Fairfield’s New Superintendent of Schools Outlines Vision

Fairfield’s New Superintendent of Schools Outlines Vision

(Appeared on Fairfield.Patch.com 11/8)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/8/10

Fairfield, CT – It was a blustery, bone-chilling night and already quite dark by the start of the early evening event due to the recent Daylight Savings clock adjustment, but that didn’t stop several dozen area residents from gathering to meet a new face in town.

On Monday night Nov. 8, the Fairfield Museum and History Center, together with the League of Women Voters, welcomed Fairfield’s new Superintendent of Schools Dr. David G. Title. Following an informal reception that featured coffee and pastries, Dr. Title outlined his vision for Fairfield Public Schools in an hour-long address and Q&A session.

Charlotte Garrell, Co-President of the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, said, “We welcome Dr. Title to Fairfield and wish him well in his job. There are a lot of difficult decisions to make. Re-districting is a key issue.”

Fran Wilder, a kindergarten teacher at Holland Hill School, was equally pleased to have Title on board and echoed Garrell’s thoughts on priorities. “He’s very easy to talk to, and charming. I think he’s got an uphill road. Re-districting. That’s what we’re going through now.”

To that regard, Title commented, “Re-districting involves the history of the town and is a very hot topic, emotionally charged. We need to do more research on enrollment and facility needs before wading into that pond.”

Prior to his July 1 appointment, Title had served as Superintendent of Schools in Bloomfield, CT from 2002 to 2010. Prior to that, he was Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Waterford, CT from 1990 to 2002. Earlier positions included assistant principal at Somers, CT High School and history teacher at both East Granby, CT High School and Longmeadow, MA High School. A native of West Hartford, Title earned his Doctorate in educational administration from Harvard University and a Master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts. He also received a Bachelor’s Degree from Dartmouth College, where he majored in History. Title is married and has four children, ages 7 to 21.

Title thought it fitting that the presentation was being held at the History Center. “One of the things I’m striving to do is learn the history, culture and traditions of Fairfield. I’m a history buff as well.” He confessed to being in a “learning mode” and felt that his big task centered around taking “a really good school system and bringing it to the next level, from excellent to premiere.” To that end, he planned to look for “leverage points and untapped resources and enhance Fairfield’s great education programs while under fiscal constraints.”

After brief introductions by Museum Director of Education Christine Jewell and Garrell, Title explained that he was in an information gathering mode with a goal of presenting an overview in late winter to the Board of Education and town. However, he emphasized that instruction in the classroom is key and the fastest route to help children.

There were four main leverage points on which Title planned to focus:

1. Continuing to improve the skills of teachers. “There’s always new learning to be done and we need to also look at the data with regard to student performance.”

2. School leader skills. “Principals have a big impact,” Title said, “and they affect a school’s culture. Their skills must be as up to date as teachers.”

3. Having an aligned system. Title expressed, “There must be consistency across schools with regard to having a common experience and curriculum. It’s no easy task. We have 237 second grade teachers across the districts for example. Vertical alignment is also key, particularly at transition points like school entry and 5^th to 6^th grade.”

4. Resources. Title emphasized the importance of having up-to-date technology.

Title was generally satisfied with class sizes and wants to maintain them, seeks to use data more effectively, aims to provide fairer distribution of technology and encourages Fairfield to be more involved in the shaping of policy in Hartford and Washington, D.C.

Vessy Doulis, a Mill Plain Road resident with a daughter at Riverfield Elementary, thought Title had the right background to get the job done, but is eager to know more. “He has broad expertise and experience and has been in many different districts. Now I want to know more specifics and steps to get there.”

Fairfielder Joyce Flynn had nothing but praise for Title. “He’s innovative and very positive, but also realistic. I like his reaching.”

Award Ceremony Recognizes Leadership in Promoting Equal Opportunity

Award Ceremony Recognizes Leadership in Promoting Equal Opportunity

(Appeared in Westport News 11/8/10)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/7/10

Westport, CT – It was a celebration of accomplishment, diversity and the stance of a town that has set a premiere example for other communities to follow.

