tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1030514404795657022024-02-07T00:25:27.817-05:00Writer/Author Mike Lauterborn LiveA continuous feed of updates about Mike's "Chasing Charley" book project, writing endeavors with newspapers and magazines, activities and business ventures.Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.comBlogger676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-23667275023532075582018-11-11T10:48:00.001-05:002018-11-11T10:48:39.769-05:00<h1 style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: "Century Gothic", CenturyGothic, AppleGothic, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; margin: 10px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's been quite some time since I last posted on my blog, but there couldn't be a better day to do it than today, Veteran's Day 2018, precisely 15 years since I came home from my 66-day tour of America and wrote my "Chasing Charley" manuscript. Life got in the way, shall we say, in the intervening years between then and just three weeks ago, when I was spurred to revisit the project and, finally, publish "Chasing Charley". The below is an article published through Fairfield HamletHub online news service which describes this emotional moment and how you can obtain a copy of my book. Enjoy! And, as always, happy travels! </span></h1>
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Fairfield, CT Writer Mike Lauterborn Releases “Chasing Charley” Book, the Sequel to John Steinbeck’s 1960 “Travels with Charley” Adventure</h1>
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FAIRFIELD, CT— Exactly 15 years after returning home from a 66-day, counter-clockwise tour of the United States, Fairfield Writer, Photographer and Journalist Mike Lauterborn is celebrating the release of his new book, “Chasing Charley”, essentially the sequel to great American Author John Steinbeck’s 1960 “Travels with Charley” travelogue adventure. </div>
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The 388-page volume, printed as a paperback with several photos and also available as an e-book, both through AuthorHouse, documents Lauterborn’s 2003 journey from his Connecticut home north to Maine, west to Washington state, south to the bottom of California, east to Florida and back north to home. In all, he traveled nearly 16,000 miles through 35 states and four provinces of Canada, using Steinbeck’s book as his road guide. His aim was to follow the author’s route as closely as possible, meet some of the same people Steinbeck met back in 1960 and supplement the voyage with some of his own agenda items.</div>
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Lauterborn finished writing his book a month after he returned from his trip on Veteran’s Day, 2003, “feeling exhausted like a militiaman coming home from combat,” he described the feeling. But then life got in the way and, after some false starts to shop the manuscript, then a divorce, he abandoned the project, printing it out and resigning it to a binder to retire on a shelf. Still, though, it nipped at him. And his Dad nipped at him. And his publisher nipped at him. And friends nipped at him. All urged him to see the project through to fruition. </div>
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But it took an act of almost divine intervention to spur him to action. On the morning of Sunday, October 21, 2018, Lauterborn was browsing vendor tables at local Fairfield Warde High School’s monthly parking lot flea market and met a self-described Psychic Medium, Rev. Jackie Bumm, who grasped his hand, looked directly at him and said, “You have an unfinished writing project.”</div>
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Lauterborn reeled back, wondering how she could possibly know such a thing and Bumm said, “You just confirmed that I’m supposed to be doing what I’m doing.” The very next day, Lauterborn called AuthorHouse, contracted for a production and marketing team and submitted his manuscript. A little over two weeks later, in early November, after content evaluation and a subsequent full text edit job, the book was approved to go to print.</div>
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“This has been a very emotional process, from the moment I submitted my manuscript to AuthorHouse and gave them the go ahead, to reading and thoroughly editing — essentially reliving — the journey, and then getting the green light for print. It’s surreal, actually, and I can’t wait to hold the first copy in my hand,” he said excitedly. Lauterborn expects to receive his author copies the week of Nov. 12. One of the copies is already promised to his dad, Robert, who is also an author, of marketing books, several of which have been translated worldwide. Robert always encouraged his son’s writing and instilled in him a love of words. </div>
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Lauterborn’s book is also dedicated in part to his mother, Sylvia, who passed on Memorial Day in 2013, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. In her early career, Sylvia was a stewardess with Pan American Airlines and traveled to over 80 countries ultimately in her lifetime. She instilled in her son a passion for travel. </div>
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The book is also devoted to Lauterborn’s sons, Evan, 23, and, Phillip, who will turn 19 at Thanksgiving and is a freshman at UConn’s Stamford, CT campus. They instilled in Lauterborn a sense of child-like wonder and are referred to frequently in the book. They were just 3 and 7 when their Dad set off around the country in his 1995 Ford E-150, 10-passenger van, piled up with clothing, books, food, camping supplies, maps and more. Evan’s class actually tracked his Dad’s progress around the country, marking up a U.S. map every time Lauterborn checked in from the road. </div>
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“It was the adventure of a lifetime,” said Lauterborn. “I figured that, even if my book never saw the light of day, I would have this trip memory to savor always.” Highlights included having a drink with Steinbeck’s sister-in-law at the author’s Sag Harbor, Long Island home prior to setting off, meeting the same dairy farmer Steinbeck had in New Hampshire, fishing for salmon near a hydroelectric plant at the top of Maine with French Canadians, visiting a buffalo ranch and later dining on moosesteak at the top of a glacial mountain in Wyoming, sleeping amongst the Redwoods in California, sitting with famed Film Director Francis Ford Coppola in San Francisco, overcoming vehicle troubles and a persistent health challenge, meeting a Navajo medicine man on historical Route 66, reuniting with family in Houston then again in North Carolina, and savoring the pristine white sand beaches of Florida’s panhandle.</div>
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Lauterborn came to appreciate the breadth and sheer magnitude of the trip Steinbeck — then he himself — had undertaken. And he learned much about Steinbeck and was startled by the many similarities between the author and himself with regard to family, heritage, abilities, interests and writing styles. Lauterborn also came to understand Americans better and had the rare opportunity to meet them in all their walks of life, see how they lived and understand the commonalities between us, though our accents, lifestyles and homesteads might be quite different. </div>
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If you have ever dreamed of doing the great American road trip or are a fan of Steinbeck’s classic works like “Grapes of Wrath” and “Of Mice and Men”, then “Chasing Charley” is a must read. </div>
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And here’s how you can learn more about and order it:</div>
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<strong><a href="https://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001208108" style="color: #71c4bd; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001208108</a></strong></div>
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Chasing Charley</div>
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By Mike Lauterborn</div>
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Published: Nov. 2018</div>
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Formate: Perfect Bound Softcover (B&W) with several photos</div>
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Pages: 388</div>
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Size: 6x9</div>
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ISBN: 9781546267751</div>
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Paperback Price: $20.99 / eBook: $3.99</div>
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FOLLOW THE PROJECT ON INSTAGRAM: @chasing_charley_travelogue for news about author appearances, readings, signings and more.</div>
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Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-34339963353668337482015-08-17T22:37:00.002-04:002015-08-17T22:37:46.295-04:00An Omelet At 2 a.m. Just Because<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErcIddN3hP6SmGr70XgwAtPzh1BPqRaAKWWgaV4K0uiEpW9iOvY6V7os9w-tqXjkXk2xyzuHZ6zGqEsPNDLWpeXw5PPBw6d-dWikpABhbrBaVaqHveiULZQYwBdlLuy1SkCge9y6CxEYM/s1600/DSC01691.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453217272125575458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErcIddN3hP6SmGr70XgwAtPzh1BPqRaAKWWgaV4K0uiEpW9iOvY6V7os9w-tqXjkXk2xyzuHZ6zGqEsPNDLWpeXw5PPBw6d-dWikpABhbrBaVaqHveiULZQYwBdlLuy1SkCge9y6CxEYM/s400/DSC01691.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 300px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 400px;" /></a>Funny to discover this draft, which I created in March 2010, more than five years ago now, when I was making a transition from the formal corporate world of sales promotion and advertising to writing and photography. It was a time of great discovery and exploration for me, and an urge to cook was just one illustration of the time. Here's the write-up... and I still have that plate!<br />
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Look out Man vs. Food -- Mike Lauterborn is stove-side again and cooking with a vengeance. Today's middle of the night concoction? A little dish he likes to call a Glomlet, 'cause you really want to "glom" it down once you get that first sample. So pay attention People, 'cause we're tipping you off to the special ingredients that make up this eggy artifact. Here goes:<br />
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- 3 medium eggs, beaten</div>
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- Splash of milk</div>
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- Sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese</div>
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- Chunks of sweet Italian sausage, pre-thawed, pre-cooked and mixed in</div>
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- 1/2 red onion diced</div>
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- 3 mushrooms sliced</div>
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Cook mushrooms, onion and sausage until brown. Combine eggs, milk and mozzarella and pour over the cooked red onion and mushrooms. Cook overall until firm then serve with whole wheat muffin topped with blackberry jam. Mmm-mmm.</div>
Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-18525698810939111792012-05-10T13:33:00.001-04:002012-05-10T13:33:18.497-04:00Winter Farmers Market Springs to Life on St. Patrick’s Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5P7AGS8Jl1AlXI2GRy9WZ7AOpbVZIz2zOAMhhMHIPai7xBTEz3iiCx9OzW8HVsM3ovtDmxE_dYx3t9f8sfZj9dEDD-p7iU8CSVW7KGZlhLv_V7h-CruAWKmt7iRjnConf34W1_vCSr7VN/s1600/DSCN0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5P7AGS8Jl1AlXI2GRy9WZ7AOpbVZIz2zOAMhhMHIPai7xBTEz3iiCx9OzW8HVsM3ovtDmxE_dYx3t9f8sfZj9dEDD-p7iU8CSVW7KGZlhLv_V7h-CruAWKmt7iRjnConf34W1_vCSr7VN/s320/DSCN0756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Winter Farmers Market
Springs to Life on St. Patrick’s Day</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/17/12</b></span></div>
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Weston, CT – Norfield Grange rolled out the greens – and a
couple of goats – in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day Saturday, drawing
families to its Winter Farmers Market for natural foods, apparel and other
local artisan products.</div>
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The Winter Market, at 12 Good Hill Road in Weston, has been
held every Saturday from 10a.m. to 2p.m. since November 9, and will run through
June 9. It’s conducted annually rain, shine or snow and typically offers 20 to
25 vendors – farmers, specialty food producers, artisans and crafters. To liven
up the setting for the Irish holiday, Butterfield Farm Company was on hand with
its goats Ada Oklahoma and Cabo, for children to pet and feed. </div>
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“We’re regular vendors here,” said Butterfield Farm co-owner
Tara Bryson, “and today we’re just having some fun educating the community
about goats. People get to meet the animals that produce the goods at the farm.
