Interfaith Collaboration Spurs Dialogue on Foreclosure Crisis

Interfaith Collaboration Spurs Dialogue on Foreclosure Crisis

(Appeared on front page of Bridgeport News 11/25)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/17/10

What began as a seed of an idea several years ago has blossomed into a fruitful collaboration between interfaith leaders and their congregation members who seek to find solutions and help for families facing foreclosure on their homes and other financial difficulties.

Organized under a “Tent of Abraham” umbrella, clerical representatives from Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths that have already fostered interaction and understanding between their respective congregants are now building upon that foundation to address serious challenges that are affecting people of all faiths.

In a recent sit-down with her clerical “partners” at the Park Avenue-situated Congregation B’Nai Israel in Bridgeport, the temple’s Associate Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz said, “Given the state of the world and economy, we began to wonder how faith can play a role and help.”

Pooling Interfaith Resources

This is when John Harmon, a congregant at Fairfield’s First Church Congregational and the Principal of Adulant Consulting Services LLC, entered the picture. “I came to the group relatively late, in April 2010. To the table, I brought a background of experiences at Pitney Bowes and teaching history (focused on the Renaissance Reformation period) at the University of Rochester. This gave me a solid background on finance and history, and a broad perspective on several religions.”

Historically, said Harmon, “Each faith posed challenges to the commercial world in terms of how to structure financing with regard to religious ethics and rules. For example, Catholicism, Judaism and Islam each had restrictions about the amount of interest you could charge. Very clear guidelines. These faiths have the same principles today but we haven’t heard from them with regard to current financial difficulties and how we get out of this mess.”

Harmon spoke with the group about this and each member realized they had contacts within their own circles with expertise in financial areas. A Christian representative was a former bank CEO in the Bronx. There was a rabbi who was a former investment banker. An attorney that does Islamic banking who advises people on investing within Islamic guidelines. The group realized it could offer real help to struggling families.

Dedicated Financial-Oriented Programs

On Oct. 27^th, a first panel-style program was held, with presentations by each faith leader. At a subsequent Nov.3^rd session, feedback and discussion was encouraged. These sessions were held at the Center for Faith and Public Life at Fairfield University, under the direction of Father Rick Ryscavage.

“These programs were very relevant to what people are experiencing,” said Rev. Bryan Leone, a pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Monroe but representing a Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport (CCGB) viewpoint. “Economic hardship knows no boundaries. All people are suffering. There should be a moral ethic in which lending is conducted. If this had been applied, we wouldn’t be in this mess. In many cases, people have been the victims of questionable ethics. Business deals should be conducted as if the customer is a family member.”

“At our recent session, the speakers made the point that transparency and trust between two sides is also good business. This has been absent within transactions over the past years. No one knows who owns what,” said Harmon.

Gurevitz suggested that the fault is not necessarily with individual counselors but with processes in general. “It’s not that there’s a lot of bad people out there. It’s more the systems that are set up that violate morals,” said Gurevitz.

Leone thought one recent attendee’s remark highlighted one key part of the problem. “He made the point that there’s a disconnect between stockholders and people working in the banks. Corporations are so big that they lose humanity and the person-to-person contact. They lose sight that they’re affecting human lives and have become heartless entities.”

Dolores Paoli, a lay person who serves as Youth Activity Coordinator for the American Institute for Islamic and Arabic Studies, concurred. “We don’t have the small community connection anymore like in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’”

Harmon noted how some loan payers are being taking advantage of and how families have had to rally to assist each other. “Customers that are least able to pay are the most profitable customers for the corporations due to interest charges. We are seeing extended families trying to help each other out.”

Harmon suggested, “There needs to be greater oversight of commercial activity, by government or faith-based councils. We have an ethical responsibility to behave in a fair, ethical way. Without the ethical energy that religion provides, this fairness will continue to be absent.”

The Pitching of the Tent

This type of dialogue and constructive interaction between different faiths on these serious issues may not have been possible if Gurevitz had not been spurred to action. She explained how the “Tent of Abraham” collaboration, which initially began simply as a sharing of interfaith traditions, came about and how it has evolved over time.

