Nursery School Fundraiser a Truckload of Fun

Nursery School Fundraiser a Truckload of Fun

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/26/11

Westport, CT – A bulldozer. A cement mixer. Logging truck. Steam roller. Backhoe. Fire truck.

These were but a few of the 37 vehicles onsite at Coleytown Elementary School Saturday morning participating in the 6th Annual Touch-A-Truck Event benefiting Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School. Hundreds of families attended, to climb in and out of the vehicles as well as take advantage of a bounce house, facepainting, a Little Gym class, Shaolin Studios kung fu demo and a Roaming Railroad train ride around the school property. Admission was $20 per family, who received a goody bag and miniature toy truck.

“Funds go towards the whole operating budget and help run the nursery school,” said Maureen Asiel, the public relations coordinator for the event. “It’s a progressive school for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds with a parent-run board. Part of being involved in the school is giving time to events like this, so all our volunteers here are parents and teachers at the nursery school.”

The event’s major sponsors included AuPair in America, East Coast Irrigation, The Fresh Market and Women’s Health Care of New England. About a dozen local businesses also provided support.

One of the school parents, Elana Faiman, from Weston, said, “The great thing about the event is that the kids get to climb in and on all the vehicles, which is lots of fun for them. Funny enough, the school bus is one of the most popular. The boys also love the backhoe and the husbands like the cupcake truck. There’s something for everyone, it’s a great cause for the school and we all have an opportunity to get together.”

Tom Maloney, from Ridgefield, attending with his son Lachlan, 3, enjoyed the train ride and were checking out the cement mixer. “We were here last year,” said Maloney. “Lachlan loves checking out all the trucks and it’s a great way to spend some time with him while raising money for the school.” 

When Lachlan was asked to name his favorite vehicle, he said, “I love the road roller (steam roller)!”

Another area parent, Laura Silver, attending from Greenwich with her son Blake, 2, said, “I’m happy to support the local community and be part of a fun event… for all ages.”

Laurie Roda, owner of Compo Limousine, which supplied an eight-passenger stretch for the event, was glad to provide access to her vehicle. “This is the first year I’m participating,” she said. “It’s fun to see the kids interacting with all the different vehicles and it’s a great way for me to support the cause while getting some exposure for my business, too.”

Trumbull Motorcycle Officer John Threshie, who had brought his Harley patrol bike, was a veteran of the event. “We’ve been here several years,” he said. “The kids have a blast, though sometimes they’re a little afraid of the bike. I wish they had something like this when I was a kid.”

Westport firefighter Michael Grasso, who was trying his best to stay warm while giving tours of the department’s Engine 7 pumper truck, said, “This is fun and I get to educate the public about the truck and more of what we do as far as services. It’s a little cold but people are showing up nonetheless.”

Discounts Draw Bargain Hunters to Borders Closing

Discounts Draw Bargain Hunters 
to Borders Closing:

Shoppers mourn bookstore’s loss

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/27)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/26/11

Fairfield, CT – “Everything Must Go!”, “Everything 20% to 40% Off” and “Nothing Held Back” signs peppered exterior windows, inside displays and register areas. They were sad signs of the times.

Fairfield Downtown’s anchor, Borders, at 1499 Post Road, which had announced it would close just last week, was already in the beginning phase Saturday afternoon of selling off its merchandise, offering discounts that appealed to area consumers as long lines at all registers showed. Any store events that had been scheduled, like a Lego Racers Kids Event, had been cancelled and the popular in-house café closed.

“I’m definitely sad to see this go,” said Kelly Bishop, of Fairfield, who had an armful of children’s books. “I have a 2 ½  year old and we come here at least once a week. It’s a major loss for Fairfield. I’m taking advantage of the sales, though, while the books are still here. I knew that the other Borders were closing, but didn’t expect this one to close. I thought they did so well. A cashier told me last week – I was shocked as was everyone on line with me.”

Beverly Dacey, of Easton, was similarly loaded up. “I came down today to mourn the loss of the store,” she said. “It was a terrific place to escape from the pressures of daily life and indulge in pleasures of the mind. I’m stocking up on magazines, books, cards, gifts, etc. I might as well take advantage of the sales. This was an anchor, like the Fairfield Store, that started the resurgence of downtown. There’s the Borders at the Trumbull mall, but it’s a totally different ambiance and I never go there. This store gave you the feel of a college bookstore.”

“I’m a speech pathologist and work with children,” said Kathy Mitchell of Black Rock, standing on line with a bundle of books. “So I’m stocking up on books for my students and also my business.”