TEAM (Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism), Westport’s official committee on multiculturalism and diversity, today honored Dr. Albert Beasley, Claire Gold and Andy Boas, three individuals who have committed themselves to pursuing equal opportunity for disadvantaged people. The group’s second annual “Diversity Trailblazers Awards” event, it featured a reception and ceremony and was held at the Stoney Point home of Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler.

Initially established in 2002 by former First Selectman Diane Farrell as a permanent group focused on diversity, TEAM’s mission is to achieve and celebrate a community that welcomes everyone. It collaborates closely with other town bodies such as the library, playhouse and clergy to promote its objectives, and its activities are solely funded by contributions.

About the honoree selection process, Nick Rudd, chair of TEAM’s marketing committee, said, “Our 15 members confer about candidates, attempting to represent a spectrum of the community and recognize people that have made a real difference in promoting diversity in all aspects of life.”

Fellow board member Sheffer, who is also head of TEAM’s advisory council, added, “I grew up here and know these people. Al Beasley was my pediatrician. Claire Gold was Superintendent of Schools. I suggested Andy Boas as a younger element of the group.”    

Speaking more about TEAM’s objectives, Rudd explained, “TEAM serves as a catalyst for dialogue and engagement about race. We’re also focused on children and have been named by the Board of Education as the premiere group to work with the Westport school system. In fact, Westport’s Superintendent of Curriculum Brian Fagin is now on TEAM’s board.”

Harold Bailey Jr., TEAM’s Chair, spoke about Boas, a general partner in investment advisory firm Carl Marks & Co. “Andy wanted to do something that would directly impact kids. He founded the Charter Oak Challenge Foundation to provide scholarship opportunities for Bridgeport high school students. The program gives them a scholarship, a laptop computer and mentor to guide them through all four years of college. He also started the Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Middle School, a charter school serving 500 fifth to eighth graders.”

“This is a very meaningful event for Westport,” said Boas. “What we have here, not everyone else has. Awareness is critical as well as both contributions of money and time for those who need it desperately. Children have the right to a world-class education no matter where they live.”

Fellow honoree Claire Gold said she was “very touched” that TEAM even thought of her. Of course, her record of service betrays her modesty, with her past 20 years committed to diversity issues and working with developing schools in Bridgeport. Notably, she has been spearheading the new Discovery Interdistrict Magnet School, which has a focus on science and technology and is dedicated to grades Pre-K through eighth grade.

Bailey added that Gold is also behind Project Choice, which allows Bridgeport students to go to school in Westport.

“Westport is an unusual community,” Gold commented about the town’s open-minded stance. “I was the second woman in the state to be appointed Superintendent. This town is very progressive. I feel very fortunate to be in the middle of this.”

The senior member of the honorees, Beasley, with regard to the award, humbly said, “I guess it means I’ve had some success in my career. When I moved here in 1953, Westport embraced me. I was accepted for what I had to offer. I appreciate that I’ve been valued.”

The co-founder of Willows Pediatric and practicing pediatrician for more than 50 years added, “Most importantly, I appreciate people for trusting their precious children to me.”

“Westport remembers… we don’t forget those that do good for our town,” said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, officiating at the ceremony. “This town has always been a diverse community, with bohemian roots,” Joseloff continued. “It has always attracted people of different minds and spirits.”

“These honorees are well deserving,” added Joseloff. “This is just a small token of our appreciation.”

Reinvention Spurs Success: Thriving Businesses in Hard Times

Reinvention Spurs Success:

Thriving Businesses in Hard Times

(Appeared on front page of Fairfield-Sun paper 11/4)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

10/14/10

Fairfield, CT – They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Some people just refuse to accept the cards they’ve been dealt, they hatch a new game plan and they find successful new avenues they would otherwise not have discovered. Such is the case with three distinct Fairfield business owners.

A Gem in the Rough

It was January 2010 when the long-expected, but nevertheless tragic, end came. Tom Losonci, president of Madison Jewelers at 2261 Black Rock Turnpike, lost his two-year battle with cancer. His children were still too young to take over the business, his wife was occupied with childcare and his mother was too elderly to assume management. His right-hand man Ernie Piscitelli had been the store’s manager for the past 10 years, had 25 years in the industry and built a reputation with customers. He expressed an interest in continuing the business and, prior to Losonci’s passing, the two met to discuss.

