Fairfield Digs Out After Record Snow Dump

Fairfield Digs Out After Record Snow Dump:

Many Side Roads Still Impassable

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/12)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/12/11

Fairfield, CT – Homeowners grunted, groaned and moaned Wednesday afternoon as they dug out from a snowstorm that dropped an estimated 20 inches of snow in the area. Those able to dislodge their cars found most main roads clear but many side roads still impassable.

Patch made a tour through the Beach Area to survey road conditions and speak with shovelers. One resident (who declined to give his name) at the corner of Charles Street and Reef Road, said, “I started shoveling with my son at around 10. We’ve been going back and forth for a good four hours. This really sucks, but it is what it is when you live on the East coast. It comes with the territory.”

Further south on Reef, Griffin Reidy looked exasperated. “This is the biggest job I’ve ever done by far. I’ve got little more than a short sidewalk and some space behind the trucks and it’s literally taken me hours. The biggest part strategy-wise and physically has been trying to find places to heave all the snow.”

The Grossos – brothers John, Mike and Joe and nephew Joe – were busy plowing a drive on a family-owned property near a still unplowed Reef Court. “We’ve been around the area. It seems some streets are perfect, while some don’t seem to have been touched,” said John. “The last time it was this bad was 1978. It all came down in a period of 8 to 9 hours. Amazing.”

Walking north on Reef Road was Paris Mygatt, 22, Ashley Guy, 18, and Pamela Yates, 56. They had been touring the Beach Area and Penfield Beach. “The amount of snow was impressive there,” said Mygatt. “No one was there except for us. The side roads don’t seem to have been plowed. We’re on Alden and it definitely wasn’t plowed. Sandy Way was also bad – we saw only footprints.”

Bud’s Deli at 714 Reef was open for business but had seen little foot traffic. “I just got here at 1 p.m. but my boss said it was pretty slow this morning,” said counterperson “Sam” Perce, 20. “It’s starting to pick up now – people have come in for sandwiches.”

Steve Yap, at the corner of Sandy Way and Reef, had just finished shoveling and was salting his front walk. “Sandy Way was definitely not plowed. The snow’s up to my kneecaps. I literally can’t leave in any of my cars and I’ve got an SUV and a four-wheel drive.”

Housemates Colin Callahan, 21, Chris Hurd, 21, and Justin Nusblatt, 22, had just begun digging out the drive of their lower Reef Road rental. “We just got the motivation to get out here and shovel,” said Callahan. “It’s a lot of snow, up to your knees. It almost seems like an impossible feat to dig out, but we’re slowly getting there,” said Hurd. “This stuff needs to go away ASAP,” said Nusblatt.

Near the Seagrape, Celeste Stranaghan, 30, was unearthing her brand new Toyota Corolla, of which only the windshield wipers were showing. “It’s pretty buried. I’m going to be out here a while. I wanted to dig it out before the snow freezes.”

Shoveling the walk at That’s the Spirit Shoppe, 740 Fairfield Beach Road, owner Kevin Pinto, 38, said, “We opened at noon. We’ve had a few customers, though most people are still shoveling out. People have been saying, ‘I just got out of my driveway.’”

Letter Carrier Michael Richardson, making deliveries on Rowland Road, had his work cut out for him. “Most of the streets have been passable except for some side streets, like Lalley Blvd. I haven’t been able to deliver in some areas. A lot of people have been out shoveling so we can get to their houses. This has been a tough day. Just getting into work was a challenge with clearing my own driveway.”

Happy to have the day off, Smith Street residents Bella and Finula Milici, 9 and 10 respectively, were doing what kids do on snowdays. “We built this cool hill to sled down. It took us a while. We’ve having fun and may walk around the area later,” said Finula.

Fairfield Socked by Snow

Fairfield Socked by Snow:

Unofficial accumulation 20 inches by 9 a.m.

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/12)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/12/11

Fairfield, CT – By 9 a.m. Wednesday, a slow-moving storm that had entered the area from the southwest mid-evening Tuesday had deposited an unofficial 20 inches of snow. The white stuff continued to come down making visibility limited and choking local roadways. School had already been cancelled for the day and many area businesses had followed suit.

Braving the elements, Patch padded out along Reef Road, the Post Road and adjacent neighborhoods to take a reading.