Sitting in a sunny window spot in the magazine area at the back of the store, Damaris Diaz, 12, of Westport, said she’ll miss the store. “I come here once a week. I was really surprised the store was closing. I like to come to buy magazines and go to the café sometimes. It would be nice to have another bookstore here, similar to this one.”

Mary Bishop, of Fairfield, was another customer that had loaded up with books. “I didn’t think they were going to close this location. I thought it did well and really the company as a whole, too,” she said. “With this store going empty, it may be difficult to attract new business in downtown. I’m taking advantage of sales to buy up gardening magazines. I’m also looking at bridal books as my daughter is getting married. I hope the company’s able to regroup and open another location in Fairfield.”

Jury Still Out on Replacement for St. Pius’ Rev. Carroll

Jury Still Out on Replacement 
for St. Pius’ Rev. Carroll:

Bishop Lori says more 

deliberation needed

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/26)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/26/11

Fairfield, CT – Parishioners at St. Pius X Church on Brookside Drive got both a treat and letdown at Saturday’s 5:15 Mass. The treat was the personal appearance of William E. Lori, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport, to lead the session. The letdown was his announcement that more deliberation would be necessary before a successor to Rev. Lawrence Carroll, who stepped down last weekend, could be named.

“Rev. Carroll served just under ten years,” said usher Charles Chiusano. “His reasons for leaving were not about health or any legal matters. He pointed that out specifically to allay any concerns, but still didn’t give his reason for departing. He did a phenomenal job here, growing the parish. He was a very good man and very spiritual.”

Chiusano said Carroll’s departure was abrupt and surprising. “Everyone was shocked and saddened by the pastor’s leaving,” he remarked. “He was the pastor to everyone. He was all inclusive. It didn’t matter if people had disagreements with something said or done. He was there to provide support and counseling. He was great for that. There was no wall between him and anyone.”

As Lori initiated the Mass, he said, “I thought it would be appropriate to come here personally after last week’s announcement, to pray with you and share with you the experience we are all undergoing, and to pray for Rev. Carroll at this time in his life. After Communion, I will speak about the events of last week and events going forward.”

Acknowledging parishioners’ concerns, Lori said, “The season of Lent has taken an unexpected turn as Rev. Carroll has left the ministry. I’m sure many of you are wondering what the parish holds in the future and for the families of the church.”

Lori thanked Rev. Samuel Kachuba, who has been with the parish for the past three years, for his service and “stepping up to the plate” over the past week as Kachuba stood in for the departed Carroll. In turn, Kachuba thanked parishioners for their “emails, calls and even baked goods,” adding, “You have responded so well with your prayers during this time of transition.”

With regard to announcing a successor, Lori said, “It would be premature for me to make an announcement. We’re not quite ready. I met last Thursday with the priest personnel board and had a chance to review this parish’s strengths and needs to determine the best fit for a new pastor. After a lot of study, the board will consider candidates that might be appropriate for this parish.”

Lori added, “The most important thing in a priest is that he is prayerful and full of integrity, a man who is a priest 24/7. As I arrive at a decision, it will be announced at that point. I will try and do that with as much dispatch as I can.”

The bishop acknowledged that Kachuba had a full plate and that it would not be fair to leave him on his own. To that regard, Lori said he had appointed Father Liam Quinlan, a resident at St. Leo parish, to assist and work with Father Kachuba while awaiting a new pastor.

Parishioner Tony Marone of Fairfield commented, “Whoever they bring in is going to have to fill some big shoes. Rev. Carroll was a great guy. We hope the bishop makes a good choice.”

Usher Dian Palmer said there was no hint about a successor. “There’s been no word on a replacement at this point in time,” she said. “People are longing to find out. They want to know who’s going to lead them. Hopefully we’ll know soon. Father Sam’s got a load on his plate, but he’s doing a wonderful job.”

For his part, Father Kuchuba said, “Rev. Carroll’s announcement was a shock for all of us, but this is a prayerful parish. It was difficult to hear, but we immediately turned to prayer to ask for a blessing. This was an unexpected role for me that I didn’t anticipate. I’ve been praying a lot, I’ve been trusting God. Father Quinlan will assist with celebrating Mass. I love the guy, he’s a wonderful man. It will make this interim period much easier.”

Food For Thought Expo Expands Minds, Tantalizes Tastebuds

Food For Thought Expo 
Expands Minds, Tantalizes Tastebuds:

Fairfield Warde High School event 

attracts hundreds

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/26)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

3/26/11

Fairfield, CT – Organic growers, natural products companies, foodies and average folks that just wanted to know how they could eat healthier all came together Saturday at Fairfield Warde High School.