Piscitelli recalled the meeting. “Tom called me over to his house and over a beer and a milkshake, he signed a right of first refusal agreement for the purchase of any asset of the business, which enabled me to purchase the fixtures and tools from the estate.” Piscitelli signed a new lease and closed for six months, until July 15, when he completed the property transaction.

“I didn’t have one piece of jewelry,” he said, so spent a month and a half building inventory and traveling to different jewelry shows (e.g. Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Bangkok, New York). “I was looking at who had what and for well-made, affordable jewelry.” On August 29, Madison officially reopened.

“This was definitely a Hail Mary pass,” said Piscitelli about the decision to press on in a period in which many businesses were struggling. But he was confident that a new approach and hard work would bring results. “Every piece in my store is current, fresh, high-quality and priced from $50 to $25,000. We offer a homey, unpretentious atmosphere and seek to build a relationship, not just make a sale. We hope to appeal to a broad customer base with hundreds of pieces under $500, but still be the largest supplier of diamond engagement rings and wedding bands.”

His efforts are paying off, said Anita Burger-Kolonjari, now the store manager, a long-time employee and granddaughter of Madison’s founder. “Customers have practically run in the door… so many congratulations and hugs!”

Center Stage

A few years ago, Cyndi Sadowsky was facing divorce and had to figure out how to stay in her home. “I wasn’t going to be defeated,” said the now remarried mother of a 12-year-old daughter and stepmom to two other children.

Sadowsky’s friend, Beverly Clarke, mother to three children herself, was also going through a divorce and debating about going back into sales. However, the thought of coming home late, not being able to make dinner for her youngest child and sitting in traffic on I-95 wasn’t ideal.

“It had always been a dream to make my own rules and decorating and design were an interest,” said Sadowsky. “Beverly had similar philosophies and we thought there was a niche in the local market for homestaging.”

Popular in other parts of the country, homestaging is the process in which you prepare your home for sale by doing repairs, de-cluttering and making it more appealing to a wide range of buyers. The two formed Center Stage Designs, a service that also includes re-design and, more recently, decorating.

“Re-design is a less expensive alternative to an interior designer and suited to a person that doesn’t have the funds to start from scratch. As to decorating, we found people have ideas they don’t know how to put together, so we help them narrow down how they want their home to look and feel,” said Sadowsky.

They worked hard to get up and running, creating a website, making their business a top Google search, placing print ads and sending postcard mailings to both realtors and homeowners.

Working out of Clarke’s Bay Edge Court home office, the two are not looking back. “This business gives us more flexibility to care for our families. We still work hard but can choose when we do,” said Clarke.

As to the business’ success, Sadowsky noted, “Homestaging is a growing trend. Your home really has to be set apart. It’s a buyer’s market. The houses we visit and stage are ready and they sell so fast.” Recently, they extended the service to the commercial market, which has had the effect of bringing new life to businesses and inspiring customers to come back.”

“I love jumping out of bed every morning and doing this,” concluded Clarke. “And we’re creating a business that our children can pursue.”

Live and In-Person

Like Clarke and Sadowsky, Trevor Mahony Crow found herself facing divorce and having to suddenly think about how she was going to support herself. She recalled the moment on New Year’s Day in 2009 when her husband declared, “I don’t know if I really want to grow old with you,” and walked out the door.

He had done well in the markets on Wall Street, but companies like AIG were “falling into the ocean” and sinking fast and the recession was rearing its ugly head. She immediately put a house on the market that they had just renovated, which sold a year later, and purchased a townhouse in Southport Green.

Ironically, Crow holds a Masters Degree in marriage and family therapy and, at the time of the separation, had been successfully operating a small office in Westport. Her career, though, had “really been an adjunct” to her husband’s, and so she had to refocus on making it yield more.

Her publicist friend, Robin Phillips, suggested she pen a column for a new website started by area moms called FairfieldMomsTown.com. The column started as a weekly Q & A, with topical themes related to her field. It quickly gained great interaction and responses and continues to intrigue her. “I did a recent article about men losing their jobs and not being able to hang on to the lifestyle they’d created, and the shame and pain associated with that. They are not able to open up about their feelings and a divide opens between them and their spouses. It opened up a whole dialogue.”