Along Smith Street, drifts were halfway up front doors and garages and cars were all but buried. The road had gotten a quick plowing in the middle of the night but not since. The main connecting artery, Oldfield Road, had been cleared though, as had adjacent Reef Road.

Reliable 7-11 at 257 Reef Road had stayed open throughout the night. Its store lights were a welcoming beacon and store interior a haven for the few passersby. Gabby Isho, 7-11 manager, who had started his shift at midnight, said, “It was very slow through the night. It was mostly police, town workers, snow removal crews… all coming in for coffee and breakfast sandwiches. There were two guys stuck in the parking lot around 1:30, before our plow guy had arrived. I helped them get out. I haven’t seen this much snow in the past 10 years.”

Vic Gabinski, 58, and his son Lucas, 22, from Lalley Blvd., were trudging south on Reef. “I’ve been up since 4:30,” said Lucas. “He loves big storms and weather events,” said his dad. “I’d say this is the most snow we’ve ever had in Fairfield. We’ve walked to town and the beach. We’ve seen cars buried, mid-thigh drifts, 50-foot visibility. The rate of accumulation has been ridiculous – about four inches an hour.”

Lt. Mike Sullivan at Fire Station One on Reef, said, “The morning has been a real challenge. We had a report of a gas leak in the Barberry area and are having difficulty getting to the address. A lot of mains have been plowed but not the secondary roads.”

In preparation for the storm, Sullivan said, “We put tire chains on all vehicles and increased the manpower for each piece today. I believe another engine is also being added at Station Five (on Congress Street). The night wasn’t crazy, it just takes long to get everywhere. We can’t go fast with the chains.”

Across the street at the police station, all personnel had managed to report. With regard to any incidents during the night, Officer Ed Terrifay commented, “There were just a couple of medical calls, one minor accident and a couple of vehicles that were stuck in the snow. We’ve got tire chains on the patrol cars and all our all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles are on the road.”

As he spoke, a snow-covered Ann Street resident walked in reporting that, as she was headed to her job at Bridgeport Hospital, her car had gotten stuck on the I-95 on-ramp at North Benson Road. Terrifay put in a call to state police, which was reportedly very busy with calls and wouldn’t be able to respond for a while.

Making his way on foot up Reef, Ed Roman, a Millard Street resident, was heading to work in Stamford. He works at a continuing care retirement community and said, “We’re a 24-hour operation with clients that require sub-acute care, so I have to be there. I’d rather be at home having hot chocolate with the kids of course, but you do what you have to do.”

Coming up behind him, Robert Becker, who works for a financial firm in midtown New York, was rushing for a train. “I’m trying to catch the 8:20, headed to the city, gotta work if I can.”

As Becker trudged across the Post Road and up Sanford Street, two police cars, two ambulances and three plows passed.

At his Reef Road home, England-born Chris Grantham struggled with a snowblower to clear his driveway. “It’s never been like this in England. I’ll be on this for another hour I’d guess. I don’t think anyone’s going to be doing much today.”

Around the corner at his home on Oldfield, John Weber made his best shoveling effort. “It’s a lot of snow. The good news is the main snow’s light and fluffy, but where the plows go, it’s crunchier. The kids would love to go out sledding if we can get out.”

Weighing in from home where he was shoveling out himself, First Selectman Ken Flatto provided an official summary of the situation. “The snow removal crews have been out since 11:30 last night. We have 35 heavy pieces out there. They’ve plowed just about every street twice, but within an hour or so, drifts cover them again. They’re trying to keep up, but it’s a struggle. Meanwhile, many state-maintained roads only have one lane clear.”

Looking ahead at the day, Flatto said, “The snow is petering out so we should be able to make a much bigger dent soon. Town buildings are closed until 1 p.m. and there will be a skeleton crew this afternoon. We are urging people not to go out if they don’t have to.”

Fairfield Prepares for Latest Snow Attack

Fairfield Prepares for 
Latest Snow Attack:

Forecast calls for 8-15 inches 

to fall by 2p.m. Wednesday

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/11)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

1/11/11

Fairfield, CT – In advance of a forecast of between eight and 15 inches of snowfall by 2p.m. Wednesday, local residents Tuesday afternoon shuttled about town stocking up on grocery items, gas and DVDs.

“I should be buying flashlights and batteries, but I’m buying food,” chuckled Jessica Ryan of Easton, loading up her SUV at the Stop & Shop at 1160 Kings Highway Cutoff. “I haven’t gotten the wine yet, but that’s at the top of my list!”

