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EDITOR’S L E T T E R INTEL

Home of the Bland? NEW HAVEN — Ahh, pizza and burgers: the two things New Haven will always be able to boast about in the greater cultural sphere (unless you know of any good schools in the area). So it’s surprising when the city’s definitive culinary contributions to the world at large are so egregiously snubbed. Albert Burneko of Deadspin.com (a blog devoted to sports news, by the way) took on the task of ranking the “signature” regional food of each of these United States. Connecticut’s entry was not for pizza, nor was it for the famously first hamburger at Louis Lunch. Nope, it was for “A f***ing steamed f***ing cheeseburger,” which was ranked third from last, just above Being Hit By a Car. Burneko says the burger quintessentially embodies our state’s “rigorous commitment to blandness.”

So there. Up your nose with a rubber hose, Al!

NEW HAVEN — Maybe this is a case of “seller beware.”

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FÊTES

To add insult to injury, Chicago’s deep-dish pizza was given top honors as the best regional foodstuff, with New York-style pizza, by contrast, derided as “a sheet of soggy cardboard with a flap of waxy melted cheese stretched across it.”

INSTYLE

Such sentiment didn’t sit well with New Haven filmmaker Gorman Bechard, who is currently making “Pizza: A Love Story” about our pies. “They are idiots,” he succinctly says. “And you can quote me on that.” So we did.

SHELTON — It’ll be a tree with Connecticut roots, literally, lighting up Rockefeller Plaza in New York City this year.

OU T D OOR S

If it’s any consolation, and we think it is, Pepe’s apizza (specifically its signature white clam pie) was recently named the best in the

A 12-ton, 76-foot tall Norway spruce from the Shelton home of John and Louise Vargoshe on Kazo Drive was harvested and hauled off to New York to be trimmed and strung up with 45,000 lights for the Christmas season, remaining on display until January 7.

BOD Y & S O U L ON S C R E E N

This isn’t the first time a Shelton tree has been used for the iconic New York display – one was last used in 2007. An Easton tree was used in 2010.

It’s news to us that the steamed burger is Connecticut’s signature food, it shows what happens when magazines scramble for superalatives. This “icon”

Editor Michael C. Bingham Design Consultant Terry Wells Contributing Writers Brooks Appelbaum, Nancy Burton, Duo Dickinson, Jessica Giannone, Eliza Hallabeck, Lynn Fredricksen, Mimi Freiman, Liese Klein, John Mordecai, Melissa Nicefaro, Susan E. Cornell, Priscilla Searles, Makayla Silva, Cindy Simoneau, Karen Singer, Tom Violante Photographers Steve Blazo, Anthony DeCarlo, John Mordecai, Lesley Roy, Chris Volpe, Lisa Wilder

Advertising Manager Mary W. Beard Senior Publisher’s Representative Roberta Harris Publisher’s Representative Gina Gazvoda Robin Ungaro Gordon Weingarth New Haven is published 8 times annually by Second Wind Media Ltd., which also publishes Business New Haven, with offices at 20 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT 06513. 203-781-3480 (voice), 203-781-3482 (fax). Subscriptions $24.95/year, $39.95/two years. Send name,

The cash – which totaled $98,000 – was the former owner’s inheritance money that she had hidden in the desk and subsequently forgotten all about. Muroff and his wife wanted to be honest and returned the money to its original owner.

So Is Yale Brave? NEW HAVEN — Every so often, some young whippersnapper produces a video about Yale and uploads it to YouTube. Maybe it’s someone pleading for admission, or maybe someone just wants to brag about why it was his top choice. The latest is “Yale Is Brave,” a project by students in a Law, Technology & Culture class that has a bunch of students doing “brave” things — a guy approaches a girl on a park bench, for example — but mostly it’s people dancing in public places (libraries, courtyards and city streets) while lip-synching to Sara Bareilles’ top 40 Continued on page 6

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| Vol. 7, No.3 | Decenber 2013

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Local rabbi Noah Muroff and his wife bought a $200 desk off Craigslist for their home office and discovered more than they bargained for when they found a huge bag of cash behind one of the drawers.

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White Castle, originallya of Wichita, Kan., is perhaps the most famous purveyor of steamed hamburgers since 1933.

AT H O M E

New Haven

country by The Daily Meal; a ranking then disseminated by major news outlets nationwide.

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was pushed forward by then Connecticut Magazine editor Charles Monagan beating his chest for Ted’s Restaurant’s steamed hamburgers. Which they say are world famous, and perhaps they are, they’ve been selling them for fifty plus years, but Connecticut’s signature food or even hamburger Not.

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Houses of Worship

As a New England colony that traces its roots to the 17 th century, New Haven has many historical places of worship for worshipers of many denominations (still missing on the current landscape, however, are a Mormon temple and a mosque). Here are three that trace their roots back some two centuries.

Trinity Church, Center Church, United Church on the New Haven Green These are three of New Haven’s best-known churches, the oldest dating back to the city’s earliest days. Center Church (a/k/a the First Church of Christ) is a Congregational church established in 1639, with the present Meeting House built in 1812. It notably sits atop a burial ground; the Center Church Crypt contains the remains of Puritan settlers and Revolutionary War soldiers. United Church was built in 1814 following a schism in the congregation of the First Church. Trinity Church, which sits at the corner of Chapel and Temple streets, was built in 1814-15, and is the first church of Gothic design (its architect was Ithiel Town) in the United States. Beth Israel Synagogue (a/k/a Orchard Street Shul) : The Beth Israel Synagogue was built in 1925 but its congregation was formed in 1913. The Shul was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, and is New Haven’s only nationally recognized historic synagogue. With the structure deteriorating, efforts to restore and preserve the building got underway in 2012, with the front-facing stained-glass window of the Star of David completed this September in time for Rosh Hashana.

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hit “Brave.” The video currently has close to 42,000 views. Interestingly enough, the Yale Bullblog posted a version of the video as well, under the title “Yale Is Brave…?” It’s the same exact video, but scored to the, uh, classy lyrical prose of Love Rance’s “Beat the Pussy Up.”

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What Are Whiffenpoofs? The Whiffenpoofs, of Yale College, are the oldest college a capella group in the world, having formed in 1909 at Mory’s Temple Bar on York Street. The seniors who comprise the group compete for the 14 spots during the spring semester of their junior year. The best-known member of the group was Cole Porter, who sang in 1913; many of his songs are now performed in tribute. Other notable alumni include Prescott Bush and operatic tenor John (not the host of The Daily Show) Stewart. The Whiffenpoofs’ best-known song, not surprisingly, is “The Whiffenpoof Song,” which has been recorded by such artists as Elvis Presley, Perry Como and the Statler Brothers, and was even a hit for Bing Crosby in 1947. The ensemble has also been referenced multiple times in television shows and films such as Young Frankenstein, The West Wing and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Last year’s Whiffenpoofs even appeared on the season finale of the Fox TV show Glee. (see pic)

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LET T E RS

WORDS of MOUTH

Rudd Center head Marlene Schwartz reminds us that we are what we eat Marlene Schwartz joined the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity in 2006 and took over as director in June. She earned a Ph.D. in psychology from Yale in 1996 and was co-director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorder as well as a practicing clinician until 2005. The Rudd Center was founded in 2005 by Kelly Brownell, who left Yale earlier this year to become dean of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. Under Brownell and now Schwartz the Rudd Center has advanced research and policies that have attracted national attention — and sometimes controversy — by attempting to change America’s diet in large part by influencing government and corporate policy-makers. New Haven Magazine Publisher Mitchell Young interviewed Schwartz for ONE2ONE.

AT HO M E

What made you feel that way?

FÊTES

How did you enter this field originally, and how did you transition from dealing with individual patients’ personal health and weight to become a social and political researcher and policy advocate?

In my training [in psychology at Yale] one of the areas that was available was eating disorders and obesity. I started [working after graduation] at the Yale Center for Eating and Weight disorders down on Temple Street. I did that for quite a number of years, but I started feeling that as a clinical psychologist there were limits to what I could accomplish — especially with childhood obesity.

It was my experience trying to work with patients individually to get them to change their eating and exercise and to make a healthy lifestyle for themselves. And seeing how we could do all this work in my office and then they went out into the world and it seemed as if the world was conspiring against them.

When you were growing up did you see a lot of eating disorders among people you knew?

INSTYLE

Eating disorders are complicated. People tend to lump them together and there are different types. Anorexia nervosa is the one people think of most, where you lose a lot of weight. It is a very serious psychiatric illness and it’s not something you can catch, and it’s not something that is caused by your school getting rid of vending machines. It’s an illness. I get a little frustrated when people say we shouldn’t be focusing on childhood obesity

O U T D O OR S

because we’re going to cause eating disorders. There is no evidence that this happens.

You mean that all this talking about food and obesity is unhealthy itself? My position is that it’s really all about the environment. I felt like I could only do so much with my patients. What I wanted to instead was change the environment — and do whatever I could do promote policies at schools, childhood centers, workplaces, corner stores where it would be easier for people to get healthy food that was appealing and affordable and not make it so hard without this uphill battle.

Everyone is concerned about obesity in children, but foodrestriction policies inevitably generate controversy. I don’t think it’s helpful is to talk about weight; I am not in favor of having children worry about how much they weight or worry about counting calories. You asked about when I was growing up. When I was growing up, it was the 1970s and there were lower rates of childhood obesity. It was not because we knew more or were better educated, it was the junk food wasn’t there! Junk food was not in schools; there were no vending machines. Kids shouldn’t have to work at this. The default should be to have healthy food and the default is to be physically active, not to force them to do a perfect job trying to be healthy.

Isn’t the real problem lack of physical activity among children? The real problem is everything. We did not get to a tripling of childhood obesity rates because of one thing. The food industry is often the first to say [the problem is lack of] physical activity, which is highly convenient. Then, we’re not looking at calories in; [we’re] just focusing on calories out [expended]. I’m a huge fan of physical activity. What I would fight for is not so much to get gym back in schools as to get after-school time to become a very appealing and active time for kids.

What is the mission of the Rudd Center? We see our responsibility as doing scientific research to inform policies

that will improve the [food and health] environment.

To clarify, you don’t mean inform the public; you do mean social policy, is that correct?

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We’re different from a lot of research labs at Yale that are focused on a specific question and systematically doing studies, and building on the same topic. We look at the science that has been done, the environment, and the political reality and try to target areas where we think there are important policy question that need to be answered.

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For example? With the debate on taking vending machines out of schools, we did studies in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Education. We had some pilot schools that did it and some control schools that didn’t. We were able to demonstrate that A: [schools that eliminate vending machines] do not lose [revenue] and B: the kids did not go home and eat twice as much to make up for what they didn’t have at school. And C: there was no increase in eating or weight concerns, getting back to the eating disorder question.

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Did people really think that taking out vending machines would cause eating disorders? In 2005, 2006 [in Connecticut] there was a huge [lobbying] presence of the American Beverage Association. Coke and Pepsi were literally at the Legislative Office Building handing out free soda. I’m a scientist — I never took a political-science class. But what I’ve learned is this is an intensely political issue, because it gets at people’s beliefs about the role of government and is it appropriate for government to set policies and When it comes to food. It’s a very personal thing.

It is a state government policy to have vending machines in schools? It’s off-putting to many people that government is going to interfere, but what people don’t understand is that government has been in their kitchen this whole time. So [the objective] is to take that [governmental] power and push us in a healthy direction as opposed to where it is now.

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We recently interviewed David Katz, MD, who invented a food-labeling system called NuVal to measure nutritional value. But the idea doesn’t seem to have taken off with the public. Subway may have done more to turn around the discussion of obesity with its ad campaign featuring formerly overweight spokesperson Jared. I would say NuVal is not a policy; it is an education strategy. And if we’ve learned anything it is that education [about] nutrition does not change behavior. One of the real challenges we have is this extremely strong belief that people will make better decisions if they are just given the information. People [generally] don’t buy food because of the nutrition label. The vast majority of Americans buy what tastes good and what they can afford. You need to back out the prevalence of unhealthy food and push in the prevalence of healthy food.

There is a lot of confusion as to what actually is healthy food, with competing theories new diets seemingly every week. Anything that is a popular diet book should be viewed with great cynicism. I hate to break it to people, [but] there is no magic solution. I think the person that has captured this best is [author] Michael Pollan, [who advocates] getting back to

eating real food — actual food that you recognize what it is, that hasn’t been processed, that doesn’t have a million ingredients added to it. I don’t think you can go wrong if you’re focused on eating real food.

Such as? The studies I trust are that fruits and vegetables are always a good choice. Hardly any American gets the amount of fruits and vegetables he/she should eat. Try to limit the amount of desserts, high sugar, and high fats. I’m not for banning them — my children eat dessert. You don’t need to say these things are terrible and we should never have them; what we can say is there is a time and a place and portion size.

How old are your children? I have a 17-year-old and 13-year-old twins. They have grown up in a house where there has never been soda. They never see packaged cookies. We make a priority to have dinner as a family and on most nights to actually cook a dinner.

Are you a good cook? [Laughs] It depends who you ask. My husband would say yes. My three kids would probably say no. Now they are old enough to help [prepare meals], another positive is that if you never buy packaged cookies or cakes your kids become outstanding bakers.

Do you trust them to eat right when they’re not home? I trust them not to eat junk. I would be supersurprised is if they snuck off and drank two liters of soda. But would they eat eight cookies instead of two or three? That’s possible [laughs].

How does exercise fit into this equation? What I care about is the quality of someone’s diet and level of fitness. It comes from my being a therapist for ten years and working with people who were overweight and really wanted to be healthy. That is why we focus on preventing obesity in kids. [For] an adult who is already overweight, the statistical likelihood of getting all the way down to a normal BMI [Body Mass Index] and staying there is small. What is more realistic is getting people to focus on the quality of their diet, increasing physical activities as much as they can and then your body is going to be where your body is going to be. If a person loses ten percent of their body weight they will probably see an improvement in their blood pressure, their sugar levels. To say you have to get all the way down to this ideal body weight is just setting people up for failure.

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For someone who has a very high BMI, surgery is basically the only option that has a statistical likelihood of working. So if someone is morbidly obese and they are suffering health consequences, I think surgery is a perfectly viable solution.

limiting the portion size — it was astonishing to me that people made such a big deal about it. In 1970 no one would have noticed, 16 ounces was as big as (soda portion) it got. People were upset because they felt the government was telling them what to do. Your choice is the government is influencing you or the industry is.

If you’ve known someone who has had this surgery it requires a change of diet and activity. Even this is not a miracle pill, it gives people a big advantage by changing their body, so it is harder for them to eat as much and absorb as many calories. What you’ll see is Gov. Christie will lose weight because his behavior has to change — and it would be nice if he did talk about that. When people were saying he is too fat to be President we came out extremely against that message, because we also study weight bias and discrimination.

Were you guys were behind New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to limit the portion size of sodas? There was certainly plenty of pushback to that. I think did originate with Kelly [Brownell, founding director of the Rudd Center] over 20 years ago. We are researchers; we are advocates. We only advocate for things we feel there is scientific evidence for. The Bloomberg idea of

Well, the research has shown — and this is why Bloomberg’s idea was based in science — [that] if you go to the movie theater and they give you a popcorn size that is smaller than the other movie theater, you eat less popcorn and you don’t realize it. People completely overestimate how much consciousness goes into their eating. For many

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What’s it like when there is a big blowback to a policy? The Rudd Center has said it wants to tax soda, and has a calculator on its website for how much money can be raised, etc. I think it even has a calculation for diet soda. They may have added that but we have never advocated taxing diet soda. The Rudd Center does not have a position on [health effects] of diet soda. The research on sugared soda is completely clear, that it leads a higher risk of obesity but also Type II diabetes. On that we are completely clear. There is no question people need to drink less sugared drinks. [Research about] diet soda is mixed. There is some evidence that switching from regular soda is a health benefit, other evidence that drinking diet soda does not help people consumer fewer calories, they compensate by eating other calories. I am agnostic on [diet soda]. I am waiting for the science before I take a public position. My personal position is I don’t think it’s a good idea to give your kids diet soda. My husband and I both drank diet soda before we had kids. Once the oldest was old enough to start asking for it, I realized I would be a hypocrite if I told her she couldn’t have it, so we stopped [consuming diet soda]. We do have seltzer and juice and what I will drink is seltzer with some juice in it, it’s almost like a little orange soda type.

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people the amount you eat is largely unconscious: You take your cue from what is on the plate.

There are more obese people in the world now than malnourished people. But eating cultures differ around the world. For example, they eat better — and less — in France and some other places. Why is obesity going global? Are we pushing the wrong foods in trying to feed so many people? Obesity rates are increasing every place. Even France has higher obesity rates than 30 years ago. People are consuming more calories and they are not as physically active. Giving people carbohydrates versus fat — that is one of the places where the field disagrees in terms of what nutrient composition should be. The research I’ve seen is, in the end, the best predictor [for obesity] is how many calories.

There is a concern on the one hand that poorer people and minorities generally have a higher incidence of obesity. But there also seems to be a pushback that this is a cultural attack. Some [of the rise in obesity] is food access; some is cost. If you don’t have a lot of money in your pocket you can feel you’re going to get more to eat if you buy chips and a candy bar. I find it hard to believe than any culture is saying part of

our identity is soda. You’re asking a lot about the negative things, and you have to think about the positive things — for example the increase in farmers markets in Connecticut, which now take WIC and SNAP [government funded nutrition support programs that provide food vouchers or debit card for low income individuals and families]. It’s not just about taking things away; it’s about providing access to healthy foods for everyone. When the Shaw’s supermarket on Whalley Avenue in New Haven went out [of business] there was a huge pubic outcry that we needed a grocery store [in the inner city]. That was about access to real food. You have to focus on what is improving.

The discussion about obesity has been going on now for years, and some measures have been taken. Which direction are obesity numbers going? There is some preliminary evidence that it is starting to turn around in some studies in New York and Philadelphia and a study by the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control) on preschoolers whose weights are tracked through the WIC program. I do think we’re turning a corner. Soda consumption is down — one message that people have gotten is that soda is bad for your health. We have seen a significant and steady decrease over the last several years.

Scwartz: ”One message that people have gotten is that soda is bad for your health”.

Soda isn’t why people are obese, is it? There is no single driver, but if you were to rank the factors in terms of the amount of research evidence, [soda] would be number one. There is the most research evidence that if you have kids, for every additional [sugared] soft drink per day they

Photo: Steve Blazo

drink they have a 60- percent increase of becoming overweight. It really is unique in the category.

Recently Conservatives have been complaining that people on food stamps can buy soda. Are liberals defending that right? It’s as bad as the portion cap politically. In our field you have the

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They feel like it is wrong to limit what people can buy with their food stamps, on principle. Where I respond is: soda is not food. What is interesting is in the state of Connecticut, soda is not considered food. You pay sales tax on soda, which you don’t pay on orange juice. Soda is in a category of items that you can eat that are not considered food; they are not exempt from sales tax. There have been several states in the past couple of years that have taken that same strategy. But this is still hotly debated.

So in fact we do have a tax on soda and no one is complaining. But the idea of intrusion into personal decisions is still overwhelming the policy. I think that is true. The President said he is in favor of a soda tax because that would affect everybody, but is against restricting soda from SNAP because he feels that is targeting a group.

A tax on soda has been something the Rudd Center has advocated for a long time. Any other progress? Mexico just passed a tax on soda a week or two ago. They win the prize — they are the biggest consumers of soda in the entire world and they also have a very serious obesity problem. As a researcher it will give us a chance to study the effects.

Looking ahead as the new director is there something new you want to accomplish? I would like to [advance] an integrated approach on obesity and food insecurity and hunger. We’ve been pretty exclusively focused on

Do you get pushback on that? I’ve been a board member for four years. In the beginning, people were just not used to the idea of making judgments about the food they were distributing. This idea to not take something [not nutritious] was very foreign. There has been a huge shift — not just in Connecticut, but nationally in food banks. They’re starting to look at the people coming in and seeing that a lot of the people have health problems related to poor diet and they’re saying, ‘If we’re going to help, we should focus on healthy food.’ The Connecticut Food Bank now tracks the nutritional quality of everything that comes into the food bank and provides that information to the food pantries and soup kitchens.

Lucia n

ist

They’re standing up for soda?

the obesity issue. I’m on the board of the Connecticut Food Bank and I’ve become really aware of how significant the problem of hunger is in our community and food insecurity. Yet I’ve been an advocate for only distributing healthy food from food banks. We should not be ‘helping’ people by giving them junk food.

Flor

nutrition policy advocates over here and you also have a huge group of people that are focused on hunger and food insecurity. Typically we all work together and we all are a team for improving nutrition. When it comes to SNAP [the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, generically known as food stamps] and limiting benefits, you have a huge polarization.