She realized she’d hit a nerve and there was a lot more to talk about: stress, the economy, communication. “We are not islands. We’re wired to co-regulate.” This thinking spurred her to take to the air with a live radio show titled “Keeping Connected with Trevor Crow”, an hour-long broadcast Tuesday evenings at 8pm on WSTC/WNLK 1350/1400 on AM talk radio. The format usually entertains interesting, thought-provoking guests in the fields of family, relationships and different life stage processes.

“My mantra to myself is you have to break out of your comfort zone. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be doing a radio show if I was still married,” said Crow, reflecting. “Hopefully, things will be more lucrative. I’m planting the seeds and learning a lot. I feel very fortunate.”

SIDEBAR

Determination in the Face of Adversity

People reinvent themselves for many different reasons. In these economically challenged and stressful times, more often than not, reinvention is forced by a change in marital status or job loss. These life changes can be very difficult but for those that can climb out of the mire, rebound and find a new path, the event can lead to unexpected success. A commitment to a goal and courage in the face of adversity are the necessary tools of these challenging times.

“It was very difficult for the people who worked here to stay until the end,” said Ernie Piscitelli, who had managed Madison Jewelers until its owner passed away from cancer. “Deep down, we knew the end was going to come, which would also be the end of our jobs, but we didn’t walk away.”

It was Piscitelli’s drive to carry on the business and the support of co-worker Anita Burger-Kolonjari that enabled him to initiate a new lease and reopen. “We worked around the clock, seven days a week to get the store open. And we did it with new strategies while remaining committed to service.”

As an employee of an interior design firm in New Jersey, Fairfield mom Beverly Clarke often found herself stuck in an office far from home. Pal Cyndi Sadowsky, who handled event management for Fortune 500 companies, didn’t like to travel. When both found themselves victims of divorce and needing to create a sustainable income while caring for their children, they formed Center Stage Design.

“We threw the idea around for two years and spent time researching higher training to move forward,” said Sadowsky. Their homestaging business has taken off and Clarke credits their initiative. “I like that we’re innovators here, it works and what we’ve done proves it. We’ve become great role models for our kids and, hey, we started a business in a recession.”

Staples High Teen Inspired by Arctic Adventure

Staples High Teen Inspired by 
Arctic Adventure

(Appeared in Westport News 11/5)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

11/4/10

Westport, CT – A contest essay submission this past Spring was a Staples High teen’s golden ticket, affording him passage to an Arctic adventure and ambassadorship… and now he’s come home enlightened and with tales aplenty.

Brian Hershey, 16, a junior at Westport’s Staples High School, had been selected by Gault Energy and Polar Bears International (PBI) as the local winner of the alliance’s third annual Leadership Camp Competition and appointed Fairfield County teen Arctic Ambassador. He has recently returned from PBI’s Canadian Arctic-based camp where he and 18 other students from across the world spent the week of Oct. 10-16.

Gault has collaborated with PBI for the past three years to educate Fairfield County homeowners about how carbon emissions are affecting polar bear habitats and what can be done to reduce output. Each year the alliance offers a deserving teen the opportunity to travel to the Arctic, receive onsite education and convey their new knowledge locally.

“I was one of nine area finalists that met with a selection committee,” said Hershey. “I think they chose me as I had an idea to connect teens in the Arctic to teens at my high school to get cause and effect of what we’re doing to create positive environmental change.”

Hershey initially flew to Winnipeg, Canada, where he joined the group for an overnight, then they took a chartered plane to the small town of Churchill, historically a trade port on the edge of Hudson Bay.

“The town has a population of around 400, with small houses, only four or five streets in the grid and a rail line going through,” Hershey explained. “Very simple and surrounded by Arctic tundra. Polar bears would regularly stroll into town, requiring police patrols to fire blanks to drive them away.”

After a two-day stay in Churchill, the group drove far out into the tundra in huge buggies, which Hershey described as a cross between a school bus and a monster truck. “The land was really barren, with the occasional polar bear. We parked at a research station and stayed there in the middle of nowhere for three days and two nights,” he said.

