find something that is well made; and if it has that local connection, that is great,” explains Sage. She promotes New England based companies such as the Connecticut River Candles made in Haddam and the Anchor Me jewelry from Massachusetts. And for that one of a kind gift, there are canvas bags made from repurposed military canvas (each one stands out to tell a story), the Whiskey Girl flasks are a perfect attention grabber, and the various bars of goat milk soap are refreshing. Just like
the men’s store across the street, Compass Rose carries Carhartt sweatshirts, Life is Good shirts, and a colorful assortment of fleece socks, belts, and accessories to match any look. She even offers a cross promotion between the men’s and women’s store; show your receipt at the other shop within 10 days and save 10% off your purchase.
“I try to stay true to myself and what customers are looking for,” says Sage. She and the staff pride themselves on being helpful and sincere with a soft sell approach. “As a small business you have to be there for your customer,” says Sage. “We create a sense of fun and community.” Venture down to Deep River and check out Compass Rose and Anchor and Compass. You will enjoy a relaxed shopping experience and the feel of a strong sense of community connection. Compass Rose, 4www.anchorandcompass.com River Street/Deep River, CT 860-322-4523 www.anchorandcompass.com
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Tenderly: Te T H E R O S E M A RY C L O O N E Y M U S I C A L B A S E D O N T H E L I F E O F R O S E M A RY C L O O N E Y B Y J A N E T YAT E S V O G T A N D M A R K F R I E D M A N
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Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II:
Preserving the Past… Advancing the Future By Laurencia Ciprus
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mericans pride themselves on their individual stories, each a unique imprint of the millions of people who arrive here. When the world feels unfathomable – think post-9/11 and Hurricane Katrina – stories of our shared experiences unite and reassure us, offering a glimpse at a better version of ourselves, even for a brief time. Nothing is more emblematic of American storytelling than the epic journey of the 102 passengers on the Mayflower, the formation of Plimoth Colony – the first permanent settlement in 1620 – and the Native People who preceded them. Edging on 70 years ago, Boston native and archaeologist, Harry Hornblower II was transfixed by the sweeping American narrative of the Mayflower crossing and the interrelationship between Pilgrims and Native Wampanoag People. Vision became reality
when Hornblower II thoughtfully transformed his family’s 130-acre summer homestead into an interactive historical experience called Plimoth Plantation. This captivating reproduction located 2.5 miles from the original site of the
members of the Wampanoag People, and other Native American Nations; Mayflower II, the Hornblower Visitor Center and the Craft Center; the Maxwell and Nye Barns and the Plimoth Grist Mill.
first permanent settlement in Plymouth, Massachusetts, includes a meticulously detailed English Village with costumed “interpreters,” the Wampanoag Homesite populated by actual
Every Plimoth Plantation experience is a slip through the fabric of culture and time. Details are impeccable. During a leisurely walk through the English Village, it is easy to forget that the Colonists you encounter are “interpreters” and not the original settlers. With the gathering chill, diagonals of fog-wrapped rain, and fires burning in the hearths visible through the weathered open doors of the cottages, you begin to worry for villagers with a foreboding dread for the hardships of an approaching winter. Plymouth Harbor balances on the gray horizon beyond dried cornstalks and the palisade – the perimeter fence surrounding the village. This rolling vista mirrors a 17th Century farming
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experience of living history for the 25 million visitors who have visited to date. “Things have evolved. New revelations about the past are found through creativity. As our methods of interpretation continuously expand, programming has changed with the times. For people in our region, this is a place they visited as a child. What is remarkable about Plimoth Plantation is that you can experience this place countless times, yet discover something new with each encounter.”
landscape in contrast with real life. Darkness gathers early on a late October afternoon as settlers hurry the oxen into primitive barns against the wind. The damp air echoes a familiar language, albeit from a much earlier time. According to Richard Pickering, Deputy Director of Plimoth Plantation for the past 20 years, what holds true to the original vision is an ongoing dedication to providing a tactile
The ongoing effort to enrich the Plimoth Plantation experience is evidenced by the museum’s current “Float the Boat: Save Mayflower II!” campaign (www.SaveMayflower.org) which began October 3rd and will conclude on November 17th, 2016. The Kickstarter crowdfunding initiative to fully restore the Mayflower II vessel to seaworthy condition is working to meet the $7.5 million goal necessary to secure a $1.5 million anonymous donation.
Planking will be replaced below the waterline, new framing installed, and the majority of the decking repaired. While Mayflower II is approved as a waterside attraction, she is currently not safe to sail. Once funding is secured, this unique educational and economic treasure will be handed off to the masterful restoration crew at the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard at Connecticut’s Mystic Seaport for 30 months, returning the vessel to seaworthy status. Pickering observes, “Once the work
Photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport
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is completed according to plan, she will return to Plymouth Harbor by 2020, able to sail again and serve as an essential floating classroom. The vessel is an ideal environment to discover the similarities and differences in the Plimoth Colony experience. This proves tremendously valuable and is a critical priority. Mayflower II is an evolving environment and a faithful place to speak about our past.” Building the full-scale reproduction of the original Mayflower, the cargo ship that carried the settlers from coastal England to America, was yet another dream realized by Harry Hornblower II. With an international backstory and historic in her own right, plans for the Mayflower II were drafted by William Avery Baker, the renowned American Naval Architect of MIT. The project was ultimately realized by Warwick Charlton, a journalist in the British Royal Navy who learned about the vision for Mayflower II while reading about Plimoth Colony on a ship returning from North Africa. Inspired, Charlton had Mayflower II constructed as a gift and gesture of gratitude and friendship for America’s support of England during WWII. Utilizing traditional techniques and Baker’s plans, the keel was laid in the Upton Shipyard in Brixham, England in 1955. Over the course of two years the crew sailed Mayflower II across the Atlantic to its new home, reaching Plymouth, Massachusetts in late 1957 and welcomed by 25,000 people lining the shoreline including Vice-President Nixon, and a young Senator Kennedy. Images of the vessel were also featured in the 2014 Rick Burns documentary, The Pilgrims. Since 2000, Mayflower II has sailed to various ports on the east coast to spread its story of American heritage. Since then, Mayflower II has been under the stewardship of Plimoth Plantation, serving as a fitting metaphor for the American Experience. Richard Pickering reflects: “If you (a Plimoth employee) work the ship on Thanksgiving Day, so many new and naturalized citizens are recognizing their own journey. How significant it is for them to share this experience on their first Thanksgiving. New citizens frequently volunteer their stories of why they are here and require little prodding. Were they running away from something; or running toward something? The experience facilitates them in looking into their own journeys in a larger and more global fashion.”