The attraction was the 2nd Annual Food for Thought Expo, which offered visitors a full complement of healthy food resources, over 30 exhibitors from bakeries to health professionals, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, movie screenings and more. The event was hosted by the Fuel for Learning Partnership.

“The Partnership was formed in 2006 to improve the quality of the school lunch program and works to provide solutions to obesity,” said Michelle McCabe, the group’s chairman. “One of its key events is this expo which aims to introduce the community to a large amount of local resources for whole unprocessed nutritious foods. We invite businesses that embrace sustainability and source local ingredients. We also have farmers participate.”

Exhibitors were separated and placed around the school by category. In the farm resources area, Analiese Paik, founder of Fairfield Green Food Guide, was offering information about her online directory for consumers to find local and sustainably grown food resources. Listings range from farms and farmers markets to farm-to-table restaurants and green food events. She said her guide is helpful “for people looking to eat fresh food closer to home from trusted resources” and that the expo is “a great way to educate consumers about healthy food and healthy eating.”

At an adjacent table, Ed Hartz, owner of The Milkman Company of Newtown, was telling expo visitors about his products. “We deliver farm fresh foods, including milk and dairy, directly to homes, old milkman style,” he said. “We distribute products from 20 to 25 different farms throughout New England.”

Hartz added, “Food has become industrial. I’m against industrialization. I believe in local farming and supporting locally grown food. And supporting local farmers boosts the economy, brings good food to people, helps preserve land and improves health.”

Aimee O’Brien, a Partnership committee member and coordinator of the event’s Children’s Nutrition Room, was busy guiding kids and their parents about the benefits of fruits and vegetables. “I ask the kids to make a rainbow on their plates, with regard to the color of the food items and how they correspond to a rainbow. I also ask them about what they already eat and how certain choices benefit specific parts of their bodies. At the same time, I educate parents about ingredients labels and to go for products that have natural elements.”

In the plants area of the event, Fairfield Ludlowe High School students Kim Cortellessa and Morgan Wyckoff, both 14, gave away little pods of soil in which seeds of choice had been planted. “We’re providing people with the opportunity to plant seeds and take them home to start their own garden,” said Wyckoff. “We’ve got seeds that include chicory, gourds, sunflowers, pumpkins, squash and watermelon.”

Providing a cooking demonstration to a roomful of show attendees, Amy Hall, a health and cooking coach, said, “We’re offering local sustainable meal choices, like spicy tacos and lasagna, focusing on farm food, dark leafy greens and root vegetables. We want to make every meal and ingredient count at every occasion.”

In the school’s cafeteria, an array of companies had been arranged, all providing food samples. Visitors could taste organic salsa, local farm-grown cheese, bread, pure honey, juices, salad offerings, fruit shakes, milk and allergen-free cupcakes.

“We have two flavors at present,” said Amy Barnouw, co-owner of Fairfield-based Planet Fuel organic juices. “Cherry Lemonade and Apple Grape. Two more are coming out in April. They’re all organic with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Our goal was to go back to basics – organic juice and water. We only use resealable, recyclable, reusable aluminum cans and each flavor has a “Planet Protector” character like Rainforest Rita and Ocean Olivia. These help convey a healthy kid, healthy planet message and help kids understand their influence as consumers.”

Sampling her Red Bee Honey, owner Marina Marchese said, “We sell to Fairfield businesses and look to promote honey as a sustainable sweetener. There are tremendous health benefits of pure, real honey that include anti-bacterial properties and an ability to balance blood sugar and boost the immune system.”

Tasting cheeses at the Fairfield Cheese Company’s table, Kate Garey of Westport explained that she had just finished culinary school and wants to start a business that only uses local organic products. “The expo is a great way for me to meet potential suppliers.”

Birder Urges Going Native to Restore Songbird Sanctuaries

Birder Urges Going Native to 
Restore Songbird Sanctuaries:

Michael Corcoran gives talk at 

Birdcraft Museum

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/24)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/22/11

Fairfield, CT – Aggressively removing invasive plants. Offering ground water resources. Integrating berry producing weeds and shrubs.

These are some of the strategies birder Michael Corcoran recommended to provide sanctuary to our native songbirds and help restore native plants in his “Birdscaping: Native Plants for our Native Birds” presentation Tuesday evening at Birdcraft Museum, Unquowa Road. About 25 people attended, enjoying a wine and cheese reception afterward.