Their station stay included workshops to educate them about the bears. They also made daily treks to the intersection of Hudson Bay and Churchill River where fresh water meets seawater and bears congregate. The latter is the first area to freeze, allowing the bears to better access their seal prey. The group enjoyed guest speakers, like professional nature photographers and rangers from nearby Wapusk National Park, as well.

A highlight for Hershey was meeting an Inuit couple, Betty Settee and her husband Jim, who are trappers that kill and skin coyotes and sell furs to traders. Hershey expected them to be the antithesis of the group’s conservation-oriented efforts but was surprised that their attitudes were quite progressive. Their principles include living off the land, caring for Mother Nature and never taking more than you need.

Settee told the group about how she was hired as young as eight years old to guide hunters and that, by 12, she was traveling solo for days on end some 40 miles or more to trap and kill animals. Sadly, Settee just passed at age 77, on Oct. 27, just a week after Hershey’s return. “I will always remember her stories,” said Hershey.

Another highlight was video conferencing over the internet with elementary and high school students in the U.S. and Canada to speak about what the team was seeing and learning.

Hershey and his group got very close. “My fellow students were great, very smart and from all over. The facilitators, teachers and rangers, who are experts on the local bear population, were also terrific.” He described their quarters as tight, and there were no showers, but he had no complaints about the food.

Hershey played a second role at Camp, as a teen reporter for WSHU Connecticut Public Radio. He was given equipment to record a story for the station’s Teenage Diaries program. He captured five hours of audio, which included observations and interviews with students and experts.

His ambassador term will encompass a year during which time Hershey plans to share what he has learned with the community and help local businesses cut carbon emissions by 5% each year. “It didn’t make sense at first that small efforts like turning off a light or planting a tree could make a difference to a polar bear, but now I see it can. As my new PBI friend BJ puts it, ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.’”

Patch Voter Guide: Small Business Challenges in Fairfield and Westport

Patch Voter Guide: Small Business

Challenges in Fairfield and Westport

The candidates for Connecticut House of Representatives District 133 have varied solutions.

(Appeared on Westport.Patch.com 11/2)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

10/25/10

Southport resident Kathryn Engle, a registered nurse at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, has seen small businesses come and go in Fairfield and Westport.

“There have definitely been a lot of fly-by-nights and boutiques that have opened and closed,” she has noticed.

District 133 State House of Representatives candidates DeeDee Brandt, Republican, and Kim Fawcett, Democrat, have noticed, too, and laid out some plans in the 2010 Patch Voter Guide. Click here to see where they stand on small business challenges, transportation and budget woes.

Tax Breaks and Equal Purchasing Power

Engle said one solution would be to provide tax breaks to small business, but she wasn’t sure if that would be enough. “Even if they give breaks, we still have high unemployment, so the tax reductions won’t help business because people are not able to spend.”

Another challenge to small businesses, she suggested, are the big box stores and conglomerates. “Where I was purchasing from small shops in the past, now I’m spending at the bigger stores because of the better prices and savings… trying to save money. In general, people’s wages haven’t increased and bonuses are less, which affects a lot of the town.”

“Maybe leveling the purchasing power ability of small businesses to be on par with larger businesses would help.”

Plans to Address Small Business Challenges

The candidates running for Connecticut’s House of Representatives, District 133, have thoughts on how to give small business a boost.

Brandt said one big challenge to small business is the $30 million the state charges through the business entity tax. “This tax was supposed to go away five years ago.”

Overall, though, Brandt feels, “The best thing government can do is stay out of the way of small business.” She cites all the sessions devoted to anti-business proposals for healthcare, vacation days and other union-driven issues, saying, “The longer these proposals hang around and get debated, the more likely it will be that they become law, and will make the current situation worse for small businesses.” A key solution, she says, is to give businesses a degree of certainty about fees and taxes that may affect them.

Fawcett’s view is that job creation must be the top priority. She plans to expand the reach of the 2010 Jobs Bill that includes economic incentives and helps open access to investment capital to stimulate job creation. The bill also provides for investment in education, which Fawcett says will better align our workforce with evolving economic needs. “In order for businesses to capitalize on new opportunities in emerging industries, they need access to a highly educated workforce.”