We make all goat milk based products including cheese, yogurt and bath and body
items. Goat milk products have been shown to have many health benefits.”</div>
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Butterfield’s inventory is a good fit with other vendors’
goods, explained Lyn Kimberly, Market Master and a Norfield Grange officer.
“Everything is handmade, homemade or homegrown.”</div>
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As the morning grew warmer, visitors wandered from table to
table, set out on the grass and inside the Grange structure. Lilting Irish
music played from a sound system and the combined aromas from bubbling soup,
soda bread, seafood and garden greens mingled in the air making the Market
setting more Spring-like than Winter oriented. </div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-43667796945633453632012-05-10T13:28:00.002-04:002012-05-10T13:28:58.388-04:00Bodega Taco Bar Adds Magic to Traditional Mexican Fare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPs1fCRBTGUdfdOM-3FS0wITrkKngHnpujwjEPH21H_cUBSOaX2kbOW8XiWvFXx_1_288GxLu_qsTIcxJ2owOS3L6JMO-uU5nWOH4QeleEUyc8eJJPHsimNeACDmh6mUC1_s5Dwc3H1Xi/s1600/DSCN0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPs1fCRBTGUdfdOM-3FS0wITrkKngHnpujwjEPH21H_cUBSOaX2kbOW8XiWvFXx_1_288GxLu_qsTIcxJ2owOS3L6JMO-uU5nWOH4QeleEUyc8eJJPHsimNeACDmh6mUC1_s5Dwc3H1Xi/s320/DSCN0721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Bodega Taco Bar Adds Magic
to Traditional Mexican Fare</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield County Life
Magazine April 2012)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/16/12</b></span></div>
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Fairfield, CT – Fulfilling the vision of its three partners,
Bodega Taco Bar in downtown Fairfield has been satisfying local palettes for
nearly a year now with its own distinctive take on traditional Mexican cuisine.</div>
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Forty-two-year-old Partner and Chef Michael Young took a
moment recently to speak with <i>FCL</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> about
the culinary path that led him to Bodega, his collaborators Mario Fontana and
Luis Chavez, and signature menu items.</span></div>
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“My father was a chef in Long Island, where I grew up, in
Massapequa on the south shore,” Young said. “He worked at different places –
Italian, American, European, French. Sons look up to their fathers and I
started dabbling in cooking.”</div>
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Young’s mother was also an influence. In his sophomore year
of high school, she handed him a BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational
Services) school catalog – essentially a guide to trade vocations. “She said to
pick something,” Young said. “Being a travel agent seemed inviting, which
required one year of experience in the school’s culinary classroom. I liked the
cooking aspect and didn’t even move on to the travel portion – just continued
on with cooking.”</div>
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Instead of going to college, Young moved to Manhattan and
kept cooking. “My first job was at Two Boots, on Avenue A, the original
location,” he said. “I liked it, was happy and was supporting myself.”</div>
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He bounced around over the next few years at different
restaurants, meeting a girl along the way who wanted to be with a professional
man. It spurred Young to go to college, to Baruch, from which he graduated with
a B.A. in Banking & Finance in 1994. He began working as a broker, but was
unhappy with the career choice, on the outs with the girl and missing cooking.
“I found myself visiting my friend’s restaurant, Erizo, after a long day at
work.”</div>
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He met another girl, Jennifer, whom he ended up marrying,
who told him to do whatever he wanted to do. He went back to cooking.</div>
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“As there were almost no new innovative Latin chefs or
non-Latin chefs making Latin food, I thought there was an opportunity to pursue
Latin cooking,” he said. “I got a shot cooking at Patria in New York under the
tutelage of Douglas Rodriguez, where I really learned Latin cooking.”</div>
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Several restaurant experiences followed -- Blue Maize, CO;
Lansky Lounge, NYC; and Quissano, ME – before Young moved to Fairfield County.
Mario Fontana had just opened the first Nuevo Latino restaurant in the area,
Habana in Southport, and brought Young aboard as Chef.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fontana then started Ocean Drive in
South Norwalk and Young took the cooking reins there. “I hired Luis Chavez,
initially as an oyster shucker,” Young said.</div>
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After five years, Young left to open Valencia in Norwalk.
Chavez came on as his partner. But Fontana came back into the picture in 2010,
after finding the Bodega space, and Young and Chavez joined him as partners.</div>
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“The concept we created was modern tacos,” Young said. “We
put new spins on traditional Mexican dishes and, on June 9, 2011, opened at
1700 Post Road. The reception has been outstanding, everyone wants to be here
at the magic hour. Customers are worldly and have a good palette. We give them
what they need and desire.”</div>
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As a starter, guacamole, always fresh to order, is a popular
choice. Among Antojitos, which range from $4 to $12, leaders are the Cerviche
de Mariscos – citrus-infused shrimp and scallops – and Bodega Grilled Corn.</div>
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The Platos, or main dishes, are priced from $13 to $16, and
include Mahi Mahi a la Plancha and Slow Roasted Pork “Lechon”, wherein the pork
is marinated for 48 hours in brine and slowly roasted.</div>
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A much-requested Side is Blistered Brussel Sprouts, glazed
in a secret pineapple glaze.</div>
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Salads are tagged from $8 to $14. An excellent choice is the
Massaged Kale, which is both nutritional and unique. Tortas, at $8 to $12,
include the Drowned Sandwich, comprised of an over-easy egg with chili sauce on
an open-faced piece of bread. The Burrito Tinga is spicy pulled chicken with rice,
beans and pico de gallo.</div>
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Tacos are the foundation of the eatery, comprising half of
all patron orders. There are nine different flavor expressions, at $4 apiece. A
star is the Lady Tata – a taco in a lettuce cup.</div>
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At the bar, visitors will find over 60 kinds of tequila.
These can be sampled in flights. There are also many imported beers, such as
Modelo, Pacifico Clara and Tecate. A small selection of hand-picked wines is
also available.</div>
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On the horizon, Bodega will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo
celebration, on May 5, featuring a pig roast, tent and live music.</div>
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Bodega Taco Bar is located in Heritage Square, 1700 Post
Road, Fairfield. Phone: 203-292-9590. <a href="http://www.bodegatacobar.com/">www.bodegatacobar.com</a></div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-29334527671826482082012-05-10T13:24:00.000-04:002012-05-10T13:24:06.044-04:00Faye Kim Designs: Timeless Classic Jewelry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6mgVZEupTuf-Du5WJ0iliiDuSqPP_NYXWGWpk6t8xg1OO8SHkdT0CFKIRQpSFQgeIupq9IF_dQqvgYcVsqo2ZR-eEZCweWISATHG6jSOnM-aLUNNc8XYQuNxeJdtlXj3aASC9RGeRhAA/s1600/DSCN0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6mgVZEupTuf-Du5WJ0iliiDuSqPP_NYXWGWpk6t8xg1OO8SHkdT0CFKIRQpSFQgeIupq9IF_dQqvgYcVsqo2ZR-eEZCweWISATHG6jSOnM-aLUNNc8XYQuNxeJdtlXj3aASC9RGeRhAA/s320/DSCN0711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Faye Kim Designs: Timeless
Classic Jewelry</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield County Life
Magazine, April 2012)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/15/12</b></span></div>
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Westport, CT – A mother’s whim became a career path for an
Asian immigrant whose Westport-based fine jewelry store has become a destination
for well-heeled women with a penchant for unique accessories. Faye Kim, of Faye
Kim Designs at 190 Main Street, spoke with <i>FCL</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> about her start in the field and why her clients keep coming back for
more.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
A Wilton resident and mother of three, forty-eight-year-old
Kim was born in Korea, the middle of five children. At age seven, she and her
family emigrated to Islip, NY, where her father pursued the telecommunications
business. </div>
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As Kim emerged from high school, her father tried to steer
her to medicine or computer science. She tried to please him, earning an
economics degree from Stony Brook University and then doing some accounting
work with her sister. “But,” she said, “It wasn’t a good fit, and, yet, I
didn’t know what else I wanted to do.”</div>
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Her mother suggested she go to the Gemological Institute of
America in New York, after hearing about a family friend’s experience there.
Kim enrolled in a six-month program, achieving a graduate gemologist degree.
“The experience opened up new doors and I began working for a wholesaler on 47<sup>th</sup>
Street, sorting diamonds,” she said. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Without contacts like other GIA graduates that had come from
jeweler families, however, her prospects appeared limited. Then her instructor
recommended her to the famous Tiffany’s on Fifth Avenue. She became a
merchandiser there, in the pearl department.</div>
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Two years later, another great opportunity presented itself.