Gurevitz reflected, “I came to this community five years ago and got an email from Rabbi Arthur Waskow, who runs the Shalom Center in Philadelphia. He’s a very prophetic voice and raises consciousness on many ideas. Ramadan (the Islamic month of fasting) had reached a point on the calendar where it coincided with Jewish high holidays in September. He thought it would be wonderfully appropriate for people of different faiths to share each other’s holy times and learn from each other. People of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths were encouraged to collaborate, under a Tent of Abraham umbrella.”

The overarching umbrella name seemed appropriate given that Abraham was one of the first great Biblical patriarchs and is a common ancestor of the three monotheistic faiths. Abraham also had a tent that was open on all four sides, so that he could see people as they approached and welcome them in. It was symbolic of the open exchange of ideas that the group hoped to foster.

“I had done some work with Waskow in the past, made a connection with the Jewish Federation and they reached out to the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, which has a bridge building ministry,” continued Gurevitz. “We liked the idea of specifically working on something three-faith oriented. A steering committee got together and we organized an initial program that was held at Sacred Heart University.”

The first program had about 120 attendees that were a mix of congregants from each of the faiths. The format featured a panel of religious leaders from the local community addressing the gathering. The theme was Abraham as a spiritual ancestor and how the faiths draw inspiration from the story.

“Instead of focusing on the differences between the faiths, the concentration was on the 99% that we all had in common,” said Gurevitz.

Paoli added, “That was the glue that created a foundation for meeting going forward. The emphasis was placed on understanding and sharing.”

While the first program was very encouraging, it fell short of fostering the interaction the group wished to achieve. “Going forward, small interfaith groups were organized at each program so people could have discussions and share stories amongst themselves,” said Gurevitz. “And we began to have different presenters and varying themes, which included lifecycle, pilgrimage, repentance and fasting. These themes were the obvious religious topics.”

Forward Direction

While continuing to encourage collaboration at all levels, the group is now focused on providing real support to people of all faiths. To this regard, feedback forms that were distributed at the group’s last session are currently being digested and analyzed and the group plans to reconvene in late spring. In the meantime, for those congregants most in need, churches are ready to help with discretionary funds and fundraising efforts. Several also plan holiday food drives and to help people in need with their fuel bills. Others have established job banks and are using online services like Linked In to connect congregants.

Clearly, the interfaith collaboration has promise. “We love each other. We’re like family,” said Paoli. Summed up Gurevitz, “Our relationship makes it possible to spur dialogues.”

SIDEBAR

Divine Mortgage Solutions Helps Homeowners in Crisis

Aligned with the objectives of the Tent of Abraham interfaith initiative, Divine Mortgage Solutions, a non-profit service operated by Rev. Marjorie Nunes, pastor at Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, helps homeowners in foreclosure crisis.

As stated on its website, the role of the “ministry” is to function as an advocate for homeowners who are in foreclosure, at risk of foreclosure/loss of home and who are in need of post-foreclosure counseling and services. It is comprised of a group of dedicated individuals with the knowledge to negotiate with lenders to obtain modifications, loan restructuring plans, forbearance agreements and other tools to keep homeowners in their homes.

“We reach out to folks regardless of their religious beliefs, even though we are Methodist-based. We charge no fee and operate through grants,” said Nunes. “The first problem, from one family, came at the end of 2007. I never thought it would grow to the extent it has. I have a business background and began seeking more knowledge as the crisis grew. We have probably helped over 75 families in one way or another.”

The problem has evolved according to Nunes. “In 2008, there was a lot of sub-prime. People got into loans they shouldn’t have. When these reset to high adjustable rates, they were overwhelmed. Now with unemployment increasing, people can no longer afford even the fixed rate. It’s tricky when there’s no money coming in. I’m not a bank sympathizer, but I understand they can’t modify a loan if there’s no income.”

Often people just need help understanding the paperwork. “Some think that when they get a foreclosure notice, that’s the end. But that’s just the beginning and there are many remedy options,” added Nunes.

“We try to offer some peace and let people know that someone cares enough to help,” offered Nunes, a message that’s particularly appropriate and welcome during the holidays.