Finding the Right Product Mix

Fairfield resident Michael Campbell, 51, has noticed that Fairfield is becoming more like Westport in that big stores are squeezing out small shops. But he has also seen small business successes like those in the Brick Walk Plaza on the Post Road.

Campbell says the solution may just be about small businesses finding the perfect formula to attract local consumers.

“Small businesses have to find the right product mix to be successful… a niche business solution that fulfills current or future needs. I think the rent going up is inevitable, but a local community that supports small business initiatives will also be helpful.”

Improving Access and Helping Prevent Rent Hikes

Gillian Jones, a Human Resources Director from Westport, had her own opinions as to why small businesses in the area are challenged.

“If you look at Main Street in Westport, it’s difficult to park and gain access to the shops there, so certainly improving parking would be helpful.”

Jones also thought focusing on property owners could alleviate issues. “Landlord rent hikes are a problem, so if tax breaks were provided to those property owners, that would help start-up businesses.”

Fairfield Masons “Open Up” To Visitors

Fairfield Masons “Open Up” To Visitors

(Appeared in Fairfield Citizen newspaper 11/1)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

10/30/10

Fairfield, CT – It was a sneak peek at a historic organization with roots dating back to the Middle Ages and the first time in decades in Connecticut that its doors had been opened to the public.

For three hours early Saturday afternoon, Fairfield’s Masonic Temple at 131 Beach Road held an Open House opportunity for visitors to tour the lodge, ask questions of members and learn more about this often controversial and mysterious society.

“We felt we wanted to meet the community, remind them we are here and that we contribute to life in Fairfield,” said Easton resident and Worshipful Master Andrew Bilukha, 35, the leader of Fidelty St. John’s Lodge 3 as the temple is formally recognized.

Bilukha was joined by Fairfield resident James L’Acosta, 49, a lodge brother who helped provide historical background. Said L’Acosta, while there are rumored connections to the builders of King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem and even to Stonehenge, freemasonry is clearly associated to stonemason guilds in western Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It was organized as an association for these laborers, who were builders of some of the great cathedrals.

In those days, stonemasonry was a critical craft and, though the era was very restrictive, these workers were allowed free travel. “As history progressed, methods for masonry changed from operative or labor-oriented, to speculative, in which men were not necessarily masons but using tools and methods to explore spiritual and moral questions,” said L’Acosta.

This transformation happened in the years 1500-1650, coinciding with the beginning of the Enlightenment period. The fraternity served as a safe and secret haven for discussion about such ideals as democracy, science, education, equality, freedom of religion and freedom of consciousness.

As more freedoms were gained, there was less secrecy, and, in 1717, the first grand lodge was formed, in London, England. The structure, analogies, symbols and rituals it established then – and those experienced by noted early American masons Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Paul Revere -- are still observed today. The most recognized symbol, which is featured on the face of the Fairfield lodge, is a square and compass.

The Society took hold in Fairfield in 1762 and was believed to have been initiated at the Sun Tavern, where meetings were held. Masons met on moonlit nights, as they could see to travel. This tradition of meeting twice a month is still observed today.

The lodge’s past masters include members of Fairfield’s founding families including the Wheeler, Bulkeley, Lockwood, Penfield, Hull, Rowland and Staples clans. The current facility on Beach Road was established in 1954, at which time membership hovered around 700. Membership currently numbers 170.

The footprint of the lodge interior mimics early templates, with an east-to-west orientation. Elements include an altar, with a Holy Bible, at the center; a Master’s chair and raised gallery to the east; a Senior Warden’s chair to the west; and a Junior Warden’s chair to the south. The north and south sides of the room each feature about fifty blue velvet theater-style seats for members. At the Fairfield site, historical memorabilia such as tools, photographs and record books is also displayed.

The Master, which is a voted position, leads the lodge, with support from the Wardens. He wears a black felt hat and a pendant called a “jewel” which is his badge of office, carries a wooden gavel to symbolize his authority and carries a stonemason’s apron around his waist.

At meetings, there is no discussion of religion or politics and, while generally an open forum, there are certain lessons presented centered around principles like friendship, morality, brotherly love, service to God, ethical dilemmas and philosophy.