“A friend recommended me for an assistant buyer position in fine jewelry at
Bergdorf Goodman,” she said. “Tiffany’s gave me the opportunity to work with
pearls and loose stones, while Bergdorf exposed me to the high-end luxury
retail business.”</div>
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She was quickly promoted to buyer, however, began to find
the work grueling and “all about numbers, not creativity, which was my leaning,”
she said. At the same time, she had recently married and wanted to start a
family. </div>
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She left Bergdorf and used the “time off” to raise her
children while also exploring the design and manufacturing side of the jewelry
business, through classes at Parsons School of Design and Cecilia Bauer
Studios. “I learned a technique called granulation, or fusing, that’s done with
high carat gold, which has become my present-day signature.”</div>
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Kim and two classmates from Cecilia Bauer began renting a
working studio together, sharing resources and developing their individual
style and techniques. Kim then moved from New York, first to East Norwalk, in
1995, then to Wilton four years later.</div>
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“My jewelry design pursuits became my saving grace in the
suburbs given the change of life from big city energy to quiet rural living,”
she said. She made pieces for family and friends, and did the occasional trunk
show, until 2003, when a combination of factors led her to open her own shop in
Westport.</div>
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“I had a client in Santa Barbara who carried my jewelry and
encouraged me to start the business,” Kim said. “Her clients – confident women
in their 40s and 50s, for whom name brands were not a driving pursuit – were my
buyers. They liked my casual, unique wearable items.”</div>
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Her initial location was steps away from the present site in
the same retail complex, in what is now Luxe wine bar. She was there for eight
years, selling jewelry and some home accessories. Ultimately, she said, “The
business evolved, the designs evolved, I evolved, and in October 2010, we moved
across the lot to a space that had been occupied by Cocoa Michele.”</div>
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The current site boasts an 800-square-foot showroom, which
is exclusively dedicated to her own designs. A large majority of the inventory
is made in an adjacent workshop. </div>
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“We try to make our space welcoming and nurturing – elegant
without being fussy,” she said. “I carry every category and many different
precious metals, though most pieces made are 18K green gold. I don’t do trendy
pieces, but am mindful of fashion and colors. Jewelry is an investment and
having a person behind the product with the knowledge I have is important.”</div>
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<i>Faye Kim Designs is located at 190 Main Street, Westport,
CT. Phone: 203-226-3511. <a href="http://www.fayekimdesigns.com/">www.FayeKimDesigns.com</a>
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am to 5:30pm and by appointment.</i></div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-64786109147790426952012-05-10T13:18:00.001-04:002012-05-10T13:18:55.551-04:00Girl Scouts Mark 100th Anniversary with Town Hall Ceremony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uRs90cqTNQ0UrcwHQNZtO3fFSnkofyCL_b4RjesoCvYHJiZJb7PziizJcDSfxVKyfXQPHEXcq-ap_ci6ixn6ER-K1DvNrOOCXEsOrN-mNAq1g7N6odNbxyhisjwbGedV7cizTY1UWllV/s1600/DSCN0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uRs90cqTNQ0UrcwHQNZtO3fFSnkofyCL_b4RjesoCvYHJiZJb7PziizJcDSfxVKyfXQPHEXcq-ap_ci6ixn6ER-K1DvNrOOCXEsOrN-mNAq1g7N6odNbxyhisjwbGedV7cizTY1UWllV/s320/DSCN0684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Girl Scouts Mark 100th
Anniversary with Town Hall Ceremony</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/12/12</b></span></div>
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Westport, CT – Daisies, Brownies, Scouts and, of course,
cookies were all on hand late Monday afternoon on the steps of Westport Town
Hall as the Girl Scouts of America celebrated its 100th Anniversary.</div>
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The gathering at the 110 Myrtle Avenue site also included
parents, former Scouts, organization leaders and local and state government
officials, including Congressman Jim Himes, State Representative Jonathan
Steinberg and Selectwoman Shelly Kassen, each of whom addressed the crowd. </div>
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Called “The Promise Circle”, the event recounted the history
of the Scouts, and featured several formal observances including a flag
raising, Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the National Anthem and a recitation
of the Girl Scout Promise. Kassen also read a proclamation designating March 12
to 17 Girl Scout Week. The ceremony concluded with a Friendship Circle in which
all in attendance formed two large circles and clasped hands.</div>
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“This is really a rededication of ourselves to the
organization and to help girls understand the importance of being true to
themselves, telling the truth and being the best they can be,” said Judy Frey,
a long-time Scouts volunteer and the event coordinator.</div>
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Frey, who was a Scout herself as a girl, said there are over
40,000 girls in Connecticut in the program and that this local observation is
just one of several gatherings that will be conducted in months to come. Frey
added, “The mission has stayed the same but how you get there has changed,
reflecting how the role of women has changed. With so many working women, the
challenge today is getting adults to volunteer as troop leaders.”</div>
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Along with thanking the Scouts for their good work,
Congressman Himes, in his remarks, said, “Thank you for introducing me to Thin
Mints and Samoas.”</div>
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The GSA was not the only birthday honoree. Brownie Lynnea
Moskowitz was marking her eighth birthday as well. “It’s fun to celebrate on
the same day as the Girl Scouts,” she said. “It makes it more exciting.”</div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-5359904746085027162012-05-10T12:54:00.001-04:002012-05-10T12:54:10.459-04:00Kids “Toy” with Mixed Media on WACky Family Fun Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Kids “Toy” with Mixed
Media on WACky Family Fun Day</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/11/12</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Westport, CT – The scene at Westport Arts Center Sunday
afternoon was certainly wacky as dozens of kids put their imaginations to work
creating toy-themed artwork.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Center’s WACky Family Fun Day, held four times a year,
offered four craft activities that aligned with the site’s current “Toy
Stories” exhibit, which runs through March 18. The series is sponsored by local
retailer Melissa & Doug, which offered a Play Zone for tots.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A highlight of the day’s program was the recognition of the
six winners of a call for toy designs. In all, 166 designs were submitted by
local children, and judged by Melissa and Doug Bernstein. There were first,
second and third place awards in each of two categories: ages 6 to 9, and ages
10 to 14.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“The winning entries will be replicated as plush toys,”
explained Danielle Ogden, Director of Education. “The winners also get a
one-hour tour and meet with the toy designers at Melissa & Doug
headquarters.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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With regard to craft activities, one offering, “Funky Faced
Robots”, was led by Teaching Artist Evan Neidich. “Kids use found objects to
make their robots, repurposing materials that would otherwise be thrown away,”
she said. </div>
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<br /></div>
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A table over, Artist and Art Teacher Martha Bloom guided
kids on “Calder Inspired” creations. “Alexander Calder was famous for his
“Circus” of simple found wire and cork characters,” she said. “In the Circus
spirit, kids are creating their own animals and performers from pipe cleaners,
corks, wire and scraps.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Further down the line, Teaching Artist Nell Bernegger showed
children how to make mosaics, using small boards as a base, on which geometric
shapes and designs were drawn and colorful foam cubes affixed.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A particularly silly activity was “Animation Puppets”,
wherein Teaching Artist Angela Stempel guided kids on piecing together limbs,
faces and objects from magazines and assembling them into figures with pushpins
and wires. </div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-64844928709801611342012-05-08T12:08:00.001-04:002012-05-08T12:08:02.748-04:00Bedford Middle School Becomes Purim Party Playground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOGXZUzRNQIHfdk1CJXgvVXfBQILoQ5t0mWNpY-a0yAeMnp5EJeVSrua-tYF7J7gebF9ZBNtQ_7SB3CKTniV0YGjZ6mvG8ninT7j7rH9VuQD1CpeDwn3F4HobanppWc6Tvr7FqFteWFvS/s1600/DSCN0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOGXZUzRNQIHfdk1CJXgvVXfBQILoQ5t0mWNpY-a0yAeMnp5EJeVSrua-tYF7J7gebF9ZBNtQ_7SB3CKTniV0YGjZ6mvG8ninT7j7rH9VuQD1CpeDwn3F4HobanppWc6Tvr7FqFteWFvS/s320/DSCN0649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Bedford Middle School
Becomes Purim Party Playground</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/11/12</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Westport, CT – The sun-drenched cafeteria space at Bedford
Middle School became a Purim playground midday Sunday as the Congregation for
Humanistic Judaism celebrated the Jewish holiday.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The space at 88 North Avenue was a blur of activity, with a
party agenda that included a full lunch spread, a short play telling the Purim
story performed by congregation members and a range of carnival-style
activities from golf putting, shuffleboard and pop-a-shot to crafts like paper
crown and hamantaschen pastry making.</div>
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The 45-year-old non-theistic congregation is part of the
Humanistic Judaism movement with a mission to celebrate Jewish identity and
human dignity. “We don’t have a dedicated facility,” said congregation
president Dana Preis, “but have an ongoing relationship with Westport schools
and other facilities. We hold Sunday school classes at Bedford Middle School,
so the Purim Party is an extension of that.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Like the Pied Piper, Dylan Cotton, a music teacher
associated with the congregation, led children ages 9 to 12 from their Sunday
school class down into the cafeteria. He strummed a guitar while the children,
in colorful costumes, marched behind. They were joined by parents and family
and all sat at long tables for the play performance, conducted from a low
riser. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The play related the biblical story of the evil Haman and
his plot to destroy the Jewish people, and how that was foiled by Esther and
her cousin Mordecai. Tradition dictates that when Haman’s name is mentioned
during the storytelling that listeners are to make distracting noises. In this
case, the gathering shook boxes of dry macaroni. The boxes were collected
afterward for donation to a local food pantry.</div>
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A raffle was also held, offering two free children’s tickets