When the country turns its attention to Plimoth in 2020, 400 years after the founding
Mayflower II under sail
41 of the Colony, it will also evidence the initial success of a civil government. Albeit, women did not have a voice at this time, but all men did. The floating environment of Mayflower II will become the place to speak about America’s first framework. The early draft of the Mayflower Compact took shape during the original Mayflower crossing as a preliminary way to hold 102 people together through compromise. This was a truly extraordinary achievement coming from a collective people who – despite lacking in any governmental or legislative experience – were remarkably able to establish a framework for constitutional law and majority rule on the edge of the wilderness. Some of the Colonists had been running a church in England for 20 years, which is structured like a government. Understanding the distribution of funds and organizational skills facilitated the process. The past can describe the future; and reflecting Harry Hornblower’s penchant for archaeology, Plimoth Plantation continues to unearth new revelations about our country’s early cultural history. Support for initiatives like the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project (WLRP) – which revives the ancient language of Wampanoag Native American people as the primary spoken language, has been facilitated
Mayflower II docked at Mystic Seaport
by efforts at Plimoth Plantation. In early November, there will be an opportunity at the Smithsonian Institution for the language will be heard publicly for one of the first times, with Tutti Jackson speaking and translating it. Other Wampanoag innovations include the unique construction process for the creation of a traditional wooden mishoon canoe utilizing
the unexpected reductive technology of fire. To learn more about these and other year-around experiences available at Plimoth Plantation, secure invaluable teaching links for educators, and lend support to the “Float the Boat: Save Mayflower II!” initiative, visit www.Plimoth.org. for further details.
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The Guitar in the Barn The “find”that Inspired BETHANY GUITARS
47 dire shape and needed a complete overhaul. Brunwin retired from his electrical engineering career to restore the property. At the same time, many area residents approached Phil to do custom renovations on their homes and to build furniture. This went on for a few years, including a brief foray back into digital electronics. His heart wasn’t in it and that’s when Brunwin decided to fulfill his dream of building custom grade guitars.
By Alex DeFelice Photos by Jeffery Lilly
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hen luthier, Phil Brunwin and his wife Janet purchased a derelict farmhouse in the town of Bethany, Connecticut, little did they know that a new career path would follow for Phil. The farmhouse and its outbuildings were in
“I had been playing guitar since I was a child,” Brunwin says, adding, “and one of the barns on my property had been used by a guitar luthier. I found the remains of an old Goya guitar which looked like it had been run over by a truck. I took what was left and made a copy of it. I was encouraged by how well it came out; and I set out to make a copy of a ‘50s Gibson J45, one of my favorite guitars. One guitarist friend of mine came around and he liked it so much, he asked me to make him one. This was around 2005 and was the birth of Bethany Guitars.”
The craft of guitar building requires skilled hands, incredible patience and a desire for perfection that thrives on meticulous design. The proper wood must be used for the sound that you desire. And that presents quite a challenge. “Most of the imported wood I get from a handful of importers and distributors that I trust,” says Brunwin. “Some woods such as Brazilian and Madagascar rosewood are protected species under the CITES treaty – a 1973 treaty protecting endangered species of fauna, flora, plants, and animals – so I will only purchase legally harvested or reclaimed wood.”
48 Columbia where Sitka spruces and red cedar are harvested. I managed to find a small mill and was able to pick up some large billets for a song.” With the proper wood acquired, it can take up to three months to deliver the finished product. That’s due to the design, the treating of the wood, and the influences that Brunwin is trying to incorporate into his work.
The list of exotic woods – such as Honduran rosewood – is being added to the CITES Treaty yearly. As rain forests are depleted, so are many of the rare types of wood. “I try to use domestic woods when I can, maple and walnut from a small mill in Connecticut,” says Brunwin. “Recently I was in British
“In my guitar building process there are times when I need things to just sit for a while. I will prepare and bend the wood for the sides of the body and place them in a mold,” says Brunwin. “Then I let them set for three or four weeks to allow the stresses built up in the wood to relax and the wood to become resigned to its new shape.”
The type of wood used is one of the most important decisions in regard to the sound that emanates forth from one of Brunwin’s guitars. Depth, tone, sustain and volume are all influenced by the types of wood used. “Most of the woods used for the back and front fall into two categories: mahoganies and rosewoods,” says Brunwin. There is a significant difference tonally between the two types. Rosewoods are very hard and heavy woods. This results in strong overtones and a sharper attack suited to melodic playing. Mahoganies are lighter. Sound travels more slowly through the wood
which has a unique damping factor. This results in a guitar with stronger fundamentals, less complex, but punchy and focused. It’s great for rhythm and country blues – Broonzy, Johnson, Blake.” For the tops, Brunwin uses red spruce, namely Appalachian or Adirondack spruce. These woods were the preference of pre-war American guitars,
like Martin and Gibson. Good quality red spruce is harder to come by these days, so the cost is higher. Brunwin will substitute Sitka spruce or European Alpine spruce. “No two pieces of wood are exactly the same, even if from the same tree,” says Brunwin. “Each will have its own tone and resonance. The top of the guitar is the most important element. This is where the vibration of
the strings is transferred to the body and the movement and resonance of the top is critical. The selection of the top wood and the carving of the internal braces is where the true art lies.” Brunwin’s influences come from a variety of vintage guitars, but his heart lies with the classic Gibson acoustics. He is more of a traditionalist,
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flowers. But sometimes you have to do what the customer wants!”