Reported Bilukha, the Masons are very community involved. They host Red Cross blood drives and a child identification program. They conduct a M.A.D.D. program with the Fairfield Police Dept. and fund burn units at area hospitals. They operate a Masonicare healthcare program for citizens and seniors. They raise funds for Shriners Hospitals. In fact, according to L’Acosta, 2.5 million American masons in over 15,000 lodges give more than $800 million to charities each year.

An open house visitor, Jean Kelley of Norwalk, said her grandfather was a freemason. Kelley’s daughter, Linda Lindine, said, “It’s fascinating to learn more about his association with the masons.”

While once a “secret society”, the fraternity now refers to itself as a “society with secrets”, meaning it prefers to retain privacy around its rituals and practices. It maintained that ideal during the open house while still providing a closer look at its rich and colorful history and traditions.

Cheers to Homebrewing: Fairfield a Hotbed for Home Beer Makers

Cheers to Homebrewing:

Fairfield a Hotbed for 

Home Beer Makers

(Appeared on front page of Fairfield-Sun paper 10/28)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved

10/8/10

Fairfield, CT – According to the American Homebrewers Association, today there are an estimated 750,000 homebrewers in the United States. Homebrewing is hotter than ever and Fairfield is awash with passionate do-it-yourselfers with a knack for the craft.

Peter Cowles, 41, is one of the more avid brewers in the area. The energetic Woods End Road resident recently spoke about his inspiration, how his passion evolved and his current activities. “I love to cook and like different types of beer. Twenty years ago, when I was living in New York City, some buddies got a kit. I said then that when I have enough space, I want to do that. When I moved to Boston in 1998, I went out and bought a kit from a local brew shop and started brewing just about every week.”

Cowles’ first brewed beer was a brown ale made with an extract kit. This type of kit basically provides a concentrated malt that is added to water and boiled. Of this first batch, Cowles crowed, “It turned out fantastic… and I was hooked.”

Cowles claims that some early advice he’d been given helped contribute to his enthusiasm and ultimate success. Two points in particular were important: (1) Keep it clean, referring to the condition of the equipment being used, and (2) “Don’t worry, relax and have a homebrew.” The latter is wisdom from Charlie Papasian, credited with starting the homebrewing trend back in the 1970s.

“It’s all about fun,” says Cowles. “You can keep it clean and make very good beer and be satisfied. Or you can take it to a whole other level.”

There are four basic ingredients in beer: water, hops, malt and yeast. Of those, there are infinite combinations and the opportunity to add in other flavors including sugars, spices, fruit and herbs.

Taking it to a whole other level and experimenting with various flavors is precisely what Cowles has done. After that first kit, he began to formulate his own recipes. “I describe the process as a combination of chemistry, biology and cooking. I brewed extract-based beers for 10 years, then, two years ago, switched to all-grain brewing so I could control every aspect of the process.”

Essentially, all-grain brewing involves taking malted barley and “mashing” it to extract sugars. This allows one to start with a neutral base to which any number of components can be added.

Sitting in the kitchen of his ranch-style home, with stickers on his refrigerator proclaiming “I Brew Therefore I Am” and “I Brew the Beer I Drink”, Cowles provided more detail about his all-grain brewing system. “I was able to build a mash tun out of an old picnic cooler, which became the vessel in which I mash the malted barley. You don’t physically “mash” the malt like potatoes, rather you soak the grain in 150-degree water, for 60-90 minutes.” He continued, “Then the grain is rinsed to remove the sugars and the resulting liquid is drained into a brew kettle. I use a big nine-gallon pot or a converted half barrel (15.5 gallon) keg. The liquid, now called “wort”, is then boiled for 60-90 minutes along with hops to add bitterness, flavor and aroma.”

The final stage of the all-grain brewing process involves pumping the hot wort through a chiller, which takes the wort from 212 degrees to 68 degrees, into a fermenter. Cowles uses a 5-gallon food-grade bucket with an airlock. At that point, the yeast is “pitched” or added. Yeast comes in a dry form, like packets, or liquid form, like in vials or pouches.

Beer ferments anywhere from one to three weeks, then is ready for bottling or kegging. “I can go from grain to glass in as quick as 17 days,” Cowles proudly proclaimed.