For more information about Divine Mortgage Solutions, please visit http://www.sumconthehill.com/divine.html

Football on Thanksgiving a Rooted Holiday Tradition

Football on Thanksgiving a Rooted Holiday Tradition

(Appeared on Fairfield.Patch.com 11/25)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/22/10

Fairfield, CT – A big old bird, a side of stuffing and a generous helping of football. This combination has defined Thanksgiving Day for many Americans over the past ninety years.

While records show pro football being played on Thanksgiving as early as 1902, it has been a regular occurrence since the National Football League’s inception in 1920. The first owner of the Detroit Lions, G.A. Richards, started the tradition as a gimmick to get people to go to Lions football games. In those days, the likes of such teams as the Canton Bulldogs, Dayton Triangles and Detroit Heralds were the combatants.

Since 1945, the Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year while the Dallas Cowboys have played every year since 1978. Since 2006, three games are played on Turkey Day. The first two are hosted by the Lions and Cowboys, with one team from each conference playing either team on a rotating basis, while a third game, which is played in the evening, has no fixed opponents. 

This year, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots (8-2) will play Calvin Johnson and the Lions (2-8) at Detroit in the 12:30 game on CBS, with the Pats continuing their quest to win their division. The New Orleans Saints (7-3) face the Cowboys (3-7) in Dallas at 4:15, airing on FOX. In the night game, the Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) will challenge the red-hot New York Jets (8-2) in New York at 8, carried by the NFL Network.

The DuMont Television Network, one of the world’s pioneer commercial TV networks, was the first network to televise Thanksgiving games, in 1953. CBS took over in 1956, and in 1965, the first color television broadcast of an NFL game occurred, between the Lions and Baltimore Colts.

There have been a number of notable Thanksgiving Day games over the years. In a 1974 Cowboys-Redskins game, unknown Cowboys backup quarterback Clint Longley came in for Roger Staubach with the team down 16-3 to lead them to victory. In 1994, third-string Cowboys QB Jason Garrett subbed for Troy Aikman and took down Brett Favre and the Packers 42-31. In a 1976 game between the Lions and Buffalo Bills, running back O.J. Simpson set the league record for most rushing yards in a single game with 273. In 1980, Chicago Bear David Williams returned the opening kickoff in OT for a touchdown against the Lions, the only time that has happened in a Thanksgiving Day game.

More recently, in 2008, Cowboys QB Tony Romo led his team to a 34-9 win over the Seattle Seahawks, throwing for 331 yards and three TDs.

Preceding all the pro-football action on Thanksgiving Day, Fairfield will enjoy its own local battle when its two high school boys varsity teams face each other. With kickoff scheduled for 10a.m., Fairfield Warde’s Mustangs will go head-to-head with Fairfield Ludlowe’s Falcons at Warde, 755 Melville Avenue.

In the last two years, the Falcons, with third-year coach Matt McCloskey at the helm, have topped Warde head coach Duncan Della Volpe’s Mustangs on Thanksgiving and are looking to make it three in a row. In 2008, Ludlowe edged a 10-8 win; in 2009, they widened the score to 24-14. This year, however, Ludlowe has only one recorded win while Warde has four.

Ludlowe Athletic Director Dave Schulz is just looking for a good match Thanksgiving Day. “This is a high school football game with a great tradition. It’s great for the community and the teams will be putting a little pride on the line, for bragging rights. I hope the best team wins, they have fun and it’s a great event. This isn’t Jets-Giants, but it will be a fun atmosphere and good competition.”

As to how he expects the pro teams to fare that day, Schulz said, “Unfortunately, the Cowboys and Lions are not great this year. None of the match-ups are marquee. I guess if you’re a fan of the featured teams, it’ll be fun to watch, but the high school games may be more exciting.”

Jannotta Family Feed Raises Funds for CT Food Bank

Jannotta Family Feed Raises Funds for CT Food Bank

(Appeared on the Fairfield Citizen newspaper’s website 11/24)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/23/10

Fairfield, CT – They were all like one big happy family united in a great cause and festive setting, and happy to share their good fortune to help others in need.

The blissful occasion was the 12^th Annual Jannotta Family Feed that brought together Jannotta family, friends, high-ranking politicians and philanthropists to contribute funds to the Connecticut Food Bank. The buffet dinner was held at Vazzy’s 19^th Hole Restaurant at D. Fairchild Wheeler Golf Club at 2930 Easton Tpke.