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First Lady Michelle Obama has placed a significant emphasis on food quality. Do you see that this had a cultural impact? I do think Michelle Obama taking on childhood obesity as her issue has been an incredible asset to the entire field. There is a lot of power in the White House, and when the White House is saying to the food companies, ‘You all need to do a better job marketing healthier food to kids,’ food companies listen.

But are the kids listening? I think kids are aware of the problem of obesity and I think kids know what a healthy and a less healthy food is. I don’t know if that by itself has changed behavior very much. 

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The ‘Man Who Saved Christmas’ On the centennial of his Erector Set, remembering A.C. Gilbert, New Haven’s amazing Father of Invention 14 D ECEMBER 2013

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HAPPY HULL-IDAYS! 1144 Chapel Street New Haven Open 7 Days 203.865.4855 HullsNewHaven.com A.C. Gilbert’s original office in New Haven’s Erector Square (top), the factory buildings are now home to several hundred artists and small businesses. (Bottom) Toys and a drill produced at the factory , in a window overlooking the complex. Photos: Anthony Crisafulli

It is hardly an exaggeration to observe that Alfred Carlton Gilbert (18841961) was larger than life. What’s unusual is that he remains so more than 50 years after his death. Gilbert, whose multi-faceted talents and intellect made him a leader in manufacturing, neighborhood development, employee relations and even athletics earned the title “The Man Who Saved Christmas.” With his trademark Erector Set marking its 100th anniversary this year, it provides an opportunity to peer inside the life of a man who

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was one of this region’s — and nation’s — greatest treasures. “I got an Erector Set when I was nine years old and it changed my life,” says William Brown, director of the Eli Whitney Museum where an enormous A.C. Gilbert display will soon open to the public. Brown, who boasts an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Gilbert, is pleased to share his insights. “He was of short stature,” Brown says, as he indicates a full scale image of Gilbert on a wall near the museum entrance. “In the 1950s he was jogging. Who else was jogging in the 1950s? He had a gym. His whole life was committed to physical fitness.” Gilbert’s passion for fitness led him from his native Oregon to New Haven, where he earned a degree in sports medicine at Yale — an education he financed by performing as a magician in area clubs.

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As his athletic prowess led him to numerous triumphs, including as an Olympic pole-vaulter (the 1908 London games) and even one-time holder of the world record for consecutive pullups, it wasn’t to be his livelihood. Neither was a career in medicine, despite his father’s plans for his son. Instead, having built a successful following for his magic shows, he turned to manufacturing. In 1909 he founded the Mysto Magic Co. with fellow magician John Petrie and a $5,000 loan from his father (at the then-usurious interest rate of five percent). Despite that interest rate, the younger Gilbert appreciated it. “He was very grateful,” says Bruce Watson, who wrote about Gilbert in his 2002 book The Man Who Changed How Boys & Toys Were Made: The Life and Times of A.C. Gilbert, the Man Who Saved Christmas (2002, Penguin Books). “He said, ‘Nothing my father ever did meant as much to me as that loan,’ “ Watson recounts.

The Parachute Jump erector set and the Ferris Wheel below remain two of the most iconic Erector Sets. Both are on display at the New Haven’s Eli Whitney Museum. Photos: Anthony Crisafulli

Gilbert pere didn’t have to wait long for him to repay it, either. “The second year he was in business, he made $7,500,” says Kathleen Telman, Property Manager at Erector Square, the site of Gilbert’s former manufacturing facility. “By year three he was making more than $1 million a year.” Gilbert’s innovation in the toy industry is apparent in his wide range of playthings geared for boys: the Gilbert Chemistry Outfit for Boys bears this message: “Hello Boys!” His Glass Blowing sets, Magnetic Fun & Facts sets, Atomic Energy Labs, Microscopes and the Erec-tronic Transistor Set were all marketed to young males. Because most toys at the turn of the century sold for a dollar or less, Gilbert went out on a limb, proclaiming that his Erector Set, boldly priced at $5, was an “investment in your son.” “He created the educational toy industry,” says Watson. “He was the founding father of 20thcentury industrial America. It’s hard to meet an engineer or a chemist or a magician of 75 or older who didn’t have one of his educational toys.” While Gilbert’s toys are immortal, Gilbert has secured his own place in people’s hearts, surely due to how he reached out to his young customers, asserts Watson. “He was fairly enlightened,” says Watson. “But he wasn’t going to market to girls because it wasn’t something parents were going to buy a girl.” Although Watson adds that he recalls a Gilbert-made nursing kit for girls. Part of Gilbert’s reputation as a figure at the forefront of brilliant ideas lies in the fact that he is credited with being “The Man Who Saved Christmas,” because he convinced the U.S. War Resources Board it was a bad idea to ban wartime toy sales and manufacturing during World War I. 16 D ECEMBER 2013

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 So where did all this brilliance take place? Gilbert’s office and factory at 315 Peck Street in New Haven remain largely intact. Ditto his former home on Ridge Road in North Haven. His office, a third-floor walkup in a complex now known as Erector Square, is still an inviting space of some 500 square feet. Heavy beams buttress the ceiling. Wood veneer covers the walls. Leaded-glass windows welcome in generous amounts of sunlight. The original flooring is still firm and unyielding thanks to bow-tie joints. The fireplace, with its intricately carved wood, depicts leaves and bunches of grapes. “He had his desk in the front corner,” Telman explains. “This wall was open so he could watch his engineering people.” Purchased several years ago by real-estate developer Casper F. (Cappy) Amodio (who passed away earlier this year), the property is now operated by Telman and Amodio’s widow, Debbie Amodio. Many of the buildings have been remodeled to accommodate yoga and pilates studios as well as artist studios and gallery space. “We want to get this back to an office and keep this as a museum,” Debbie Amodio says. She and Telman elaborate on how kindly Gilbert treated his employees. “Even with more than 3,000 employees, he would personally wish them a happy birthday,” Telman says. “He even had a nurse station for employees for when they got sick.” Brown notes that Gilbert was particularly solicitous to female workers, providing maternity benefits as early as the 1940s and arranging for them to do piecework at home so new mothers could continue to earn a wage while spending time with a new baby. “The people who worked for him remember him with the deepest respect,” says Brown. An avid hunter, Gilbert and his friend Electra Webb went on hunting expeditions to Alaska. Some of the bears on display at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History were brought to New Haven by Gilbert and Webb, Brown says. As a dedicated outdoorsman and hunter Gilbert built a lodge on 600 acres in Hamden now known as Paradise Preserve. While the area has since been developed, Gilbert often shared it with his employees by hosting outings there.

The A.C. Gilbert company was best known for toys and model trains, but their extensive appliance business was the source of the most revenue, and of course they sold year round. New competition in the appliance business after World War II helped lead to the company’s eventual demise. Photo: Anthony Crisafulli

Gilbert’s former residence remains in its splendor on five acres in North Haven. The 6,000-squarefoot-plus mansion still boasts its original slate roof. A stone wall runs the length of the property in front, stone columns mark the front and rear new haven

smaller waterfall adds a tranquil touch to the meditation garden. Stone steps lead to a tennis court and pool. The entire place exudes graceful elegance. Throughout the property, and the neighborhood, mountain laurels and rhododendrons stand out among the plantings. Many were brought here by Gilbert from his Hamden retreat, Greenberg explains. Inside, the kitchen has been remodeled and updated. A previous owner added a sunroom. But for the most part, the house Gilbert designed remains as he left it. A large master suite upstairs includes two bathrooms, a dressing room and private sitting room. Each of the six bedrooms has its own private bath. Quarters near the kitchen were built to comfortably accommodate household staff. There is a four-car garage, a work area in the basement and a vast walkup attic with a walk-in cedar closet.

Gilbert was an aggressive marketer and advertiser, in print and the new revoultionary medium radio. Among his many firsts, some say he was the first to “brand’ his products.

entrances to the estate, a stone’s throw from the Edward Malley mansion on a busy street, tucked behind mature plantings. “It was a good place to grow up,” said Glen Greenberg, whose father bought the property in 1975. “I suppose I’ve taken it for granted, but I always knew it was a special house.” An entrepreneur who now lives in Guilford, Greenberg recently offered a visitor a private tour. “When I was growing up we had wall-to-wall carpet in here,” Greenberg explains. “Ten years ago I convinced them to take it up and when they did we saw these floors were in perfect condition.” The floors are identical to those in Gilbert’s New Haven office. So are the latches on the windows. Greenberg’s family had listed the house, built in 1923, for sale, but recently took it off the market. Greenberg says the family plans to list it again next spring. (The property was recently appraised for $1.63 million.) The house and grounds still speak to Gilbert’s flair for luxury living. There is a formal garden, an English garden, an herb garden, meditation garden and a mini-orchard. While in high school, Greenberg got both waterfalls operating again. A 20-foot waterfall occupies one area, while a

18 D ECEMBER 2013

“We had a fort up here,” Greenberg says of an area on the third floor. “We used to play here.” Gilbert’s own home office remains intact, as does his billiard room. It is apparent that the billiard room was one of Gilbert’s favorites. A grand fireplace lines one wall, a large billiard table takes center-stage and the same heavy beams that adorn his New Haven office add to the sporting ambiance.

vvv At the Eli Whitney Museum an elaborate exhibit depicts the wide-ranging roster of products and innovations devised by the man. Known best for his “learning toys,” Gilbert’s products were often household items. His line of small appliances sold under the name Polar Cub. Many people don’t know he also made vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, blenders, stand mixers, fans and (this next was one product he did market to women) a vibrator sold in packaging that touted its merits as a device to relieve muscle pain and tension. And then there are the trains. In 1937 Gilbert purchased the American Flyer Train Co. and continued to produce the trains that would provide generations of youngsters with hours of entertainment. As part of the Eli Whitney exhibit, an expansive train setup includes intricate track patterns and a three-ring-circus in the middle. (The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, runs through January 26 at the 915 Whitney Avenue museum. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.)

Perhaps an easier way to understand the magnitude of A.C. Gilbert and his legacy is to take a look at the world of his youth and young adulthood. His idea for the Erector Set was incubated as he rode a train into New York in 1911 and noticed a construction site. When he returned home that evening, he told his new bride, Mary, that it had given him an idea for a learning toy. That toy would teach through activity the basic principles of physics, engineering and electricity. That evening, the Gilberts painstakingly cut shirt cardboard to make the pieces that would become the prototype for future Erector Sets. “That was about the same time they were completing Grand Central Terminal and the Yale Bowl,” Brown says. Brown adds that because the Erector Set was something children played with repeatedly, the lessons it taught became ingrained. Thus, right through the 1950s the Erector Set was a staple on nearly every boy’s toy shelf. It wasn’t until television became popular that the demand for Erector Sets began to wane. “Television was the death of the Gilbert toys,” Brown says. “It took you from being actively engaged to being a passive audience.” Notwithstanding his enthusiasm for hunting, Gilbert loved animals. In particular, he was fond of German shepherds. “He was the leading force of establishing the breed in this country,” says Brown. Indeed, for many years Gilbert and his canines dominated the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, he adds. The name “Maraldene” became a prominent one in Gilbert’s life. The stone columns that mark his estate’s rear entrance bear his name as well as “Maraldene.” Also at that rear entrance, a street sign now reads “Maraldene Drive.” Sources say the name stems from an Elizabethan philosophy about neighborhoods that Gilbert adopted to establish near his home an area exclusively devoted to other “fine homes.” At one time he and his wife purchased 40 acres surrounding his North Haven property. As he built homes on different lots, he would sell them off restricting the deeds to help ensure the area would be one of fine homes in perpetuity. Even the divided roadways on Old Farm and Old Orchard roads remain as they are today due to deed restrictions imposed by Gilbert. All told, he built 50 homes in the area. v

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Learn More about A.C. Gilbert Untitled A.C. Gilbert Play. The next original theatrical work by A Broken Umbrella Theatre, a local production group, will be inspired by A.C. Gilbert and will have its premiere at Erector Square on Blatchley Ave. in May, in a collaboration between the complex and the Eli Whitney Museum. The Broken Umbrella group creates site-specific works inspired by the history of New Haven. For more information abrokenumbrella.org. Did you own an Erector Set or know the influential Gilbert? Send your memories to rachel@abrokenumbrella.org “The Man Who Saved Christmas” (play). The story of Gilbert and his Christmassaving ways is deemed worthy of a stage production by Virginia’s Halifax County Little Theatre this November. themanwhosavedchristmas.com.

Despite being one of New Haven’s most prolific and legendary inventors, A.C. Gilbert doesn’t seem to get as much recognition or time in the spotlight as he might deserve, even from the Elm City, where some of his most successful products were made. Not that his toys aren’t well-known – the hundredyear-old Erector Set alone is a sturdy and well-established edifice of American culture. The New Haven Museum did, however, celebrate the set’s centennial with a celebratory event in July; the museum has a collection of Erector Sets, manuals and other Gilbert toys. Here’s a rundown of a few other cases where Gilbert – dubbed “the man who saved Christmas” by not ceasing toy production and turning his factory into a munitions machine during World War I – has gotten his due, which includes books (even children’s books), films and stage productions.

A.C. Gilbert Heritage Society. Formed in 1991, this society is made up of 450 collectors of Gilbert products from over the years to promote the history and scientific advancement of Gilbert and his company. Members even get quarterly newsletters and participate in annual conventions. The group’s website features an extensive archive of Gilbert products and information. acghs.org. A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village (Salem, Ore.). Gilbert’s biggest inventions may have come out of the Elm City, but he was born in the Northwest town of Salem, Oregon. That city in 1989 established A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, a nonprofit children’s museum that features three historic houses loaded with educational exhibits and activities, as well as an outdoor communitybuilt exhibit that features the world’s largest Erector Set. acgilbert.org.

Ebay.com Vintage Erector Sets, American Flyer Trains and a changing variety of A.C. Gilbert “sets” from Mysto Magic to an A.C. Glibert Chemistry set can be found for sale on ebay.com

Books. A variety of books on A.C. Gilbert have been penned, and one might start with the man’s autobiography “The Man Who Lives in Paradise;” for children there’s “The Magic of A.C. Gilbert” (by Robert young and Mary Ann Nelson McAlister), a 32-page picture book; and yet another book chronicling the Gilbert story is “The Man Who Changed How Boys and Toys Were Made: The Life and Times of A.C. Gilbert, The Man Who Saved Christmas,” by Bruce Watson. Others, like “A.C. Gilbert’s Famous American Flyer Trains” (by Paul C. Nelson), discuss specific products . –NHM

The “vintage” A.C Gilbert Microscope an early inspirer of many of today’s bioscientists can be had for $29.95. The famed Mysto Magic may cost up to $125 or more.

Eli Whitney Museum Exhibits “The Eli Whitney Museum collects and studies the products and legacy of A.C. Gilbert and his company.”

“The Man Who Saved Christmas” (film). This 2002 made-for-TV movie stars Jason Alexander (best known as George from “Seinfeld”) as Gilbert, and tells an embellished account of Gilbert’s efforts to keep toy production going during World War I and earning his title as the “man who saved Christmas.”

The Museum maintains a large collection of exhbits of products, toys, appliances and advertisements produced by the A.C.Gilbert Companies. Each Christmas the museum hosts a large model train exhibit of A.C. Gilbert produced trains. The Museum website hosts The Gilbert Project an extensive collection of historical information and images. Beginning on November 29, 2013 The Eli Whitney Museum will host an interactive exhibit recognizing the 100 Year anniversay of the Erector Set. Check the Museum Website for details, eliwhitney.org.

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The Cass Gilbert-designed Customs House at 1 Bowling Green is considered a Beaux Arts masterwork. The four signature sculptures in the front of the structure were created by Daniel Chester French of Lincoln Memorial fame.

GOING DUTCH In search of family roots in New Amsterdam By MICHAEL C. BINGHAM

20 D ECEMBER 2013

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The pediment of the New York Stock Exchange building (which, contrary to popular belief, is not on Wall Street, but around the corner at 18 Broad.

Still, the image of a blonde, pink-cheeked sylph in wooden shoes, tending tulips beneath a idyllic windmill next to a dike (the aquatic kind) was irresistible. I was stricken. But there are a few potential problems associated with that whole thing about being Dutch. True, the nickname of our 40th President was “Dutch,” and Ronald Reagan’s reputation seems to have weathered pretty well (perhaps now more than ever — these things being relative).

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But some other Dutch things seem far less positive. Chief among them Dutch elm disease (which devastated New Haven more than perhaps any other American city, demoting Hillhouse Avenue from the byway that Charles Dickens once called “the most beautiful street in America” to just, well, Hillhouse Avenue).

The best decision I ever made was to marry a little Dutch girl. Okay, “little” and “girl” might be a little misleading — at the time of our wedding she was 5-foot-7 and 38 years old. (One of those she still is.)

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is a repellant old coot who takes pleasure in criticizing others. And, of course, a “Dutch treat” is…no treat at all. So I am conflicted by this whole Netherlands thing. But no matter. For years my wife had had suggested taking an historic tour of lower Manhattan. On her mother’s side my wife’s family traces its roots to the Dutch settlers who in the 17th century colonized Manhattan island and christened it New Amsterdam after their seafaring nation’s capital city. These were the original Knickerbockers (not to be confused with Carmelo Anthony). These settlers built homesteads and farms in what is today the southern part of Manhattan island below what would later become Wall Street — so named for the nine-foot earthen palisade the colonists erected to keep the natives — and even more so their English rivals — at bay. (Nice try — but the fact that the settlement was surrounded on three sides by water allowed the British to land in 1664, seize the island and rename it for the Duke of York — later King James II.)

For our roots exploration we chose Big Onion Walking Tours, which offers affordable (20 bucks!) two-hour (in most cases) excursions on foot of city neighborhoods including Greenwich Village, the Financial District, DUMBO/Vinegar Hill, the Seaport Historic District, Upper East Side (this tour is nicknamed “A Class of Titans” for the grandees who populated one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in the world) and, in our case, Historic Lower Manhattan. This part of Manhattan Island south of Wall Street was the original Dutch colony which became a province of the Dutch Republic in 1624. The fort was meant to defend the Dutch West India Company’s fur trade operations in the North River (later renamed for explorer Henry Hudson). Fort Amsterdam was designated the capital of the province in 1625 (a date commemorated on the official seal of New York City). One thing that recommended Big Onion was its tour guides, all of whom hold advanced degrees in American history from places like Columbia, NYU and some school in Connecticut

called Yale. Our tour was led by Ted, a doctoral candidate in art history at Columbia. On a brilliant autumn Saturday our tour group met on the steps of the U.S. Custom House at Bowling Green, which today functions as the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. This imposing structure occupies the site of the original Dutch Fort Amsterdam. It sits next to the oldest public park in Manhattan: Bowling Green (which initially functioned as, yes, a bowling green), distinguished by the graceful fountain at its center where once stood a statue of King George III. Opened in 1907 and officially known as the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, the imp0sing structure was where federal customs duties were collected in New York City — the principal source of government revenue in the years before a federal income tax was enacted in 1913. In the 19th century the Port of New York was the principal port of entry for good reaching the United States, and thus the New York customs

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Having once employed George Washington’s personal chef, Pearl Street fixture the Fraunces Tavern (founded 1762) today is a museum.

house was the most important of its kind in the country. The 1907 structure is at least the fourth to house this key activity. The grandeur of this Beaux Arts masterpiece reflects its importance. It was designed by architect Cass Gilbert, who later designed the Woolworth Building visible in the distance. A major sculptural work across the front steps of the building, “The Continents” (also known as “The Four Continents”) depicts Asia, America, Europe and Africa. The work was designed and executed by Daniel Chester French, who is best known as the creator of the Lincoln Memorial in the nation’s capitol. Our art-historian tour guide took exception to French’s portrayal of subjects of non-Anglo-Saxon lands by characterizing them as “racist stereotypes” — a notion French himself would have dismissed

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as absurd. Political correctness notwithstanding, the building is a masterpiece that was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, a designation that helped to preserve the structure from the wrecking ball.

 Next stop: Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl Street (this southern tip of Manhattan Island is the only part of the island where the streets are not organized on a grid). The ancient brick structure was built in 1719 and was once managed by George Washington’s personal chef. Following the rebels’ victory in the Revolutionary War the building housed the first offices for the Departments of Foreign Affairs, War and Treasury from 1785 to 1788. After the nascent federal government promised to move its offices south, the building once again became a tavern.

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In the 19th century Fraunces Tavern operated as a boarding house with a bar. In the early years of the 20th century the property was acquired by the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York (SRNY), which restored it to its original 18th-century appearance. It was one of few structures (and apparently the only one on Pearl Street) to have survived a disastrous 1835 that consumed much of lower Manhattan. Today it functions as a museum with nine galleries — even as it continues to meals in a space where in 1783 George Washington bade farewell to his officers following the success of the revolutionary struggle.