to the Congregation’s Passover Seder on April 7 at Fairfield’s Vazzy’s 19<sup>th</sup>
Hole.</div>
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“This is a great way to learn about the holiday while having
some family fun at the same time,” remarked parent Kurt Zeppetello, from
Monroe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-7007101067044264922012-05-08T12:04:00.002-04:002012-05-08T12:04:20.860-04:00Locals Take the Plunge for Special Olympics Cause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Locals Take the Plunge for </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Special Olympics Cause</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/10/12</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Westport, CT – Water temperature 38 degrees. Air temperature
45. Insanity levels off the charts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Those were the readings Saturday afternoon before some 450 people
bravely raced into the chilly waters off Compo Beach. The daring dip was all
part of the Penguin Plunge benefiting Special Olympics of Connecticut. The site
took on a festival atmosphere, with rock music blaring across the beach, wacky
costumes and general good cheer and revelry.</div>
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Seeing that everything was running like clockwork was Gail
Feinstein of USI Insurance and the volunteer coordinator of the event. “I’ve
been associated with this for over a decade since it began and when it was a
lot smaller,” she said. “This year we’re on track for a fundraising goal of
$130,000.”</div>
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While many would consider the day’s weather to be on the
bitter side, the sun was high in the sky and there was not even a suggestion of
snow. “The favorable weather has helped attract people,” said Feinstein,
“including a young man in his 80s who has been plunging here every year.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Assisting Feinstein with event coordination were 80
volunteers, helping with pre-registration, incentives, crowd control and
greeting people. A separate group managed a raffle. Westport Police, Westport
Fire and a dive team were also onsite to ensure safety in and out of the water.</div>
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The Westport Plunge is one of several plunges Special
Olympics sponsors during the year around the state. Individuals, teams from
high schools, families, companies and groups from the SOCT programs all
participate.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A twist to the event is the attire participants can choose
to wear. “You can put on anything to take the plunge,” said Feinstein. As an
encouragement to spur creativity, Fox 95.9 radio was onsite hosting a costume
contest. As such, pirates, ninja turtles, leprechauns and other characters
roamed the beach.</div>
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A consistent wardrobe item among all participants though was
a bowtie. These were various colors depending on the fundraising level a person
achieved and given to individuals upon check-in. The minimum funding level was
$75.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Besides individual donations, local corporate sponsors like
Lexus and USI Insurance provided support, as well as organizations at the state
level.</div>
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Because of the size of the participating field, the Plunge
had to be conducted in five waves. Groups were fairly evenly divided in numbers
and organized by teams. One of the largest groups was St. Joseph’s with over 75
members.</div>
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“This is the 13th year I’m doing this,” said Pete Dennin of
Team Happy Feet, which had comparatively more modest numbers but no less
enthusiasm. “We’re six people, including my brother Dave, who was the first
Special Olympics athlete to do this, and my daughter Abby,” he said. “Every
year when I step out of the water, I say I’m never doing this again – your feet
take three hours to warm up. But I always return. The first year, maybe 40
people participated. It’s been great to see the numbers explode.”</div>
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The waves were in and out of the water in a matter of
minutes and as participants hurried back up the beach, they shouted and
fist-pumped and scooped up towels. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Madison Snyder, with friend Katie Morgan, was among them.
“We are freezin’ for a reason, that’s for sure,” she joked. “This is my fifth
year and it seems to get easier every year. It’s a great cause and I love doing
it, and will be back for sure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-84743769309923115802012-05-08T11:59:00.001-04:002012-05-08T11:59:16.719-04:00Curio Cottage Tag Sale Draws Bargain Hunters for a Good Cause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Curio Cottage Tag Sale
Draws Bargain Hunters for a Good Cause</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/9/12</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Westport, CT – Though the tag sale hadn’t even officially
begun, there was already a crowd combing through the bric-a-brac and seeking
out good buys.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Westport Woman’s Club’s annual Curio Cottage Tag Sale
launched Friday morning in the Club’s auditorium, offering hundreds of items
from home décor to artwork, with 100% of the revenue to benefit Fairfield
County charities. The sale was scheduled to run both Friday, March 9 and
Saturday, March 10, from 10am to 3pm, at the 50 Imperial Avenue facility.</div>
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“We’ve conducted this sale for the past 11 years,” said
Karen Eickhoff, chairman of the Curio Cottage Thrift Shop, a small structure
open year-round on the WWC property. “We made $66 the first year, with items
spread out on drop cloths in the parking lot. The shop had only been open a
year then.”</div>
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Since, the sale has grown in size, popularity and
fundraising. “Before the doors even opened this morning, we’d sold $2,000 worth
of merchandise,” Eickhoff said. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Among the items on display were two elegant Oriental rugs,
maritime-themed bed headboards, mirrors, lamps, chairs, kitchen items,
housewares, linens, toys and small appliances. “Basically everything but clothing,”
Eickhoff added.</div>
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Over 35 charities and organizations benefit from both the
tag sale and sales at Curio Cottage throughout the year. These groups include
CancerCare for Kids Program, Center for Women & Families, Homes with Hope
and Mercy Learning Center. </div>
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“All items for sale have been donated to us and are either
new or slightly used,” said Audrey Rabinowitz, a past WWC president and now a
volunteer in the Cottage. “And all the staff at the Cottage and sale are
volunteers and members of the WWC.”</div>
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The WWC’s Community Services Committee handles the
distribution of monies raised. “Our funding helps meet the basic needs of
people served by the various charitable agencies, from Norwalk through
Bridgeport,” Rabinowitz said. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the
year.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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“While driving fundraising,” said Eickhoff, “the sale
reminds people that the Cottage is here all year. We try to catch people at the
start of the spring tag sale season – they’re chomping at the bit. And by
having the sale indoors, we’re not restricted by inclement weather.”</div>
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Westporter Caroline Evans was one of the many locals that
had reported to the sale even before it had opened. “My mom and I love this
sale and supporting this cause. I always find items of interest, at good prices,”
she said.</div>
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Rowayton resident Kathy Dobbins said she discovered the sale
last year and thought it was great. Like Evans, she said, “I liked the
charitable cause behind it. This year I came back with two friends.”</div>
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Michael Zieff, a Bridgeport-based artist, said of the sale,
“This is a great place to find treasures. It’s a hidden secret, given a Friday
start. I bought a lot of stuff here last year as I’d just relocated back to
Connecticut. When you see something you like, you have to grab it or it goes.”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information about the Tag Sale and Curio Cottage,
visit <a href="http://www.westportwomansclub.org/">www.WestportWomansClub.org</a></div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-82984558284003559242012-05-08T11:54:00.001-04:002012-05-08T11:54:09.786-04:00Congregation Marks Purim with Reading and Costumes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Congregation Marks Purim
with Reading and Costumes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield Citizen
News)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/7/12</b></span></div>
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Fairfield, CT – It’s not every day that you see parishioners
wearing jester hats, crazy wigs and cowboy costumes in a house of worship. But
on the holiday of Purim, this is par for the course. </div>
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Wednesday at sundown, Congregation Ahavath Achim members
began the celebration at their synagogue, 1571 Stratfield Road. Young and old
alike donned festive outfits to sit for a reading in the sanctuary then enjoy
homemade food and traditional treats.</div>
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“The holiday of Purim recalls the story in the biblical Book
of Esther in which the infamous Haman plots to destroy the Jewish people,”
explained Rabbi Mitch Rocklin. “The plot is foiled by Esther the Persian Queen
and her cousin Mordecai.”</div>
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Rocklin added, “The holiday involves two different emotions:
gratitude for the ability to fight evil and joy for having been saved. There
are four basic elements to the celebration: reading the Book of Esther, giving
gifts to friends and neighbors, a festive meal and charity to the poor. The
holiday is not a holiday if the needs of the poor are not taken care of.”</div>
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To that regard, cash and check donations, as well as baskets
of food, are distributed to the poor. “The baskets are called mishloach manot
and they are assembled by congregation members,” said Susan Klein, VP of the
congregation’s sisterhood. “Thirty five volunteers put together 134 baskets,
each of which includes a fruit-filled pastry called a hamantaschen. The hamantaschen
are three-cornered, meant to be a reminder of the villain Haman in the Purim
story, who wore a tri-corner hat.”<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-23098861273288406522012-05-08T11:48:00.001-04:002012-05-08T11:48:57.570-04:00Teens Get Ratty for Library’s One Book One Town Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9KVoOiyjzmJZxsxu7wsQ8xZdTN518i2m0UqTOEvbKbxit8a6LQcB9lm6rLeW3b7ZTdDoQwfMhAwt18lWYXfQ1x_tDBa6yB5mKGe6sXk2crBCa5Noq0usU0Fwy_6I5YsauTXZx5mo6yQ_/s1600/DSCN0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9KVoOiyjzmJZxsxu7wsQ8xZdTN518i2m0UqTOEvbKbxit8a6LQcB9lm6rLeW3b7ZTdDoQwfMhAwt18lWYXfQ1x_tDBa6yB5mKGe6sXk2crBCa5Noq0usU0Fwy_6I5YsauTXZx5mo6yQ_/s320/DSCN0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Teens Get Ratty for
Library’s One Book One Town Program</b></span>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield Citizen
News)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/7/12</b></span></div>