keeping to the standard shapes and sizes that harken back to the classics. This allows him to deliver a high quality sound and tone. “The shapes of my guitars are variations of standards that have been used for the last hundred years,” says Brunwin. “I am influenced more by the shapes of Gibson acoustics than any other. The inlays around the body of my more recent guitars were influenced by a range of arch top guitars made by Gibson in the ‘30s for the Montgomery Ward department store. I continually play around with new materials and designs for the bindings and rosettes. For myself, I am not a fan of a lot of pictorial decoration on a guitar. No skulls, marijuana leaves, hummingbirds, or
Bethany Guitars are available through Brunwin’s one man workshop. Half of the guitars he makes are custom ordered. The rest are what he calls workshop specials. He keeps five or six workshop specials in stock at his workshop. Bethany Guitars currently features six models varying in size and shape. Due to the endless combinations of woods and decorative features, two are rarely the same. “Customers coming to me thinking about having a custom guitar built, will often buy one of the workshop specials instead. These guitars are usually priced lower than they would have been if made to order. For the most part, customers come directly to me,” says Brunwin. “I usually have a couple of workshop specials for sale displayed on my web site, but you have to e-mail or call, as I am not in the internet commerce business. I also sell my guitars locally at Brian’s Guitars in Hamden. They took my guitars when I was first getting the word out about my work. They carry some of my lower cost guitars. They are a great boutique guitar store and nice guys too.” “When you go to most custom builders, you are looking at prices of $5,000 and up. This is fine for collectors who buy my high end
guitars, but for the working musician, it will put you well out of price range. So I will make custom guitars with a base price starting at $2,500 using mahogany, walnut, or East Indian rosewood. The exotic woods and fine decorations are great. I love them, but it’s the workmanship and playability that make a great sounding guitar.” You can check out all of Phil Brunwin’s stunning guitar work at www.bethanyguitars,com He may be reached by email at bethanyguitars@yahoo.com Phone: (203) 393-0598
Photos by William Guth
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WRITTEN IN STONE: The Ancient Obsession of Karl Kaufmann
57 By Caryn B. Davis
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he art and craft of stonemasonry has been around for thousands of years, coinciding with humankind’s ability to make tools and use them. Primitive people utilized stones to build houses and walls; the latter, born out of a necessity to clear a field for farming or contain livestock. Walls and shelters were constructed through a dry laid technique by piling stone upon stone; but when mortar, plaster, and cement were introduced, the designs became more intricate and the edifices greater in size. “The Ancients relied heavily on the stonemason to build the most impressive and long lasting monuments to their civilizations. The
Thistle and Shamrock - Scottish/Irish Unity
Egyptians built their pyramids; the Persians, their palaces; the Greeks, their temples; and the Romans, their public works and wonders,” as cited on Wikipedia. Stone has been used for practical purposes and artistic expression, bearing witness to humanity’s
ingenuity and desire for beauty. There are a myriad of iconic structures – marvels of engineering – that illustrate the varied ways stonework has become so intrinsic in our society. Among them are the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Notre Dame, Stonehenge, Versailles, Michelangelo’s David, the Mona Lisa, Machu Pichu, Windsor Castle, the Trevi Fountain, the Empire State Building, the Library of Congress, and Easter Island statues. While the Freemasons of Medieval times passed along the secrets of the stone trade through the degrees of Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Mason, these skills are not as widely practiced as they once were. Like many other forms of time-honored craftsmanship, traditional stonemasonry is becoming lost to modern means. But Karl Kaufmann of Kaufmann Masonry in Ivoryton, Connecticut, is helping to revive this art form through his own business and through his work with the Stone Foundation, an international organization and community of masons and people passionate about stonework and stone art. “We are always trying to recruit the younger crowd, who for one reason or another, are slightly drawn to the stonework. We try to focus them on proper stonewall construction. There are outfits that start out mowing lawns and maybe lay a brick walkway or something.
Opus 40 - Rebuild
The next thing you know, they are asked to build a wall - so they read a book and slap one up. We try to avoid that and give actual training,” Kaufmann says. Kaufmann stumbled upon the Foundation after seeing photographs online of an exquisite handmade stone cabin. “One of the people who worked on it said to me, “If you appreciate that, you should look into the Stone Foundation,’” says Kaufmann
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Ireland - 1400 yr. old “Gallarus Oratory” dry stone construction
“Similar in form and style to Japanese castle walls, they were constructed as those were, with large stones assembled according to principles that have evolved over centuries.”
Inside Gallarus Oratory Photo by Sunny Wieler
who attended his first symposium three months later in Vermont. “The second I met these people I realized we all spoke the same language and had the same outlook on life. It’s been quite a relationship ever since,” says Kaufmann who is now on the advisory board. “These are some of the best masons in the world. They represent the more artistic, craft side of masonry, concentrating on carving, sculpture, letter cutting, and tight stonework.” Two years later, he attended another symposium in Ventura, California on the Japanese Anoh method of dry stonewalling. The projects workshopped are usually public to entice everyone from the novice to the expert to participate. They also encourage education so these skills can be preserved. In this case, two ramparts “flanking a stairway in a public park” were built. As described on the stone’s website,
For this practicum, Jyunji Awata and Suminori Awata, 14th and 15th generation stonemasons who specialize in the restoration of medieval castle walls were invited. The father and son duo rebuilt these walls in their home country of Japan to withstand seismic shock, which is also a frequent occurrence in California.
able to plan a few steps ahead,” Kaufmann says. Through the Stone Foundation, Kaufmann became associated with the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland and recently returned from Inis Oírr in the Aran Islands, where he learned the Irish way of dry stonewall construction, sculpting, and letter carving. He assisted the group with a wall they have been building along a football pitch (field) for the past three years.