Over the past 20 years, Corcoran has participated in numerous citizen-based bird population studies and has helped maintain the bird banding station at the Birdcraft Sanctuary, the oldest privately-owned space of its kind in the country. He described the facility as a second home, to which he was first introduced by Henrietta Lachman, an Audubon staffer that got him involved in a summer breeding birds survey. In order to participate, he had to undergo training under the guidance of the sanctuary’s master bander Judy Richardson.

As his knowledge of and interest in birds evolved, he began thinking about their sanctuaries. “You watch your feeder, go out and pursue birds, then get to wondering how the birds, insects and habitats all work in a system.”

Corcoran said that native bird sanctuaries have gradually been in decline since Europeans settled here in the 1600s and upset natural biospheres. “Plants and birds were interrelated before then,” he said. “Since, in suburban landscapes, we’ve introduced non-native and invasive plants that out-compete native flora. The lack of diversity among the plants has created a lack of diversity among insects, which affects bird populations and where they choose to make their homes.”

With a practical-minded approach, Corcoran used his own property in Glastonbury as a site to create a bird-friendly habitat utilizing native plants, trees and shrubs. The property, which he described as a greenway located between two patches of forest, now attracts over 125 different species of songbirds. The plants and birds have a symbiotic relationship wherein the plants provide nesting material, while the birds help spread plant seeds.

In his presentation, Corcoran showed many of the native birds that call Connecticut home, including the Eastern Tufted Titmouse, Yellow Shafted Flicker and Eastern Bluebird. He said that they depend on native plantlife for survival and that a number of invasive plant types are posing threats. Among these, he named Garlic Mustard, one of the most invasive species; Honeysuckle, that can strangle trees and bring them down; Japanese Knotweed; Mile-A-Minute Weed that grows as quickly as its name implies; and the Japanese Barberry, which has a very high seed count and decimates forests.

Corcoran recommended removal of these invasive plants by any means necessary and replacement with a mix of native flora. In the herbaceous plants category, he suggested Butterfly Weed, Black-eyed Susans and Peones. He also offered weeds like Pokeberry and Common Milkweed to attract insects upon which native birds like to feed. With regard to trees, Corcoran said the Eastern Red Cedar provides good cover and high-fat berries while the Dogwood produces berries that offer songbirds proper nutrition.

The self-described “bird geek” suggested berry-producing shrubs as well. Varieties included Silky Dogwood, Gray Dogwood, the American Cranberrybush, Elderberry and Witch Hazel, which provide nutrition July through December.

Corcoran admitted that deer, which can be devastating to native plants, are a huge problem in Fairfield County. “I could recommend a good dog and a rifle, though there are tonics and fences that you can try,” he joked.

Nelson North, director of operations for the Audubon Society in Fairfield, said Corcoran’s program, which is part of an ongoing community education effort, was timely for spring. “Hopefully people will think about indigenous plants when they plan their gardens,” he said.

Corcoran echoed North, hoping that presentation attendees would go to their local nursery and ask what they have in the way of native plants. “I also hope town ordinances are introduced that require the use of native species,” he said.

For reference works pertaining to birdscaping, invasive plant species to be avoided and native plants to be cultivated, visit www.ctaudubon.org

Moms Fight Cancer One Pie at a Time

Moms Fight Cancer 
One Pie at a Time

By Mike Lauterborn
(for Fairfield Citizen News)

3/22/11

Fairfield, CT – They schlepped pitchers of water, juggled cups of soda, balanced trays of pizza and pumped beer taps, dashing in and out of the kitchen and darting from table to table. This Mom Squad meant business and the community responded.

For a five-hour period Tuesday evening, Fairfield’s “Moms Making a Difference” Relay for Life Team took over waitressing duties at the Colony Grill, 1520 Post Road. All tips they received plus an honorarium from the restaurant were earmarked for the American Cancer Society. Patrons also had the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming New York Rangers home game.

The “Moms” team, which is comprised of 20 Fairfield women, is one of the many teams participating in the Relay For Life fundraising event on June 4, 2011. Last year’s event raised over $325,000 for cancer research.

“It’s going to be easy, just smile,” said Colony co-owner Ken Martin, addressing the mom crew at the outset of their shift. “It’s about personality and letting people know what we’re doing. It’s a simple menu – pizza and drinks. If you drop something, it’s not a big deal. Just have fun with it.”

Martin was glad to support their effort and said it’s good business besides. “We don’t do a lot of advertising,” he said, “so we get involved with events like this. These are women from Fairfield raising money for Fairfield. We like that premise. This is what it’s about to own a small business. It’s not just about the revenue.”