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Fairfield, CT – Fairfield Woods Branch Library was overrun
with rats Wednesday afternoon as teens took paintbrushes in hand to boldly
decorate rubber rodents in celebration of the townwide One Book One Town
program.</div>
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The OBOT program spotlights Allan Wolf’s “The Watch That
Ends the Night”, about the sinking of the Titanic and featuring the voices of
various crew and people aboard. Among the voices is a Ship Rat, who doesn’t so
much speak as skitter about and explore. Wednesday’s “Rat Parade” workshop at
the 1147 Fairfield Woods Road site recognized the lowly rat and allowed teens
to exercise some creative expression.</div>
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Gathered at tables in the Library’s Down Under Teen space,
young people in grades 7 to 12 worked with colorful blobs of paint to colorize
the rats. Teens being teens, they chattered, gossiped and tapped away at their
iPhones while working on the projects. One teen even summoned up “Colors of the
Wind”, the theme song from the film “Pocahontas”, on her electronic device, as
well as the theme song from “Titanic”, as appropriate background music. </div>
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“Plan your rat design before you begin painting,” advised
Teen Librarian Jennifer Laseman, at the outset of the activity. Teens heeded
her guidance, adopting their own unique approaches.</div>
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“I’m an anglophile and love all things British, so I chose
the Union Jack as my rat pattern,” said Katie Stepsis, 14, of Fairfield.</div>
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“I’m doing a gay pride rat,” said Indiana Whiteman,
“promoting equality for all – something completely different.”</div>
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Working busily on her rat, Meghan Saladino, 15, said, “I
like abstract things and I draw, so my rat reflects that.”</div>
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According to Wolff’s book, there actually were rats aboard
the Titanic. They regularly gained passage via the mooring lines or hidden in
food stores or other cargo.</div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-31697760954647773352012-04-19T12:24:00.000-04:002012-04-19T12:24:59.036-04:00Longshore Halfway House Honoring Cliff Ross Breaks Ground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHpH9XNCBGbnT-ttWc1yOa8UTP6s1VQZtVUnNjVHEEha64grwCjLdSbs-xoEJY7B71xbaZwVIkfw97DVGKD_YpjyGA-5YjO7GuP81t5yfrT4uqcUiSqbVID5gNCBHqhUbaiZOHfGF0Lo3/s1600/DSCN0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHpH9XNCBGbnT-ttWc1yOa8UTP6s1VQZtVUnNjVHEEha64grwCjLdSbs-xoEJY7B71xbaZwVIkfw97DVGKD_YpjyGA-5YjO7GuP81t5yfrT4uqcUiSqbVID5gNCBHqhUbaiZOHfGF0Lo3/s320/DSCN0521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Longshore Halfway House Honoring Cliff Ross Breaks Ground</b></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/7/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Westport, CT – The project was years in development, long overdue and much needed, making the groundbreaking Wednesday afternoon a very anticipated and emotional moment for all involved.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The project was a new Halfway House – a shelter, bathroom and food station essentially – at the midpoint of Longshore Club Park golf course, 260 Compo Road South. The groundbreaking, attended by town officials, builders, planners, fundraisers and golf association representatives, signaled the achievement of a $200,000 fundraising goal set by the volunteer task force, the 9<sup>th</sup> & ½ Hole Committee. The new 750-square-foot, farmhouse-style structure will be dedicated to the memory of Cliff Ross, an avid golfer, longtime member of the Golf Advisory Committee and a key planner in the project who died two years ago from pancreatic cancer. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“The structure will be a place for golfers and users of the park to have something to eat, with a grill for breakfast fare, sandwiches, hamburgers, plus clean bathrooms,” said Mark Holod, chairman of the 9<sup>th</sup> & ½ Hole Committee. “The building will also be grounded against lightning, providing shelter for golfers.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A former halfway house burned down in 2003 and, since then, a trailer and small, rundown bathroom facility has been used. “The useful life of the trailer was only supposed to be a couple of years,” said Holod. “You can only get hot dogs and prepared sandwiches and there’s no shelter. It’s dangerous when a storm hits.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Holod said the new building honors Ross not only because of his planning efforts but because a generous donor stipulated the dedication as a condition. “We will refer to the site as Cliff’s Place, though it will not be officially named that,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Holod expected construction to begin in the next week or so and building to take approximately 12 weeks. “We’re hopeful to have a ribbon cutting and dedication at the beginning of June,” he said. “The project has secured all approvals – health, zoning and permits. We’re ready to go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gus Papajohn of A. Papajohn is the general contractor and Jim Lothrop of Lothrop Associates is the architect.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Holod hopes the menu, which will be designed by Joey Romeo, the current concessionaire at Longshore, will include a Cliff Burger. “Cliff loved hamburgers,” he said. “He always wished he could have a burger here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ross’ widow, Kathy, was among groundbreaking attendees and said, “I know Cliff would be so happy for this after all the meetings and prep. And the weather smiled on us today. I have a little conceptual drawing Cliff had done, hanging by my computer. Now the day is finally here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Had it not been for the help of Friends of Westport’s Parks & Recreation, a non-profit group, the day may not have come. “This has been a long process with a lot of twists and turns,” said Fred Hunter, co-chairman of the 9<sup>th</sup> & ½ Hole Committee. “We ran into walls and dead-ends until a year ago when the Friends group was formed, allowing us to go out to the public and raise funds.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jeff Mayer, President of the Friends group, explained, “We’re citizens doing what government has run out of money to do. There are more projects – schools, parks, beaches – that need our attention. We provide a means for creative citizen groups to fund their plans.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, who thanked the numerous groups involved, suggested, “This is a great tribute to teamwork and keeping an eye on the ball – the golf ball in this case.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-69585150959155809482012-04-19T12:22:00.000-04:002012-04-19T12:22:44.580-04:00Saugatuck Nursery Celebrates Move to First Church Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPya_D-IuTOQw5mLJeqEBrLn4ib27vlYKmRD9jFrwfx2JfXkDon1_BmVEie7hXKoVA5NeRp6oX4d1f3g11NelR_LVxLIb7kNyz9CSf30fxAS4UfZ5qPXreG5gNfJ4VlAqf1OOd5oX-Tam/s1600/DSCN0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPya_D-IuTOQw5mLJeqEBrLn4ib27vlYKmRD9jFrwfx2JfXkDon1_BmVEie7hXKoVA5NeRp6oX4d1f3g11NelR_LVxLIb7kNyz9CSf30fxAS4UfZ5qPXreG5gNfJ4VlAqf1OOd5oX-Tam/s320/DSCN0503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Saugatuck Nursery Celebrates </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Move to First Church Space</b></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/7/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Westport, CT – Literally out of the ashes has come a true spirit of community support that has carried Saugatuck Nursery School to a new long-term temporary space at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 55 Compo Road South. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Destroyed by fire on November 20, 2011, the school that had called Saugatuck Congregational Church home, relocated during the winter months to the Westport Weston Family Y. Now, ushered in by a ribbon cutting Wednesday morning, the school has moved to a more dedicated space where it will stay until its former home is rebuilt. Parents, teachers, children and staff all gathered at the entrance to the facility for the ceremony and enjoyed hot chocolate, coffee and pastries. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“After a brief stay at the Y, I reached out to a former parent, Marshal Root, who’s on the board of directors at First Church,” said the school’s Director Ellen DeHuff. “We met in late December and put the wheels in motion. Members of First Church have welcomed us with open arms and tons of hard work has been done to bring the space up to code for the nursery school. With a lot of support from Planning & Zoning, the Health Department and the Fire Department, we were able to open March 1. Today marks the grand reopening of our 44-year-old nursery school. This is a perfect marriage between the school and the church.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mary Flynn, the Superintendent of First Church’s Sunday School, said the older children in her program were excited to have the younger kids onsite. “I took a photo of the nursery school children and showed my group and they were like ‘awww, so cute.’”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DeHuff said she expects the original Saugatuck school space to be renovated within 18 months. The program’s current enrollment is 35 children ages 2 to 5.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Parent Margaret Neville was thrilled with the new location. “It’s great to have all the parents and teachers back together again,” she said. “This is a beautiful new space for us and all our own.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The moment was especially meaningful for Pat Doolittle, a Saugatuck school founder and board member. “The program was founded in 1968 in response to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death, as a way to bring area children together and experience their differences. Despite the recent fire, we’ve kept right on going.”</div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-579972548111653492012-04-19T12:20:00.000-04:002012-04-19T12:20:04.417-04:00Neighbors Help Celebrate Reopening of Elvira’s Deli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguszYMYi42BTjc8hiK7xS6zUQYzX1DG6FNi_RNWT8zTXSGQQ_0CGHU3wa8iJ3N5HchGpl4gNdcbr4KHvZrQ4mVe3jW0sDwcb8DEBxTOAQ2BunJys7P-w_-CYA_MgHy-B7qpdPwP8xnEOeI/s1600/DSCN0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguszYMYi42BTjc8hiK7xS6zUQYzX1DG6FNi_RNWT8zTXSGQQ_0CGHU3wa8iJ3N5HchGpl4gNdcbr4KHvZrQ4mVe3jW0sDwcb8DEBxTOAQ2BunJys7P-w_-CYA_MgHy-B7qpdPwP8xnEOeI/s320/DSCN0488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Neighbors Help Celebrate Reopening of Elvira’s Deli </b></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/3/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Westport, CT – Elvira’s Deli and Pizza in the Old Mill Beach area went dark for two months after a patron’s car came through an exterior wall and damaged the building. During that time, not only repairs were made, but extensive renovations conducted. Late Saturday afternoon, Elvira’s celebrated its reopening, inviting neighbors and friends to a party in the store.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Niki Yiovanakos, daughter of owners Stacey and Nick, said the family came from northern Greece in 1974 and that her grandfather Harry started a diner in Danbury. Niki’s parents then opened Tower of Pizza in Ridgefield. In 1994, Stacey’s sister Elvira was diagnosed with breast cancer – she passed in June 1997. The family moved down to Norwalk, saw the vacancy in Westport and started the deli, honoring Elvira. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Niki was just graduating from college and jumped into the business. Her brother John also joined in, working there for the first seven years, before going to work in Manhattan for Citibank. “During the renovation, I decided to come back to work here and keep the family business going for years to come.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Close to $100,000 was dedicated to the renovation work, to install new floors, cabinets, kitchen equipment and coolers, according to Nick.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The business actually reopened last Monday, according to Stella Yiovanakos, John’s wife. “We wanted to have an official grand reopening and invite the community to participate,” she said. To mark the occasion, colorful balloons were strung up around the place and pastries, gyros, souvlaki, wings and more were prepared and offered to visitors. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since its founding 15 years ago, Elvira’s has become a beloved landmark. All in attendance had only positive things to say.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“I love coming here and all the people are so nice,” said Samantha Pacilio, 10, stopping in with teammates after a basketball practice. “We love seeing our friends.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stacie Curran, who has lived across the street since the business opened, said, “We’ve been to all their kids’ weddings, showers and other family celebrations. At Christmastime, everyone sends cards, which they hang up in the store. All the local moms pick up lunch here as they put their kids on the bus. We were shocked about the accident but glad they made the best of it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Teri Alein lives on nearby Danbury Avenue and comes down to Elvira’s most mornings for coffee. “I remember when they bought the place,” she said. “A lot of people chipped in to help and they paid everyone back. When my kids and grandkids visit, the first thing they want to do is come to Elvira’s.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The secret to the family’s success, besides their tasty menu and convenience, is the relationship they have formed with the area. “Everyone knows each other and is very friendly,” said Stella.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Added Nick, “We have moms coming in here with kids, who were little girls when they first started visiting.”</div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-83593889635085380442012-04-19T12:16:00.000-04:002012-04-19T12:16:36.226-04:00Earthplace Sap to Sugar Program Taps into Family Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-6UarD9INevRWo65M52_C3jZ0t41UHXMoN5Zh73AQpIgyVf1Pij4Sw56EHF4S3AEpUV-NBIPuGicRtg_ouGXncXV-zhYHVxFHFsgBBzcQKy-KE_5Fo5XCjNOd5IaATr4y_tijwvCPxtD/s1600/DSCN0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-6UarD9INevRWo65M52_C3jZ0t41UHXMoN5Zh73AQpIgyVf1Pij4Sw56EHF4S3AEpUV-NBIPuGicRtg_ouGXncXV-zhYHVxFHFsgBBzcQKy-KE_5Fo5XCjNOd5IaATr4y_tijwvCPxtD/s320/DSCN0471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Earthplace Sap to Sugar Program Taps into Family Fun</b></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/3/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Westport, CT – While the ground was wet from morning rain, the afternoon could not have been more perfect Saturday for families to gather at Earthplace Nature Discovery Center. They were drawn to a “Sap to Sugar” program, the highlight of which was a look at how sap is extracted from maple trees.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Naturalist Becky Newman led the event at the 10 Woodside Lane site. Typically, she said, big sugar maples close to the main facility are tapped, but the trees were sick and had to be cut down. An inventory of remaining sugar maples on the property determined there were no others mature enough, though Newman wanted the group to at least see one. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Newman led the group along Swamp Loop Trail, where she found a specimen. “This tree is far too skinny,” she explained. “It needs to be at least a foot wide to tap, otherwise I take too much sap out.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The group followed her to the opposite side of the property, to a red maple. “The red maple sap is not as sweet as the sugar maple, but still produces good syrup,” she said. As she made a hole with a portable drill, hammered in a tap and then hung a collection bag, she added, “It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup. And the syrup will be lighter at this time in the season due to fewer nutrients being available.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The sap harvesting season spans from February to mid-March, and ideal conditions are warm days and cold nights to produce the best flow. While tin pails are frequently used to collect sap, Earthplace uses three-gallon plastic bags. “These keep squirrels, leaves, bugs and sticks out of the mix,” Newman said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Newman guided the group back to the main grounds where a campfire had been set and Earthplace Nursery School Teacher Mary Ann Hood stood waiting to read children an event-themed book, “Sugarbush Spring.” As the kids listened in, Newman visited each with a large bottle of pure Canadian maple syrup, of which she offered samples.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Children were also treated to hot chocolate, served from large containers. And when they weren’t taking part in scheduled activities, they were racing around the grounds, playing on a swingset and climbing on a statue of a bear.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“I wanted my daughter and her friend to understand about nature and where some of our wild foods come from,” said parent Alexandra Horsky. “We were a little nervous about the weather this morning, so glad to see the sun this afternoon. Some snow actually would have been nice, because it ties in better with the sap tapping.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The weather didn’t seem to be a concern to seven-year-old Helen Ramachandran, who was enjoying a cup of chocolate. “It was fun to taste the maple syrup, though I’ve had it before,” she said. “We go maple sugaring every year.” </div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-83488626133663036542012-04-19T12:13:00.000-04:002012-04-19T12:13:29.779-04:00Soggy Start to Par 3 Golf Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDus8b4kr0KAeRQMhD2FteXq-hcl9S82YSCSxT5VgVNyhZkmwlEi43VUwihuViVVw_sKPybB44Zw3VHPbPfkfqxgFrcJo0PXKf3PT2AKeM_UPj38z5CT9vV9AHgPkt5_TcSWVkWCjO_5e/s1600/DSCN0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDus8b4kr0KAeRQMhD2FteXq-hcl9S82YSCSxT5VgVNyhZkmwlEi43VUwihuViVVw_sKPybB44Zw3VHPbPfkfqxgFrcJo0PXKf3PT2AKeM_UPj38z5CT9vV9AHgPkt5_TcSWVkWCjO_5e/s320/DSCN0460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Soggy Start to Par 3 Golf Season</b></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield Citizen News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/3/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fairfield, CT – The rain tipped down Saturday morning making the opening day of the season at the Carl Dickman Par 3 Golf Course on Old Dam Road a soggy one. Only the hardiest golfers made an appearance, like Doug Politi, a mason from Easton who really just stopped in to say hello to Cashier/Starter Bob McMahon. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Politi has played the course for the past seven years, typically appearing on Fridays with about 15 other guys to play a round. Despite the rain, he thought the course looked good. “I’m going to call the guys and see if they want to play today,” he said. “I played Short Beach in Stratford last week, and the conditions were good there, too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">McMahon said the groundskeeper, John Johnson, had inspected the course at daybreak but hadn’t reported to him yet. “If there’s no significant standing water on the greens or in the cups, I’m free to open it,” McMahon said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“This is the earliest we’ve opened up in probably three or four years,” McMahon added. “We usually open mid-March or April 1. The decision to open was made by the Golf Commission, Golf Pro Jim Alexander and the head of the Parks and Rec Gerry Lombardo.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">McMahon expected the day’s turnout to be light, because of the weather but also because there wasn’t a lot of word given about the opening. “It’s takes a little while for the buzz to get around,” he said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Politi shared that the course is a great one for beginners, and not as long a walk as other courses in town. McMahon said that pros from other courses often send beginners to the Par 3 once they have some driving range experience and a few lessons.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The course was a salt marsh before being converted in 1969. A NIKE missile site, erected post WWII, had once stood nearby. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>The Par 3 is currently not taking tee time reservations, but will after Daylight Savings Time, in about a week. For more information, call 203-256-3173.</i></div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-48333982559676449922012-03-29T13:52:00.000-04:002012-03-29T13:52:18.340-04:00Shipbuilding Program Gives Kids Insights on Titanic Lore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDTXFXQHg6TDRRnjJMN700J97V0jDDetI7NWYdQ8efSqjNbEGfP5FCSoo8fL5Kwmht3uFz1vH_WTSQu5LhlPV7ZT1kVpJUVoxbMddvIVvxLcaujwiE3hMaB48HiM4bamUpwYVG08eDEZu/s1600/DSCN0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDTXFXQHg6TDRRnjJMN700J97V0jDDetI7NWYdQ8efSqjNbEGfP5FCSoo8fL5Kwmht3uFz1vH_WTSQu5LhlPV7ZT1kVpJUVoxbMddvIVvxLcaujwiE3hMaB48HiM4bamUpwYVG08eDEZu/s320/DSCN0456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Shipbuilding Program Gives Kids Insights on Titanic Lore</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield Citizen News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/2/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fairfield, CT – For a short time Friday afternoon, Fairfield Woods Branch Library was transformed into a shipyard, with kids on the job assembling boats while learning about one of the most noted ships in history.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As part of its One Book One Town program, the Library has scheduled activities all throughout March themed around the Titanic, which sank 100 years ago this April after colliding with an iceberg. “Shipbuilding 101”, led by Children’s Librarian Cheryl DelVecchio, was the first of several workshops geared to kids, and built around the book “TitaniCat”, written by Marty Crisp and illustrated by Robert Papp. For adult readers, the Library is spotlighting Allan Wolf’s “The Watch That Ends the Night.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“TitaniCat” is loosely based on the true story of a cat called 4-0-1 that lived aboard the Titanic. The cat would have gone down with the ill-fated ship, but was removed to shore in Southhampton by a cabin boy as the cat had had kittens. The boy was supposed to have gone back aboard to complete the trans-Atlantic journey but missed the departure and was ultimately saved from almost certain death.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DelVecchio read “TitaniCat” to participating kindergarten and first grade children, then guided them on building mini replicas of the Titanic out of construction paper, milk cartons and glue. The models included smokestacks and could be adorned with accessories like waves and sea creature stickers. Children and their guardians collaborated on the work, trimming, taping and decorating the small ships.