As to how she planned to spend tomorrow’s snow day, Ryan said, “Hopefully we’ll be out enjoying the snow. I have to go get my daughter some snowpants. I already told the kids there will be no school. They’ll be very disappointed if they do have to go.”

Rolling out of Stop & Shop with her cart piled high, Fairfielder Elizabeth Galle offered her perspective and plans. “I wasn’t really shopping for the storm. I just hadn’t done any shopping since the New Year,” she laughed. “Anyhow, I live in town near the fire department. It’s usually easy to get around and it’s always plowed by me. I’m not intimidated by storms usually.”

Galle and her family have planned what has become a snow day tradition. “We’re going to do a Cousins Breakfast. My nieces and nephews will come over and we’ll do bacon and eggs. We do it every snow day.”

Filling up at a pump at the Cumberland Farms, 1101 Post Road, Bill Gaffney from Monroe said, “I wanted to make sure I had enough gas as the storm is going to be a wait-and-see. We got ten inches last time.”

Just pulling away in his truck, private snowplow contractor Brendan O’Reilly said, “I’m pretty used to big snowfalls. I’ll take it as it comes. I expect to be busy for a straight 38 hours. It may be a little more moist than past snowfalls, which is going to be challenging and will create icy conditions.”

Renting a DVD of “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from a Redbox kiosk near the store’s entrance, Dr. Jeff Owens said, “This is for tonight, as my kids’ practices have been cancelled. My office (Willows Pediatric Group) is closed tomorrow morning. My colleagues and I will be calling each other at 6 a.m. to figure out what to do about the afternoon. As for the family, I think we’re going to get up, shovel and go sledding over at Fairfield University.”

Paul Zawadksi, General Manager at The Pantry, 1580 Post Road, plans for snow events with calculated precision. “We look at forecasts, anticipating increased store traffic, which we are experiencing right now. People are stocking up on a lot of staples: meats, prepared foods, eggs, milk. We try to produce extra amounts of food and order extra staples.”

As to the market’s plans for Wednesday, Zawadski said, “We’re going to discuss right now a plan and decide if we’re going to open up. A lot of our vendors have told us they will not be making deliveries, so while we would prefer to be open and service our customers, we may be limited in what we can offer. Our employees’ safety is a priority, too.”

Rolling away from the register with a number of items in her cart, Cathy Fein of Monroe admitted to being sucked into the pre-snow mad dash. “I bought some comfort food I don’t usually buy, like chips. You get into this frenetic mode of ‘Oh my god I’ll never get out.’ My husband’s office is closing tomorrow so I wanted to be sure there was food in the house.”

Fellow shopper Shawna Feeley of Fairfield had adopted a fearless attitude. “I’m just collecting dinner and granola… not worried about a thing. This town has a bunch of panickers. I have a Jeep, so I have no concerns about getting around. I’m going to make a fire tomorrow, and sled.”

At Café Josephine Italian Deli & Market, there was a calm before the storm. “We get hit when the snow begins falling,” said manager Adam Lopiano. “People suddenly rush in to stock up and the phone begins ringing off the hook with delivery orders – pizza, pizza, pizza. When people are snowed in, they tend to want to enjoy a pizza and a DVD. We’re open until 9 p.m. tonight but will be closed tomorrow. No reason for us to be here if we can’t do our breakfast and lunch.”

At Southport’s Spic and Span Market, Meat Manager Jim Workman said there had definitely been an uptick in store traffic. “People are stocking up on multiple meals – pot roast, chicken, meatballs, meatloafs. Wintertime comfort food. Dairy products and milk are going, too.”

Shopper Tom Blackwell of Fairfield had lined up his plans. “Tonight we’re going to have a nice little family dinner and wait for the impending snow. I’ll be going to work tomorrow while my daughter will be skating on the rink our backyard. I’m sure she’ll be off school tomorrow knowing Fairfield.”

Mark Twain Presentation a Huckleberry of a Show

Mark Twain Presentation a 
Huckleberry of a Show:

Pequot Library marks 100^th anniversary of Twain’s passing

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/9)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/9/11

Southport, CT – If Mark Twain were alive today and had known about the performance, he may have made the trek down from his Hartford home to enjoy it. He certainly would have been acquainted with the subject matter.