The original idea for the fundraiser was Tony Jannotta’s, special counsel to Senator-elect Richard Blumenthal. As he described it, “I was sitting around the kitchen table looking at the newspaper and read about food banks being in need. The Executive Director of the CT Food Bank, Nancy Carrington, was quoted as saying, ‘A donation of $10 can feed a family of four.’ I started asking friends and family if they would contribute $10 or more and, in a couple of days, had gathered about $2,000. I called Nancy to pass it off to her. Now, 12 years later, the event raises upwards of $20,000 and we’ve helped feed thousands and thousands of Connecticut families.”

Carrington, who has led the CT Food Bank since 1989 and is now its CEO, said, “The mission of the Food Bank is to alleviate hunger by distributing food and grocery products to the organizations that feed people in need and also work to educate the public about the problem of hunger. This annual event has raised approximately $200,000 over the years. It’s really heartwarming to come to an event like this where true believers in the Food Bank, without help from us, raise money to help neighbors in need.”

The politicos on hand to show support were many including Blumenthal, Governor-elect Dan Malloy, Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto, Senate Majority Leader John McKinney and Commissioner of Consumer Protection Jerry Farrell. Jannotta’s father, Al, said of their attendance, “This is a totally bipartisan event as you can see. Everyone leaves their political views at the door. We all get a great feeling from doing.”

“To help the CT Food Bank is so important,” said Flatto. “The Jannotta family has spearheaded one of the largest fundraisers. I commend them for a great job.”

Added Blumenthal, “This is really about family – the Jannotta family and all extended family, everyone here contributing and making Thanksgiving special for people who would otherwise have a less cheerful holiday. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as it’s truly American. What better way to celebrate than by being generous?”

Malloy echoed the sentiment. “When we say our meal prayer or toast that toast and remember at that moment what we strive to do here, then we’ll think about it at another moment. We are indeed blessed but the greatest blessing is to pass it on to another.”

Carrington noted that every dollar goes a long way to helping. “The $20,000 we raise tonight will translate into 68,000 meals. People will be fed at Thanksgiving and through the winter.”

Tony Jannotta’s mother, Jeannette, who towed around and passed out Gumi Bears to grandchildren Eleanor, 5, and John, 3, was grateful for everyone’s support. “This Family Feed is a thank you to the donors. A thanks for giving, if you will.”

Jannotta’s wife, Brenda, said the event had become part of the family’s Thanksgiving tradition. “Now that we have kids, we’ve brought them into the picture. It’s really fun.”

Attendees were honored to be on hand and glad to contribute. Ansonia resident Raymond Ragaini said of the event, “It’s always a good cause. In our country, as rich as we are, 1 in 7 people are hungry right now. It’s a sad commentary. I believe because of efforts like this, we’re helping people in a small way.”

Judy Michaelis of Westport added, “It’s really nice to give back. This is a good cause with warm, giving people.”

An end-of-night tally showed $17,564 had been raised at the dinner alone and Carrington expected to receive additional donations over the next couple of weeks.

To contribute, checks can be made payable to the “CT Food Bank” and mailed to Anthony Jannotta at 275 Fallow Field Road, Fairfield, CT  06824.

Man About Town: A Lap Around the Lake

Man About Town:

A Lap Around the Lake

(Appeared in the Fairfield Citizen News 11/26)

By Mike Lauterborn

ã 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/14/10

A sunny, unseasonably warm mid-November Sunday afternoon presented the perfect opportunity to pay a visit to Lake Mohegan. A sea of cars swamped the main parking lot, confirming that others had made a like decision.

Dedicated as an open space back in the late 60s, the 170-acre parcel offers a myriad of recreational pursuits. One element is the Sprinkler Playground, which, this time of year, sits idle, summer fun a faded memory. Likewise, the adjacent concession stand was locked tight and the modest stretch of beach, made of trucked-in sand, was empty. Three lifeguard chairs faced the clear lake, its surface rippling as it was tickled by a light breeze.