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“We thought a shipbuilding exercise would be fun,” said DelVecchio. “This is the first of four children’s programs themed around the Titanic that we will offer this month.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While entertaining, ”TitaniCat” was also informative. Notably, every ship that sailed in those days carried a cat on board to control mice and rats. Sailors also believed a ship’s cat brought good luck to a journey. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As to the cat’s curious name 4-0-1, it related to the Titanic’s initial designation. In those days, it was a long-standing superstition not to call a ship by name while it was being built. The Titanic was assigned the number 4-0-1, which in turn became the cat’s name.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Five-year-old Luca DeMassa thought it was remarkable that the cabin boy, who may not have been more than 14, was traveling alone. Her mother Grace explained, “In those days, children went to work at a young age.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jeannie Ceres, also five, had a ball building her Titanic model, collaborating with her grandmother Aamparo Orban. She particularly liked the sea creature stickers. “I like the pink ones best, that’s my favorite color,” she said.</div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-88861483844658037062012-03-29T13:49:00.000-04:002012-03-29T13:49:23.265-04:00Southport Quilt Show Kicks Off with Preview Reception<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Southport Quilt Show Kicks Off with Preview Reception</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for HamletHub.com/Fairfield)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>3/1/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Southport, CT, Thursday, March 1 – Dozens of people reported to Southport Congregational Church Thursday evening for a cocktail reception and sneak peak at the 10th Annual “Fabrics and Fabrications” Quilt Show. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The evening not only provided a preview of some 140 quilts on display in the Sanctuary and Chapel of the church facility, but also the many creative repurposed items in the Library, renamed the “Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice!” area. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Fellowship Hall, where the reception was concentrated, also featured a Boutique with an estimated 250 miscellaneous handmade items, from hanger covers, mini quilts and pin cushions to needlepoint coasters, scarves and baby items – priced from $1 to $60. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While the many quilts on hand were extraordinary examples of hand-craftsmanship, on par were the Library items. Among the front runners: photography by Daniel Mosher Long, mixed media by Enid Munroe, hooked rugs by Patricia Ringston, painted tin folk art by Peter Ompir and sweater pillows by Richard Killeaney. Paper art compositions by Danielle Desplan, prints by Dalton Ghetti, book birdhouses by David Vissat and wood compositions by John Long were also extraordinary. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perhaps most remarkable were “recycled fashions” created by Fairfield Warde High School students. These included a dress made from Twix and Snickers candy wrappers and a trash bag mini skirt. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Church youth circled the reception offering raffle tickets at $5 a pop for a chance to win one of five prizes: a Bee Attitude twin bed quilt, framed Paul Landry framed print, large tote bag from Sea Bags, a Zerega wall hangin and a $50 gift certificate redeemable at Close to Home. A drawing will be conducted on Saturday at 3:30pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Proceeds from the exhibit benefit three organizations this year: Make A Wish, Bridgeport’s Project Learn and Emerge. Make A wish grants the wishes of children with life threatening diseases. Project Learn enriches the lives of young people with after school programs. Emerge provides a safe environment for survivors of domestic violence and their children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The exhibit also honored quilt show founders Judy Reynolds and Cecily Zerega, who were presented with tokens of appreciation by Reverend Paul Whitmore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The quilt show will be open to the public Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, from 10am to 4:30pm each day. General admission is $10 per person. </div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-2840861262160464222012-03-29T13:45:00.000-04:002012-03-29T13:45:14.731-04:00Oscars Entertain; CT Residents Plummer & Streep Among Top Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl2miZyfbHNKWi7qqzjlvwofwxxwSYGjKdf0pMQHopeBlGljybdg8pq1G0cRw7VMNynKe3n0IiZRSN7s9e1hIsG0HTVGR4o5nWZG8o3iDQSFogotfYmfLProiCb5ccz2AoQ7pHNsCCRLg/s1600/Plummer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl2miZyfbHNKWi7qqzjlvwofwxxwSYGjKdf0pMQHopeBlGljybdg8pq1G0cRw7VMNynKe3n0IiZRSN7s9e1hIsG0HTVGR4o5nWZG8o3iDQSFogotfYmfLProiCb5ccz2AoQ7pHNsCCRLg/s1600/Plummer.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><style>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Oscars Entertain; CT
Residents </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Plummer & Streep Among Top Winners</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for
HamletHub.com/Fairfield)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>2/27/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fairfield, CT – The 84<sup>th</sup> Annual Academy Awards
Ceremony came and went with its usual glitzy outfits, thank you speeches, corny
jokes and honors for various achievement in film. And when all was said and
done, two Connecticut residents – Meryl Streep and Christopher Plummer – had
captured top awards.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Plummer, 82, a Weston resident, won Best Supporting Actor
for his role in “Beginners’’. It was his first Oscar ever. In his acceptance
speech, he joked that he was just two years younger than Oscar itself.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Streep took Best Actress for her role as British Prime
Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The show was hosted by the multi-talented Billy Crystal,
returning for the ninth time as the event’s lead. It was a comfortable spot for
him and he kept audiences at the Kodak Theatre and home amused.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Other top winners included “The Artist” for Best Picture,
Octavia Spencer for Best Supporting Actress (“The Help”), Jean Dujardin for
Best Actor (“The Artist”), Woody Allen for Best Director (“Midnight in Paris”)
and “Rango” for Best Animated Feature. </div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-74154677009102829992012-03-29T13:41:00.000-04:002012-03-29T13:41:16.694-04:00Shake Shack Hosts Westport Cinema’s n’Oscars Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-Scur35fP6g0HgbKneiPghyphenhyphenHnxIlhJgpAErfjjIbUdokPx_HF2alaarjKvn3VFyzWH-xptnmzhwajjCe47ReMs2wE263W3ttzw-f7kW26O3JnFc73xkdl0Y5OCjr7XZs05UqZAfZkebe/s1600/DSCN0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-Scur35fP6g0HgbKneiPghyphenhyphenHnxIlhJgpAErfjjIbUdokPx_HF2alaarjKvn3VFyzWH-xptnmzhwajjCe47ReMs2wE263W3ttzw-f7kW26O3JnFc73xkdl0Y5OCjr7XZs05UqZAfZkebe/s320/DSCN0424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Shake Shack Hosts Westport Cinema’s n’Oscars Party</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>2/26/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Westport, CT – Shake Shack rolled out the red carpet Sunday afternoon to local movie fans with an Academy Awards pre-party at the eatery’s 1849 Post Road East site. The occasion spotlighted Westport Cinema Initiative’s efforts to establish a local movie house while entertaining local residents.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dubbed the n’Oscars (not the Oscars), the event featured movie critic Susan Granger and WEBE 108 radio’s Stormin’ Norman as emcees conducting a trivia contest about Westport actor and film lore. Gold-colored balloons and Oscar standees enhanced the environment, while student volunteers from Staples High School distributed Disney posters to patrons. Aligning with the 84<sup>th</sup> Annual Hollywood ceremony, the first 84 guests to attend the event also received “Non-Swag Bags” with area retail offers, and had the opportunity to fill out ballots guessing at Oscar winners in all the major award categories.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“We wanted to do an Oscars celebration and, with Westport being a little irreverent, we thought we’d do a pop-up event,” said Marcy Juran, on WCI’s marketing committee. “Shake Shack loved the idea and created a Red Velvet Carpet Concrete (frozen custard concoction) for the occasion.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The WCI has made good forward progress indicated State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who is also president of the WCI’s board. “Next month is the one-year anniversary since we started screening films,” he said. “We’ve built a great group of talented volunteers and the next great milestone is to find a permanent site for a theater. We’ve identified potential spots in downtown and once we decide on a spot, we will kick off with a fundraiser and get design plans approved by Planning & Zoning. The commissioners have expressed their general support.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Granger thought the n’Oscars event was a fun run-up to the popular Awards night. “Everyone goes to the movies and Shake Shack is an ‘in’ place,” she said. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shake Shack manager Dave Yearwood was glad to offer the event site. “It’s important to me to be involved in the community in which we are doing business,” he said. “We’re happy to give WCI a platform for their cause.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While formal attire was not required at the event, two WCI volunteers donned black tie ensembles. Even patrons got into the act – Westporter “Sooo-z” Mastropietro wore movie clapper earrings, a necklace with an Oscar dangling from it and long red dress. “I wanted to have a little fun with the event, so came as a red carpet,” she said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Others, like Pertrinea Cash, from Bridgeport, dressed elegantly, while speculating about Oscar winners. “I think the best picture is ‘The Help’”, she said. “I was watching the previews last night. It got high ratings, and won the Screen Actors Guild award. It was also the highest revenue earner. I would say ‘Iron Lady’ is a close second. I’m a fan of the ceremony and red carpet festivities. It’s fun for the Shake Shack to offer this family-oriented event.” </div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-16286851080456087262012-03-29T13:36:00.000-04:002012-03-29T13:36:19.112-04:00Museum’s Rapunzel Performance Provides Rainy Afternoon Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfJv3mFIobGY2tIMDczec69IZNwVc0mZzU928l_RTRhp-FUDgB7Y_afcShKrtSGefJRgk4TCiGg_sD4QaJnY3ynWUYglLMPbdTBYQO5LFwqWsl6w0aCela7aSXUyD8QQzYLC4hDVgjyA5/s1600/DSCN0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfJv3mFIobGY2tIMDczec69IZNwVc0mZzU928l_RTRhp-FUDgB7Y_afcShKrtSGefJRgk4TCiGg_sD4QaJnY3ynWUYglLMPbdTBYQO5LFwqWsl6w0aCela7aSXUyD8QQzYLC4hDVgjyA5/s320/DSCN0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><style>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Museum’s Rapunzel
Performance Provides Rainy Afternoon Fun</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield Citizen
News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>2/24/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fairfield, CT – Jumping about with puppets, blowing a