Kaufmann has been drawn to stones his entire life. He learned about masonry under the tutelage of master stonemason, Stan Bates before branching out on his own. “The stone talks to me. It’s subconscious. If I am building a wall, I look at the stones and know where they need to go. It is like a puzzle, but even more like a chess game because you have to be Doorway to Gallarus Oratory
“On this island, they lay the stone vertically. They stand them up. When people first moved there 3000 years ago it was a limestone lump on the edge of the North Atlantic. They took all the rubble from the ground and built an incredible network of walls. Then they hauled seaweed and sand up from the shore and mixed it with manure to make soil,” says Kaufmann. “The walls protected the soil from the driving wind so you have these small fields surrounded by stone. They absorb the heat during the day, and it makes everything grow much faster.”
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Miles and miles of traditional style dry stone walls in Inis Oirr, Ireland
Above: Stonemasons from Canada, Ireland, UK, USA, and Australia construct a dry stone bridge in Ontario, Canada. Below: Dry stone arch completion also in Ontario.
Part of the experience of being in these places is learning about the history that is directly tied to the stonework and interacting with the local community.
and the faces can spall off allowing more water in,” Kaufmann says. “In 50 years it will be falling down so I always try to direct people toward dry construction and I give them my 300 year guarantee. I am that confident with my work and doing it properly.”
“We tend to attract real life island people who have lived there for generations. They come out of the woodwork. They may not want to talk to strangers, but they want to talk about their walls and their farm. They know we are not there to try and make money off of them. We are there to help preserve their culture. We get invited into their kitchens and living rooms and get to hang out with them,” Kaufmann says. In his own business, Kaufmann performs general masonry, which can include stonework, brickwork, patios, walkways, and chimneys. Although he will build whatever his clients wish, he believes in educating his customers regarding the benefits of dry stone construction.
Lately, he has been indulging his artistic side, teaching himself how to craft stone fountains, bird baths, and other objects for the garden that are large enough to make a visual impact, but small enough to be easily maneuvered with a hand truck. “When it’s done right, dry stone construction doesn’t hold water so it’s not as effected by freeze and thaw. A lot of people are cutting corners and going back to mortar; so in these freeze/thaw cycles the stone takes the abuse of the weather, not the mortar. Joints can crack,
“You never stop learning. I am just going to keep working with stone until I die. I have no plans to retire. I just love it. I am obsessed. Just ask my wife,” laughs Kaufmann.
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66 that occupy the center’s big touch tank. As the MPNC director, Russ Miller walked through, he kept stopping. “That’s a channeled whelk,” he explained to a kid who held one up from a tank. Two birders waylaid him; they’d just spotted an unusual tern. What did he think it might be? “Hmmm…,” he said, listening carefully as they described it.
A New Place for Snakes, Skates, and a Lot of Learning
marsh clean-up, but has lately taken place several times a year. (Often, kids compete to find the most litter). The MPNC has brought programs and exhibits to other locations, like schools and fairs, and has become what Russ calls, “a go-to place for wildlife questions.” Whatever the staff can’t answer or do, they know where to find someone who can.
“I can’t walk through the building without someone having a question about wildlife,” said Russ, who’s known to all as “Ranger Russ” and who welcomes every question. “People are learning, wanting to learn,” he said.
By Carolyn Battista / Photos by Vincent Scarano
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n a summer day, things were lively as usual at the new Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. Outside, little kids from a Y camp in Milford ate lunch. “We just met some reptiles,” one of their counselors said. Other kids headed with nets toward the water. Inside, kids and grownups alike were meeting the sea critters
The new building opened this past Memorial Day weekend, providing much-needed bigger, more functional spaces all year for the MPNC than those of its former home, an old farmhouse. There the MPNC began as a small, seasonal operation, but over the years became a larger, year-round one, drawing visitors to its exhibits and to such events as fall foliage canoe trips, winter stargazing, and what was at first a spring
“The Connecticut environment is special, and it matters,” Russ said; and the MPNC wants people to see how and why. Programs and exhibits show how different Connecticut’s coastline is from that of neighboring states, how varied and interesting the state’s animals are, how beautiful and productive the salt marshes are. Russ asks kids about the litter they collect—could that have been recycled? Is
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it harmful to animals? How many centuries will it take to degrade? As the MPNC outgrew the farmhouse (where the popular touch tank was in the basement), the Friends of Hammonasset, a group devoted to the whole park, began raising funds and lobbying the legislature. A state/FOH partnership evolved; the state paid for construction of the new building, and the Friends raised money to design and build its exhibits. The new building has natural shingles and white trim, has photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity, and has a geothermal heating/cooling system. The farmhouse still sees use; the MPNC has programs on its porch and hopes to improve indoor spaces for classrooms and storage. The MPNC office will stay there because by design, the new building doesn’t have office space. “The whole new building is for the public,” Russ said. In the lobby, staff and volunteers welcome visitors, answer questions, and run a small gift shop. The lobby exhibit, “In the Air,” includes mounts of Connecticut birds suspended from the ceiling. Below, three live monk parakeets, bright green, peer from their big cage. Monk parakeets, originally from southern South America, have been present in Connecticut for decades. The MPNC took these in and raised them by special state
permit after their nest was destroyed. (It’s firm MPNC policy to keep permanently only animals that can’t survive in the wild because of injuries or other problems. Most animals stay only a short time; then they’re returned to their natural habitats, and others replace them.) The centerpiece of the “In the Water” exhibit is the touch tank, nine feet in diameter. Kids and adults reach right in to encounter crabs, fish, even a lobster. “It’s cool!” said Skye Aceto, age 12, of Durham, who gently stroked a flounder. A visiting grandmother recalled that last year her grandson, then age seven, got to meet a puffin fish in the tank in the farmhouse basement. He still remembers it.