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s a charge nurse Haven Hospit at Yale-New al (YNHH M. Crocco says. “My rooms, ), Ingrid oversee first passion “orche s 20 operati veterin strating staffing” arian.” was to ng and assurin scheduling be a for before, and She change and weeken during g patients are d her mind and after cared sophom On her child and d shifts, Crocco during ore year, surgery “vacations,” her continu . shephe had anothe far-flung 2005, when rd injured when a Germa ed as a Crocco corners r part-tim n travels her pet she teams perform of the openin “I couldn to poodle planet g for an was chosen to er until ’t . to ing victims fi operati nurse. what was imagine how and childresurgery on burnassist ng room ll an I could palates charge figure out “She she recalls.wrong with an and other n with cleft injured was just It was She has facial deform lips, cleft caring animal then she visited for ,” Ena William a natural candid ities. Brazil, Nepal, to,” was humans, whom realized that s, the ate,” Colum Myanm directo what she bia, Peru, “you can ar, the r for periopehospital’s nursingsays Vietnam, Philipp wanted talk bright, After gradua rative ines, to do. China, Thailand and knowle on dgeable, services. “She’s most recentl by her of science ting in 1979 colleag her nursingtrips she says highly with y, in nursing ues respect advoca moved skills and have enhanc ed degree, a bachelor te who’s — and a real to ed enriche Foreign Crocco patient not afraid about ways periope New Haven for d her life. countries rative progra to a to speak one-ye to Crocco make were hardly Haven, up ar patient m at Around which s safe.” unfami in Norwa , who grew up the same provides Yale-New trainin tapped “an army liar y, Germa g in time, Crocco compre to take ny and brat” hensive She becameoperating-roo “For college also was part in patient Italy. m protoc a s with a staff and in ol. liver diseasenew program nurse at at Radfor , I came statesid 1980 “We hadn’t for YNHH d Univer e to study s. head nurse, was promo sity in ted to assistan time and done livers at Virgini 1985 when a position a,” she Yale for t she 6 Octobe compli were going to child. Returnshe left to have held until cated proced be doing a long r 2008 to her for ing to work her first very ures, and on evening looked attentio her previous experie n to detail,” Thus Crocco William nce and s says. became a membe r of the

OptiCare Oculoplas Welcomes tic Surge on

Khurram Malik, M.D.

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first group of nurses team, “which on has grownthe tremen nurses dously around and numbe says. “She’s ,” Weinst r of firsts. done a ein dedicat broadprofess “Ingrid ed to based experie ion and had cardiac helps me her these mission nce in surgery with s, which , neuros and trauma about pro urgery are all bono.” the critical , and she had Among thinkin Crocco respon g skills A hi ghe d to ’s indelib to le memor many occur duringevents that r stand may journey ies of her ard withi s is the adds William a procedure,” story of n reach girl in Myanm s. a Crocco ar so severel believe burned s her her abroad have honed trips her chest. jaw was fused y skills. to those “All she wanted She first was to up at the became look the mid-19 involve stars,” “Missi 90s, when d in on accomp Crocco says. plastic Yale surgeon lished.” Before John Persing was assemb arrivin team membe g in a countr go to Manauling a team s, Brazil to local custom rs are briefed y, Interpl T for ast, an on s to avoid organiz gaffes sending and ation major surgica T the local try to learn a l teams abroad bit of to lingo. and hand help burn, facial ons Crocco doesn’t T operati patients, and bring a phone ng an or compu cell had been room nurse who dio family membe ter, and asks asked her on a previous roo Dining rs to contac her only trip if she’d “if like to the immed there’s a deatht The team go. iate family. in cleft lips focused on fixing r “I want and cleft to live childre that trip totally n, which palates for and focus on openin proved hand,” the task g for Crocco eyeshe says. at r . “Famil ing ies came Crocco tries from miles and days trips during not to schedu and I was away to get there, le NCAA basketb so humble all tourna men’s commi “Marc tment these d by the h Madne ment’s had for ss” husban their youngparents d, Gene, so her she says. “We gave children,” UConn Huskie can travel experti to our s games. se and In 2005, our time these familie Crocco — was among to be part s allowed us and 300 recipie a Nightin nts to receive momen of a life-altering t for them. Excelle gale Award for nce “It really from candidin Nursing, put my perspec life into ates nominachosen by more tive ted than 100 my person — not only organiz health al life ations care profess around state. ional life,”but my the Crocco says . “What She it also me was plainly did enable relishes me to think for “You the spot her work. more clearly. have on for what to have passion ” Follow you ing that do you’re trip, adds, “I not going or else was hooked Crocco Crocco to .” says. “It’s love life,” She has since gone too short. “I’ve told similar on Dr. Malik my girls, journey yourself s each ‘Do not is a for Interpl specia in year lizing in renowned surge you wake a position whereget Childre ast, Healing oculop for n on and you up in the mornin lastic and ophth Childre and Changing dread the n’s Lives, g almology.surgery your life day and Haven a New Dr. Malik is non-pr Find your going to be will be ofit formed by a local hell. seeing OptiCare’s plastic ride the passion and patien Mark Weinst surgeon just wave.’” and HamdNew Haven ts in ein, Crocco to be one who asked en Office membe of his board s. — Karen rs. Singer “I’ve known Ingrid and she’s for years one of the best Hamd en 2165 D ixwell 407-3 Ave New 937 Haven 1 457 www.optic 387-3 W halle y Ave 937

which opened in 1821 and is credited as being the first American restaurant to allow patrons to order from a menu à la carte, as opposed to Volunteers of the Year the then customary table d’hôte. Oh, Advancements in Healthcare yes — there’s also a steak named – Corporate after the restaurant, which is more Advancements in Healthcare than Applebee’s can say. – Individual

Advancements in Healthcare

Advancements – Corporate in Healthcare – Individual

– Individual Physician of the Year

nurses around,” says. “She’s Weinstein profession dedicated to her

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and helps experienc cardiac these missions, Super nurse me with e in surgery, neurosurg which about pro Ingrid and trauma, — on the are all ery bono.” and she the critical job and Crocco makes had Among offrespond thinking the world Crocco’s skills toa better indelible to many occur duringevents that memories place may journeys

has grown tremendou nurses adds Williams.a procedure is the storyof her sly andd within says. around,” number girl in Myanmar Weinstein done a ,” reach “She’s of a of Crocco broad-base firsts. “Ingrid profession dedicated to believes burned so severely her d experience had and helps her abroad her cardiac these missions, have honed trips her chest. jaw was fused me with surgery, in skills. and trauma, neurosurge which about pro to those are all bono.” “All she the critical and she had ry Among wanted She first thinking Crocco’s respond was to up at the became skills to A hi gher indelible to many look the mid-1990 involved occur duringevents that memories “Mission stars,” Crocco standard in may journeys s, when plastic says. accomplis adds Williams.a procedure, is the storyof her within Yale surgeon girl in Myanmar hed.” ” reach of a Before was assemblin John Persing Crocco arriving believes burned so severely her abroad her team members in a country, go to Manaus, g a team have honed trips her chest. jaw was fused to skills. to local customs are briefed Brazil for Interplast those T “All she on to avoid gaffes and sending , an organizat wanted She first major ion was to up atTthe surgical became look the local try to learn a the mid-1990s involved abroad teams “Mission stars,” Crocco bit of to lingo. in Crocco: , when plastic says. accomplish and hand help burn, facial ons Yale ‘You have surgeon Crocco ed.” for what Before was assembling John Persing doesn’t T operating patients, and arriving you do to have passion bring a phone going an in team go a room or a team country, to or computer cell else you’re members to love Manaus, had been nurse who dio to life.’ family are briefed local Brazil for Interplast, not T members , and asks asked her on a previous on roo gaffes customs to avoid anDining organizatio her only sending to contact trip if she’d and major surgical T n “if like to the local try to learn a abroad teams the immediatthere’s a death The team go. bit of to lingo. Crocco: in and hand help burn, facial ons e family. ‘You have cleft lips focused on fixing Crocco for what patients, r “I want to have doesn’t T and operating you and to cleft bring phone children, live that do or else passion going an palates or computer, a cell totally to love had been room nurse who dio trip and you’re life.’ focus on family not opening which proved for and asks members asked her on a previous hand,” the task roo Dining eyefor Crocco. her only to she says. at if she’d r like trip “if there’s contact “Families the immediate to go. ing The team a death Crocco came from in tries family. and days s a charge cleft lips focused on fixing r “I want trips during not to schedule and cleft away to miles nurse to children, live and Haven palates get there, that trip I was totally basketbal NCAA men’s Hospital at Yale-New and focus on opening which proved for commitm so humbled by M. Crocco (YNHH), hand,” the task “March l tournament’s eyefor Crocco. says. “My rooms, she says. at Ingrid r Madness” had for ent these parentsthe “orchestr oversees 20 “Families ing veterinari first passion husband, Crocco their young so her operating staffing” came from ating was to tries an.” Gene, she says. and days s a charge and assuring schedulin miles be a trips during not to schedule “We gave children,” UConn Huskies can travel for before, nurse She changed and I was away to get there, expertise patients g and to and weekend Haven Hospital at Yale-New basketball NCAA men’s during games. are cared and our our her mind and after commitme so humbled by sophomo In 2005, tournamen M. Crocco (YNHH), these families On her “March says. “My time — child and during rooms, shifts, the surgery. nt these re Crocco Crocco t’s Ingrid oversees “vacation Madness” and 300 her had for “orchestra continued shepherd year, when was among allowed had20 veterinaria first passion to husband, far-flung recipients their youngparents s,” Crocco 2005, when so her operating another staffing” a German injured was to be part of us as ating Gene, she says. scheduling n.” corners part-time a Nightinga to receive be a a life-alterin travels her pet sheand moment teams performin of the “We gave children,” UConn Huskies can travel openingfor before, wasassuring “I couldn’t and She changed to poodle. chosenpatients r until expertise to planet for them. and weekendg for during games. Excellenc le Award for to fill an are cared to assist and our our victims g surgery and after nurse. On an operating sophomore her mind during In 2005, what was imagine how these families shifts, Crocco “It really e in Nursing, time — child and and children her “vacations room surgery. Crocco on burn I could year, from wrong and her put continued palates 300 shepherd was when allowed had another candidate figure out “She to be part far-flung she recalls. chosen recipients with an with cleft among ,” Croccocharge perspectiv my2005, a German life into and other injured us as when she corners byamore injured part-timer s nominate was a Nightingal to receive travels lips, cleft It was her pet She has e — not moment of a life-alterin teams just performing facial deformiti opening caring “I couldn’t animal,” Ena to thanuntil then she a natural of the planet poodle. my personal d chosen visited for them. onlyfor an was organizat g for Excellence e Award for Williams, to fill an 100 health to assist Brazil, candidate victims Nepal, operating surgery what was imagine how to,” was humans, whom realized that “It really care ions around Columbia es. in Nursing, profession lifenurse. but my the children Myanmar directorpalates and on,” I could from candidates burn says state.room charge what she put “you can Vietnam, figure out al life,” she recalls.wrong with an Crocco. chosen , the Philippine , Peru, for and hospital’s with the perspective my life into “She says nursing wanted cleft lips, talk othertive bright, She periopera by more injured was just nominated After graduatin It was facial to do. “What caring has knowledg China, Thailand and s, than then she me animal,” a naturalShe my personal— not only services. deformitie cleft for it also organizatio 100 health on most recently, plainly Williams, by her Nepal, visited Brazil, g in 1979 eable, candidate, was enable Ena of science s. did the to,” was humans, whom realized care colleague profession life but my Columbia,“She’s her nursingtrips she says Myanmar, highly ns around director ”relishes with hospital’s says in nursing state. what she me to for for the spotthat “you respected her work. Vietnam, s — and advocate “You have Peru, the Philippines moved the skills and have enhanced perioperat nursing Crocco. al life,” says more clearly.” degree, a bachelor bright, think After graduating wanted to do. can talk to on a who’s Thailand to have “What ive services. enriched China, knowledge Foreign Crocco , patient about ways andreal She plainly periopera New Haven for for it also me was passion on not what by her her life. countries of science tripsafraid in 1979 Following did recently, tomost enable relishes colleagues able, highly you“She’s she says her nursing a one-year to make speak to Crocco, with a thatadvocate do in nursing were hardly me to think for “You the spot you’re respected Haven, tive program her work. have enhanced up trip, Crocco — and patients moved bachelor skills Around not going or else at more clearly.” degree, adds, have which and enriched to on a real who’s not Crocco unfamilia safe.” in Norway, who grew up the same Foreign provides Yale-New Crocco“I was hooked.” patient to love training about ways for what to have passion perioperat New Haven for afraid to says. Following r tapped “an army her life. countries time, Crocco comprehe Germany in life,” a She ive program to make speak up one-year to to take “It’s too has were hardly brat” you’re you do or else Haven, She becameoperating-room nsive adds, “I that trip, Crocco and Italy. patients “For college, Around alsounfamiliar part patientsin Crocco, not going at similar since gone “I’ve short. who which was ingrew was protocol. toldsafe.” a new a staff provides Yale-New on the same Norway, with Dr. Crocco hooked.” training to love up “an and in my girls, Malik tapped liverGermany nurse at at Radford I came stateside comprehen journeys in She has army brat” yourself 1980 diseases.andprogram Crocco ‘Do not is a renown says. “It’s too life,” each to take parttime, “We hadn’t for She becameoperating-room for Interplast specializ since “For college, University sive in also head nurse, was promoted YNHH to study patients year “I’ve told short. get Italy. a position gone oning was similar protocol. a new a staff , Healing done I came with liver inyou ed Dr. Malik in Virginia,” and in mysurgeon wake journeys to assistant program time and in oculopla where nurse at Children at Radford livers girls, ‘Do 1985 when a position yourself 1980 diseases. at stateside for Interplast, each and Changing “We hadn’tfor YNHH Yale forto study specializi is a renowne not she held and you up infor the she University and in yearophthal head nurse, was promoted Children’ she left 6 October complicat were going a long surgery get you wakestica position until Healing dread the morning ng in oculoplas d surgeon child. Returning Children in Virginia,” to be doing to assistants Lives, time and done liversyour to have ed procedure 1985 when a position mology. 2008 up in the where and Changingfor day and Haven a Newwere going at Yale lifefor to her for she held and very she and ophthalm Children’sDr. Malik morning tic surgery to work her first she left 6 October non-profi complicate a long to s, and looked child. Returning to be doingis going Find will be your you dread the day to have by auntil Lives, on evening be hell. 2008 formedd procedures your passion attention her previous ology. Haven local plastic Dr. Malik life is going to ther New very seeing and experienc to work her first non-profi aOptiCar for her to detail,” , and ride Find your patients will to onMark surgeon thelooked by a local previous Thus Crocco t formed e’s New e and evening wave.’” and just Weinsteinattention Williams passion beinhell. experience OptiCarebe seeing patients plastic and to detail,” ride theHaven became Mark Weinstein, Crocco , who asked says. surgeonHamden Thus ’s New and wave.’” and just Williams Crocco to be one a member in and Hamden Haven Offices. became Crocco says. who members. of his board of the asked to a member — Offices. members. be one of his of the Karen Singer — Karen board “I’ve known Singer “I’ve known Ingrid and she’s for years Ingrid and she’s one of for years one of the best the best Hamd en Hamd en 2165 D 2165 D 407-39 ixwell Ave 407-393ixwell Ave New Haven New Haven 37 7 1 457 W 1 457 W www.op halle y Ave www.op halle y Ave ticarepc.c 387-3937 ticarepc 387-3937 om .com

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OptiCare Oculopla Welcomes stic Sur geon

Khurram Malik, M.D.

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One Care famous Delmonico’s Health Professional

patron suffragette Victoria Clafin Woodhull Institution or Program(1838-1927), who in 1872 became the first female Fallen Heroes Presidential candidate in U.S. history. Woodhull was on the ballot representing the Free Love Party. Her running mate was Frederick Douglass. (She did not win.) was pioneering Individual of Merit

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first group of nurses team, “which on the has tremend nurses around, ously and grown ” Weinste number says. “She’s of firsts. done a in dedicate broad-b professi “Ingrid d to ased experien on and had cardiac helps me her these mission ce in surgery, with s, which and trauma, neurosu about pro are all rgery bono.” the critical and she had Among thinking Crocco’ respond skills to A hi gher s indelibl to e memori many occur duringevents that standard may journey es of her s is the adds William a procedu within story of re,” girl in Myanm reach s. a Crocco ar so severely believes burned her abroad her have honed trips her chest. jaw was fused skills. to those “All she wanted She first was to up at the became look the mid-199 involved stars,” “Missio Crocco in 0s, when n accomp plastic says. Yale surgeon lished.” Before John Persing was assembl arriving team member in a country go to Manausing a team , Brazil to local customs s are briefed , Interpla T st, an organiz for on to avoid gaffes and sending ation major surgical T the local try to learn a abroad teams bit of to lingo. and hand help burn, facial ons Crocco patients doesn’t T operatin , and an bring a phone g or comput cell had been room nurse who dio family member er, and asks asked her on a previous roo Dining s to contact her only trip if she’d “if like to the immedi there’s a death The team go. ate family. in cleft lips focused on fixing r “I want and cleft to live children palates that trip totally , and focus on opening which proved for hand,” the task eyefor Crocco. she says. at r “Famili ing Crocco es came tries from miles and days trips during not to schedul and I was away to get there, e NCAA basketb men’s so humble all commit tournam “March ment these d by the ent’s Madnes had for s” husband their youngparents , Gene, so her she says. “We gave children,” UConn Huskies can travel expertis to games. e and our our In 2005, these families time — Crocco and 300 was among allowed to be part recipien us a Nightin ts to receive momen of a life-altering t for them. Excellen gale Award for ce in Nursing It really from candida put my , perspec life into tes nominachosen by more tive ted than 100 my persona — not only organiz health ations care rofessio l life but my around state. nal life,” the rocco. says “What She plainly e was enable it also did relishes for her work. “You have spot more me to think on to clearly.” have passion for what owing that you’re you do or else s, “I was trip, Crocco not going Crocco hooked to .” says. “It’s love life,” has since too short. “I’ve told gone on Dr. Malik ar journey my girls, yourself ‘Do not is a specia in terplast s each year lizing in renowned surgeo you wake a position whereget , Healing oculop en and for and you up in the mornin Changin and ophtha lastic surgern dread the g en’s Lives, g lmolog y your life day and Dr. Malik y. is non-pro a New Find your going to be will fit hell. al plastic formed OptiCa be seeing patien ride the passion and surgeon re’s just wave.’” einstein and HamdNew Haven ts in , who asked o be one en Offices of his board . — Karen Singer

n Ingrid for ne of the years best

A 2 South William Street we pass

For Event more information and Volunteers of the Year one of to the nominate most famous eateries in Awards Categories

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24 D ECEMBER 2013

We hit genealogic paydirt as we arrive at Castle Clinton at the very southern tip of Manhattan Island in Battery Park. Built to repel a British invasion during the War of 1812, it was named for DeWitt Clinton, onetime New York City mayor and New York governor who also happens to be my wife’s great-greatgreat grandfather.

cannonballs fired from Royal Navy men-of-war, Castle Clinton is an amazing example of adaptive reuse. Throughout the 19th century it became an entertainment complex, immigrant processing station and even an aquarium. In 1975 the National Park Service undertook a full restoration of the structure to its original configuration. On a clear day, the view into New York Harbor takes one’s breath away. Our next stop was Wall Street to visit Federal Hall, which served as New York’s city hall during the period of English colonization. It was here that George Washington took the oath of office as the new nation’s first President. It was also home to the first Congress (when New York was the nation’s first capital city), Supreme Court and executive branch offices. On the day of our visit two vestigial remnants of the Occupy Wall Street movement stand on the Federal Hall steps. “Arrest the bankers!” shrieks the distaff half of the duo. “Make them give the money back!” Back to whom? Our tour concludes at historic Trinity Church at Broadway and Wall streets. The Episcopal parish it represents has been part of New York City since 1697. The first Trinity Church was built in 1732 on property granted to the colony by Queen Anne. The current Trinity Wall Street is an imposing Gothic brownstone that dates from 1846. Alexander Hamilton is buried in the Trinity Church graveyard. Our guide Ted noted disapprovingly that Trinity Wall Street is one of the largest landowners in all of Manhattan (thanks again, Queen Anne). Apparently, according to the principles of post-graduate students at elite schools such as Columbia, prosperity itself is a sin. To be fair, Ted was an amazing receptacle of information about the turf we covered in our tour. We would do it again in a minute. And undoubtedly will. 

