Some Sweet Ways to Meet

Some Sweet Ways to Meet

By Mike Lauterborn

(Appeared in Dec. 2010 issue of Inside Chappaqua magazine)

© 2010. All rights reserved.

8/5/10

There are many great social networking groups for singles and the “newly single” to enjoy in Westchester and the New York Metro area. Below is a small sampling…

Meet Up!

Meetup promotes itself as “the world’s largest network of local groups.” The online service makes it very simple for anyone to organize a local group around his or her personal interest/s or to join one of the thousands of groups already meeting up in person. According to the site, more than 2,000 groups get together in local communities each day. It’s a great way for single and newly single people to narrow their search for a mate to those with common interests, while widening one’s social circle at the same time. The service boasts 7.2 million members and claims 250,000 monthly meetups. For info, go to: www.meetup.com

Wine & Dine!

Local Wine Events is a free online service that notifies subscribers of local food and wine events – great opportunities to meet friends and potential love interests with a discerning palate and passion for good taste. It was founded and developed by Eric V. Orange, who has distinguished himself in the wine industry for the past 20 years. Site users can plug in their specific region of interest by name or zip code and see a list of wine events by date, with event details, cost and location included. For info, visit www.localwineevents.com

Get Going!

Singles On The Go is a tremendous online resource that allows singles to find groups and activities by state, city or even territory. Links are provided to a very broad range of to-do’s including speed dating, mixers, social networking, dining groups, wine tasting, dance groups, religious groups, volunteer teams, civic organizations and clubs – all dedicated to singles. For more information, go to: www.singlesonthego.com

Make A Date!

Single America is billed as “the most complete and up-to-date American singles and dating guide” online. Featured on its site are complete listings of singles parties, events, clubs and speed dating. There’s more: reviews of online dating sites, dating tips, advice, safe dating, gay and lesbian dating, religious and ethnic dating and more. This resource is essentially a portal to meeting new people, making friends and finding that certain special someone. Go to: www.Single-America.com

Socialize!

Social Circles was founded a dozen years ago by professionals who’d grown weary of “the same old social scene.” Their aim was to get busy people like themselves to interact with their surroundings while making new and solid social connections. The service relies on a diverse calendar of events to act as a driver of “meet ups”. Activities include nightlife, arts, outdoor adventure and travel and are centered in and around New York City. There is a nominal membership fee, though the first month is free. For info: www.socialcircles.com

Be A Gourmand!

The Single Gourmet is one of the most established singles groups, known for its integrity and elegance. It was founded 25+ years ago and has chapters nationwide. It offers sophisticated single men and women a relaxed, easy way to meet other successful singles. The group hosts fine culinary events in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Fairfield Counties, as well as NYC and Long Island. To learn more and see lists of events, photos and travel plans, go to: www.singlegourmet-metrony.com

Prep Begins for Holiday Train Show

Prep Begins for Holiday Train Show

Model railroad clubs set up for Dec. 3 opening

(Appeared on Fairfield.Patch.com 11/29)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/28/10

Fairfield, CT – Like Santa’s elves, the two teams of model train enthusiasts busied themselves measuring, marking, tapping and taping sections of track to the top of two large platforms.

‘Twas the Sunday before the Friday, Dec. 3 opening night of the Holiday Express Train Show at the Fairfield Museum and History Center on Beach Road and the teams were in the beginning stages of building the track layout.

“We’re trying to get as much done as possible in terms of the foundation,” said Bill Dressler, President of the CT G-Scalers Model Train Club, one of the two teams involved in the event. “Tomorrow we’ll begin placing the buildings, people and scenery.”

He and his five club associates worked from hand drawn plans, placing and connecting track on top of industrial green carpet laid atop long folding tables in the museum’s Jacky Durrell Meeting Hall.

“The tables make it much easier for set-up and for people to see,” said fellow club member and Wilton resident Stephen Auslender. “Normally, trains are laid out on ground level and are permanent.”

The “G” in G-Scale stands for “garden” explained Auslender, as these sets are often integrated into gardens. The gardens consist of live miniature plants like bonsai trees and breeds with tiny flowers and leaves. The G-Scale trains run indoors and outdoors and are twice the size of the classic Lionel trains. The tracks they use are 1 ¾” wide, made of brass and affixed to plastic ties. The brand of both the trains and track is LGB, the acronym for Lehmann Gross Bahn, the West German manufacturer.

“This is the fourth year we G-Scalers have been doing this with the museum, but this year we are doing a more elaborate display,” said Dressler. “It will be multi-level, with five trains running simultaneously and more intricate scenery, buildings, bridges and tunnels. We will be bringing back Thomas the Tank Engine and adding Percy, as well as a stream train, diesel and a live video camera on one of the trains.”

On the opposite side of the room, the Housatonic Model Railroad Club, led by Fairfield resident and President Jeff Dean, connected wiring and track sections affixed to the top of a sectioned wooden platform for the HO-scale trains that they will run at the show.

Dean explained that the HO trains are standard gauge running on nickel-silver rails that are 11/16” wide and mounted on plastic ties. His club, too, has returned for a fourth year and expanded their layout by four feet into an oval-shaped set-up measuring 9’x16’ in total area, with inner and outer track loops.

Dean’s 10-year-old daughter, Maggie, had accompanied him. “She chose to come here over Christmas shopping with her mother. She loves this.”

Dean, 52, said he’d been involved with trains since he was eight and that his first set was a Lionel. He said he has always enjoyed the escapism, history, modeling and electronics involved with the pursuit… and that he and fellow club members like Westporter John Shannon are committed.