To mark the 100^th anniversary of the passing of the great American author, on Sunday afternoon Southport’s Pequot Library presented “Mark Twain: Adventures in American Humor”, a program that included a lively, three-actor performance and historical characterization based on the author’s life and writings.

Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in Florida, Missouri in 1835, is one of the most famous American writers of all time. As a boy, he dreamed of becoming a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River. As a young man, he tried his hand at various trades from printing to silver mining. But he is best known for the many books he wrote, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

The library’s Executive Director Dan Snydacker said the program aligns with the publication by the University of California at Berkeley Press of Twain’s official autobiography, of which Volume One of a multi-volume set has just been released. Said Snydacker, “Twain is really at the center of American letters. He was groundbreaking in so many ways and tackled head-on the issues of slavery in ‘Huckleberry Finn’. The African-American character, Jim, had humanity, which was unique at the time it was published. It has been a long gradual road in literature since for African-Americans to gain equal recognition.”

Snydacker added that the program was “a great opportunity to do something intergenerational, which is one of our key objectives – to bring families and the community together. It’s also a great way to start off the year and a great thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.”

The program’s three featured actors were Carl Howell, Cary Hite and Ashton Crosby, as Twain. They were as enthusiastic about the performance as the audience, which completely filled the library’s high-ceilinged meeting room space.

“I live in New York and it’s so much fun to take the show to small towns and new audiences,” said Howell, who primarily played Tom Sawyer. “While Twain was born in Missouri, he spent a lot of time in Connecticut. This is an audience that understands the significance of his work and legacy.” Added Hite, “I grew up reading Twain, so this enhanced my education about him. I love his humor and use of and celebration of the American language.”

While the actors related biographical highlights of Twain’s life and traded select dialogue from his most famous books, audio cues like steamboat whistles and projected imagery such as historical portraits enhanced the show, which has been performed three to four times a year since 2005 when it debuted at Lincoln Center. Written by Cecelia Rubino, it has since played primarily to regional libraries and schools.

Twain fans were abundant in the audience. “I love to support an author like Mark Twain,” said Southporter Virginia Arndt. “And I’ve seen a lot about him in current press which has put him top of mind. I thought it would be fascinating to learn more about him.”

Fairfielder David Thornton said, “My daughter Mary goes to UConn and is an English major and has read most of Twain’s books. I personally would like to have had a chance to have a drink with him. I understand he liked to have a pop now and then.”

Ridgefield resident Ken Wippermann came to support a cast member. “Ashton Crosby’s brother is my sister’s husband, so I came to root him on. Of course, I also like Mark Twain.”

As the performance wrapped, the actors offered some concluding Twain thoughts. “Respect your superiors… if you have any” and “Respect your parents… when they’re around.” It was a classic Twain close – sound advice with a twist of humor.

‘Fire and Ice’ Gala Anything But Bookish

‘Fire and Ice’ Gala Anything 
But Bookish:

Friends of the Fairfield Public Library hold second 

annual fundraiser

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/9)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/9/11

Fairfield, CT – They were doing everything you’re not supposed to do in a library: eating, drinking, playing music and hanging out after hours. But the staff didn’t mind. In fact, they encouraged it and joined in.

On Saturday evening, the Friends of the Fairfield Library held its 2^nd Annual fundraiser event, themed “Fire and Ice: A Library Lovers’ Gala” in the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road. About 80 people attended, a mix of community supporters and library personnel, and enjoyed classical music, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Fairfield-based actors Chris Sarandon and Joanna Gleason hosted as honorary co-chairmen.

Khorshed Randeria, President of the Friends of the Fairfield Public Library (FFPL), explained that the event is critical to the ongoing programming efforts of the library and was pleased with the turnout. “The event mainly supports our Soundwaves Concert Series but also our One Book One Town program, which is in its fourth year.”

In the One Book One Town program, one exemplary book is chosen by a committee of librarians, Fairfield University staff and the Fairfield Arts Council and recommended to the town to read. The library buys 200 copies – 100 for the main library, 50 for the Fairfield Woods branch and 50 for Pequot Library. This year’s selection is “Eating Animals” by Jonathan Saffran Foer. Throughout the month of March, the library conducts a series of events around the book and book clubs invite librarians to talk about it. A children’s book is also selected, which, this year, is “Our Farm” by Maya Gottfried.