A multi-purpose room, with space (and chairs) for group programs, houses the “At the Beach” exhibit, which includes a video about Hammonasset. The “In the Woods” exhibit is devoted to turtles and snakes, frogs and salamanders, trees and pests. Residents of the tanks include a northern brown snake, an eastern rat snake, a wood frog, a green frog, and a red slider. The turtle tank holds lots of turtles of assorted kinds. MPNC programs include “presentations” at which each turtle is introduced and discussed. The presentations also include advice on what to do if you come upon a hapless turtle on the road. Russ noted that many a grownup visitor tells him, “I came here thinking my kids would learn a lot. But I learned, too.” Russ wants it known that the MPNC is for all ages. “We’re educating the voters of tomorrow and of the present,” he said. Though he clearly loves his work, he didn’t expect such a career. He grew up in Montville and took a regional vo-ag program in high school. “I was very shy,” he said, “more into
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70 animals than comfortable with people.” But after community college, he directed the seasonal nature center at Rocky Neck State Park. “For my first program I was to talk about snakes, which I really love,” he recalled. His boss enthusiastically promoted the program with posters everywhere. To Russ’s horror, more than 200 people showed up. “I felt like I was having a nervous breakdown,” he said. But in a few minutes, he realized that not only did he know a lot about snakes, he actually liked telling people about them. He thought, “I could do this for the rest of my life!” Soon he was back in school, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology. He became director of the MPNC in 2001.
seining in summer (“Find out what you are swimming with,” the brochure says) and some seal-watching in winter when, Russ said, “Seals haul right up on the rocks here.”
By 2005, MPNC was a year-round operation; in 2014, its staff and volunteers gave 650 programs, and 33,000 people visited the center. Popular onsite programs include regular beach
MPNC’s group programs have introduced kids to, among other topics, “owl pellet forensics.”Noticing how hard it was to keep teens interested in nature programs, Russ
devised a volunteer program for ages 13-18. Participants shadow interpreters, learn from them, and help run programs. “That connects them,” he said. Some go on to take seasonal MPNC jobs and to continue related study and work. MPNC “grads,” he noted proudly, include an entomologist in Pennsylvania, a fisheries biologist in Georgia, and numerous teachers. The Friends group holds training sessions for folks who want to volunteer at the center. “The plan for the new building is to improve and expand our programs,” Russ said, as he continued his way through the exhibits. Then he stopped again. “Skates,” he said to some visitors peering into a tank.
Ranger Russ
“In three weeks, we might have baby skates here!” For more info: meigspointnaturecenter.org; friendsofhammonasset.org.
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“It’s wonderrful to be coming home to Mysticc.”
THEE REEMAARRKABLE PEOPLE L OF MA ASONICA AR RE AT RE AT MYS STIC “I was awarree of Masonicar Masonicarre’e s grreat eat reputation reputation while doingg hospital volunteer work andd when I hearrdd that they werree building a new rretir etirrement ccommunity in Mystic, Mystic, I signed right up. What could be a morree perrfect fect marriage than a home in a place I love, crreated eated bbyy M Masonicar asonicarre, people I knoow and trust?” —Dorothy Atkinson, futurree rresident esident dent
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n the case of Dorothy Atkinson, her autobiography phy would be filled with an innumerable number of impresssive personal accomplishments—and many chapters wou uld have to be devoted to her love and dedication to tthe development and preservation of the timeless beau uty in her beloved childhood home, the Village Village of Mysttic. Dorothy explains, “I was born and raised in Mystic, aand my family was involved in the Village Village’s early civic aand business growth going back to the turn of the centuryy— it’s so wonderful to be coming home. With the decision to move to Masonicare at Mysttic, Dorothy’s enthusiasm and energy will become a valuaable resource and inspiration, helping to shape this new and unique retirement community. y. Dorothy Atkinson is an example of the remarkable friends and neighbors who will be enjoying life at Masonicare at Mystic.
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Cold Case-Mystic Archaeological Team Reveals Ancient Connecticut Mystery Kevin McBride – Director of Research
By Chris Pagliuco
T
he idiom, “history is written by the winners,” is only too true in the case of the Pequot War. For nearly four hundred years its history has rarely, if ever, been written by the pen of the trained historian. Instead, accounts of the war, if written at all, have portrayed stereotypes, myth, and political agenda as facts. Using innovative techniques and resources, a special team of researchers is breaking new ground, literally and figuratively, in their quest to document the factual archaeological history of the Pequot War (1636-1637). For better or worse, it is considered the single most defining event in the creation of Connecticut.
I arranged to meet Dave Naumec, an archaeologist at the Mashantucket Pequot Center, at the site of this most recent project. We agreed to rendezvous with his team on the side of a road in southeastern Connecticut. Clad in dirty pants, knee pads, and a metal detection wand hanging at his side, Dave fit the image of the stereotypical archaeologist in the field. Together we bushwhacked our way through a quarter mile of dense woodland. Before my eyes the landscape blossomed with orange and blue flags, scattered intermittently as far as the eye could see. Dave explained that each flag marked where a bullet or other relevant artifact had been found. I was standing in the middle of a six mile long battlefield. At one point in time three hundred English soldiers were fleeing across this expanse for the safety of the coast as hundreds of Pequot warriors closed in to avenge the destruction of their Mystic Fort earlier in the day. At that moment I was struck by the question - was I treading on hallowed
ground that has been forgotten by history, or just through the backwoods behind some guy’s house? The Pequot War took place in the nascent years of Connecticut Colony in a time when the outcome of such conflicts was far from guaranteed. It is so ancient that many of its most basic details have been lost to, or obscured by, history. In popular memory for instance, the war has been viewed as a conflict between the English and Pequot tribe. In reality, as many as ten tribes participated in the battle which could quite accurately be described as an inter-tribal war with English participation. The most memorable battle of the war has been referred to as the “Pequot Massacre,” the name ascribed to the English burning of the Pequot Fort in Mystic, which resulted in the death of nearly 400 Pequot tribes people, including many women and children. Yet the word “Massacre” is loaded with false
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Pequot War Gallery Panorama
Brass Native Conical Projectile Point
implications about the intentions of the perpetrators going in, the resistance offered by the victims, and more. It is indisputable however, that the war came to be interpreted as an important legacy war, in that it helped to define the treatment of Native Peoples across the nation for centuries thereafter. The research team is funded by a grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program. The power and impact of the war has transcended the centuries making for a particularly rewarding journey for Kevin McBride, who leads the group. “This project has grown close to my heart because it is not just archaeology. We have really been able to bring people together in a meaningful way through our work.”