“We don’t play with trains. We operate trains. This is a very serious hobby,” said Shannon.

Dean joined the club when he was 17 and became president about 15 years ago. The club has 15 members, several of whom have train set layouts at home. He said his daughter comes to the club and train shows and he hopes she will carry on the traditions.

Fellow club member Jeff Zeleny has been an enthusiast since he was five. “My parents got me an American Flyer set for Christmas and I was hooked. I have a layout in the basement at home, which I’ve been working on for the past seven years. It’s an ongoing project… you never finish it.”

The G-Scalers don’t have a dedicated club space says Auslender. “We meet at individual members’ houses once a month and sit around and talk about our aches and pains. The wives cook then the men play with their trains.”

For the first time, the teams will be joined by Ruth Blackwood, president of Wilton-based Blackwood Associates Event Design and Production. She has an impressive 30-year track record designing events for venues like the Stepping Stones Museum, Westport Playhouse and St. Vincent’s Hospital, and will apply her talents to “add another layer to the train show.”

Specifically, Blackwood, with an assist from Miro Landscaping, will use antique fabrics, garlands, wreaths and Dickens characters to dress up the space and bring out the spirit of the holiday.

Mike Jehle, the museum’s executive director, is glad to have these groups aboard. “The show’s become of the most magical and popular events around the holidays and we couldn’t do it without them. It’s a win-win for all of us that we get to share with the community.”

To learn more about the CT G-Scalers, visit www.CTGScalers.org. For more info about the Housatonic Model Railroad Club, visit www.housatonicmr.org.

Simple Pursuits Spur Smiles at Museum’s Community Day

Simple Pursuits Spur Smiles at Museum’s Community Day:

Storytelling and crafts highlight Nov. 26 Ffld Museum event

(Appeared 11/28 on Fairfield.Patch.com)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/26/10

Fairfield, CT – What could be more appropriate on this Thanksgiving holiday than to spend a little time with family enjoying simple activities together in the spirit of our forefathers?

That was the theme of “Community Day – The First Thanksgiving”, a program conducted early afternoon Friday Nov. 26 at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road. The event offered craft making led by the museum’s Director of Education Christine Jewell and storytelling presented by Janis Us.

An instructor at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT, Us is descended on her father’s side from the Mohawk and Shinnacock tribes. Her stories all have Native American themes revolving around animals.

“It takes a long time to become a storyteller,” she told the small audience of parents and their young children. “You have to memorize about 200 stories.”

Us, at 64, is actually still an apprentice training under the guidance of Catamount, an Iroquois storyteller. As to when she can officially claim the storyteller title, Us said, “When I can remember all the stories and all the folklore. I didn’t start until I was in my 40s, so I’ll probably be six feet under before that happens.”

You wouldn’t know Us was still in training to hear her tell tales like “The Beaver, Turtle and Race for the Pond” or “Rabbit and His Extra Long Ears.” The fluidity of the stories, variety of voices and sounds she employed, and her easy manner thoroughly delighted the group.

In an interactive way, Us tapped children from the audience to approach her at the front of the Meeting Room, reach into a “story bag” made from rabbit fur and draw out an animal finger puppet. There were about 15 of these and ranged from rabbits and turtles to moose and beaver.

“Some storytellers have story baskets,” said Us. “I like the mystery of a story bag… and it makes things fun for the kids.”

Us would then relate each tale, integrating the selected finger puppet animal into her presentation. Each story had a moral lesson, which Us would clearly summarize at the conclusion of each telling.

Along one side of the room, Us’ son, Matthew, 38, manned two long tables atop which Native American jewelry, most of which his mother had fashioned, lay.

“She’s been doing this for quite some time,” Matthew commented. “She’s very good at it.”

Jewelry items included bracelets with sky and star themes, bracelets with leaf-shaped charms, Cherokee-style necklaces and chokers made from bone, abalone, glass beads, buffalo horn and leather. There were also story bags like her own, pendants with obsidian stones, hair pins and belt buckle covers.

Pointing to some Iroquois raised beadwork, the storyteller said, “This was almost lost as a craft. We were down to eight elderly workers when a master bead worker went across country and recruited about 3,000 craftsmen to maintain it.”

In a back room of the museum, another group was hard at work making cornhusk dolls and rattles. At one table, Fairfielder April Clyne and her three girls Allison, 2, Abigail, 9, and Alexandra, 7, were putting the finishing touches on their dolls, which were made with cornhusks and twine.

“With girls, it’s all about crafts,” said April.

“I really like to learn about history,” said Abigail. “And I thought this would be fun. I’ve been here before with my Brownie troop.”

Fairfielder Kathy Veenker was overseeing the doll making at an adjacent table, where her daughter Elizabeth, visiting from Washington, D.C., and 3-year-old identical twin granddaughters, Eloise and Charlotte, were seated.

“We’re trying to get back to natural activities and the real roots of Thanksgiving,” said Veenker. Kids watch so much TV… it’s fun to return to simple things, like when I was growing up and in the Girl Scouts. We made our own entertainment.”

Southporter Lorna Savage was keeping on an eye on her own brood – daughter Patricia Bravo, also from Washington, D.C., and grandkids Benjamin, 6, and Maya, 8, who were making rattles using paper towel tubes, markers and rice.

“I thought this would be perfect,” said Savage. “I call Maya my little Martha Stewart. She’s so crafty.”

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.