harmonica and dressing up in wash rags, a zany performer kept kids entertained
at Fairfield Museum & History Center, which provided a warm haven on a
rainy Friday afternoon.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Featured was Rolande Duprey, performing the tale of
“Rapunzel”, or at least a creative reinterpretation of the beloved story. On
loan from Purple Rock Productions, Duprey holds a Masters of Fine Arts in
puppetry from the University of Connecticut, where she studied with Frank
Ballard. She has taught puppetry and storytelling for the past twenty-five
years and is a Teaching Artist with the Connecticut Commission on Culture and
Tourism.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“We do a lot of family friendly activities during Vacation
Week,” said Christine Jewell, Director of Education. “It’s great this year
especially to have a performer as it ties in well with our Bravo regional
theater exhibit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hartford-based Duprey said she performs extensively
throughout Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut, doing both solo and
collaborative work. “I’m a four-year-old at heart,” she smiled.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Duprey used simple props like a sheet slung over a
clothesline, various baskets of washing, clothes pins, a washboard and an iron
– items that evoked memories of interacting as a little girl with her
grandmother on washing day – to tell her tale. A scarf became hair and puppets
were incorporated into the storytelling.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Duprey’s jolly way kept children laughing and smiling, and
helped chase away the dreary day.</div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-54632498551345591072012-03-19T11:01:00.000-04:002012-03-19T11:01:56.731-04:00A Dog Day Afternoon at Westport Police Headquarters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsGhK3u-hh9Qsjq2oTFnm0oOtUGbTpc8xh5AoyKKpmGEBMEvi4yDnQVgmjBV_70Nl6-knZIqvl22nK9_xVJYLA9FnrePUukSmS5WM0y-uc_JubCKvv3H27Nm4_LMvo6n_XoMPgIH-RXuN/s1600/DSCN0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsGhK3u-hh9Qsjq2oTFnm0oOtUGbTpc8xh5AoyKKpmGEBMEvi4yDnQVgmjBV_70Nl6-knZIqvl22nK9_xVJYLA9FnrePUukSmS5WM0y-uc_JubCKvv3H27Nm4_LMvo6n_XoMPgIH-RXuN/s320/DSCN0352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <style>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>A Dog Day Afternoon </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>at Westport Police Headquarters</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Westport News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>2/22/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Westport, CT – Every dog has its day. For Lola the Police Dog, Wednesday was her last as a patrol canine for the Westport Police Department. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In a retirement ceremony conducted mid-afternoon in a second-floor conference room at police headquarters on Jesup Road, Lola, a black German Shepherd, was honored with a commendation presented by First Selectman Gordon Joseloff along with words of tribute from Westport Police Chief Dale Call and her handler Officer Marc Heinmiller.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lola, who is 12, had served the force for over 10 years as a patrol dog. She was trained in narcotics detection, building searches, tracking, handler protection and apprehension. “She has medical issues,” said Officer Ryan Paulsson, as to the reason for her being retired. “It’s her time. Ten years is a long career for a police dog.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lola has been in the care of Heinmiller for the past five years and will continue to live with him as a family dog. “She’s got a lot of energy and high drive,” he said. “She’s been a great police dog but is also great with kids. She knows when it’s time to work and can turn it on. She’ll be hard to replace.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The department is currently looking at a male dog from Hungary to replace Lola. “Prices for police dogs, now post 9/11, are about $10,000 or more,” said Paulsson. “We will look to fund through donations and will host a name-the-dog contest with input from area youth.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chief Call commented, “It’s nice when a dog makes it through a long career, and Lola still looks good for 12 years old. We should all look so good. But every good dog has its day and she’ll need to get used to sitting around the house.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Though no retirement pension had been planned, Call joked “a biscuit a day” might be appropriate.</div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-67498960871509138422012-03-19T10:59:00.000-04:002012-03-19T10:59:06.435-04:00Kids Make MASKerpieces at Museum's Feb Vacation Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6cj-rTorv6L1KvvS61BUm2BDQ2nPtMr2BELbBNW4T5gibKhi_2XVLMal575lYO63qeaTHiOhLHNXes60c1ardSpzu3D3XZet-mvJOCoisXKs3CqDeNQAuD0q-DQbtTyK_2wjNmHjxIS0/s1600/DSCN0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6cj-rTorv6L1KvvS61BUm2BDQ2nPtMr2BELbBNW4T5gibKhi_2XVLMal575lYO63qeaTHiOhLHNXes60c1ardSpzu3D3XZet-mvJOCoisXKs3CqDeNQAuD0q-DQbtTyK_2wjNmHjxIS0/s320/DSCN0338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <style>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Kids Make <i>Mask</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>erpieces at Museum’s Feb Vacation Program</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield Citizen News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>2/22/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fairfield, CT – There was no masking the fun these kids were having at Fairfield Museum and History Center Wednesday morning as they participated in one of the facility’s February Vacation programs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Titled “Mad Masks”, the session gave participants ages 6 to 10 a look at masks and costumes on display in the Museum’s current “Bravo!” exhibit, which inspired their own mask-making activities, led by Program Director Christine Newell. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Children could take a cue from costumes and creatures related to the mythology of Egypt and Rome as exemplified by exhibit displays of props from such productions as “Antony and Cleopatra”. Participants could also just use provided materials like pipe cleaners, felt and ribbon to create their own uniquely inspired masks.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“This is a great way for kids to use their imaginations and express themselves,” said Newell. “They can even tie in with Mardi Gras.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Parent Jessica Lennon of Fairfield thought the program would be a productive use of her children’s time. “I wanted to get them out of the house and away from TV and technology to do something creative and fun,” she said. “We were thinking of going to New Hampshire, but there’s not much snow there and just as much to do here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Caroline Dayton, 10, of Fairfield, a fan of Egyptian culture, was particularly engaged in the activity. “My mask is of the Egyptian goddess Bas, who had cat features and was worshipped by the Egyptians,” she said. “It’s fun to make masks and interesting to learn about the history of them.”<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103051440479565702.post-77451834153508871572012-03-19T10:55:00.000-04:002012-03-19T10:55:55.573-04:00Winter’s Absence Drives Ice Academy Attendance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIQehjlLUw-sB1H5oL9F7zcy2FCawtV5AhyIDr7rZqYKuu2FGq_3VHEwJ5ytj3U_2EyFSRNZjrByE7n1IMX6vxNdeIVVkcsLBQBdxW18p86s7TSEUkl5WFdUQ75UDBATYg554dYwnUFFI/s1600/DSCN0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIQehjlLUw-sB1H5oL9F7zcy2FCawtV5AhyIDr7rZqYKuu2FGq_3VHEwJ5ytj3U_2EyFSRNZjrByE7n1IMX6vxNdeIVVkcsLBQBdxW18p86s7TSEUkl5WFdUQ75UDBATYg554dYwnUFFI/s320/DSCN0318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <style>
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</style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Winter’s Absence Drives </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Ice Academy Attendance</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>By Mike Lauterborn</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>(for Fairfield Citizen News)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>2/22/12</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fairfield, CT – The forecast for the latter half of School Vacation Week called for temperatures in the mid to high 50s. The warm spell was exemplary of an unseasonably mild winter that has area kids enjoying spring-like activities but also missing typical winter pursuits. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The mildness certainly hadn’t affected business over at Fairfield’s Ice Academy, in the Sportsplex at 85 Mill Plain Road, which was jam packed Wednesday morning. In fact, the absence of snow was making access easier and driving attendance. The first half of Vacation Week had seen over 100 kids per day visiting the Academy, according to Assistant Manager Laura Brennan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Traffic has been on par with last year, if not better,” said Tamara Guarino, the Ice Academy’s Managing Director. “Because the weather hasn’t been bad, people are able to make it here more easily, so our attendance has been more consistent. People are not staying indoors and are being active. And, technically, it’s still winter and skating is a winter sport.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Guarino added, however, that the facility is a popular draw at any time because of its unique positioning. “Compared with other rinks, we’re small and personable,” she said. “The ratio of students to instructors is much smaller than other area rinks. Its downtown location is also convenient for local families. And skating is a great sport whether there’s snow on the ground or not.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Kurt Anderson, a Fairfield parent whose son is in the Academy’s Mite Travel Hockey program, said the season had certainly been a different one compared with last year. “Normally this time of year, our family would be at ski areas like Southington or Mohawk, or sledding,” he said. “But due to the lack of snow and ice, we’re riding bikes and playing on the swingset. The only winter sports we’ve really been able to do are skating and hockey here at the Academy, or traveling way north for skiing on manmade snow. Last winter, we had snow measurable in feet and we were stuck in the house. This year, the daffodils are already pushing up in the yard.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another Mite hockey player parent, Matt Loguercio, of Easton, related a similar perspective. “This time last year, we were at Jiminy Peak and my son was in ski school,” he said. “This year, we’ve been playing soccer on the front lawn, whereas last year we were trying to find the front yard. There are no restrictions on activities this year. Of course, we’re doing more warm weather activities, but want to keep up my son’s skating skills. The Academy is a great alternative to the typical vacation camp.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anderson added, “Last year, the kids didn’t need an outlet because they were out of school so much. They really needed the break from school this year.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fairfielder Finula Milici, 12, skating with her sister Bella and friend Maddie, was glad to have an opportunity to enjoy a winter pursuit. “I really miss the snow,” she said. “We would be skiing or playing in the snow. It’s nice to be able to come to the Academy to do a winter sport.” </div>Mike Lauterbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00011053788886692896noreply@blogger.com0