McBride speaks with a certain pride when referring to his crew of specialists who have developed a unique working relationship specially suited for this enigmatic work. While McBride leads the team, he is quick to point out that he wouldn't be anywhere if he were working on his own as many archaeologists in the field typically do. “In work of this type, no one is an expert. Because it is impossible for us to fully understand the seventeenth century mind, we have to hypothesize solutions to every question and nothing can be ruled out. Many times our team's initial ten or even twenty answers prove incorrect,” McBride explains. Under those conditions, group cohesion is essential. Ego is important in the sense that group members need to hold strongly to their ideas but not be oversensitive when challenged. A mantra that the research team has developed is “we can't be right, we have to get it right,” meaning they each need to put aside their egos to uncover a truthful historical narrative supported by archaeological and documentary evidence. McBride pegs this dynamic as the single most important aspect to their work.“If we have any success in this undertaking, it is because of the interplay between our team members.” Naumec adds that the diversity of backgrounds among the researchers has been key to avoiding “group think” which can really inhibit progress within academic circles. It is often the archaeological evidence that serves to definitively untangle the web of myth and fact that has been etched into public memory over the
Archaeological fieldwork conducted on Pequot War battlefield sites in and around Groton.
course of four centuries. To maximize time and resources, the team has employed some unorthodox techniques. Most notably the team has embraced the help of the Yankee Territory Coinshooters, a Connecticut-based metal detecting club. Traditionally, academics
and detectorists have viewed each other with skepticism to say the least, but a mutual respect has developed. The research team affectionately refers to the detectorists as ‘the ninjas’ for their uncanny instincts at interpreting the landscape and their adept use of the surprisingly complex and finicky technology. Naumec explains that when they try to identify
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Brass Jesuit rings
a button or buckle from the battlefield, he often seeks out members of the Society of Seventeenth Century Reenactors who are most familiar with the details of these items. Naumec himself has even privately dabbled in experimental archaeology to assist the study. Using a makeshift ballistics range, Naumec and his friends used seventeenth century weapons to test the effects on bullets of hitting various targets (logs, rocks, etc.). Now when the team finds disfigured bullets in the field, they can make deductions about what the bullet hit by comparing it to those bullets used in the experiment. All these efforts yield details that help fill in the
Pequot village panorama - Mashantucket Peqout Museum and Research Center
puzzle, piece by piece. After seven years of work, the team is approaching the end of documenting the events that transpired during the terrible twelve hour battle that took place on May 26, 1637. Their work honorably serves many important ends. It memorializes land where people of several cultures died. It objectively corrects the injustices of a tainted historical record.
Through signage, outreach events, and educational opportunities, the researchers are raising local public awareness about a nationally significant war that took place literally in our backyards. Their forthcoming official publications will make a profound and long overdue contribution to the history of Connecticut's native groups, Connecticut state history, U.S. History, and the field of archaeology.
Underhill Engraving: This engraving was first published in Captain John Underhillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newes from Americaâ&#x20AC;? in late 1637.This image depicts the May 26, 1637 attack on a Pequot fortified village located in present-day Mystic, Connecticut during the Pequot War of 1636-1637.
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Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop, Centerbrook CT
Best Buys nother year has passed, and once again it is time for my updated Best Buys list for this year. As I have stated in the past, my idea of a good deal is value – buying something of great quality at a very good price. The following list represents what I feel are great values.
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(On a side note, please be aware of the labels “artisan” or “artisanal” on any given item. These are the latest catch phrases. Just as the “gourmet” label does not guarantee great quality, the “artisan” label has fallen into the same dilemma. These days, it seems hard to find a specialty product without an artisanal label. Remember, by definition, artisanal means made by hand in small batches with special quality control measures.)
Tres Leches from Spain ($20 to $24 per pound) This is a new addition to our Best Buys list. As the name implies, this semi-soft Spanish cheese is made from three milks: cow, goat and sheep. It is similar to another Spanish cheese called Manchego, which is quite well known but made solely from sheep milk. However, Tres Leches sales have far surpassed those of Manchego by at least six to one. When given a taste, many say they will take a piece of it before they even get to the finish, which only adds to the enjoyment. This pasteurized cheese has a natural rind and is made in a small sixto eight-pound wheel. I have seen other cheeses with this name, so look for the one imported by Epicure Foods on the label.
Piave Vecchio from Italy ($19 to $24 per pound) This Parmigiano Reggiano-style cheese will most likely always make my top ten list. With a fairly sharp and full flavor, Piave Vecchio goes well with most foods and salads, making it not only an ideal eating cheese but also a great choice for cooking. Use it in place of Reggiano or Grana Padano in any dish. Piave, a cow milk cheese, comes in a small wheel weighing about sixteen pounds and it has a hard, natural rind similar to Reggiano. This cheese keeps very well; just be sure to wrap it properly. For a twist, try it with Acacia honey from Italy or with an aged balsamic vinegar as a delicious dessert. There are two offerings of this cheese; we usually carry the older, one-year version with a little more sharpness to it.
Goat Logs, Domestic or Imported ($6 to $12 each) There are many forms of this cheese, which makes it easy to stay generic in nature. These are most often used on salads, cooked dishes or topped with olive oil and herbs of choice. I usually recommend the fresh style, with even texture throughout, over the soft-ripening cheese version. Be sure to read the label or ask your retailer to be certain you are getting the fresh kind. If you buy the soft-ripening cheese, the outer white mold can be difficult to eat if not purchased in perfect condition. One advantage of the fresh version is its ability to freeze without loss of flavor or texture. This also makes it easier to grate the cheese over salads. In fact, because this works so well, I always keep a piece of fresh goat, and blue cheese for that matter, in my freezer.