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Hurts So Good

CrossFit converts say the gain is worth the pain — and no, they’re not brainwashed, thank you By MELISSA NICEFARO

What do an attorney, a dentist and a TV meteorologist have in common? They can all do a handstand pushup — they can even walk on their hands. All three are enthusiastic converts to an exercise movement called CrossFit, though some characterize it as somewhat cult-like. Founded by Greg Glassman in 2000 in the Pacific Northwest, CrossFit today is practiced by adherents at some 7,000 affiliated gyms nationwide. Its continually changing array of 26 D ECEMBER 2013

aerobic exercises, gymnastics (for flexibility) and weight training is anything but routine. And many practitioners express an almost religious devotion to their CrossFit regimens. At 5:30 weekday mornings, New Haven dentist Joseph Tagliarini starts his day surrounded by ropes, bars, pulleys and weights at CrossFit New Haven on upper State Street. One year ago, he was no different from most other middle-aged professional males: squishy around the middle, eating poorly and mostly avoiding exercise. Then he hit what he calls a “critical point.” Like many others, Tagliarini been going to a traditional gym, but never found an effective formula for getting into a fixed routine. At 52 years old, he was in a rut — just going through the motions.

“I had a physical exam and my doctor embarrassed me by measuring my belly and told me I needed to get it below 40 inches,” he recalls. It was right around the same time that a patient came through his dental office who had lost a lot of weight. That was his introduction to CrossFit. Eleven months and 35 lost pounds later, Tagliarini admits that, at first it just hurt. But he fought through the pain — and now considers himself addicted. “It’s totally scalable, so I never feel intimidated. I do what I’m capable of doing at my own limits,” he says. “The camaraderie is a huge factor. I know the 5:30 people and I look forward to seeing them. There is a social component to it. “What I love is that it is a gym culture,” he adds. “It actually is a bit cultish in the fact that you’re part of this CrossFit mentality that in a certain NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

way keeps you going. Food culture is also a big part of it,” he says. Though he doesn’t follow the Paleo diet that most CrossFitters follow, Tagliarini has gotten smarter about what he’s eating: fewer processed foods, only water to drink with an occasional dinnertime glass of wine or beer. He follows an alternating fasting regimen. “It works for me,” he says. He knocked 60 points off of his total cholesterol and his triglycerides fell 90 points. He’s healthier and he’s much stronger than at any time in his adult life. “It takes an amount of time to reach certain markers [physical milestones] in the CrossFit experience,” Tagliarini explains. “First it was a double-under. Then it was pull-ups. Just the other day, I was doing a handstand kick-up. I was walking on my hands — I didn’t even know I could physically do that!” the dentist exclaims. WTNH-TV meteorologist Gil Simmons has the same claim to fame. He also goes to CrossFit New Haven and describes his obsession this way: “Every single day I go, I do the hardest and fastest and put the most into it that I can. [Previously] I couldn’t do a handstand pushup. Now I can!” Simmons began his own CrossFit journey about a year and a half ago. He stopped by the gym to check it out and was immediately sold. He attends the 1 p.m class three days a week. “I was in the Marine Corps, so it’s the regimented, not-waste-your-time exercise that I like,” he says. A man who doesn’t suffer monotony gladly, Simmons enjoys the variety of the Workout of the Day (WOD in CrossFit parlance).

hours goes by and they didn’t even break a sweat. I’m a guy with not much free time, so I think the incentive is that even though it’s somewhat pricey, knowing I’m paying that money, I’ll go.” He adds, “People are quick to criticize how expensive it is, but if you look at how much people pay for personal trainers, they can pay each week what we’re paying for a month.” Memberships run between $120 and $150 monthly. Simmons acknowledges it is a tough workout, but the results are worth it. “It’s brutal,” he says. “Being the hero and hardcore guy I thought I was when I showed up for the first round of the introductory deal, I was dying! I always talk a big talk, but it was a real eye-opener for what better shape I could be in.” He now runs charity 5Ks with ease. Though CrossFit is a nuts-and-bolts workout, Simmons says, “It’s more than ‘I pick things up and put them down,’ because you’re competing – against yourself or others - for time and speed and agility. There is some mental thought that goes into it. For example, if we’re doing a run outside, and then pull-ups, and then something with the weights, you have to mentally calculate what your setup will be so you can save time. Your brain is working during this — you have

to keep track of what you’re doing. It’s much like boot camp where the orders are given very quickly and you need to respond quickly.” Simmons says he’s in almost as good shape today as when he got out of the Marine Corps in 1996.

 Clarity of mind is exactly what attorney Eric Chester finds appealing about CrossFit. Six days a week, he’s at the 5:30 class at North Haven CrossFit doing any combination of rope climbs, pull ups, Olympic weight lifting, rope-jumping, running, rowing, box jumps, throwing medicine balls — all a mix of cardio, strength training and gymnastics. Chester, a labor and employment attorney with the Rocky Hill Firm Ferguson, Doyle & Chester, says he craves the challenge. “It’s like the finish line is always moving,” he explains. “You’re trying to get to the finish line to reach the long-term goals and improve on your score for the next time. Maybe if you do improve on the score, you up [raise] the weight. There’s always a goal to achieve. So for me, it’s the longterm and short-term goals that keep me going.”

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“I think sometimes life can get stale. Yes, the weather’s always changing for me, but you can get into a routine where you get up at a certain time every day and go to work, but that doesn’t offer something where you can push a little more,” Simmons says. Still, he allows that he sometimes has to be careful not to risk injury by pushing too hard. “Yeah, I get caught up with trying to outdo it, but then I cool it,” he says. Simmons, who turns 41 in December, says he’s primarily looking to extend his life. But he admits, there are perks to being in good shape. “There are times my wife is yelling at me that we’re going to be late because I can’t stop looking at my chiseled body,” he jokes. “Seriously, I just feel so good.” When his alarm goes off at 1:51 each morning, he wakes up ready to go. He says he does occasionally have to justify the $150 or so he spends on CrossFit each month. “Everyone will bust my chops because they only pay $30 to go to their gym,” says Simmons. “But what happens? They’re gabbing with the ladies, or talking to people about the weather. Three

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He spent most of his adult years attending a traditional gym. He’d run on the treadmill for half an hour, hit the weight machines for another half-hour and go home.

and not get hurt. They take a lot of effort and a lot of focus, so you’re not thinking about the things that you usually think about.” Krissy Bayer, trainer at North Haven CrossFit says she can relate to those she helps to train. “I am the type of person who needs someone to be in my face. I need the motivation,” Bayer says. A couple of years back she checked out the North Haven CrossFit grand opening and became one of the center’s first customers.

“I thought I was doing the right thing,” Chester says. But he wanted more. In the two years he’s been working out at North Haven CrossFit, he’s lost weight while gaining strength and speed. “I just feel better,” Chester says. He does follow the Paleo diet. “We eat as people ate prior to the agricultural revolution: animals and things that grow out of the ground. Nothing that comes in a box for meals, but with snacks, we don’t stick to it so tightly.” His wife Jen has worked with severely disabled young adults for 20 years at ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services). She is a diminutive woman who needs to be physically strong to meet the demands of her job. So she accompanies her husband to CrossFit three times a week and says she is very pleased with the results.

“We were doing as many rounds as possible, and I wanted to die,” Bayer admits. But she kept pushing through, enjoying the results she was seeing in her body and mind. “A lot of people call it a cult, but it’s really not,” says Bayer. “I am really addicted to it, though. I just love it,” she says. Today she is a Level One trainer who is usually at the center twice a day: once to work out and once to teach a class. WTNH weatherman Simmons has been on his Crossfit ‘journey’ for eighteen months, with a goal of living healthier and longer.

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“As I was getting older, I knew I had to do something to keep up at work,” she says. Now she has a love/hate relationship with CrossFit. “I’m slow as a turtle, but I am getting strong,” Jen Chester says. She dislikes competition, but tries not to worry that she’s often the last person to complete the routine. One thing she does love about CrossFit is the lack of emphasis on appearances. Though she is undeniably in great shape, she’s not a slave to the scale. “We never talk about how we look, it’s more about how we feel inside,” she says. Unlike traditional gyms, CrossFit gyms aren’t enclosed with mirrors. “What I love is being around people, and the structure of the workout,” she says. Her husband calls the workout the one hour a day he has no stress. “All I think about is how I’m moving and how my body is performing or not performing,” Chester says. “I’m not thinking about work, kids, bills or where I have to be next — it’s just a true escape. It’s fantastic. I think that because the movements are demanding, you do have to concentrate and use the right form

Bayer says she is in awe with the camaraderie that CrossFit encourages. Since everyone works out at a different pace, some are finished before others. “If somebody’s done first, you’re not going to take the weight off your bar,” she says. “You’re not going to clean up, you’re going to go to the next person and cheer them on.” “When I’m at CrossFit, I’m very focused. I want to get the job done and I want to do it right. You’re lifting a lot of weight, so you don’t want to be thinking about anything else. You have to be in the zone. You are in game mode,” Bayer says. v As many fitness fads have come and gone over the years (remember Richard Simmons?) Bayer does not think CrossFit is a flash in the pan. “I think it’s here to stay,” she says. “Each of these gyms offers something different and I don’t think it’s going to go away because I think people like the way it makes them feel. We get hurt, we get sore, but no matter what, we keep coming back.” Bayer says she’s lost 25 pounds since she started and is getting stronger all the time. “I feel good about myself,” Bayer says, “and that’s what’s most important.” NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

HAPPY Thanksgiving & Holiday Season! Jack Hill, Realtor 203.675.3942 jhill@seabury.com

127 BISHOP ST, NH - In the heart of East Rock, a wood shingle two-family w/HW & parquet flrs, high ceilings & grand foyer w/stain glass. 1st Flr, 1676 sf, 3 BR apt leased for $1920/mo & 2nd Flr 2 level apt w/10 rms, 6 BRs, 2821 sf leased for $3000/mo. $649,000 Call Jack Hill at 203-675-3942.

Serving the real estate needs of Greater New Haven, Yale & Shoreline since 1926 203.562.1220 • seaburyhill.com

130 FOSTER ST, NH-East Rock 2 Unit multi-family w/lovely front porch & newer updates: roof, windows, central air & fence. 2BR 1st Flr apt leased for $1600, plus 2nd & 3rd Flr unit w/5BRs leased for $3050. Det gar w/ great storage.Nice yd! $575,000 Jack Hill 203-675-3942.

Cheryl Szczarba, Realtor 203.996.8328 cszczarba@yahoo.com

177 EVERIT ST, NEW HAVEN - Stately 4 BR, 2.5 bath stucco sided Georgian Colonial w/distinctive red tile roof in desirable East Rock. Worthington Hooker Sch. district. Quality updates. Lovely formal LR & DR. Custom Gunite in-ground pool. Encl. porch. Perfect for a family & for entertaining! $749,900 Call Cheryl Szczarba at 203-996-8328

104 HICKORY LANE, MADISON - Beautfiul 4 BR, 2.5 Bath home, features granite kitchen, HW flrs, 9ft. ceilings, central vac, outdoor sprinkler system, walk-out LL and dormered attic for expansion potential! Large private yard w/brook! Asking $689,900. Contact Jennifer D’Amato at 203-605-7865

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15 PAWSON RD, BRANFORD- Wood shingle 1920’s 4 BR, 2 Bth Cape Cod in Linden Shores w/access to 3 priv beaches overlooking Thimble Islands. LR w/stone FP. Screen-in porch leads to deck, hot tub & backyd. $599,900 Call Cheryl Szczarba at 203-996-8328.

249 HEPBURN RD, HAMDEN - Spacious 3 BR Ranch w/lovely yard. Eat-in Kit. HW flrs. Full Bsmt. 1 car garage. Family Rm. FP. Nicely maintained. Offered at $199,900 Call Cheryl Szczarba at 203-996-8328

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76 PINE ORCHARD RD, BRANFORD - Picturesque interior, approved wooded building lot w/ 1.12 acres close to town & on route to Pine Orchard. Water & sewer connection available. Shared driveway w/present owner. House plans by architect available $149,900. Call Barbara Hill 203-624-1396 or 203-675-3216

135 SACKETT POINT RD, NORTH HAVEN - Great starter or retirement home. Bright, cheery, 1002 SF, 2 BR, 1 Bath one level Ranch in convenient location. $133,000 Call Jason Fredricksen at 203-215-8735.

14 HUGHES PLACE,WOOSTER SQUARE, NH Charming 3 BR, 2.1 Bath Townhs condo! This home boasts private entrance, 2 gas fps, HW flrs and 2 car garage. It’s spacious w/plenty of light & lots of storage. MBR w/balcony & walk-in closet. Walk to pizza, dntown, Yale & more. $399,900. Cheryl Szczarba 203-996-8328

95 AUDUBON ST, #231, NH - New York style updated 2 BR, 2BTH condo at Audubon Court in the heart of the Art’s District. One level living with NO STAIRS! Elevator to garage. Private views. 24 Hr security. $495,000 Call Cheryl Szczarba 203-996-8328.

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78 FOXBRIDGE VILLAGE, BRANFORD - Beautifully renovated Ranch style 2 BR condo in desirable Foxbridge Village. Loft for additional BR or Office. New Kit. HW flrs, vaulted ceilings, fp & new energy efficient heating/ cooling systems. Backs up to private wooded area. $184,900 Call Jennifer D’Amato at 203-605-7865.

271 GREENE STREET, # G-13, NH - Move right into this lovely updated 1 Bedroom condo facing Wooster Square Park. Low monthly fees! Updated Kitchen & Bath. Hardwood floors. Floor to ceiling windows. Laundry. Off St Pkg. Pet friendly. Nothing to do, but enjoy New Haven! $244,900. Cheryl Szczarba 203-996-8328

382-384 CROWN ST, NH - Great opportunity to buy an investment property in downtown New Haven. Steps to Yale, hospitals, restaurants, shops & more! Fully occupied, legal 5 unit bldg w/sep utils. Rents below market! Some cosmetics needed. $575,000 Call Jack Hill 203-675-3942.

44 TEMPLE COURT, NH - Elegant , light filled condo at sought after Whitney Grove. 2 BR, plus additional BR/FR/ Office on 3rd flr. 2.5 baths. Large deck. 2 Secure garage pkg. Walk to Yale & downtown. $599,999. Call Cheryl Szczarba at 203-996-8328

215 GREENE ST, WOOSTER SQ, NH - Wonderful investment property in Wooster Sq & steps to Yale, hospitals & great pizza! Legal 6 unit bldg, fully occupied w/great tenants & sep utils. Large yd. Low taxes. $499,900 Jack Hill 203-675-3942

95 AUDUBON STREET, #328,” AUDUBON COURT”, NH - In the heart of the Arts District, this NY style 2 BR/2BTH Townhs features FP, central air, laundry,24 HR security and garage parking. Overlooks private courtyard. Walk everywhere! $299,000 Call Cheryl Szczarba at 203-996-8328

R E N TA L

210 GARFIELD AVE, NORTH HAVEN 2 BR Cape Cod in convenient location near Spring Glen & Hamden Town Center. HW flrs, FP, wash/dryer, large yard w/ patio & grill. Avail 1/14. Small pet poss. Min to Yale & Quinnipiac. $1800 + util. Call Jack Hill 203-675-3942.

20 NEWTON RD, WOODBRIDGE - 3-4 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial sited on several acres in central locale nr town center & across from Amity High. Park & trails nearby. Avail 12/13 for $2500/mo + util. Call Barbara Hill 203-675-3216 or Jack Hill 203-675-3942

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35 TODD STREET, “TRAILSIDE VILLAGE”, HAMDEN - Fabulous 2 BR, 2 Bath Ranch style condo in 55+ community w/views of Sleeping Giant. Full basement. Garage. Unit only 5 years old! $269,900 Call Cheryl Szczarba at 203-996-8328.

100 YORK STREET, UNIVERSITY TOWERS, NH - High rise Co-ops near Yale, hospitals & all downtown New Haven has to offer! Studios, 1& 2 Bedrooms units available. Priced between $39,900 to $54,900. 24/7 Security & doorman. Outdoor pool. Cash only! No investors. No pets. Call Cheryl Szczarba at 203-996-8329.

Residential Sales • Investment Properties Buyer Representation • Rentals

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Lawyers in Love

A power couple roost richly in the ‘Brooklyn of New Haven’

EDITOR’S LE T T I N TE L

(with Their Antique Home) LE TT ERS

Built in 1895 and now owned by New Haven attorneys Tara Knight and Hugh Keefe, the Herz House has an exquisite stair, fully restored and commanding center stage upon entry

Photos: Michael Doolittle 30 D ECEMBER 2013

By DUO DICKINSON

ATH O ME NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

T T ER

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Most people think that falling in love with an antique home means a life sentence of repair and worry.

called this couple “defensive,” they would be flattered.

The partnership of Knight and Keefe is far closer than any mere professional association. Keefe has been practicing law for some four decades and as founding partner of Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, PC in New Haven is one on New England’s most prominent defense attorneys. Knight founded her own the firm 20 years ago in the Elm City — Knight & Cerritelli, LLC, which has a stellar reputation as a boutique litigation firm.

FÊ T E S

But there are restorations that do not drag their owners into a multi-year disruption and hemorrhaging of the family fisc. People love the history and craft of older homes, but many cannot abide the devotional dedication to restoration that purchasing a decaying beauty demands. However, value always creates a market — and a market always responds to provide supply where there is demand. So even in the iffy post-bubble world of residential real estate, a great home in an established neighborhood will find eager buyers ready to move in.

Beyond each of them having their own thriving practices, both of them teach law, volunteer for boards and institutions and participate in all that New Haven’s cultural bounty affords.

I NS T Y L E

As a married couple of busy professionals with a blended family Keefe and Knight enjoy few (if any) hours in any given month to devote to their love of antique homes beyond appreciation and decoration. So the couple set out to find a

O UT D O OR S

Hugh Keefe and Tara Knight are attorneys in New Haven. If you

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The Herz House’s effervescent Queen Anne exterior shape and trim-out is as expressive as its interior millwork. The stair has art woven into every aspect of its presence — sculpture-light at the newel, bold wainscoting at the wall, and a fully expressed stained-glass window top-lighting the stairwell without letting outsiders peer in.

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EAST HAVEN

GUILFORD

HAMDEN

1308 S. MERIDEN ROAD $324,000 Picturesque riverfront farmhouse w/ beautiful views. Wraparound porch. 3 BRs, 2.5 BAs. Lg family rm opens to kitchen/dining rm, 1st flr office. Master BR w/walk-in closet & bath.

31 WHALERS POINT RD $459,000 Unobstructed water views! One level 2nd floor luxury condo. Open floor plan. MBR suite with skylights, full BA & whirlpool. French doors, foyer, FPL. Sun filled unit with oversized windows and attached garage.

857 LONG HILL ROAD $539,000 Beautiful 10 room Colonial on 2.17 acre corner lot, move-in condition, additional 630 sf on walkout lower level, city water, close to town.

1153 WHITNEY AVE #E-1 $450,000 A Hidden enclave – near downtown New Haven & Yale University. 2010 SF. 3 BRs, 2 BAs, MBR suite, dressing area. Elevator. Updated eat-in kitchen. Deck, garage. Private storage area.

Eileen Smith 203.287.1626 x514 esmith@hpearce.com

Ray & Wojtek 203.776.1899 x757 info@edgehillrealtors.com

Sue Popplewell 203.453.2737 x813 spopplewell@hpearce.com

Judith Normandin 203.776.1899 x711 jnormandin@hpearce.com

MADISON

NEW HAVEN

42 & 46 BRANTWOOD DRIVE $148,900 & $159,000 Rare opportunity to live in Madison at less than rent price, two 1 BR 1st floor units avail. Close to train, village center & beach. Joan & Debbie 203.453.2737 x815/816 jsacco@hpearce.com dcangiano@hpearce.com

31 SAMANTHA LANE $328,000 Immaculate 8 room Raised Ranch at end of cul-de-sac, updated kitchen & baths, new hardwood, carpet & trek deck, possible in-law, pond & wooded area views.

248 OGDEN STREET $1,150,000 Ogden St’s 1st home. Built in 1907 w/1920’s additions. Grand entry opens to formal DR w/FP, formal LR w/FP, 2nd ﬂ BR suites; 3rd ﬂ w/add’l BRs & Bath. Landscaped grounds. Bright, elegant, comfortable.

Sher Monte Thornton 860.669.4617 x220 smontethornton@hpearce.com

150 & 200 HARBOUR CLOSE Starting at $299,900 Breakwater Bay condo’s available. 2 BRs, 2 BAs, waterfront. Gas FPL, lg windows w/views of NHV Harbor & LIS. MBR w/bath, walk-in closet & whirlpool. Michael Stroud 203.776.1899 x714 mstroud@hpearce.com

NORTH HAVEN

SOUTHINGTON

WALLINGFORD

511 ELM STREET #4-3 $285,000 Quail Run Village, carefree living in 55+ active adult community, 2 bedrooms with 1st ﬂoor master, 2.5 bathrooms, move-in condition.

30 OLD ORCHARD ROAD $950,000 Understated elegance on 1+ acre tucked off of premier North Haven street. Convenient to Yale, this renovated classic features 3 BR suites with balconied MBR overlooking beautiful grounds with established plantings, slate patio & pool. Ray & Wojtek 203.776.1899 x757 info@edgehillrealtors.com

807 WOODRUFF STREET $289,000 Excellent condition 3 bedroom Ranch. Large and level 1.16 acre lot with great patio and beautaiful views. Two ﬁreplaces, 2-car garage, 3-season sunroom, CA.

