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! 

Fairfield, CT Writer Mike Lauterborn Releases “Chasing Charley” Book, the Sequel to John Steinbeck’s 1960 “Travels with Charley” Adventure

 

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 Published on Saturday, 10 November 2018 20:13

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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. 

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.

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. 

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.”

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.

“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. 

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. 

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. 

“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.

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. 

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. 

And here’s how you can learn more about and order it:

https://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001208108

Chasing Charley

By Mike Lauterborn

Published: Nov. 2018

Formate: Perfect Bound Softcover (B&W) with several photos

Pages: 388

Size: 6x9

ISBN: 9781546267751

Paperback Price: $20.99 / eBook: $3.99

FOLLOW THE PROJECT ON INSTAGRAM: @chasing_charley_travelogue  for news about author appearances, readings, signings and more.

An Omelet At 2 a.m. Just Because

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!

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:

- 3 medium eggs, beaten

- Splash of milk

- Sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese

- Chunks of sweet Italian sausage, pre-thawed, pre-cooked and mixed in

- 1/2 red onion diced

- 3 mushrooms sliced

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.

Winter Farmers Market Springs to Life on St. Patrick’s Day

 Winter Farmers Market Springs to Life on St. Patrick’s Day

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/17/12

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

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.

Bodega Taco Bar Adds Magic to Traditional Mexican Fare

 Bodega Taco Bar Adds Magic to Traditional Mexican Fare

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield County Life Magazine April 2012)

3/16/12

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.

Forty-two-year-old Partner and Chef Michael Young took a moment recently to speak with FCL about the culinary path that led him to Bodega, his collaborators Mario Fontana and Luis Chavez, and signature menu items.

“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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

“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.”

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.  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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

A much-requested Side is Blistered Brussel Sprouts, glazed in a secret pineapple glaze.

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.

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.

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.

On the horizon, Bodega will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration, on May 5, featuring a pig roast, tent and live music.

Bodega Taco Bar is located in Heritage Square, 1700 Post Road, Fairfield. Phone: 203-292-9590. www.bodegatacobar.com

Faye Kim Designs: Timeless Classic Jewelry

 Faye Kim Designs: Timeless Classic Jewelry

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield County Life Magazine, April 2012)

3/15/12

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 FCL about her start in the field and why her clients keep coming back for more.

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.

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.”

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^th Street, sorting diamonds,” she said.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

“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.

“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.”

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.”

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.

“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.”

Faye Kim Designs is located at 190 Main Street, Westport, CT. Phone: 203-226-3511. www.FayeKimDesigns.com Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am to 5:30pm and by appointment.

Girl Scouts Mark 100th Anniversary with Town Hall Ceremony

 Girl Scouts Mark 100th Anniversary with Town Hall Ceremony

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/12/12

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

Kids “Toy” with Mixed Media on WACky Family Fun Day

 Kids “Toy” with Mixed Media on WACky Family Fun Day

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/11/12

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Bedford Middle School Becomes Purim Party Playground

 Bedford Middle School Becomes Purim Party Playground

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/11/12

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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^th Hole.

“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.  

Locals Take the Plunge for Special Olympics Cause

 Locals Take the Plunge for 

Special Olympics Cause

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/10/12

Westport, CT – Water temperature 38 degrees. Air temperature 45. Insanity levels off the charts.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Besides individual donations, local corporate sponsors like Lexus and USI Insurance provided support, as well as organizations at the state level.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.” 

Curio Cottage Tag Sale Draws Bargain Hunters for a Good Cause

 Curio Cottage Tag Sale Draws Bargain Hunters for a Good Cause

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/9/12

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

“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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

For more information about the Tag Sale and Curio Cottage, visit www.WestportWomansClub.org

Congregation Marks Purim with Reading and Costumes

 Congregation Marks Purim with Reading and Costumes

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield Citizen News)

3/7/12

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

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.”

Teens Get Ratty for Library’s One Book One Town Program

Teens Get Ratty for Library’s One Book One Town Program

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield Citizen News)

3/7/12

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

“I’m doing a gay pride rat,” said Indiana Whiteman, “promoting equality for all – something completely different.”

Working busily on her rat, Meghan Saladino, 15, said, “I like abstract things and I draw, so my rat reflects that.”

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.

Longshore Halfway House Honoring Cliff Ross Breaks Ground

Longshore Halfway House Honoring Cliff Ross Breaks Ground

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/7/12

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.

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^th & 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.

“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^th & ½ Hole Committee. “The building will also be grounded against lightning, providing shelter for golfers.”

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.”

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.

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.”

Gus Papajohn of A. Papajohn is the general contractor and Jim Lothrop of Lothrop Associates is the architect.

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.”

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.”

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^th & 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.”

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.”

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.”

Saugatuck Nursery Celebrates Move to First Church Space

Saugatuck Nursery Celebrates 
Move to First Church Space

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/7/12

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.

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.

“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.”

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.’”

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.

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.”

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.”

Neighbors Help Celebrate Reopening of Elvira’s Deli

Neighbors Help Celebrate Reopening of Elvira’s Deli

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/3/12

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.

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.

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.”

Close to $100,000 was dedicated to the renovation work, to install new floors, cabinets, kitchen equipment and coolers, according to Nick.

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.

Since its founding 15 years ago, Elvira’s has become a beloved landmark. All in attendance had only positive things to say.

“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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

Added Nick, “We have moms coming in here with kids, who were little girls when they first started visiting.”

Earthplace Sap to Sugar Program Taps into Family Fun

Earthplace Sap to Sugar Program Taps into Family Fun

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/3/12

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

Soggy Start to Par 3 Golf Season

Soggy Start to Par 3 Golf Season

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield Citizen News)

3/3/12

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.

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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

The course was a salt marsh before being converted in 1969. A NIKE missile site, erected post WWII, had once stood nearby.

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.