Leading the mom pack was Amy Crawford, a Fairfield University area resident and Relay Team captain. “We have moms from the elementary and nursery schools from all over Fairfield,” she said. “We’re here just trying to do something great.”

Crawford added, “The tie that binds us is being moms, but we’re also caregivers, survivors and providers. It’s important for us to show our kids that moms can make a difference.”

Patron Dana Kery thought the fundraiser event was ideal. “What better way to support local business and moms helping raise awareness and funds for a great cause?” she said. “Cancer has touched so many people. Everyone knows someone affected by it.”

Another patron, Lea Padilla, of Black Rock, said, “My mom has Stage 4 cancer, but a very good support group. This is great what the moms are doing here to raise awareness.”

Though she appeared a bit tuckered out from all the back and forth retrieving and placing orders, Relay Team member Monica McMullan said, “I was hoping it would be this busy. I’m glad to see such a great turnout. I hope I’ll last the night!”

First Selectman Flatto Accepts Gov. Malloy Appointment as Executive Director of Division of Special Revenue

First Selectman Flatto Accepts 
Gov. Malloy Appointment as 
Executive Director of Division 
of Special Revenue

(Posted to Fairfield-Sun website 3/22)

By Mike Lauterborn

3/22/11

Fairfield, CT – At a hastily assembled press conference at Sullivan Independence Hall Tuesday morning, First Selectman Kenneth Flatto announced that he would accept an appointment by Governor Dannel P. Malloy as Executive Director of the Division of Special Revenue and leave his First Selectman position. His new role will entail managing various special revenues and regulating legalized gaming in the State of Connecticut, including the Lottery, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Democratic Selectman Sherri Steeneck will assume Flatto’s current role in April through the November election period.

“I’m very excited about this but it’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make,” said Flatto, adding that he will start his new job toward the end of April. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to serve as First Selectman for the past 12 years and on the board for the past 16 years. I love this job and I love the town of Fairfield.”

Flatto said that, in large part, he was favoring re-election, but “the people of Connecticut have a lot of challenges, and the draw to help was strong.” He added, “The tipping point for me was knowing that I would have a chance to be part of a great administration and help the state. I’ve been so impressed by the people they’ve been selecting and think I can fit in well.”

Assessing Fairfield, Flatto said it’s in great shape. “We’ve touched every facet of our town in positive ways and done a lot to shape the future,” he said. “If there was ever a time to move on, it’s when you’re in a good position.”

The First Selectman said he had accomplished 80-90% of the key things he had planned for the town. These include the building and renovation of eight schools, a library, a sewer plant, town’s recreation center and three new parks, as well as the creation of over 120 acres of new open space. Flatto also claimed the revitalization of Fairfield Center, maintenance of the town’s AAA rating, certain neighborhood improvements and implementation of public safety programs.

With regard to unfinished business, Flatto said, “It would have been nice to be First Selectman when the new train station opens, and I would have liked to have shaped the future of the Exide site. I also wanted to take the town website to the next level and make it more functional for townspeople.”

About a new First Selectman, Flatto remarked, “I certainly would want my successor to be competent and do the job right. It’s traditional for the party to make a recommendation. I’ll put my two cents in and make my hopes known. Who’s chosen is up to the people in power when I step down.”

For her part, Steeneck said she would not be interested in the position long-term, though Flatto had every confidence she would do the job well. “I don’t have the time or inclination to continue as First Selectman, but I’m happy to cover during the transition,” she said.

Flatto said that, though he would be moving on to a new chapter, he was not leaving the town behind. “I will make sure the transition is seamless, and while I’ll be a private citizen, I will help my successor in any way I can.”

Looking to his new role, Flatto said he has laid the groundwork already. “I met with the governor last month, and met with staff. I thank the governor and lieutenant governor for their confidence.”

Flatto said the executive director position has existed for the past 20 years but that it is being restructured, and how it works will be determined over the next few years. The pay level is slightly less than his current salary, which he said would be a hardship but outweighed by the opportunity to help the state’s citizenry.

Flatto commended the town for making him and his family, who will continue to reside in Fairfield, welcome. “The citizens of Fairfield have been so incredible to me and my family. The greetings around town and just driving around and knowing the impact I’ve had on the surroundings has been rewarding.”

The First Selectman thought it was interesting that when he first took office, his son Evan was a toddler. “Now he’s a senior in high school and going on to college. Things have come full cycle.”

Fairfield’s first citizen looked forward to his new challenges. “I have the opportunity to be part of a new world, a bigger world, do some great things and impact even more.”