5-3 CYPRESS LANE $284,500 Move-in ready 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms unit in The Ridges at Pond Hill. Updated kitchen with new appliances, new windows and doors, ﬁnished lower level.

Linda Teixeira-Ohr 203.265.4866 x507 lteixeira-ohr@hpearce.com

Vin Masotta 203.287.1626 x527 vmasotta@hpearce.com

Phyllis & David 203.453.2737 x823/812 pryan@hpearce.com dmayhew@hpearce.com

Ray & Wojtek 203.776.1899 x757 info@edgehillrealtors.com

home to love that needed no DIY fixations or construction time-dumps. Their overloaded lives make time of the essence, so to speak, and so a five minute commute had tangible value, but more importantly the immediate neighborhood had to offer the onthe-spot amenities their fully-booked schedules could access in minutes. For Keefe and Knight, that meant looking in the Orange Street neighborhood. As Knight explains: “We love the accessibility to the many things New Haven has to offer including its history, dining and cultural events. Orange Street is particularly great because we can walk to work, restaurants, fabulous markets and cafés.” The house they found in the neighborhood they loved is an exquisite example of Queen Anne architecture. Built in 1895 for Henry Herz — a “real estate and insurance man,” according to the Connecticut Historic Commission’s Inventory of Historic Resources — the Herz House was part of several contiguous homes designed by the architecture office of Brown & Von Beren.

Knight added simple stone backsplash tile to the existing granite countertop backsplashes

Ten years ago this proudly eccentric expressive mass of shapes was shrouded in a 1960s aluminum siding overcoat, with bathrooms and a kitchen that had more liabilities than utility.

THEHEARTH.NET INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 34 D ECEMBER 2013

NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

Wooster Square New Haven, CT 06511

& Realtors, LLC

www.grlandrealtors.com

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Branford - One floor living at its finest, beautiful 4 bedroom Ranch just shy of 3000 sq ft with magnificent detail, hardwood floors, marble, granite, hydro air, 4 zones, cofferd ceilings, 200 amp service, a/c, 3 car attached garage, fire place, patio backs up to wooded lot and much more... 549,900. Gena x 203 d

educe Price R

New Haven- Turnbridge Crossing, 1 bedroom Ranch unit in small complex with central air, overlooking Quinnipiac River in the Historic District of Fair Haven Heights, off street parking, minutes to 91/95, Yale and down town. Alternative to renting. 90,000. Diana x 208

East Haven- New listing, 3 bedroom, 2 full bath Raised Ranch at the end of a cul de sac with updated kitchen with granite and 2 full updated baths, new hardwood floors, new gas furnace, central air, lower level tiled family room, double decks over looking beautiful perennial gardens with garage under. 289,900. Gena x 203

New Haven -Westville, Beautifully renovated and maintained two family on wide lot, lots of natural light, dining room with fire place, and built ins, spacious kitchens, new baths, upper unit with 5 bedrooms and 2 baths, carriage house makes great studio, walk to Westville village and library. 449,900. Jeff x 210

New Haven- Westville, Stately Tudor Duplex on a 1/2 acre across from Yale Bowl. Owners unit has new master bath, lovely details included fire places, leaded glass windows and dining rooms with built ins, hardwood floors, natural woodwork, slate roof, updated electrical and furnaces. 3 car garage. 439,900. Jeff x 210 (new listing banner)

New Haven- Annex area Bungalow with beautiful front porch, over 1500 square feet with 3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, south facing yard, close to bus, parks and all amenities, priced to sell at 149,900. Jeff x 210

New Haven- The Willis Barnes House, Circa 18844, overlooks the Quinnipiac River in the Quinnipiac River Historic District has been transformed into a multi family with 2 contemporary townhouse units, cathedral ceilings, loft, 4 fire places, Yale home Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area. 225,000. Jeff x210

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Walingford- Stafford Commons, Wonderful price for a fabulous townhouse! New kitchen appliances, open floor plan, new hardwood floors, gas fire place, deck, mast bed with walk in closet, tastefully painted, great storage and 4 parking spaces. 151,000. Katherine x 219 (new Listing banner)

educe Price R

East Haven - Morgan Point Colonial, custom home on the marsh with water views, first floor great room with sliders to large deck great for bird watching and steps to the sandy beach, located on a cul-desac, walk out lower level family room, great spot to enjoy nature and the beach. 310,000. Jeff x 210

203 781-0000 Gena Lockery

New Haven - Historic Wooster Street, Wooster Court Condominuims, two bedroom tnhouse, end unit with balcony over looking Wooster Street, newly remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, new hot water heater, newly painted, new windows, new hardwood floors, slider to balcony, car port. Walk to Yale, train, pizza and coffee. Better then renting! 174,900. Gena x 203

New Haven- Exceptional condo in 1871 French 2nd Empire Brownstone directly across from Historic Wooster Square, Superb details, new baths, updated kitchen, give the perfect blend of modern amenities combined with glorious architecture, high ceilings, fire place, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, open floor plan. 259,900. Gena x 203

East Haven - 1835 Greek revival home completely rebuilt in 2010, all systems, wiring, windows, insulation, roof, from top to bottom. 3 beds, 1.1 baths, over 2600 sq ft, garage/barn with loft, columned court yard accessible from kitchen, 16x37 family space den, a designers home, one of a kind! 549,900. Jeff x210

New Haven - Magnificent transformation of this 1825 riverfront home, open flr plan, living room w/ fire place, dining room open to great kitchen with fire place, first floor family room opens to large deck overlooking river, master bedroom with cathedral ceiling and loft space, walk out basement with office and den. 3 beds, 3 baths, central air and garage. 499,900. Jeff x 210

New Haven- Rare 1 family Colonial on Wooster Square, Fantastic views of park, Interior completely gutted and remodeled, open floor plan, wide plank floors, French country kitchen with exposed beams, first floor bedroom with full bath, 2nd fl master suite with full bath and laundry, total 4/5 beds with 3 full baths, fantastic yard with grape arbor and so much more... 679,900. Gena x 203

educe Price R

Hamden - 4 bedroom Colonial, hardwood floors through out, living room with fire place, dining room, first floor den or 4th bedroom, large eat in kitchen, lower level finished with ceramic tile, 2 full baths, large master bedroom with great closet space, fenced in yard with new deck. Priced to sell, 211,000. Gena x 203

North Haven- Colonial, 4 bedrooms, 2 full bath, nice floor plan with large rooms, eat in kitchen, 2 fire places, hardwood floors, big level yard, 2 car detached garage on a half acre. 273,156. Gena x 203

educe Price R

& Realtors, LLC Waterbury - raised Ranch with 4 bedrooms, 2 fire places, central air, walk out lower level with family room, garage, nice yard, priced to sell at 149,900. Diana x 208

Hamden- 1926 George H. Grey home, later to be Paier school of Art, a stone Tudor with magnificent roof lines has been restored and updated with high end luxury amenities is a mini estate with in ground pool at the end of a cul-de-sac with in the Yale Prospect Hill area. Over 9,000 sq ft with 7 bedrooms and 10 baths, exposed beam ceiling conservatory, library and so much more.... 2,200,000. Gena x 203

Wooster Square New Haven, CT 06511 www.grlandrealtors.com

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The new classic kitchen was part of the finished home purchase by Knight and Keefe, but the former saw the benefit of adding a full covering of tile to the backsplash and stove areas

The sitting room/parlor has the hallmarks of the entire restoration - floors, trim and fireplaces completely restored, and Tara Knightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touch can be seen in the furnishings and art.

36 D ECEMBER 2013

NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

Photo: Michael Doolittle

Nice cabinetry, light fixtures and sexy ceiling treatments make a living/kitchen space come to life.

Exterior detailing of this Orange Street classic is at once bold and artful, as expressed by its entry. It’s an extraordinary example of Queen Anne architecture — where Arts & Crafts met Victorian an a zesty expression of the decorative arts and bold massing.

Although two lawyers now own this historic confection, it was two different attorneys who spared it an insensitive or incompetent restoration. Brothers Michael and David Kinney are infected with the old-house renovation bug, but rather than inflict their obsession on their families and legal careers, they opted to make historic restoration an entrepreneurial undertaking. The brothers took two years to put the work into the home it deserved. Keefe explains: “Everything is quality and top-shelf. They took pains to leave the good stuff intact,

like the stained-glass windows, the wooden doors and floors, fireplaces — while at the same time installing the latest appliances and new bathrooms.” It didn’t hurt that the brothers Kinney had some great bones to rebuild around. Architecturally Queen Ann style lies somewhere between Arts & Crafts and Victorian, and is characterized by zesty complexities of shape and the intricacies of expressive materials and decorative arts.

KITCHEN STUDIO at WEST HAVEN LUMBER 752 Washington Ave, West Haven 203.933.1641, sales@whlumber.com M-F 8 am-4 pm & Sat 8 am-12 pm new haven

The bathrooms in the house were all completely new, and have the thoughtful classic design and materials that complement the richly embellished interiors of the original home,

The original interior layout was fully respected in the renovation, and the exterior siding and trim were reborn in a loving restoration. But the real eye candy of this full-on showplace is the interior millwork. The oak staircase and fireplace surrounds are tour de forces of handcrafted expression. The trim is both bold and sinuous. The oaken floors are brought back to richly support the architectural art of Queen Anne detail that commands center stage in every room. The new kitchen and bathrooms that were surgically insinuated are classic rather than fussy, and satisfy all the cooking and hygiene appurtenances any homeowner might desire. The attic, which originally housed servants, was completely gutrehabbed to the same fine degree of finish as the first two storeys of the home, allowing for adult children to return to full accommodations without imposing on either visitors or parents. New heating and cooling equipment is carefully insinuated to be both invisible and efficiently effective,

38 D ECEMBER 2013

NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

The home’s interiors celebrate the exquisite oak trim, doors and millwork. Tara’s Knight’s meticulous embellishment around those architectural features can be seen in rugs, light fixtures and extraordinary stenciling cornice decoration.

as is a minimal amount of new fixed lighting. These features maintain the antique ambience while providing a carefree new home to owners who have little time for tinkering with an aged accommodation.

 The dance of acquisition took a little time as price and product had to align at an auction sale. The purchase of a fully restored home meant that Knight’s passion for art and decoration could be applied to a fully realized context, rather than an in-process project.

reality they fell in love with, only one partner in the domestic firm of Keefe & Knight was the senior partner: “That is 100-percent Tara,” Keefe acknowledges. “While I have zero interest in that stuff, I do appreciate her work and the end product. My mother would say that I enjoyed the luck of the Irish twice: finding Tara, and finding this house.”

Keefe and Knight love their home, but it was the Orange Street neighborhood that was the critical factor in their selection of the Herz House. “We were excited to find something in New Haven and Worried that you won’t be able to get out of the house Buying finished home allowed were of the trend of people nd visit or dinea with friends? Be able to get topart your time and perspective to make cheduledthe bridge, Mah Jong or card game?returning to cities and eschewing furnishing it a delight after the the suburbs,” explains Knight. couple moved in in November Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet stops Living the New Urbanist lifestyle 2007. The last few years have seen a Tower One/Tower East residents from may boast the street cred of become infused with aving thepristine time shell of their lives! “sustainability” as its intellectual paintings, rugs, furniture and light justification, but these attorneys fixturesclasses, that are both zesty and also Enjoy exercise art classes, have a different argument for the true to the spirit of the home. ectures, movies, musical allure of their new neighborhood. ntertainment, “One ofdining our bestwith purchases was Muses Keefe, “The 06511 ZIP code riends and ourfamily; quarter-sawn oak dining must have the highest median IQ in table,” Knight explains. “It he list is room endless! the state.” has winged griffins carved into the That point of view is why New legs and can easily seat 12 people. Call NOW Haven is so dear to so many — and It was built in the early 1800s and I or a tour! bought it on eBay sight-unseen from why the preservation of an intricate antique like the Herz House may an antiques shop in Missouri. ur economically in fact representoan Tower One/Tower East she adds, “Another favorite object,” ormodel. f viable business There are s! 18 Tower Lane ns ent historic buildings “is aHaven, painting hangs in our o many threatened i New CTthat 06519 at rtm dining room depicting the New (203) 772-1816 a in New but when history lic Haven, p p g Ap Haven Green and [its three iconic] www.towerone.org A and neighborhood mesh to make n g vi churches.” i there a blessing, professionals tin living L p n Affordable, Active Senior ce ed AlthoughFostering Keefe and Knight were iving Comminity! Acinsist such as Knight and Keefe — who could live and work anywhere — ndependence & Community— agreement that their new oldow homes N ew A ’s All Right Here! treasure being in this little New had to be outfitted in a fashion N England city.  that complemented the historic

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Safe Haven A new partnership between the federal government and Elm City stakeholders will create an urban oasis for wildlife By MAKAYLA SILVA

Hungry and tired from its cross-continental journey, the small warbler is in dire need of a safe haven to feed and regain its energy for flight. Desperate, the warbler searches for an oasis from the blanket of city lights and towering buildings to recharge before departing back on the long journey to northern Vermont. For many migrant birds, like the warbler, an urban oasis is not just a slice of beautiful wildlife but can provide a refuge that is a matter, literally, of life and death.

This Black Crowned Heron is a current resident of the Westville ( West River, Edgewood Park) section of New Haven. Expanding habitat wiill provide more opportunity to protect an expand bird populations, that are already building a life in the city..

Photo: Lesley Roy Photo: Lisa Wilder

Students from Common Ground’s Green Jobs Corps stand alongside a new outdoor exhibit, intepreting wildlife habitats at West River Memorial Park. These students take on paid work creating habitats, monitoring water quality in the West River, leading environmental education programs, monitoring species diversity, creating outdoor exhibits, and more. Giana Vargas, Lovell Davis, Zak Kenyon, Frank Forbes, Joshua Jimenez, Anthony Spencer.

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When migrating songbirds fail to find sufficient food at stopover sites, their migratory flights are delayed, or worse, according to Michelle Frankel, center director of Audubon Greenwich. Frankel says those that do arrive at their breeding and wintering grounds often arrive late and in poor condition, and are forced to select lower-quality habitats, resulting in decreased nesting success and rates of survival. She explains that the protection of migratory birds, many of which are experiencing serious population declines, requires the preservation of a network of stopover sites all along their migratory pathway. “In this rapidly changing landscape, our parks, gardens and backyards may serve as valuable habitat oases for hungry migrants,” notes

Frankel. “By applying management and landscaping practices that provide high-quality habitat and food sources for migrating birds and other wildlife, our urban green spaces and remnant forests can serve as important stepping stones for birds along their journeys.” With 80 percent of the U.S. population currently residing in urban areas, there is a challenge to ensure the conservation of healthy habitats for birds and wildlife in developed cities, often with limited available resources. “Audubon believes that where birds thrive, so do people,” says Stewart Hudson, vice president and executive director of Audubon Connecticut. “To face these challenges, we have to get smarter about our habitat conservation

efforts and about how we connect people — especially young people — with nature.” From the city’s schoolyards to its parks, in its front yards to surrounding units of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, urban oases for migratory birds and other species will be developed across New Haven’s green spaces as a part of the New Haven Harbor Watershed Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, recently launched by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). Managing more than 560 national wildlife refuges and 150 million acres across the country, the agency works to preserve America’s wildlife refuges and such iconic species as the Florida panther, loggerhead sea turtle and Canada lynx. But most of the service’s current refuges are located in rural areas. Designing a USAGE blueprint to ensure conservation PLATFORM BRAND LANGUAGE GUIDELINES success in the 21st century, FWS concluded under its “Conserving the Future” vision to forge between the National Primaryconnections Logo This page outlines proper and improper usage Wildlife Refuge System and residents of urban of the BAM ALLIANCE identity. communities.

Photo: Lesley Roy This Great Egret is another New Haven resident and living proof that with a little help the urban environment can be attractive habitat for even exotic birds.

“In our new vision, we recognize that we still Logotype need to manage our refuges across the country of the National Wildlife Refuge System. “The in existing places, but we also need to engage urban refuge partnerships are designed The clear space around the logo must be no smaller wildlife than Minimum size 1.5” wide height of the logotype. with people in new communities the and areas,” to make these connections with people in these explains Scott Kahan, Northeast regional chief

urban communities like New Haven to the environment.”

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 The New Haven Harbor Watershed Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, along with the seven other designated pilot programs (including in Baltimore and Providence, R.I.) will create a network of wildlife-friendly habitat refuges from Long Island Sound, West Rock, the Quinnipiac River, East Rock and in between. Fostering environmental education and handson conservation with youth, the project will encourage community-based land stewardship. Moreover, the program will provide training, workshops and other resources to schoolteachers to develop ecology and wildlife-based lessons, provide environmental education and job training to students through the New Haven Urban Resources Initiative and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.

‘WHERE BIRDS THRIVE, SO DO PEOPLE.’

Rivers flowing through the city — many of the green spaces in New Haven have ecological hotspots.

with the city, with the local community, with the schools and with the Audubon, which is what made this project so strong,” Kahan notes. “We had folks that were already interested in engaging and education help support that good work.”

Rick Potvin, refuge manager of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, says the West River Memorial Park project will involve planting a riparian buffer made of natural grasses and trees, to slow the flow of water from the streets and allow it to deposit sediments and pollutants before reaching the river.

Because key community organizations like Connecticut Audubon, the Peabody Museum and the Yale Urban Resources Initiative have a long history of wildlife conservation in the city, the Fish & Wildlife Service decided that New Haven would be an ideal fit for a pilot project.

Audubon and its partners were able to leverage the $40,000 grant support from FWS to raise an additional $315,803 from both federal and nonfederal sources, including the American Honda Foundation, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and Long Island Sound Futures Fund, totaling $355,803 in support of the New Haven Harbor Watershed Urban Wildlife Refuge partnership.

“When we looked at designating New Haven, it was clear that partnerships were already in place

With 17 percent of city being parkland — combined with the West, Mill, and Quinnipiac

Hotspots like Beaver Pond Park and West River Memorial Park that will serve as critical migratory bird feeding, resting and nesting areas for many species of wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds and terns.

“At West River Memorial Park, we should have ducks like the American black duck, mallards and other waterfowl to nest, find shelter, and find food sources,” Potvin says. Likewise, the Friends of Beaver Ponds Park will remove invasive vegetation, and restore native plants for wildlife habitat in coordination with New Haven’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Trees.

Urban Wildlife Refuge by the Numbers Recently launched by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the New Haven Harbor Watershed Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership is planned to have a major impact not only on the wild creatures it is intended to benefit, but also the people young and old involved in the project. Some metrics regarding the project: No. volunteers engaged in habitat restoration: • 287 volunteers involved in habitat restoration at four city parks • 150 members of neighborhood groups introduced to the concept of bird-friendly landscaping • Workshops on bird-friendly landscaping for neighborhood groups offered in Spanish and English.

44 D ECEMBER 2013

No. students engaged in habitat restoration, citizen science and interpretive signage:

• All four schools will complete Phase I planting projects by spring 2014. Formal USFWS Schoolyard Habitat designation ceremonies to take place at each school in spring 2014

• 42 high school students participated in prerestoration bird, insect and vegetation surveys • 88 Common Ground high school students to date involved in designing habitat, interpretive signage or other aspects of the program. Students at Barnard Environmental Magnet, Worthington Hooker and Columbus Family Academy also participated in developing interpretive signage for the parks with Peabody Museum staff.

Environmental Magnet, Worthington Hooker, and Columbus Family Academy

No. people who have been reached through education and outreach:

• Additional Urban Wildlife Refuge signage as well as interpretive Urban Oases signs will be mounted at the other three demonstration sites by spring. Expansion of the program to additional sites in New Haven planned.

• More than 2,150 elementary students engaged in habitat learning at Common Ground this fall • 72 K-8 students part of newly launched after-school Schoolyard Habitat programs at Barnard

• 90 children and adults participated in ranger- and Audubon biologist-led interpretive walks at the new Urban Oases demonstration site at East Shore Park. Milestones to be achieved in spring 2014:

• 1,000 students will use their own schoolyard habitats as outdoor living classrooms • 4,000 students will visit Common Ground’s Schoolyard Habitat and learn about the role of urban habitats for wildlife conservation • 200 students from the three partner elementary schools will be taught by McKinney Refuge biologists at their schools and will take field trip to McKinney Refuge • A total of 32 Green Job Corps students employed by the spring to participate in habitat restoration, citizen science, and developing interpretive signage • 3,000 adults will be reached through workshops, interpretive walks and festivals. – M.S NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

Joel Tolman, director of development & community engagement for Common Ground, says his organization — which operates an environmental high school, urban farm and environmental center, all in New Haven) is involved in the partnership to help ensure the city is an oasis for both humans and wildlife.