The height of leaf peeking season had passed, leaving mostly bare gray limbs with the exception of clusters of brown leaves stubbornly hanging on. Still, a stream of people passed through a log gateway, dogs of all sizes and makes in tow, to follow a hiking trail. The path was paved with pine needles and crunchy leaves that gave off an outdoorsy aroma. Timbers defined and reinforced the path in some spots and wide planks spanned gulleys in others.

My 10-year-old, Phil, was along for the adventure today and happily pointed out trail offshoots, a rusting hay rake, the odd scurrying chipmunk and the rhythmic tap tap of a busy woodpecker.

A black Lab, the hair on its belly and legs wet from a lake dip, came bounding toward us. Its owner smiled as it mounted a rock to peer at an overview.

As we made our way up an incline, we came to a prominent rock outcropping with overhangs said to have sheltered native Indians that once roamed the space. Strategically placed rock slabs provided a staircase to the summit and a far-reaching view of a distant ridge.

A slope on the other side that was littered with oak leaves led us deeper into the woods while also curling us back down toward the lake. Behind us, the chink chink of collar tags on a pair of dogs, one black and one white, was heard while yelps from others were audible up ahead.

We came to a broad rock plateau that bordered a rushing stream, a virtual watering hole for woods walkers and their four-legged beasts. A visiting family had carved a heart shape into the bark of a nearby birch tree and, inside the heart, added the message “Daddy, Paulina, Nico 2002”.

We followed the stream to a wooden bridge that allowed passage to the far bank for the circle back to our point of origin. As we crossed, we each dropped a leaf into the water and watched the current carry it away.

Photographers abounded, snapping portraits of family members against fall backdrops. A carefully notched stump provided a seat for a spell.

A path on the other side of the stream brought us past a secondary parking area and a small lagoon and back to the lake. The tranquil setting reminded me of a scene from “On Golden Pond.”

The sun was sitting just above a ridge top now, casting long shadows and lighting up the amber and yellow hues of the adjacent woods.

Our path broadened as we paced the homestretch and the shouts of children and chatter of adults returning to the parking lot became noticeable. They clambered back in their autos and rushed off, likely headed for TV rooms to munch snack food and enjoy late day pro football action.

We would join them in the pursuit, while savoring the sights and sounds we’d just experienced -- yet another facet of Fairfield’s resplendent bounty.

Local Families to Host International Guests on Thanksgiving

Local Families to Host International Guests on Thanksgiving

(Appeared on 

Westport.Patch.com 11/24)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/22/10

Westport, CT – Thanksgiving Day promises to be quite a rewarding and unique experience for a number of international visitors and the local families that have volunteered to host them in their homes this holiday.

The collaboration is made possible by the International Hospitality Committee, also known as the Southwestern Connecticut Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA, which invites people to open their doors to United Nations staff and diplomats, State Department sponsored visitors, Fulbright Scholars and other international students.

The Committee tries to match the interests of the hosts with those of the guests. For example, a few years ago, Westporters who had visited Vietnam and had children studying there hosted six high-ranking guests who were part of a delegation from Vietnam. According to Committee spokesperson Barbara Jay, “The dinner was an enormous success.”

While hosts are advised on any dietary constraints or allergies, most guests are willing to try everything.

Jay explained how a typical Thanksgiving hosting works. “Hosts and guests are given each other’s names and contact information, and usually arrangements are made through email to ensure clear communication. Guests arrive at the Westport Train Station by the 11:11a.m. train from New York and are collected by their hosts. After that, the rest of the day is determined by the host family.”

As to activities once guests are with the families, Jay said, “Some will go for a walk on the beach. Others learn touch football on the lawn or the intricacies of NFL football on TV. Some hosts have taken their guests to help out in soup kitchens. There is no typical hosting experience, just the fascination of strangers meeting and becoming friends over a fine meal.”

Naomi Cruz Ciferri and her family will be hosting for the first time this year. “I thought it would be a nice thing to do for someone with no place to go, who was away from home and needed company and a nice meal,” she said. “We always like having people over. We have an open-door policy.”