Cowles is very pleased with what he’s been able to accomplish to date. “I’m able to replicate any type of beer style and achieve the flavors I really want to achieve with the process I’m using now. The options available to me are so much greater – like a chef in a kitchen with a loaded spice rack.”

The brewing industry in general has come a long way. What really sparked the craftbrewing trend is creative homebrewers. The United States, in Cowles’ opinion, is “probably, hands down, the most creative beer brewing nation now.”

Asked about any challenges with the hobby, Cowles admitted, “There’s a time commitment involved. I get up at 5 a.m. on the weekends to brew so as not to cut into family time. I also brew outside because the aromas are fairly strong.”

Have the neighbors embraced his pursuit? Overall, Cowles says ‘yes’.  “My neighbors have become my test panel, a role that they enjoy, and they also pitch in to bottle, or donate propane… whatever may be needed to successfully complete the process.”

At this time, Cowles has close to eighteen different batches of drinkable beer, and even two ciders. The batches include Saison, Tripel, Heffeweisse, Stout, I.P.A. and pale ale. “I have multiple fermenters and about 22 kegs. I’m currently doing all this in my cellar space but we’re putting on an addition whereby I’ll gain an extra 350 square feet of brew space.”

Cowles’ wife Tara has mixed feelings about his hobby. On the one hand, she was “happy when he moved the brewing outside as it really smelled when he boiled it on the stove.” But she realizes it is his passion and even helps out by mailing batches to competitions that he enters. “He brings stuff up to me every day to taste. I don’t sample it all – I do need to get through my day.” On the very positive side, she says, “It’s helped us get to know more of the neighbors.”

Joe Bow, 43, from Mill Plain Road, a friend of Cowles’ for the past three years, is a fellow brewer. “A friend from college started doing it. I went and got a starter kit, made a couple different batches and it caught on. This was 15 years ago. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. I started doing different styles and flavors. Peter inspired me to pursue all-grain. I just brewed my first batch, a wheat beer. It’s great. I’m going to do a stout next, then a porter. This is the season for the heavier beers.”

The homebrewing community is a close-knit one. Paul Mucha, 46, another Mill Plain Road resident and friend of both Cowles and Bow, is a homebrewer as well. In fact, the three play softball together. Of his experience, Mucha said, “I dabbled in it years ago, using a cheap kit that would produce beer in 30 days. It inspired me to learn more. Last Christmas, I asked my wife for a gift certificate to homebrew supplier Maltose Express and set myself up with a proper kit. This fall, I brewed a pumpkin ale and more, recently, an Alaskan porter.”

Sums up Cowles, “Everybody I’ve met in the craftbrewing arena is very outgoing and wants to share knowledge. They want everyone to be able to brew better beer.” Adds Mucha, “When you realize success, it becomes a little addicting.”

SIDEBAR

Maltose Express: The Go-To for Fairfield Homebrewers

Fairfield home beer brewer Peter Cowles claims his experience would be very different and not as advanced were it not for Monroe-based Maltose Express. “It’s the only local homebrew supplier. They really guide you and inform you and make it easy to succeed.” Among other supplies, Cowles purchases new bottles from the retailer to house the beer he sends to competitions.

“A friend had started homebrewing and had to send away to Massachusetts for supplies. I thought I could set up a part-time mail-order business to accommodate local needs,” said Mark Szamatulski, 53, who co-owns the business with wife Tess, about how things began.

“We started getting a lot of business and had to open a small store, in 1990,” said Szamatulski. Added Manager Bud Hansell, “It got busy and even busier, forcing us to move twice and expand. We also went from a 5-day-a-week schedule to six days.”

Hansell says they try to carry everything they can and that Mark and Tess have written two books on cloning beer to help guide customers to new taste experiences. “We have to have all those ingredients in stock and we try to accommodate any other need.”

Customer service is key at Maltose, says Hansell. “We actually spend time with customers to go over everything with new brewers. A lot of people think it’s harder than it is. You can keep things simple and be happy with what you do. Of course, you can definitely advance. One customer, Jason Harmon, progressed to the point where he collaborated with and became a part owner of Cisco Brewing in Nantucket.”

“It’s been a pretty good business for us and we’re glad to support the homebrewing needs of Fairfield residents,” said Szamatulski.