The fundraiser also helps fund the main library’s Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, which is currently hosting an exhibit of paintings and sculpture themed “Investigation – Imagination”. 

“This is about celebrating our donors’ community and thanking them for their support with an elegant evening,” said Catherine Burnett, a member of the Board for FFPL and a member of the art committee for the gallery. She mentioned that the event had grown from last year’s inaugural fundraiser, which was held around Valentine’s Day and themed “Romance in the Stacks.”

This year’s “Fire and Ice” theme was a juxtaposition of the wintry time of year and the lively musical entertainment. The latter included gypsy music rendered in a classical style by pianist Robert Merfeld and violinist Katie Lansdale, who is also the Soundwaves director. They delivered what was described in the evening program as everything “from sobbing laments to skirling accelerandos” and “fiddling pyrotechnics to unforgettable tunes”, entertaining all in attendance with their instrumental mastery and showmanship.

Town Librarian Karen Ronald felt the event really shows what a library can be to a community. “It provides people with another view of the library as an experiential site.” Friends member Dee Skott, attending with husband Alan, agreed. “The library’s the center of the community and this is a great way of supporting the programming.”

Silent auction items were an additional feature of the evening. These included expensive wines, vintage books, Wedgewood china, wine baskets and one-of-a-kind signed prints, displayed throughout the lower level. Reviewing some of the items, attendee Rosemary Rembetsky said, “I particularly like the vintage books, but also the Dom Perignon.”

Attendees Christy Ottaviano and Kevin Ohe had a special place in their hearts for the library. “We’re both in publishing, and anything to do with books we support,” said Ottaviano. “We spend a lot of time in the library, so it’s a very happy, comfortable place for us. Obviously, we love this library and want to do what we can to keep it thriving.”

Fairfield’s First Selectman Ken Flatto was on hand for the festivities and stressed the importance of the town’s library. “This is becoming an annual tradition. It’s so important for the community to get involved and it makes people feel like they have a stake in the enterprise. This group helps set policy. I’m very pleased about it.”

Oh What a Knight

Oh What a Knight:

Higgins Armory shows medieval weaponry at Pequot Library

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/8)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved

1/8/11

Southport, CT – Eyes were wide and the audience attentive as the enthusiastic presenter showed fearsome examples of ancient weaponry.

The speaker was Neal Bourbeau, Program and Outreach Manager of Higgins Armory Museum of Worcester, MA and the program he was presenting at Southport’s Pequot Library Saturday afternoon was “The Knight’s Tale.” His goal was to provide a general overview about armor and the museum itself, and have audience members join him to partake in elements of his demonstration.

The weaponry he had brought was displayed on two long draped tables on a stage in the library’s high-ceilinged meeting room and included mail armor, swords, helmets and a shield. Related books from the library’s collection stood on end along the front edge of the stage.

Children’s Librarian Susan Ei, who had coordinated the Higgins visit, introduced Bourbeau and was glad for the turnout given the snowy climate in which the area had been immersed after a snowstorm passed through the previous afternoon. “I’m guessing every one of you called to make sure we were having our program,” she mused.

Bourbeau mentioned that the museum does outreach programs throughout New England primarily, though he has traveled to New York and New Jersey and even as far as Tennessee to present his program.

To a full house comprised of a mix of grandparents, parents and children ages 5 to 15, Bourbeau began by speaking about the museum itself. It was founded by industrialist John Woodman Higgins to showcase his personal collection of arms, armor and other metal items. Though the four-story building is of an art deco architectural style on the exterior, the interior is dressed in gothic décor. The collection is principally steel plate armor and includes 70 authentic suits, but also Greek, Roman and Persian pieces. In all, there are about 5,000 items. The museum is the only one in the country that specializes in the category.

Bourbeau mentioned that all the items he brought with him were reproductions. “The authentic pieces don’t travel well as steel corrodes and breaks down, particularly because of the oils and acids from our hands. The same thing happens with wood.”

Challenging the audience, Bourbeau asked for the definition of a knight. “Knights were from a long long time ago,” said one child. “They were hired warriors that worked for lords in medieval times,” said another. Bourbeau clarified that being a knight meant you were mounted on a horse with heavy armor – specialized cavalry essentially given land in return for service.