There are many imported, domestic and local varieties to choose from. I like Laurel Chenel from California, West Field Capri from Massachusetts and local examples such as Beltane Farms in Connecticut and Cochran Farms from New York. Fresh cheese tastes sweet. It continues to a tart stage and eventually ends up sour. Taste when you buy, if you can, and then freeze somewhere between the sweet and tart stages.
Fromage D’Affinois ($18 to $22 per pound) Once again, I cannot say enough about the ongoing popularity of this soft-ripening double crème. Unlike many of the stabilized Bries and Camemberts available, this one was not ruined for the supermarkets. It comes with a firm center core which softens as it ripens, and I love that I can actually finish the ripening process of D’Affinois right in the store. This allows me to sell it at its peak, which is when you will find it most soft, creamy and luscious. D’Affinois is one of our consistent best sellers and usually the first cheese to disappear on a cheese tray. You can spend this amount for half the size on many cheeses with less satisfaction.
English Ford Cheddar ($14 to $16 per pound) It amazes me how many cheddars can sell for such high prices ($20 to $30 per pound) when the finish of these cheeses often bites the tongue with bitterness. I am constantly bombarded with samples from “artisan” and large producing cheesemakers who manage only to achieve a high price. High price does not mean quality, which brings me to the great English Ford cheddar from England. This pasteurized cheese manages to achieve a great cheddar taste with a wonderfully smooth and creamy finish. It is one of our best-selling cheddars and well worth seeking out. It is unfortunate that some of the well-known domestic cheddar producers have altered their production methods. Instead of making 40pound cheddars and allowing them to age for three years, some have given in to supermarket demands for mass production and are now making 1000 lb. wheels and aging them for merely a year. The result is a bitter and biting finish. You decide. As always, it is best to taste before you buy.
Paul Partica, The Cheese Shop www.cheeseshopcenterbrook.com
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By Kevin Staehly Operations Manager and Assistant Winemaker, Staehly Farm Winery, East Haddam, CT
Out of the Box T
he world of wines is filled with diversity. From France to Chile, Australia to California, every region has a portfolio of wines that add character to a classification of beverage that brings people together across the world. Unexpectedly, wine does not need to be made exclusively from grapes. “Fruit wine” is a distinction given to wines that are made from something other than grapes, be it apples, pears, blueberries, or even tomatoes. In places like New England, fruit wines are prevalent, both because of the history of the region and the climate. Here the most common fruit wine is apple wine. It varies from state to state, winery to winery, with the apples being all one varietal or a mix of different varieties. The cooler climate and abundance of this fruit, while commonplace, produces a beautiful diversity of these apple wines.
The difference between a hard apple cider and an apple wine is often blurred. In fact, in Germany, there is little distinction between the two, with “apfelwein” (a false cognate for apple wine) actually being directly translated to “apple cider”, the lighter ciders of that region having around six percent alcohol. By contrast in America, the main difference between an apple wine and a cider is again the alcohol content, with American ciders typically around seven or eight percent alcohol and apple wines around twelve. A second difference derives from the style of yeast used during fermentation. A champagne style yeast, used for apple wine, ferments at a lower temperature than its cider counterpart, resulting in a greater depth of flavors and a more complete fermentation of the natural sugars. With these somewhat subtle differences, the process for creating a good apple wine can be tricky. One must find the right balance of base sugars in the fruit to get the desired alcohol content. A balance in tartness is also important to create a pleasing taste in the finished product. If the apples are too dry, the alcohol content will be too low - resulting in a cider. If too tart, the flavor ends up somewhere on the border between sour and bitter. After fermentation has completed, the German and American wines diverge further. Unlike their German counterparts, American apple wines have developed a low-market, “bottom-shelf” reputation with the introduction of mass-market wines in the 1960s. Brands like Boone’s Farm, cheap and sweet, served as the stepping stone for a generation of wine drinkers as they progressed to drier wines. Many of those wine drinkers now reflect on their first experiences with a sugar-saturated wine and expect the craft fruit wines that have risen to prominence in the last few years to be similar. Most are not. Fruit wines, when the residual sugar content is kept low, can exhibit the same depth of character and quality as many of their grape counterparts. For instance, Staehly Farm Winery in East Haddam, CT produces a “Dry Apple Wine”, a blend of McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and Delicious apples, which has a residual sugar content of seven-tenths of a percent. Seven-tenths of a percent, to provide some perspective, means less than one gram of sugar per
liter or about one-half gram of sugar per bottle. This is comparable to a sauvignon blanc, in grape wine terms. In fact, if one was to try that apple wine sans label, it would be difficult for even the most seasoned of palates to tell the difference. There is a versatility to fruit wines because of their range in sweetness. Some are perfect for dinner, while others may be best suited to dessert. This array of fruit wines contributes to the larger world of wine. Within the state of Connecticut alone there are not less than 20 wines made from peaches, cherries, apples, blueberries, raspberries, and more. Outside of Connecticut, some other notable fruit wines include a Strawberry Rhubarb Wine from Raven’s Hollow Winery (Massachusetts), a Cranberry Wine from LaBelle Winery (New Hampshire), and a Pear Wine from Winterport Winery (Maine); just to name a few among many worthy of praise. Check your preconceptions at the door the next time you see a fruit wine, and prepare to be astonished. They have come a long way since the college days of yesteryear. Like many of us post-college, fruit wines have blossomed into complex and delightful personalities. STAEHLY Farm & Winery 278 Town Street, East Haddam, CT 06423 Monday-Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm www.staehlys.com
Unique Fruit Wines Across New England WICKED BLUE Mineral Hills Winery, Florence, MA A blueberry wine, this rich red is semi-dry which lends it nicely to pairing with beef or lamb. A floral aroma mingles with notes of cinnamon and spice to create a distinct flavor that is not unlike a blueberry pie.
POMODORO Staehly Farm Winery, East Haddam, CT Made entirely from tomatoes, the recipe for this wine has been passed down for generations. A mix of heirloom varieties creates a floral, sometimes peachy nose that mingles with notes of bacon (a subtle smokiness) in the body of the wine.