 Surrounded by several units of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a national wildlife refuge spanning 70 miles along Connecticut’s coastline, the New Haven Harbor Watershed Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership will help to create wildlife corridors in nearby Communities including the Outer Island Unit located in the Thimble Island Chain off the coast of Branford, and the Milford Point Unit at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center.

“Practically, our goal is to create a matrix of urban oases across the city, in front yards, neighborhood green spaces, city parks and school grounds,” Tolman says, “and to mobilize these oases as rich habitat for wildlife and rich learning spaces for people.”

“We will be able to create habitats for insects for migratory birds to eat, but also helping to sustain wildlife that’s already in the city like deer and wild turkey,” Potvin says.

Students from Common Ground are building a model urban oasis including an educational wetland, half an acre of native wildlife habitat, interpretive exhibits designed by our students, and outdoor classrooms, according to Tolman.

Through nature-based learning programs, Potvin says engaging the partnership will help build up an environmental literacy in the city’s youth in order to raise a generation of environmental activists.

“We’ll put this new resource to use in teaching the 10,000-plus children and adults who come to our site for school field trips, after-school programs, weekend workshops and summer camps,” he explains.

“Ducks don’t vote,” Potvin says. “People are the ones that are concerned about wildlife. Without building a constituency for people who care about wildlife, then who is going to continue our future and take wildlife into their plans locally and nationally?”

Students from an AP biology class at Common Ground have worked with curators at the Peabody Museum to design permanent, museum-

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quality outdoor interpretive exhibits for these schoolyard habitats, while the students from a biodiversity class partnered with a master gardener and a landscape architect to design and install pollinator gardens and bird habitats on the Common Ground campus. “The oases we’re creating at Common Ground and our partner schools will help thousands of city kids experience nature first-hand,” Tolman says. “Our city’s children, like their peers across the nation, spend so much more time in front of screens than they do out in the natural world. Yet research is pretty clear that kids who spend time outside concentrate better, learn better and lead healthier lives.” Tolman adds that bringing nature back into cities has a real impact on human health and wellbeing. “People who live near greens spaces get more exercise, have better mental health, and experience fewer serious illnesses,” he says. “When you plant a tree in a city neighborhood, for instance, research says that it helps to reduce crime, increase property values, improve air quality and reduce climate-change impacts. This is what happens when we bring nature back into our cities.” 

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Out Standing in Their Fields BI BLIO P H ILES

A new volume on Connecticut barns satisﬁes lofty expectations

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Still producing milk, this small dairy farm has added nearly a dozen barns and outbuildings over the years.

By MICHAEL C. BINGHAM Barns of Connecticut, by Markham Starr. Published October 2013 by Wesleyan University Press. 174 pps. $35 (hard).

I’m tellin’ you, barns — just like Rodney Dangerfield — don’t get no respect. You know what I’m sayin’? “What, do you live in a barn?” is how one upbraids an absent-minded oaf who leaves the door open. A “barnyard epithet” is something too vulgar to be printed in a family magazine. Tell someone, “You couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn” is to diss her marksmanship (or perhaps eyesight). No respect at all.

But wait a minute – without barns, we arguably wouldn’t even be here today. That’s because our New England forebears — and the crops they grew and livestock they had to protect and nurture through long, harsh, Northeastern winters — may very well have not survived their first fragile decades in the New World. And the experiment of European colonization of North America would have been stillborn. Today, most 21st-century Americans have so little knowledge of and connection to the postindustrial food chain that they assume that everything they consume originates at the local Stop & Shop. And that the barns that dot the New England landscape exist only as subjects for pretty photographs of them. Pretty photographs are undoubtedly the principal lure of Barns of Connecticut, a lovely coffee-table book from North Stonington author and

photographer Markham Starr, whose work has frequently graced the pages of Yankee Magazine. And the images of these endangered relics of our agricultural heritage are simply gorgeous. But pretty pictures are far from the only reason to pick up this handsome (if a bit schizophrenic) offering from Wesleyan Press in Middletown. For a photographer, Starr isn’t a terrible prose stylist. “The colors, texture and aromas inside a barn bring back the past as few buildings can,” he observes. “For me, walking into a barn is as close as I can get to walking into history.” Indeed. Early New England barns imitated European (especially English) design and

The location of this little barn just off the kitchen ell of the farmhouse makes it perfect for firewood storage. This daily farm has been operated by the same family for nearly a century.

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construction techniques. They were used both to store grain and silage for livestock, as well as to shield the animals themselves (early New England farmers typically kept sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, oxen and/or horses) from the frigid temperatures and biting winds of winter months. For a subsistence farmer, deciding where to build a barn was no idle matter. It had to be close enough to be well within sight of the farmhouse — yet far enough distant to ensure that a fire in one structure would not bring down the other. “Farmers wanted to be able to see and hear what was going on at the barn throughout the day and night,” writes Starr. “When possible, barns were also situated to catch the greatest amount of the

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sun’s light and warmth during its track across the sky.” Starr devotes considerable space to describing the unique construction of barns and how their layout and functions evolved over decades and indeed centuries. Over time, of course, technological advances in building materials and tools facilitated the creation of larger and more elaborate structures. In that context the author addresses the addition of decorative elements

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to many barns. One example is the cupola, which served the practical function of helping to ventilate the enclosed spaces — at the same time allowing the carpenters who crafted them to show off their artistic chops. In the 21st-century Connecticut barns continue to be built — albeit for the most part by gentlemen farmers in places like Litchfield and Windham counties. Yet many contemporary builders draw inspiration from successful designs of centuries

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past, refined over countless years of innovation, experimentation and, ultimately, improvement. The barn continues to serve a vital role even into the present era, as open design and sturdiness of these structures allow for a multiplicity of uses. In that sense this volume serves as a tribute to Connecticut’s diminished but enduring familyfarm culture. “This new ‘barn,’” Starr writes, would hardly be recognizable to the men who built the first English barns in Connecticut, although they might appreciate its efficiency” — both ergonomic and in terms of energy conservation. This reviewer’s principal objection to Barns of Connecticut is that the images of the individual structures themselves are not identified — not the addresses, not the owners — not even what

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town or city they’re in. Perhaps the authors or publisher struck a deal with the property-owners to conceal their identity and whereabouts as a hedge against — well, it wouldn’t be home invasion, exactly, but barn invasion. As a journalist, this observer’s mission is to reveal, not to conceal. That’s my problem. However, from the reader’s perspective it reduces each image to an abstraction — a photograph of a structure that may as well be located on Jupiter instead of in Durham, or Kent or Pomfret. That trifle will not likely deter readers from appreciating the grace and enduring beauty of these historic structures that dot our landscape — and the key role they played in the evolution of the place that today we call home.  203-865-3824 1020 Chapel Street Raggsnewhaven.com

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Cabaret To love another person unconditionally 0f course involves great risk — and so does rebuilding from the ashes in the face of loss. Employing body movement in place of spoken language, Bound to Burn explores the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Conceived and directed by Rob Chikar and Alyssa Simmons. 8 p.m. December 5, 8 & 11 p.m. December 6-7 at Yale Cabaret, 217 Park St., New Haven. $20. 203432-1566, yalecabaret.org.

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Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magis’ Gold by Maripat Donovan, the author of the Late Nite Catechism series. A retelling of the story of the nativity — as only Sister can. Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages - whatever happened to the Magis’ gold? December 4-15 at Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr., New Haven. $39.50. 203-787-4282, longwharf.org.

Victorian London comes alive in this musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic, Oliver! Orphaned Oliver, abandoned to the workhouse, is sold into servitude, escapes to a den of thieves, is momentarily rescued by a wealthy benefactor and must navigate a hostile world with wits and courage. 7:30 p.m. December 6-14 at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington St., Middletown. $18 ($10 seniors). 860-347-6143, oddfellows.org. Faustwork Mask Theatre presents The Mask Messenger. This production illuminates and expands the concept of the mask as

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it is used across cultures, exploring its relationship to human psychology, business, fashion, art, dance and theater. 7:30 p.m. December 6 at Paul Mellon Arts Center, 333 Christian St., Wallingford. $10. 203-697-2398, choate.edu/boxoffice.com. A Center Stage Christmas, the annual Christmas production presented by Center Stage Theatre, featuring classic Christmas songs. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. December 6-22 at Center Stage Theatre, 54 Grove St., Shelton. $25. 203-225-6079, centerstageshelton.com. Jingle Babes, presented by the group the Babes — Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Deirdre Flint and Marcy Marxer — is a musical comedy filled with festive familiar hits. 8 p.m. December 8 at Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $38. 860-510-0473, katharinehepburntheater. org. Madeline & the Bad Hat. ArtsPower’s original musical, based upon the much-loved book, captures the blithe yet touching spirit of Ludwig Bemelmans’s Madeline series. It traces the adventures of a young Parisian girl who, despite starting off on the wrong foot with a mischievous new neighbor, eventually learns that first impressions aren’t everything. 1 p.m. December 8 at Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $16 ($10 children). 860-510-0473, katharinehepburntheater.org. It’s Christmas Eve in Dublin — the shops are closing and everyone is hurrying home. But at the Bells Pub and Guest House, a few stragglers remain sharing a glass of holiday cheer, wondering if this is the Christmas their dreams will come true. The message of The Bells of Dublin is a simple one: discovering the true meaning of family and friendship. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 pm. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Wed. & Sun. December 12-22 at Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St., Ivoryton. $40 ($35 seniors, $20 students, $15 12 & under). 860-767-7318, ivorytonplayhouse.com.

In Sir James Matthew Barrie’s masterpiece, Peter Pan must decide whether to grow up or remain a boy forever. Unlike the sanitized Peter Pans of our childhood, Barrie’s initial draft of the play depicts growing up as harrowing, treacherous and infinitely complicated. In this new adaptation, based on Barrie’s earliest, unpublished manuscripts, a group of real “lost boys” bring Peter Pan to life. Will they — and their unbridled imaginations — survive the tick-tocking crocodile of time? Adapted and directed by Dustin Wills. 8 p.m. December 13-19 at University Theatre, 222 York St., New Haven. $20. 203-432-1234, drama.yale.edu/onstage. Kaleidoscope Theatre presents Snow White’s Christmas, a modern twist to the classic fairy tale. A musical holiday tale about the amusing antics of the Seven Dwarves and Snow White. 3 p.m. December 21 at Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $15 ($10 12 & under). 860510-0473, katharinehepburntheater.org. Will Rhys’ original adaptation of A Christmas Carol, one man extravaganza. Rhys is well-known for his work with Goodspeed and the National Theatre of the Deaf. 4 p.m. December 22 at Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $15. 860-510-0473, katharinehepburntheater.org. The Blue Man Group combines comedy, music and technology to produce a totally unmatched (not to mention unspoken) entertainment spectacle. 7:30 p.m. December 26, 8 p.m. December 27, 2 & 8 p.m. December 28, 2 p.m. December 29, 7:30 p.m. December 30 and 8 p.m. December 31 at Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven. $125-$15. 203-562-5666, shubert. com.

Continuing The Nunsense Christmas Musical, Nuncrackers, is presented as the first TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement. It stars the nuns we love, plus Father Virgil, and four of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students. Featuring all new songs including “Twelve Days Prior to Christmas,” “Santa Ain’t Comin’ to Our House,” “We Three Kings of Orient Are Us,” and “It’s Better To Give than to Receive.” 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. through December 15 at Phoenix Stage Co., 686 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck. $22 ($18 seniors). 203-632-8546, phoenixstagecompany.com. Dario Fo’s Accidental Death of an Anarchist. Did he fall? Or was he pushed? Only one man can cut through massive bureaucratic duplicity and reveal what happened to the suspected anarchist who died at the bottom of a fourth-floor police station window. In a world of commonplace deception and organized corruption, he stands as a bastion of honor and justice—he also happens to be a notorious liar, quick-change con artist, and certified maniac. Christopher Bayes directs. Through December 21 at Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel St., New Haven. $78. 203-432-1234, yalerep.org. August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences. Troy Maxson found glory in his youth battling fastballs on the outside corner in the Negro Leagues. But now it’s the 1950s — his opportunity to play in the major leagues has passed and he’s a garbage man. He struggles to provide for his family, trying to contain his bitterness as he seeks solace by spinning tales on his front porch. Because of his race Troy is left in a world where life’s daily battles take on the scope of epic conflict. Through December 22 at Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr., New Haven. $70-$54. 203-787-4282, longwharf.org

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homeless. Scores will be available for purchase. 2 p.m. December 8 at Battell Chapel, 400 College St. New Haven. $5. 203-432-4158, music.yale.edu. The postgraduate Yale Baroque Ensemble is the ensemblein-residence at the Yale Collection of Musical Instruments. 3 p.m. December 8 at Yale Collection of Musical Instruments, 15 Hillhouse Ave., New Haven. Free. 203-432-4158, music.yale.edu.

Classical The Wesleyan Concert Choir performs under the direction of Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Nadya Potemkina. 7 p.m.. December 4 at Memorial Chapel, Wesleyan University, Middletown. Free. 860-685-3355, wesleyan.edu/cfa. Arguably the most successful classical crossover artists ever from Ireland, the Celtic Tenors have performed with symphony orchestras all over the world and continue to “re-invent the whole tenor idiom” by pioneering a new style of “cool” while breaking the traditional stuffy tenor mold. 7:30 p.m. December 5 at Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $67. 877-503-1286, katharinehepburntheater.org. Dona Nobis Pacem (“Grant us peace”) is the theme (and the concluding work, the transcendent J.S. Bach setting of the mass movement) of the annual Advent concert of the delightful choral ensemble the Yale Camerata, under the baton of Marguerite L. Brooks. 8 p.m. December 7 at Battell Chapel, 400 College St. New Haven. Free. 203-432-4158, music.yale.edu. It’s a holiday Yale Glee Club tradition: the Messiah Audience Singalong. A portion of the proceeds will benefit New Haven’s

And now for something completely different: Bassoonarama. The Bassoon Studio of Frank Morelli performs works by Fu ik, Piazzola, Schickele and others, as well as jazz and Christmas tunes. 7 p.m. December 9 in Sudler Recital Hall, Harness Hall 100 Wall St., New Haven. Free. 203-432-4158, music.yale.edu. The acclaimed Emerson String Quartet performs as part of the Oneppo Chamber Music Series. HAYDN Quartet in G minor, Op. 20, No. 3; BRITTEN Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36; BEETHOVEN Quartet in C major, Op. 59, No. 3. 8 p.m. December 10 at Sprague Hall, 470 College St., New Haven. $40. 203-432-4158, music.yale.edu. As part of Yale’s Horowitz Piano Series, a trio of soloists join forces with the Yale Philharmonia for an evening of Beethoven piano concerti. Wei-Yi Yang performs Concerto No. 1 in C Major; Hung-Kuan Chen is at the keyboard for Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major; and Melvin Chen is the soloist for the Violin Concerto in D Major (arranged by the composer for piano soloist). Shinik Hahm conducts. 8 p.m. December 11 at Sprague Hall, 470 College St., New Haven. $25-$15. 203-432-4158, music. yale.edu.

Yale Camerata

Great Organ Music at Yale

saturday, december 7 8 pm

saturday, december 14 8 pm

Marguerite L. Brooks, conductor Advent Concert: Dona nobis pacem

Battell Chapel 400 College St. (at Elm)

Erstwhile Fiery Furnaces vocalist Eleanor Friedberger plays a December 14 solo gig at Spaceland Ballroom. Under the baton of Shinik Hahm, the Yale Philharmonia performs music by graduate composers Michael Holloway, Bálint Karosi, Brendon Randall-Myers, James Rubino and Benjamin Wallace. 8 p.m. December 12 at Woolsey Hall, 500 College St., New Haven. Free. 203-432-4158, music.yale.edu.

Martin Jean, organ Music of Messiaen

The Yale Institute of Sacred Music presents The Face of Heaven So Fine. Under guest conductor Simon Carrington, the Yale Schola Cantorum performs music of Palestrina, Stucky and Vivaldi. 5 p.m. December 13 at Christ Church, 84 Broadway, New Haven. Free. 203-432-4158, music.yale.edu.

Christ Church Episcopal 84 Broadway (at Elm)

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra performs A Mensch’s Christmas featuring “seasonal” works by Jewish composers such as Irving Berlin (“White Christmas”), Sammy Cahn, Johnny Marks (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”) and others. Conductor Michael Barrett knows his Jewish composers, having been Leonard Bernstein’s assistant conductor from 1985 until his death. 8 p.m. December 13 at Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University, 1073 N. Benson Rd., Fairfield. Also,

In the Oasis Room

CATIE CURTIS Holiday Concert Friday, December 6, 2013 | 8 pm

Both events are free; no tickets required. Info at 203.432.5062 or www.yale.edu/ism 52 D ECEMBER 2013

Presented by Yale Institute of Sacred Music Celebrating 40 years at Yale.

Singer-songwriter Catie Curtis, a Lilith Fair alum who’s been dubbed a “folk-rock goddess” by The New Yorker, delivers some of the finest material of her career along with holiday favorites.

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homecoming. 8 p.m. December 6 at Oakdale Theatre, 95 South Turnpike Rd., Wallingford. $25, oakdale.com.

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A highly accomplished and distinctive jazz drummer leads the Ralph Peterson Fo’tet Augmented in two shows at Firehouse 12 slated for a live recording. The group will be joined by additional percussionists for both performances. 8:30 and 10 p.m. December 6 at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown St., New Haven. $18 (8:30), $12 (10) 203-785-0468, firehouse12.com.

St. Nicolas: Man vs. Myth I

n commemoration of the centennial of the composer’s birth, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) welcomes the Christmas season with three performances of Benjamin Britten’s cantata Saint Nicolas. The program, features the Trinity Choir of Men & Boys and Choir of Men & Girls, will follow the tree lighting on the Green. Program also includes Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28. Composed by Britten in 1948, Saint Nicolas explores the myths and legends that over many centuries transmogrified the Bishop of Myra into the much-loved figure of Santa Claus. The wild tales bring to mind the medieval exaggerations of Carmina Burana: three purses of gold secretly tossed through a cottage window rescue three girls from prostitution. St. Nicolas saves three sailors from drowning (making him the patron saint of mariners). He miraculously restores the lives of three small boys who, at a time of dreadful famine, had been pickled in brine by a wicked butcher. From this macabre tale emerged the practice of giving presents to deserving children. The unlikely score features mixed and children’s choruses, a tenor soloist in the role of St. Nicolas, and musical accompaniment on piano, organ, percussion and strings. There is even an opportunity for the congregation to join in the singing. NHSO Music Director William Boughton conducts the three performances.

2:30 p.m. December 14 at Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Ave., Hamden; and 3 p.m. December 15 at Shelton Intermediate, 675 Constitution Blvd., Shelton. $45-$35. 203-8650831, mewhavensymphony.org. Martin Jean performs works of Messiaen as part of the Great Organ Music at Yale series. 8 p.m. December 14 at Christ Church, 84 Broadway, New Haven. Free. 203-432-4158, music.yale.edu. Cappella Cantorum Sing-Along Messiah. Participate in the sounds of the season with a Kate holiday tradition. This Messiah sing combines Cappella Cantorum’s professional soloists with a chorus of talented volunteers. 4 p.m. December 15 at Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $10. 877-503-1286, katharinehepburntheater.org.

Popular Two-time Grammy winner and three-time International Bluegrass Music Association Guitarist of the Year David Grier presents an intimate night of solo acoustic guitar. 8 p.m. December 2 at the Outer Space, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. $25-$15. 203-288-6400, theouterspace.net. Eighteen-year-old London-based singer/ songwriter/producer Archy Marshall is best known by his stage name King Krule. He combines electronic textures and skittery rhythms with a mournful baritone voice. 8 p.m. December 3 at the Space, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. $15. 203-288-6400, thespacect.com.

It’s a night of new, original and vintage country and rockabilly as The Throttles and Lynette and the Longshots drop into the Nine for a swingin’ good time. 9 p.m. December 7 at Cafe Nine, 250 State St., New Haven. $6. 203789-8281, cafenine.com. The life of the real Saint Nicolas (c. 280-343 AD) is the subject of a rarely heard cantata by Benjamin Britten. It will be performed over three evenings in three venues by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the Trinity Choirs if Men & Boys and Men & Girls December 5-7 in New Haven, Fairfield and Madison. Detail: ‘The Life & Miracles of Saint Nicholas’ by Alexander Boguslawski. From the St. Nicholas Center Collection. 7:30 p.m. December 5 at Trinity Church on the Green, 270 Temple St., New Haven. 7:30 p.m. December 6 at Edgerton Center, Sacred Heart University, 5151, Park Ave., Fairfield. 7:30 p.m. December 7 at First Congregational Church, 26 Meeting House La., Madison. $45-$35 ($10 students; under 18 free). 203-865-0831, mewhavensymphony.org.