Ciferri’s guests, Kishor Patel, 29, and Raksha Kumar, 24, both from India and post-graduate students residing in the tri-state area, were on a waiting list for hosting. Ciferri and the pair exchanged emails. “They are very much looking forward to sharing Thanksgiving dinner with our family,” said Ciferri.

Madelein Schuster is a veteran host who has been welcoming international visitors into her home since the late 80s. “When I first decided to host and told my children, who were elementary school age at that time, they feared for their safety. ‘What if they kill us? No will ever know,’ they said. That’s why I had to do this, to open their minds. Now it’s a wonderful tradition for us.”

Schuster’s guests this year are Yaeji Chun, 27, from South Korea, and Fahad Rahman, 25, from Pakistan. She said both are looking forward to the holiday – Chun, in particular, is excited, as she has only been in the country two months and hasn’t experienced it before.

“We have a tradition to have everyone help cook an apple pie,” said Schuster. “It’s fun to share stories about food as we are cooking, cutting and baking. Often times, as a gift to my family, guests bring food items from their country.”

“One year, we had someone from China who was a classical violinist and he brought his violin with him and treated us to a performance. Another year, our guests wanted to experience Black Friday. We got up at 3a.m. to go shopping in New Jersey,” said Schuster.

Barbara Quincy is another veteran host. “I have invited guests to my home for more years than I can count. They have come from Japan, India, Scandinavia, England, Belgium and Germany. It is such a mutually rewarding experience and a small way of promoting understanding and friendship between nations. Heaven only knows the world needs to go in that direction.”

Hampstead Stage Co. Raises Spirits with Dickens Classic

Hampstead Stage Co. Raises Spirits with Dickens Classic:

Kids delighted by “A Christmas Carol” at Fairfield Library

(Appeared on Fairfield Citizen news’ website 11/22)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/20/10

Fairfield, CT – Shrieks of delight and sassy comments spilled from the peanut gallery squatting on the floor at a lively, interactive performance of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, “A Christmas Carol.”

The hour-long, informal show was held in an upstairs meeting room at Fairfield Public Library, 1080 Old Post Road, mid-afternoon Saturday Nov. 20. It was presented by Alex Jacobs and Sarah Bedard of the New Hampshire-based Hampstead Stage Co. The duo played all of the leading characters in full costume in front of a simple set constructed to look like Ebenezer Scrooge’s lending office. The tale was modified to appeal to an audience of 6 to 8 year olds and their parents.

Barbara Hawkins, the Library’s Head of Children’s Services, provided an introduction, noting that this is the fourth year that the group has played the space. She let children know that a question-and-answer session would follow, then the performers launched right into their act.

Jacobs, dressed as Scrooge’s nephew Fred, opened the show and immediately began interacting with young audience members, whom he encouraged to move from chairs to the floor “centerstage”. He instructed them to yell, “Merry Christmas Scrooge!” the moment the bah-humbugging curmudgeon showed his face. Jacobs then dashed behind the set, quick-changed into Scrooge and reappeared. Upon receiving the greeting, he grumbled, “Horrible creatures!”, which elicited much feedback from the rug squatters.

In this interactive way, the performance carried on and, soon, three children were recruited by Scrooge’s employee Bob Cratchit (Bedard) as shop apprentices. They were given bowler hats to wear and even lunch consisting of a rubber chicken and rubber trout. They were also dubbed “Who”, “He” and “Where”, which ignited an Abbott & Costello type routine between Cratchit and Scrooge. A sample: “Here is Who, She is He and There is Where.”

“I better put my money away before someone tries to steal it,” said Jacobs as Scrooge at one point, clutching a coin-filled velvet pouch. “I want it!” came a few cries from the junior set.

The tale, of course, included the visitations of three spirits, that of Christmas Past, Present and Future. These roles were played by Bedard to Jacobs’ Scrooge, whose demeanor changes from reluctant and bitter to re-energized and giving. In the closing scene, Scrooge tells Cratchit that he will be giving him a pay raise, which is followed by a chorus of “Tidings of Comfort and Joy”.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the performance for children in attendance was the opportunity to interview the actors and see behind the curtain. How did you make the ghost go so high? Was it real money? How can you be more than one person? How about next time if you wrap presents? The questions were many.