There ensued a demonstration of items that included a shield, chain mail and helmet. In each instance, he brought a child up to help him illustrate their usage. Redheaded 10-year-old Jack Whitten, from Fairfield, gripped a round steel shield and defended himself from Bourbeau’s mock blows with a wooden sword. Kayla Scala, 6, wore a helmet as Bourbeau explained why it was curved -- to allow weapons to glance off the surface when struck. Owen Swenson, 4, held chain mail as Bourbeau drew a steel sword across it, thankfully resulting in no ill effect to the boy.

The presenter showed other intimidating items such as a mace, which elicited a collective “ooh” from the audience, given its menacing multi-angled metal head. More “oohs” followed as he held up other artifacts.

Audience members were impressed. “It’s great for Pequot Library to provide this educational advantage,” said Fairfielder David Harvey, 46, attending with wife Ann and children Robbie, 7, and Mary, 5. “Lego has a little knight castle that Robbie has played with and enjoyed. But this is really a first experience for him.”

Of son Owen’s view of the program, Genevieve Swanson, 34, said, “This is his major area of interest. He’s a devoted fan of medieval knights, history and armor. He really is obsessed. I just jumped at this.”

The Morning After Storm Report: S’no Problem!

The Morning After Storm Report: 
S’no Problem!

Downtown mostly clear following 

three-inch snow drop

(Posted on Fairfield.Patch.com 1/8)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/8/11

Fairfield, CT – Sidewalks were partially coated with ice, benches were still snow covered and gray slush trimmed the roadside but otherwise conditions were clear.

This was the scene on the Post Road in downtown Fairfield early Saturday morning following a snowstorm that swept through the area Friday afternoon, resulting in school and business closures and early dismissals. Snowfall totaled approximately 3 to 4 inches and made travel difficult. But Fairfield’s snow removal crews were at the ready and plows and sand trucks were out in great numbers to meet the challenge. The snow all but ceased early evening, allowing homeowners to creep out to shovel and dust off their cars.

As private snow removal contractors whizzed past and fuel service vendors stopped in for breakfast, the counter crew at Firehouse Deli went about their morning routine.

Asked about his expectations for morning business, owner Laz Perez, working the grill, said, “Things are going to be slow. Everyone’s indoors or they’ve gone skiing. They usually come out in the afternoon… hopefully.”

About the snow removal around town, Perez commented, “I thought it was pretty good. Much better than Bridgeport, where I grew up. All the streets are pretty clear.”

Perez added, “We prepare for anything. We’re like the post office, always open.”

Fairfielder Mike McGrath, 55, had just stepped from Wachovia Bank, busy with morning errands. “I’m just doing my usual Saturday morning stuff – store, bank, dry cleaners. The storm was not a problem – a nothing. The main road was fine. Some of the back roads need to be salted more than anything else.”

Chef’s Table was warm and toasty as Alicia Aguiar, 29, general manager of Carabiners Indoor Rock Climbing, collected breakfast. “I’m just grabbing some coffee to help me through the day. I have a birthday party at 10:30, so need to get ready. Things were slushy. The plows have some work to do, but most people have four-wheel drive, so no problem.”

Rich Herzfeld, owner of Chef’s Table, fixing a tea for himself at an adjacent counter, shared his forecast for the business day. “Once people start shoveling and plowing out, we’ll get very busy. People want to get out of the house. It will be a very good day. Our soups, stews and chowders are going to be very popular.”

Across the street, Dave Thompson of Bravo Co. LLC of Fairfield, was shoveling out and plowing the parking lot and sidewalks around Mike’s Pizza. “The snow stopped mid-evening. We were out while it was going and after it stopped. We finished up at 11 and then came back out at 7 this morning to do a lap before the businesses open. We put salt down last night but it’s still a little tough to clear away,” he said, trying to wedge his shovel under some sidewalk ice.

Maureen Wallace, 53, and husband Allen, 54, strolled past, headed to The Pantry. “We came out for coffee and something to eat,” said Maureen. “We walked over, but the roads seem pretty clear.” George added, “We still have to shovel, but we might go to the movies. Plus there’s a lot of football on.” Maureen had other ideas, saying, “It’s a fireplace and a book for me.”

The temperature at 9 a.m. was 26 degrees according to online service Weather Underground, with a predicted high of 34 and 60 percent chance of more snowfall. A second system is anticipated to move into the area Tuesday through Wednesday.