Singer/songwriter Lori McKenna’s new album Massachusetts was born of her days on the coffeehouse scene, but her talent and soothing voice have taken her far and wide. She returns to her New England roots for her Kate appearance. Mark Erelli opens. 7 p.m. December 8 at Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $35. 877503-1286, katharinehepburntheater.org. Veteran New Haven songwriter James Velvet and his Lonesome Sparrows will play a free Honky Tonk Tuesday show in Hamden. The acoustic band performs original songs in the spirit of Hank Williams, Dylan and the Beatles. 7 p.m. December 10 at The Outer Space, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. Free. 203-288-6400, theouterspace.net.

Pryor, singer for the Get Up Kids and the New Amsterdams. 6 p.m. December 11 at the Space, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. $18-$15. 203-2886400, thespacect.com. Quick: Name an Italian band. How about an Italian prog-rock band? The only name that comes to mind for either has to be Goblin, known primarily for its epic and tense scores for director Dario Argento’s legendary horror films like Suspiria. After 40 years the group play its first U.S. shows, including a performance on the Green with doomy electronic duo Zombi. 7 p.m. December 11 at Center Church on the Green, 250 Temple St., New Haven. $65-$28. manicproductions.org. Austin-based folk/country/gospel/punk duo Loves It played hundreds of shows before releasing their first studio album, All We Are, earlier this year. They’ll notch another one in their belts when they play the Nine. 7 p.m. December 11 at Cafe Nine, 250 State St., New Haven. $6. 203-789-8281, cafenine.com. Father-son duo The Rosenthals (Phil and Daniel, respectively) perform bluegrass, folk and jazz with banjo, trumpet and vocals. In New Haven, they’ll be joined by daughter/ sister Naomi Sommers to perform originals and traditional folk tunes. 8 p.m. December 12 at Cafe Nine, 250 State St., New Haven. $10. 203-789-8281, cafenine.com. Progressive folk duo Aztec Two-Step have been plying their compelling, well-crafted acoustic rock for more than 40 years. 8 p.m. December 13 at Katharine Hepburn Cultural

Max Bemis is the lead singer of pop-punk heavyweights Saves the Day, but he’s hitting the road solo, supported by emo brother Matt

Chanel West Coast is probably known more for her day-to-day life than for her music. The rapper got her break after being invited to act and perform on an episode of the MTV show Fantasy Factory. She’ll for-real be on stage in Hamden, though. 7 p.m. December 3 at Spaceland Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. $15 ($12 advance). 203-288-6400, spacelandballroom.com. The six-piece pop ensemble that is Grandchildren combine warped electronics, horns and dueling drums for an intense and energetic performance. The group plays a free show with instrumental psych-avante instrumentalists Snake Oil. 9 p.m. December 4 at Bar, 254 Crown St., New Haven. Free. 203495-8924, barnightclub.com. Contemporary Christian pop singer Tobymac is making his second visit of 2013 to Bridgeport, bringing a clew of fellow artists as part of his Hits Deep Tour. 7 p.m. December 6 at Webster Bank Arena, 600 Main St., Bridgeport. $62.50-$42. 203-345-2400, websterbankarena.com. The Bill Charlap Trio (pianist Charlap, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington) come to Sprague as part of Yale’s Ellington Jazz Series. 8 p.m. December 6 at Sprague Hall, 470 College St., New Haven. $30-$10 ($12 students). 203-432-4158, music. yale.edu. Adventurous Wesleyan-spawned, Brooklynbased MGMT have become one of the hottest indie rock bands in recent memory, scoring top singles and albums all over the world. Now they return to Connecticut for a sort-of

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Continued page 55

ART Opening Just in time for the gift-giving season come Wesleyan Potters’ 58th annual Exhibit and Sale. December 1-15 at Wesleyan Potters Gallery, 350 South Main St., Middletown. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (until 9 p.m. Thurs.-Fri.). Free. 860347-5925, wesleyanpotters.com. The Ceramic Holiday Invitational Show featuring a variety of functional ceramic pieces from local and national artists. December 1-January 5 at Art Essex Gallery, 10 Main St., Essex. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Free. 860581-8553, artessexgallery.com. Holiday Greene: Small Paintings — Great Art! Works by 30 gallery artists. December 4-January 19 at Greene Art Gallery, 29 Whitfield St., Guilford. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat., noon -3 p.m. Sun & Mon. Free. 203-453-4162, greenartgallery.com. Annual Holiday Exhibition features works by gallery artists. December 5-January 19 (opening reception 5-8 p.m. December 5) at Susan Powell Fine Art, 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., noon-6 p.m. Sat., noon-3 p.m. Sun. Free. 203-318-0616, susanpowellfineart.com. Holiday Exhibition features works of gallery artists. December 6-January 4 (opening reception 6-8 p.m. December 6) at Fred Giampietro Gallery, 91 Orange St., New Haven. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat. Free. 203-7777707, giampietrogallery.com. Small Works is a not-so-small group exhibition of works in media from metals to encaustics by seven national artists: Mary Black, Daphine Taylor, Robert Reynolds, Margot Nimiroski, Geoffrey Pagen, Bradford Johnson and TJ Volonis. December 6-February 1 at Reynolds Fine Art, 96 Orange St., New Haven. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. (until 6 p.m. Fri.). Free. 203-498-2200, reynoldsfineart.com. The Magic of Christmas: A Festive Holiday Tradition. Annual holiday exhibition featuring four lavish designer-decorated Fantasy Trees and the 12-foot Miss Florence’s Artist Tree decorated with 130 painted palettes by artists from across the country. December 6-January 5 at Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $9 ($8 seniors, $7 students, 12 & under free). 860-434-5542, flogris.com. From the Archive of Unrealized Dreams: Unmade Projects. Curated by Martha Lewis Practicing artists spend time coming up with unrealized projects, filling in applications for grants and awards and public works installations that are turned down. This is an exhibition of the best of these failed proposals. December 7-28 at Institute Library Gallery, 847 Chapel St., New Haven. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Free. 203-562-4045, institutelibrary.org. The annual Silverbells Exhibition & Sale featuring original art in oil, acrylic, watercolor, graphics, pastels and mixed media by Hamden Art League members. December 10-January 6 (opening reception 7 p.m. December 10) at Miller Memorial Library Senior

54 D ECEMBER 2013

Center, 2901 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Open 8:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays. Free. 203-494-2316, hamdenartleague.com.

Continuing Faces of China, 1981. Photographs by Tom Zetterstrom, whose photographs offer a glimpse of China’s people in the third year of Deng Xiaoping’s “Reform and Opening Up.” Through December 6 at Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies Gallery, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown. Open noon4 p.m. daily except Mon. Free. 860-685-3355, wesleyan.edu/cfa. Nancy Eisenfeld’s Dynamic Cycles: Freeze to Thaw features work based on materials found in nature. Through December 6 at Paul Mellon Arts Center, 332 Christian St., Wallingford. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Free. 203-697-2398, choate. edu/artscenter/boxoffice. The Alumni Show II looks back at four decades of Wesleyan artists. Featuring 17 artists whose work spans a broad range of contemporary practice and media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, installation art, video art, performance and film. Through December 8 at Ezra & Cecile Zilkha Gallery, 283 Washington Terr., Middletown. Open noon-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Free. 860-685-3355, wesleyan.edu/cfa. The Tenderness of Men in Suburbs. Photographs of the Boston suburbs as seen through the eyes of a 20-year-old artist, Laura Wexler, in the year 1968. Through December 18 at Whitney Humanities Center, 53 Wall St., New Haven. Open 3-5 p.m. Mon. & Wed. Free. 203432-0670, yale.edu/whc. Out of Hand: A Holiday Show features works by gallery artists. Through December 22 at Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Ave., New Haven. Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Free. 203-389-9555, kehlerliddell.com. Give Art: Annual Holiday Exhibition and Sale features paintings, prints, sculpture, mixed media and photography. Through December 22 (opening reception 2-6 p.m. December 8) at City Gallery, 994 State St., New Haven. Open noon-4 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. Free. 203-782-2489, city-gallery.org. The Creative Arts Workshop hosts its 45th annual Celebration of American Crafts. Holiday sale features fine contemporary crafts by more than 300 artists from across the U.S. Through December 24 at Creative Arts Workshop, 80 Audubon St., New Haven. Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, 1-5 p.m. Sun. Free. 203-562-4927, creativeartsworkshop.com. The Art of Picture Books: Creative Process in Visual Storytelling. Children book artists from the New Haven area have curated an exhibition of their work with an eye toward revealing the fascinating process of creating original work for young readers. Works by Doe Boyle, Frank W. Dormer, Deborah Freedman, Lynn Reiser, Sanna Stanley, Marcela Staudenmaier, Jennifer Thermes and Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. Through January 3 at Sumner McKnight Crosby Jr. Gallery, 70 Audubon St. (2nd Fl.), New Haven. Open 9

Annie Sailer’s ‘Quilt Painting No. 3’ from the exhibition Vibrant: A Look at Contemporary Lyricism at the Whitney Center. Annie Sailer’s ‘Quilt Painting No. 3’ from the exhibition Vibrant: A Look at Contemporary Lyricism at the Whitney Center. a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Free. 203-772-2788, newhavenarts.org. Work by newly elected artists: Lisla DeFilippo and Doug Aaberg. Through January 4 at Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme St., Lyme. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Free. 860434-7802, lymeartassociation.org. Holiday Showcase. Traditional to contemporary paintings and pottery. Through January 4 at Elm City Artist Gallery, 55 Whitney Ave., New Haven. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 203-922-2359, elmcityartists.com. Francesco Vanni: Art in Late Renaissance Siena. The first monographic exhibition on this major artist includes more than 75 paintings and drawings as well as prints following his designs. Francesco Vanni (1563/64-1610) was the most important artist in Siena at the turn of the 17th century and a key figure in Italian CounterReformation painting. His works combine dazzling technical virtuosity and brilliant coloring with the naturalistic approach to subject matter more famous in the works of his contemporaries Annibale Carracci and Caravaggio. Through January 5 at Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Mon. (until 8 p.m. Thurs.) 1-6 p.m. Sun. Free. 203-4320600, artgallery.yale.edu. Artistry: American Craft for the Holidays. Works by more than 300 artists including ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, ornaments, accessories, toys, specialty foods and more. Through January 5 at Mill Gallery, Guilford Art Center, 144 Church St., Guilford. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, noon-4 p.m. Sun. Free. 203-453-6720, guilfordartcenter.org. Flat/Not Flat is an exhibition of works by artists Jennifer Davies, Karen Dow, Alisa Dworsky and Martha Lewis. The “flat” component of the exhibition draws from each artist’s entry in the Flatfile, Artspace’s permanent collection of works on paper that represent a diverse and affordable range of approaches in art making. The “not flat” portion represents vibrant multi-dimensional works by these four artists that exist beyond

two dimensions. Through January 25 at Artspace New Haven, 50 Orange St., New Haven. Open noon-6 p.m. Wed. & Thurs., noon -8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Free. 203-772-2709, artspacenh. org. Harry Holtzman & American Abstraction is the first retrospective of abstract painter, teacher and writer Harry Holtzman (1912-87). Drawn from the holdings of the Holtzman Trust, public collections, and private lenders, the exhibition brings new attention to the role Holtzman played in shaping abstract art in America from the 1920s to the 1980s. Through January 26 at Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $9 ($8 seniors, $7 students, 12 & under free). 860-434-5542, flogris.com. Many Things Placed Here & There: The Dorothy & Herbert Vogel Collection. This student-curated exhibition presents as a whole for the first time New York collectors Dorothy and Herbert Vogel’s vast and uniquely perceptive collection of contemporary art. Artists include Robert Barry, Lois Dodd, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Lucio Pozzi and Richard Tuttle. While the Vogel collection has been highly regarded for its Minimal, Postminimal and Conceptual objects, the selection on view at YUAG reflects the broader variety of work produced in New York during this period. Through January 26 at Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Mon. (until 8 p.m. Thurs.) 1-6 p.m. Sun. Free. 203-432-0600, artgallery.yale. edu. The Arts Council of Greater New Haven presents Vibrant: A Look at Contemporary Lyricism, curated by Insook Hwang and Debbie Hesse. Participating artists include Kwadwo Adae, Cat Balco, Leticia Galizza, Bob Gregson, Chris Joy (sculpture/wall piece), Bob Keeting (sculpture), Will Lustenader and Annie Sailer. Through February 22 at Perspectives Gallery at Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Rd., Hamden. Open 4-7 p.m. Tues. & Thurs., 1-4 p.m. Sat. Free. 203-772-2788, newhavenarts.org. Albert Bierstadt in New York & New England. Organized by the Thomas Cole National

NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

Historic Site and curated by Annette Blaugrund, this exhibition focuses on the artist’s East Coast paintings. Better known for his iconic images of the American West, this exhibition offers a rare chance to see Bierstadt’s faithful depictions of botanical and geological details in the unspoiled wilderness, mountains and meadows of the White Mountains, Hudson Valley and New England primeval settings. Through March 2 at Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center, 144 W. Main St., Waterbury. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $5 ($4 seniors, children under 16 free). 203-753-0381, mattatuckmuseum.org. Still Life: 1970s Photorealism displays works associated with Photorealism — a movement of painters who took photography as their subject and sculptors who recreated the human body with surprising accuracy. A significant trend in 1970s art, Photorealism has sometimes been described since then as a more mechanical offshoot of 1960s Pop art. However, the works in Still Life make a compelling argument that Photorealists captured life in the 1970s with a grittier honesty than has previously been acknowledged. These works have renewed relevance as the ability of photography to capture “the real” has undergone dramatic changes and continues to develop in unanticipated ways. Through March 9 at Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. Open 10 a.m.5 p.m. daily except Mon. (until 8 p.m. Thurs.) 1-6 p.m. Sun. Free. 203-432-0600, artgallery.yale.edu. Red Grooms: Larger than Life. This installation of oversized paintings and works on paper by American artist Red Grooms from the recent bequest of Charles B. Benenson (Yale Class of 1933) includes “Picasso Goes to Heaven” (1973), “Studio at the Rue des Grands-Augustins” (1990-96), and the great 27-footlong “Cedar Bar” (1986). Through March 9 at Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Mon. (until 8 p.m. Thurs.) 1-6 p.m. Sun. Free. 203-4320600, artgallery.yale.edu. The Art of War is a display of reproductions of World War I posters to document both the popularity and effectiveness of propaganda in support of the American war effort. Through May 31 at Knights of Columbus Museum, One State St., New Haven. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 203-865-0400, kofcmuseum.org.

Music Calendar Continued from page 53 Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $45. 877-503-1286, katharinehepburntheater.org. Featuring the soaring vocals of its namesake singer, the Nicole Zuraitis Group melds jazz, pop, R&B and indie fusion. The band stops in Waterbury fresh off an Asian tour. 7:30 p.m. December 13 at Palace Theatre, 100 E. Main St., Waterbury. $18.50. 203-346-2000, palacetheatrect.com. Avante garde double-bassist/composer Mark Dresser, who has been pushing the boundaries of his instrument for 30 years, returns to the Firehouse with his quintet. 8:30 and 10 p.m. December 13 at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown St., New Haven. $18 (8:30), $12 (10) 203-785-0468, firehouse12.com. Eleanor Friedberger is best known as the singer and half of all-over-the-place brother-sister duo the Fiery Furnaces. She was even the titular subject of a Franz Ferdinand single. Since her band’s 2011 hiatus she’s pursued a solo career that brings her to Hamden. 8 p.m. December 14 at Spaceland Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. $15. 203-288-6400, spacelandballroom. com. Rapper and entrepreneur Lupe Fiasco brings his Tetsuo and Youth Preview Tour almost to a close at the Toad this month with special guest the Political Animals. 9 p.m. December 14 at Toad’s Place, 300 York St., New Haven. $40 ($37.50 advance) 203624-8623, toadsplace.com. A slew of local artists performs All I’ve Got Is a Photograph, for which each artist was to select and write a song about an anonymous old photograph of their choosing, which will then be projected on stage. Performers include Lys Guillorn, the Sawtelles, Frank Critelli and Daphne Lee Martin. 9 p.m. December 14 at Cafe Nine, 250 State St., New Haven. $6. 203789-8281, cafenine.com.

of the Huffington Post. She is touring in support of her new eponymously titled album. 8 p.m. December 15 at the Outer Space, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. $10. 203-288-6400, theouterspace.net. Pop rocker/blues guitarist/celebrity gossip fodder John Mayer returns to his native Bridgeport in support of his latest album, Paradise Valley. Hey, wonder if Katy Perry will be there!? 7 p.m. December 16 at Webster Bank Arena, 600 Main St., Bridgeport. $90.15-$69.65. 203-345-2400, websterbankarena.com. The pride of Savannah, Ga., Triathalon plays garage-surf rock with a hint of Motown, creating a beachy yet soulful vibe. 9 p.m. December 16 at the Outer Space, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. $5. 203-288-6400, theouterspace.net. The Anti-Emo Empire Benefit/Reunion Show marks a return to the East Cost for Connecticut hardcore veteran Jeff Terranova. A fistful of hardcore and punk bands will play or reunite for the night. 9 p.m. December 21 at Cafe Nine, 250 State St., New Haven. $5. 203-789-8281, cafenine.com. The campy theatrics of GWAR really never get old. The satirical metal band is known for its boundary-bashing displays of graphic costumes, performances and firing cannons of mock bodily fluids. 8:30 p.m. December 28 at Toad’s Place, 300 York St., New Haven. $25 ($21.50 advance). 203-624-8623, toadsplace.com. Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo has had plenty of time to record and tour with his offshoot band, Lee Ranaldo and the Dust, since his original band has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2011. The group stops in Hamden to play its darkly psychedelic and anxious jams from their new album Last Night on Earth. 9 p.m. January 9 at Spaceland Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. $15 ($12 advance). 203-288-6400, spacelandballroom.com.

The “adventurous folk” of Northampton singer/songwriter Heather Maloney has earned her accolades from the likes

presents

Interim Artistic Director Lisa Sanborn

Fri. Dec. 13 – 7pm Sat. Dec. 14 – 1 & 5:30pm Sun. Dec. 15 – 1pm FEAT URING

Maria Kowroski, Principal

new york city ballet

Charles Askegard, Former Principal

NEW HAVEN BALLET ORCHESTRA conducted by

Richard Gard

©Kei Acedera

new york city ballet

Nov. 22 – Feb. 2

Shubert Box Office (203) 562-5666 www.tickets.com NHB NHMag-QTR-4C_AD-2013.indd 1

10/21/13 2:27 PM

One State Street • New Haven 203-865-0400 • kofcmuseum.org

Free admission & parking

CALENDAR

BELLES LETTRES The Mystery Book Club meets the first Wednesday to discuss a pre-selected book. Books are available for check out prior to the meeting. 3-4 p.m. December 4 at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Free. 203-4836653, blackstone.lioninc.org/booktalk.htm. The Hagaman Library hosts a Young Adult Author Event: Nineteen-year-old college sophomore Evan DeCarlo of Branford has published his first novel, Children of the Noah: The Barren Earth. The author will be on hand to read from and discuss his story of a 14-yearold boy and his two friends who investigate a comet crashing into a forest on the first night of summer break — only to discover a time machine that launches them into a post-apocalyptic future. 3:30 p.m. December 6 at Hagaman Memorial Library, 227 Main St., East Haven. Free. Registration. 203-468-3890, hagamanlibrary.info. Power of Pictures illustrates the depth and breadth of images in Beinecke’s collections, from woodcuts to photographs, diagrams to cartoons. It shows how pictures, as much as texts, can illuminate what we know about writers, readers, artists and ourselves. Through December 16 at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, 121 Wall St., New Haven. Free. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., noon-5 p.m. Sat. 203-432-2977, beineckelibrary@yale.edu. New members are welcomed to the Blackstone Library Second Tuesday Book Club. The group meets on the second Tuesday to discuss a pre-selected book. Books available for loan in advance of discussion. 6:45-8 p.m. December 10 at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Free. 203-488-1441, ext. 318, blackstone.lioninc.org/booktalk.htm. Release your inner poet. Time Out for Poetry meets third Thursdays and welcomes you to share an original short poem, recite a stanza or simply to listen. Ogden Nash, Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Dr. Seuss and even the Burma Shave signs live again. 12:30-2 p.m. December 19 at Scranton Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Free. 203-245-7365. The Poetry Institute of New Haven hosts Poetry Open Mics each third Thursday. Come hear an eclectic mix of poetic voices. 7 p.m. December 19 at Young Men’s Institute Library, 847 Chapel St., New Haven. Free. thepoetryinstitute.com.

BENEFITS The Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut’s annual Trees of Hope fundraiser began 24 years ago with a dozen trees at the Governor’s Mansion and has grown into a nine-day display of more than 100 decorated trees, wreaths and holiday baskets lining the halls of the Maritime Center. Each item is raffled off to one winner (tickets $1 each). Proceeds benefit families that stay at RMHCT while family members are undergoing specialized medical treatment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. December

56 D ECEMBER 2013

7-15 at Long Wharf Maritime Center, 545-555 Long Wharf Dr., New Haven. Free admission. rmh-ct.org.