APPLE CRANBERRY Holmberg Orchards & Winery A blend of apple wine and cranberry wine that makes for a pleasing contrast of sweet and tart. Clean and crisp with just enough sweetness to bring out the flavor of the heritage apples. Great for pairing with roast chicken or turkey, or enjoy on its own.
NOVEMBER EVENTS
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November 1 - 13 Ivoryton Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical. “I’d call myself a sweet singer with a big band sensibility,” Rosemary once wrote. Based on the life of Rosemary Clooney. American’s favorite girl singer comes to life on stage in this exhilarating and inspiring musical biography, Tenderly is not a typical “juke-box musical.” It offers a fresh, remarkably personal, and poignant picture of the woman whose unparalleled talent and unbridled personality made her a legend. With her signature songs woven in and out, we learn both the story of her successes on film, radio, and TV, as well as her struggles in her personal life. Theatre Address: Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton, CT 06442 info@ivorytonplayhouse.org Box Office Phone: 860.767.7318 November 1 - Mid January Courtyard Gallery, Mystic's Hidden Treasure. "Art for your Heart and Home", the Courtyard's annual winter and holiday show debuts in November and continues through mid January. Our gala reception is on Saturday, November 19th from 69 PM, great music, libations and of course new artwork from over 40 artists from near and far. As always, the Courtyard offers the most diverse collection of original contemporary fine art in the region, something to complement every home and art collection. Art for our Heart and Home" features works of all sizes and price ranges, with many smaller pieces perfect for upcoming holiday gifts. Throughout the month the Courtyard's Sunday Salons continue weekly from 3-6 PM, share wine, refreshments, and your passion for art with artists, friends and collectors, a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. November hours Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat 11-6, Sun 12-6. 12 Water Street B3 - Mystic, CT 06355 - 860.536.5059 courtyardgallerymystic.com November 1 Middletown “FLYING CARPETS: new paintings by David Schorr” Professor of Art David Schorr's solo exhibition and site-specific installation “FLYING CARPETS” revisits his childhood days spent playing on his grandmother's Persian rugs. In the paintings, gouache with silverpoint drawing on linen, he recreates the richly-colored world of his young imagination, contrasting familiar toys from the mid 20th century with images that hint at the exotic and expansive world beyond his home. The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog designed by David Schorr, featuring an essay by poet Jonathan Galassi. Opening Reception 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm. During the Opening Reception there will be a Gallery Talk by Professor of Art David Schorr at 5pm. Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery, 283 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT November 3 – January 4 Westbrook “Visual Consensus” at the Valentine H. Zahn Community Gallery at Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center. The exhibition features fine art quilts by members of Gallery One. Meet the artists at a reception on Thursday, November 3 from 6 – 8 p.m. The Gallery is open during regular business hours and is located at 250 Flat Rock Place, Westbrook, CT. For more information, contact Middlesex Hospital at 860-358-6200 or info@midhosp.org.
November 5, Essex A reception in honor of acclaimed artist Stephen Westfall will be held on Saturday, November 5, from 5 - 8, at the Cooper & Smith Gallery. Stephen Westfall in Perspective: A 15-Year Survey, 2002 – 2016, currently on view at the gallery, presents select paintings exhibited together for the first time. With deliberate misalignments and wavering symmetries, Westfall's geometric abstractions incite multiple ways of seeing. Simultaneously exacting and unsettled, they belong to a lineage of Minimalism that includes Frank Stella, Agnes Martin and Sol LeWitt. Stephen Westfall has received grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Nancy Graves Foundation and the Guggenheim Foundation. His work is held in the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the Kemper Museum in Kansas City, the Louisiana Museum in Humlebaek, Denmark, the Munson Williams Proctor Museum in Utica, New York, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the UBS Art Collection. Gallery hours: Wednesday Saturday, 11 - 6 and Sunday, 11 – 5, 10 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426. More information at art@coopersmithgallery.com and 860-581-8526. November 11 - December 31 Madison Annual Holiday Show at Susan Powell Fine Art. Kick off the holiday season and join us for a festive evening and meet the artists on Friday, Nov 11, from 5-8 p.m. Artists from around the country participate in this annual show, and prices range from the low hundreds on up giving collectors at all levels a chance to acquire wonderful works of original art. The exhibit offers a wide variety of subjects and sizes by 25 nationally-acclaimed artists including Kathy Anderson, Del-Bourree Bach, Ira Barkoff, Harley Bartlett, Peter Bergeron, Stephanie Birdsall, Kelly Birkenruth, Dan Brown, Grace M. DeVito, David Dunlop, Eileen Eder, John Falato, Curtis Hanson, Sarah Stifler Lucas, James Magner, Leonard Mizerek, Larry Preston, Deborah QuinnMunson, Susan Nally, Michael Naples, Cora Ogden, Polly Seip, Claudia Seymour, Dennis Sheehan and George Van Hook. The exhibit continues through December 31. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 11- 5 pm, and anytime by appointment. For more information, call 203-318-0616, email susanpowellfineart@gmail.com, or visit www.susanpowellfineart.com to see images of paintings. November 12 - Holiday Tasting at Dagmar’s Desserts. Please join us at Dagmar’s Desserts for a selection of Thanksgiving and holiday treats like apple strudel, pear tarts, pumpkin desserts and of course our famous stollen on Saturday, November 12 from 2 pm to 4 pm. For more information about our holiday menu visit us online at dagmarsdesserts.com or call the bakery at 860-661-4661. Dagmar’s Desserts, 75 Main Street, Old Saybrook CT November 20 Chester Please join us for a Concert in the Garden on Sunday, November 20, 2016 - 4 - 6 pm with Hiroya Tsukamoto at the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery at 1 Spring St in Chester Center. Hiroya Tsukamoto is a guitarist and composer originally from Kyoto, Japan. Hiroya has developed unique acoustic music which is sometimes described as "Cinematic acoustic music". $20 donation - BYOB - Bistro Style Seating Inside the Gallery. For more info call 8605262977 or logo onto: www.nilssonstudio.com/events.