For Bedard, the interactivity with children is what she looks forward to most. “It’s perfect for kids in general. They’re the most honest and get very involved. We do the show 2 to 3 times a day. We’re trying to bring theater to children, as so many arts programs are being cut. We like to show them the behind-the-scenes. They scream, laugh and run up on stage. No show is the same because of that.”

“House Sleuth” Uses Deductive Reasoning to Solve Date Puzzle

“House Sleuth” Uses Deductive Reasoning to Solve Date Puzzle:

Historian Bob Weingarten provides research keys at Society talk

(Appeared on 

Westport.Patch.com 11/22)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/20/10

Westport, CT – It took months of research, thumbing through reams of documents and some good hunches for Bob Weingarten to finally determine the year in which his Greens Farm home was built.

The House Historian at the Westport Historical Society detailed the process in a “How to Date a House” presentation he gave late morning Saturday Nov. 20 in the Society’s Betty and Ralph Sheffer Gallery, 25 Avery Place. He was joined by Architect David Preusch, an expert in the restoration and renovation of historic residences, who added insight on how one’s home’s style illuminates its origins. The talk, which complemented the current exhibit “Putting Westport on the Map” (curated by Weingarten), was designed to give homeowners the tools to research the origins of their own homes.

Weingarten was introduced by Sue Gold, the Society’s Executive Director, who noted that the historian (and licensed real estate broker) also coordinates the town’s historic plaque-placing program for homes over 50 years old. He has placed over 80 plaques to date.

Weingarten’s introductory slide showed a photo of his converted-barn home and the headline, “How Old Am I?” He asked the modest gathering of attendees to guess the home’s age and received in reply answers that ranged from 1790 to current day. The home had had many modifications over time, so it was not surprising that dating it was a challenge for the audience.

However, this guessing game paled in comparison to all the detective work Weingarten had to conduct to accurately peg the home’s age.

“The basic process is to collect all that you can and use deductive reasoning,” the historian explained. “The first dating project I did was my house, which is how I got interested in this. The prior owners told us it was part of a 22-acre farm and that the house next door was the main house, built by Simon Couch. In 1975, our home was converted from a barn to a house.”

Weingarten said tax records indicated that the main house was built in 1783. Assessor’s records indicated the barn was built in 1887. It seemed suspect to Weingarten that the barn would have been built over 100 years after the main house, so that’s when he started digging.

Leveraging those dates, he went to the town’s Inventory List, which is maintained by the Westport Historic District Commission and includes 1,200 historic homes. The list gives details like address, historic name and year built. Unfortunately, there was no entry for the barn.

Changing gears, Weingarten then went to the Assessor again, with the prior owner’s name, and worked backwards to earliest property deeds and the original land-only transfer record. Back in the late 1700s and until 1820, taxes were assessed not on houses but on fireplaces – both size and quantity. The notation of a fireplace confirmed the existence and build date of the main house in 1783. Unfortunately, there was no mention of a barn, most likely because barns were not taxed until 1920.

Weingarten moved on to searching land records and Chain of Deeds available online through the Town Clerk. He noticed that the original owner sold the house in 1819. In the bill of sale, there was mention of “land and buildings”, though “buildings” was used as a general term back then and didn’t necessarily mean there was more than one structure on the property.

Forging on, Weingarten pulled an 1835 U.S. Coast Survey map noting a square and rectangle drawn on his property, the rectangle indicating a barn. That date, however, was still 50 years after the main house was built.

Knowing that the original owner died in 1808, the historian pulled a probate document noting that property of the deceased included “1 corn house, a Chaise house, shed and dwelling.” He discovered a Chaise is a fancy carriage and that the Chaise house must be the barn, which housed the carriage. Further, another survey map noted a small fireplace in the Chaise house and tax records for 1805 showed the addition of a fireplace on the property. Weingarten drew the conclusion that the new fireplace indicated the establishment of the Chaise house or barn in 1805.

“You put a lot of facts together and come up with a conclusion. You could be right or you could be wrong, but you’ve used a logical process,” summed up Weingarten.

Westport residents who would like to research the history of their own homes can visit the Westport Historical Society at 25 Avery Place on Tuesdays, between 10 and noon, when the records vault is open and researchers are available to help.