CINEMA Penned by Jean Shepherd (based on the novel In God We Trust — All Others Pay Cash) is A Christmas Story (1983, 94 min., USA). Ralphie must convince his parents, teachers and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940s. Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin star. Free pizza, too! 5 p.m. December 12 at Hagaman Memorial Library, 227 Main St., East Haven. Free. Registration. 203-468-3890, hagamanlibrary.info.

COMEDY Every Wednesday evening Joker’s Wild opens its stage to anyone who wants to try standup comedy — from brand-new comics to amateurs to seasoned pros. As Forrest Gump might say, each Open-Mic Night is kind of like a box of chocolates. 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Joker’s Wild, 232 Wooster St., New Haven. $5. 203-773-0733, jokerswildclub.com. A double bill of funnymen Mike Finoia & Chesley Calloway come to Wooster Street. Daniel Kalwhite hosts. 8 p.m. December 13, 8 & 10:30 p.m. December 14 at Joker’s Wild, 232 Wooster St., New Haven. $18. 203-773-0733, jokerswildclub.com.

CULINARY Consiglio’s Cooking Class Club. Chef Maureen Nuzzo explains and demonstrates how to prepare mouth-watering southern Italian dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation. December’s menu: baby spinach with a bacon-tomato vinaigrette, sundried cranberries, oranges and goat cheese; zuppa di mussels with truffle oil, roasted shallots and pancetta; pan-seared cod with potatoes Anna in a saffron-lobster broth; and pumpkin-spiced crème brulée. 6:30 p.m. December 4-5, 11 at Consiglio’s Restaurant, 165 Wooster St., New Haven. $65. Reservations. 203865-4489, consiglios.com. City Farmers Markets New Haven. Enjoy seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs from local farms including seafood, meat, milk, cheese, handcrafted bread and baked goods, honey, more. WOOSTER SQUARE: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through December 21 at Russo Park, corner Chapel St. and DePalma Ct. EDGEWOOD PARK: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays through December 22 at Whalley and West Rock Aves. 203-773-3736, cityseed.org.

DANCE The New Haven Ballet breathes new life into Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic The Nutcracker. This year’s production features guest artists Maria Kowroski, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, and Charles Askegard, former principal dancer with the same company. 7

’Tis the season for a bounty of Nutcrackers. Branford High School freshman Anna Vescovi (pictured) joins guest artists from New York City Ballet in Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s production of the holiday classic December 14-15 at the Garde Arts Center. p.m. December 13, 1 & 5:30 p.m. December 14, 1 p.m. December 15 at the Shubert Theater, 254 College St., New Haven. $53-$18. 800-228-6622, shubert.com. New York City Ballet principal dancer Sara Mearns lends star power to Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker under the direction of Gloria Govrin, who danced in the New York City Ballet for 15 years under George Balanchine. Added local angle: Branford High School freshman Anna Vescovi will dance the role of Dew Drop. 1:30 & 7 p.m. December 14, 1:30 p.m. December 15 at Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London. $46-$38. 860-444-7373, ext. 1, gardearts.org.

EXHIBITIONS Two years in the making, the exhibition Beyond the New Township: Wooster Square, curated by Elizabeth Pratt Fox and William Frank Mitchell, is a lively, in-depth exploration of everything Wooster Square, from history to architecture to sociology — to even “Dogs of Wooster Square.” A must-see (see review, 8/13 NHM). Through February 28 at New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave., New Haven.

$4 ($3 seniors, $2 students). 203-562-4183, newhavenmuseum.org.

FAMILY EVENTS Easter Seals Goodwill Industries presents the 19th annual Fantasy of Lights. More than 60 light displays (half of which are animated) employing more than 100,000 lights may be viewed over the mile-long route. 5-9 p.m. weekdays, 5-10 p.m. weekends through December 31 at Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. $10/car or family van. 203-777-2000, eastersealsgoodwill.org/ fantasyoflights. Each Tuesday the Yale Astronomy Department hosts a Planetarium Show. Weather permitting there is also public viewing of planets, nebulae, star clusters and whatever happens to be interesting in the sky. Viewable celestial objects change seasonally. 7 & 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Leitner Family Observatory, 355 Prospect St., New Haven. Free. cobb@astro. yale.edu, astro.yale.edu. Philatelists unite! Young people ages eight to 15 are invited to join the Hagaman Library’s monthly (first Saturdays) Stamp Club. In addition to learning about stamps, attendees learn a lot of history and many other NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM

fascinating things from club leader and World War II veteran Judge Anthony DeMayo. 10 a.m. November 2 at Hagaman Memorial Library, 227 Main St., East Haven. Free. Registration. 203468-3890, hagamanlibrary.info. Creating Readers Saturdays at 2 Program. A fun, interactive program that engages young readers by bringing books to life using theater, dance and music. Each family that attends receives a copy of that week’s book to take home. 2 p.m. Saturdays at Connecticut Children’s Museum, 22 Wall St., New Haven. $5. 203-562-5437, childrensbuilding.org.

LECTURES Christine Kinealy, a renowned authority on the Irish famine, will discuss her new book, Charity and the Great Hunger in Ireland: The Kindness of Strangers, sponsored by Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute at Quinnipiac University. Kinealy will discuss a lesserknown aspect of the Irish famine: the role of private charity during the tragedy. People worldwide mobilized to provide money, food and clothing to assist the starving Irish. These interventions were made possibly by improvements in communication, as newspapers throughout the world reported the suffering in Ireland. 6:30 p.m. December 3 in Student Center Rm. 225, Quinnipiac University, 275 Mt. Carmel Ave., Hamden. Free. 203-582-8652, quinnipiac.edu.

MIND, BODY & SOUL The Ives library hosts weekly Library Yoga classes suitable for all levels. Walkins welcome. Bring a yoga mat. 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays at New Haven Free Public Library, 133 Elm St., New Haven. $5. 203-946-8835. Led by Nelie Doak, Yoga promotes a deep sense of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Classes are designed to help cultivate breath and body awareness, improve flexibility, strengthen and tone muscles, detoxify the body and soothe the spirit. All levels welcome. Bring a yoga mat. 5-6:30 p.m. Fridays at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., Branford. $10. 203-488-1441, ext. 313, yogidoakie@earthlink. net or events@blackstone.lioninc.org, blackstone.lioninc.org.

NATURAL HISTORY Echoes of Egypt: Conjuring the Land of the Pharaohs will take visitors on a journey through 2,000 years of fascination with ancient Egypt, the land of the pharaohs. Highlights include an examination of the meaning and changing uses of hieroglyphs, together with an exploration of Egyptosophy, the use of the magic and religious symbolism of ancient Egypt in later cultures. And of course no display on Egypt would be complete without mummies, here treated not as oddities but explained as examples of the Egyptian fascination with regeneration through decay. A centerpiece will be a diorama showing a scene from a 19th-century “mummy unwrapping” event in Philadelphia, complete with a mummy from the Barnum

A Celebration of Culture, Taste and Atmosphere A dining experience designed to captivate your senses

Lunch 11-4 Dinner 4-10 pm & Take Out

Reserve Now for Your Holiday Parties and Receive 10% Off

27 Temple Street, New Haven 203.562.8844 | kudetanewhaven.com

Museum and an invitation from the American Antiquarian Society. Through January 4 at Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, noon-5 p.m. Sun. $9 ($8 seniors, $5 children). 203-432-5050, peabody.yale.edu.

SPORTS/RECREATION Cycling Elm City Cycling organizes Lulu’s Ride, weekly two- to four-hour rides for all levels (17-19 mph average). Cyclists leave at 10 a.m. from Lulu’s European Café as a single group; no one is dropped. 10 a.m. Sundays at Lulu’s European Café, 49 Cottage St., New Haven. Free. 203-773-9288, elmcitycycling.org. The Little Lulu (LL) is an alternative to the long-standing Sunday morning training ride. The route is usually 20-30 miles in length and the ride is no-drop, meaning that the group waits at hilltops and turns so that no rider is left behind. The LL is an opportunity for cyclists to get accustomed to riding in groups. Riders should come prepared with materials (tubes, tools, pumps and/or CO2 inflators) to repair flats. 10 a.m. Sundays at Lulu’s European Café, 49 Cottage St., New Haven. Free. 203-773-9288, paulproulx@sbcglobal.net, elmcitycycling.org. Tuesday Night Canal Rides. Medium-paced rides up the Farmington Canal into New Haven. May split into two groups based on riders’ speed but no one will be left behind to ride alone. Lights are a must. 5:30 p.m.

Tuesdays at Café Romeo, 534 Orange St., New Haven. Free. william.v.kurtz@gmail.com. Elm City Cycling monthly meeting occurs on the second Monday. ECC is a nonprofit organization of cycling advocates who meet to discuss biking issues in New Haven. Dedicated to making New Haven friendlier and more accessible to cyclists and pedestrians. 7 p.m. December 9 at City Hall Meeting Rm. 2, 165 Church St., New Haven. Free. elmcitycycling.org.

Road Races/Triathlons The Nichols Improvement Association presents the 24th annual Jingle Bell Run, a scenic 5K course through the heart of the Nichols community. 9:30 a.m. (kids’ fun run 9:15) December 7 at Nichols Firehouse, 100 Shelton Rd., Trumbull. $20 advance, $25 race day. niajinglebellrun.com. It’s become an Elm City holiday tradition: Christopher Martins Christmas Run for Children, a flat, fast 5K along State and Orange streets as well as the New Haven Green. Entry fee just $5 if you bring a new, unwrapped toy (which is the whole idea of the event). 10:15 a.m. December 8 at Christopher Martins, 860 State St., New Haven. $15 advance, $20 day of race (w/o toy). 203-481-5933, jbsports@snet.net. It’s the 13th annual Holiday Run for Toys, a 5K affair. 9:30 a.m. December 15 at Scandinavian Club, S. Pine Creek Rd., Fairfield. $8 advance, $10 at door (with unwrapped toy). msrunningproductions.com.

B IB LIOF IL E S Photos: Dominick Cenotti

W O R DS of M OUTH EDITOR’S FÊ T E S PICK:

Meat IN S T Y L E & Co By Liese OUKlein T DO OR S

TB O DY & SOUL

he best thing to happen to New Haven dining in years has nothing to do with food — it’s a bright green sticker on the street outside. Those stickers have been slapped on parking meters across town and allow drivers to pay for parking using their phones via a mobile app.

ON S CR EE N

No more fumbling for change, no more rushing outside to feed a meter and, if you’re careful, no more of the

ultimate bad aftertaste: A parking ticket. So this diner on wheels promptly celebrated with a trip to Meat & Co. in Ninth Square, long a neighborhood rife with parking challenges. Turns out this new sandwich shop is a perfect place to start a tour of the revitalized district, currently home to a range of restaurants, markets and galleries. Meat & Co. opened this year in a narrow sliver of space next to 116 Crown, the original venture of owner John Ginnetti. Walk down a short hallway between the spaces to enter the eatery, barely wide enough to navigate past seated diners at counters on either side. What little space there is gets the “lite industrial” treatment, with Edison bulbs and a gleaming copper counter on one side, marble on the other. A photo of butchered pigs adorns the restroom. Even late in the afternoon the place

Jared Emerling , Manager and Aerin Zavory, who prefers to be known as the “Sultan of the Wich”., in this case the Rich Ruben on opposite page

was buzzing with young people — several sporting facial hair and flannel — chatting and socializing at considerable volume to match a

soundtrack of classic rock. Wait, did I take the wrong exit and end up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, home of the gentleman hipster?

Book NOW for your Holiday Parties!

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lalunact.com 168 North Main Street Branford 203-483-9995

9 Whitehall Ave Mystic 860-536-6300

meal. The careful composition around juicy pork allowed each flavor to sing, accompanied by a spicy note of aioli. Off-season arugula didn’t add much flavor but did lend some texture.

Never mind, the food was worth the trip. Choose from the short but adventurous menu showcasing artisanal meats and locally sourced produce from nearby farms. I couldn’t pass up the PLT ($10) – porchetta, arugula and tomato confit with a paprika aioli. Other choices include a smoked salmon concoction, the Rick Reuben with cardamomspiced pastrami or tongue, and a vegetarian sandwich of barbecued squash. All sandwiches are in the $10 range and come with a bag of Deep River chips. One bite of my PLT revealed that Meat & Co.’s sandwich makers have mastered the art of proportion: A perfect amount of rich meat was set off by a thin and crisp ciabatta-like bun, making for a satisfying but not gut-busting

Just as appealing as my sandwich were the house beverages, Fentimans botanical sodas. I dove in with a burdock and dandelion concoction, wild vegetables that on their own can taste like dirt and battery acid, respectively. What a pleasant surprise: The soda opens with a whiff of root beer, tastes slightly gingery on the tongue and wraps up with a beautifully dry finish. Not too sweet, not too aggressive and about the perfect thing to wash down some rich pork. My repast complete and my parking spot secure, I then wandered down the street to Skappo Merkato on Orange Street for a latte and cannoli, the creamy and lightly sweet filling complemented by a fresh-tasting shell. This tiny store has expanded its offerings to include artisan cheeses and even fresh Torrone nougat from Italy — great for the holidays.

A Family & Yale Tradition for More than Forty Years ~ Established 1969 ~

Serving Lunch • Dinner • Late Night We’re Pizza and So Much More

November is Restaurant Month!

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So cash in those quarters, stop eyeing the meter maids and order yourself a sandwich at Meat & Co. You even have time for seconds and a stroll through Ninth Square.

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Meat & Co., 116 Crown St., New Haven (203-776-6328).

288 York Street New Haven

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NEW EATS:

gourmet burgers and craft beer.

BB Shack

That’s the draw of the new BB Shack restaurant off East Main in Branford, a refreshing addition to the Shoreline town’s eatery options.

By Liese Klein

nstead of fishnets and buoys, you get skyhigh ceilings and blonde wood. Instead of a standard surf-and-turf or Italian, you get

Just pulling into to BB Shack’s parking lot offers something new: The A-frame building looks like some kind of ski lodge or Colorado vacation home. Set in a wide-open industrial area, the lot offers an enviable view of the stars on a clear late-autumn night. Decked with holiday lights, the location couldn’t get more atmospheric if you skied there. Step inside and the big-sky ambience continues,

with those soaring ceilings and the open-plan dining areas. A few discreet TVs in the bar area and attentive service add to the relaxed and casual vibe. A glance at the menu hints that BB Shack has aspirations beyond a simple pub. Specials on a recent night included a wild mushroom soup with tarragon and a horseradish-spiked Bloody Mary burger. Look along the back wall and you’ll see another sign of sophistication: A sizeable list of hyper-local and out-of-the ordinary craft beers on draught. Best bets for Branford-made brews include Thimble Island’s American IPA and stout and Stony Creek’s 203 IPA. Also on tap was Sea Hag IPA from New England Brewing of Woodbridge and well-regarded regional, national and international craft beers in a range of styles. That wild mushroom soup ($3.50) was on tap first for my meal, smooth and delicate with hints of herb and green onion. The flavor was a bit muted but came to life when you crunched into the garlicky croutons on top. Restraint with seasoning emerged as a theme as

I tackled my 21 Club burger ($14), smothered in bleu cheese with a touch of red wine glaze. My medium-rare patty verged on the rare due to its size, but the chef’s light hand with salt allowed the beefy goodness to shine through. Iceberg lettuce provided some welcome crunch. Wellbrowned fries brought earthy char to the dish, but the star side for me was a small serving of cabbage slaw, lightly dressed and impeccably fresh. Subtle flavor and freshness also elevated a dessert of coconut carrot cake ($6), nearly smothered by frosting that turned out to be a creamy, barely sweet cream-cheese masterpiece. The cake itself could pass as a health food with its chunks of walnut and carrot in a moist and savory cake. BB Shack succeeds as both a eating and drinking experience with seasoned chef David Brooks, formerly of Judie’s European Bakery, at the helm. With its innovative design and décor, this new restaurant also serves as a welcome break from the ordinary, Shoreline style. BB Shack, 5 Sycamore Way, Branford (203-208-2740, bbshackct.com).

a modern farmhouse, new American bistro

Farm-To-Table Menu Serving Dinner 4-11 PM Tues.-Sun.

Sat/Sun Brunch Price Fixe Menu 3 Courses Tues. - Sun. 4-6 pm

$19.99 838 Whalley Ave, New Haven

203-691-1456

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APPS • SOUPS • SEAFOOD • LOBSTERS Private Parties Prix Fixe Menu

Open Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 11:30 am-9 pm

Open ALL DAY New Year’s Day Rte. 146 (So. Montowese) Branford, CT 203-488-1500

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Open Seven Days

165 Wooster Street New Haven 203-865-4489 www.consiglios.com

By SUSAN E. CORNELL

This Holiday, Go Really Green

BI BLIOFILES

W OR DS of MOUTH

F Ê TE S

INS T YLE

or many, the annual tradition of wandering through the fields bracing for the cold to select a real Christmas tree — the perfect tree — promises a lifetime of memories. Whether you select a tree and have it cut for you, buy a tree to plant later on, or cut the tree yourself, local farms offer not only trees but also a tremendous experience for the family. Some even offer sleigh rides, hay rides, golf cart and snowmobile rides!

O U TDO O RS

B ODY & SOUL

“It was a good growing season for trees this year so the supply should be good,” predicts Ron Olsen of the state’s Department of Agriculture and himself a tree grower.

O N SCRE EN

Connecticut is home to more than 300 tree farms with more than 5,000 acres in cultivation. Growers range from less than one acre to more than 200 acres. Some 500,000 to 600,000 Connecticut-grown trees are sold annually, valued at a lot of green — between $15 million and $20 million. “Connecticut-grown trees are local and therefore you not only support the local economy but you are purchasing a tree that you know is fresh and has the best chance of not losing needles,” Olsen explains. The price range varies. “There is a wide range of prices for cut-your-own,” he acknowledges. “The average range is from $30 to $60 depending on location.” In New Haven County, prices are “around the same” as those in the rest of the state, but “In general higherincome towns with a tree farm will charge more and those towns that have lower income per-capita charge less. It’s the old ‘Charge what the people can afford,’” Olsen points out. “Shoreline towns will always average more since clientele is above average [in household income].” The favorite species most commonly harvested in Connecticut are Fraser fir, blue spruce, white spruce and white pine. Within the region there are many great farms from which to choose your perfect locally grown holiday

62 D ECEMBER 2013

Choosing the perfect Connecticut Christmas tree tradition. We asked tree farmers in New Haven County for their “tree tips.”

sun. If you are not ready to set up your tree you should still put it in water in a shady protected area.”

In Hamden, Burton Jaynes, who oversees Broken Arrow Nursery’s Christmas tree operation, advises, “You certainly want to find a fresh tree from a reputable grower. Give the needles a slight ‘tug’ to make sure they aren’t dry and already starting to fall off. Usually this isn’t a problem for any tree growing in the field and is more of an issue for pre-cut trees that were cut months before Christmas and trucked in.”

In Orange, the advice from Lou’s Christmas Trees is: “If they take the top half of a tree it is usually nicer and fuller. Branches are stronger on a older tree.”

Also, “Be familiar with your tree stand and ceiling height,” Jaynes adds. “Trees always look smaller outside so people tend to buy trees that are too big. If the tree grower doesn’t supply measuring poles, bring a tape measure. Look at the trunk diameter before you cut the tree and ensure that the trunk is straight and that it will fit in your stand. On that topic, make sure you have a stand that is sturdy and holds a lot of water.” In North Guilford, Christmas Hill Tree Farm’s Richard Prout recommends, “Cut the tree squarely and put the cut end in water with no additives within 24 hours. Locate your tree away from heat sources and out of the

Offers Tom Pinchbeck of Pinchbecks Tree Farm in Guilford: “Run your hand down the branches looking to see how many needles come off. A few loose needles are normal, but if many needles come off, move on to another tree.” Also, he adds, “Check the base of the tree to be sure the trunk is relatively straight. Avoid trees with double-trunks. From the common-sense department, Pinchbeck adds: “Know how tall a tree you want and have a way to measure in the field. Trees that look small in the field may look much bigger in the home.” And, of course: “Be sure to use a good stand that holds lots of water and refill the water daily. Fresh-cut trees will drink a lot of water during their first few days in the home.” For a list of spots to make your own holiday tradition, visit pickyourownchristmastree.org.

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Every day, we’re discovering more causes. Finding more answers. Gaining more knowledge. At Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, we’re helping thousands of people with cancer grow stronger, healthier and more confident that they can live a life that’s cancer free. And as science continues to push the envelope of discovery, and specialists continue to deliver more effective treatments, we know we’re coming closer to a cure. So do the thousands of survivors who give us reason to believe

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the world is closer to free.

11/15/13 2:51 PM