Hersam Acorn News HOME Magazine July 2010 Eastern Edition

8/9/2019 Hersam Acorn News HOME Magazine July 2010 Eastern Edition

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Special Section to: The Valley Gazette I The Stratford Star I The Milford Mirror I The Amity Observer I The Trumbull Times I Fairfield Sun I The Huntington Herald I The Monroe Courier I The Easton Courier

JULY 2010 HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

HOME

An Artists Creative JoySpills Into Other Lives, As Well

A Marriage Most MerryPicnics And Outdoor Theaters

Monroes Sunshine NurseryAnd How Its GrownBryanHaeffelephoto


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2 HOME Hersam Acorn Newspapers June 10, 2010

by Joanne Greco Rochman

Connecticut Yankees know how to take advantage of sum-

mer. We do just about everything outdoors, including the-

ater and eating. Both go together deliciously well. All one

has to do for a star-filled summer night is pack a picnic, a

blanket, a citronella candle and a reservation to one of themany outdoor theaters. Of course, there are two varieties

of stars those that shine on stage and those that fill the

sky like a summer nights canopy.

While each theater is unique in regards to locale, scenery

and experience, one cant help but fall in love with the

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF) the view

is spectacular from the east bank of the Hudson River

In Garrison, N.Y. Picnicking here is reminiscent of the

Victorian era, with experienced picnic aficionados staking

umbrellas for sun or rain and toasting the evening with

champagne and strawberries. With a weather-proof tent,

HVSFs outstanding Shakespearean productions go on

come rain or shine, said spokesperson Erica Darling.

Most of our shows sell out, and because tickets are non-

refundable, the theater has few cancellations, she said.

A few years ago, we had a terrible thunder and lightning

storm. The entire town was blacked out. Our actors per-formed with flashlights. Since the power was out, the ice

cream vendor, knowing his supply would melt, gave the

audience free ice cream. People who attended still say it

was the best theater production they ever experienced.

Hudson Valley has three shows scheduled this season:

Bomb-itty of Errors, The Taming of the Shrew and

Troilus and Cressida. So popular are the theater and

picnicking, the theater Web site provides a large picnic

menu so you dont even have to pack one yourself. Visit

the site for the complete menu: hvshakespeare.org/con-

tent/home.

Another popular outdoor theater is Danburys Musicals at

Richter. Spread out on the back lawn of the Richter Arts

Center, adjacent to the Richter Park golf course, the com-

munity theater offers productions at reasonable prices.

According to artistic director Joyce Northrop, approximate-

ly 150 patrons come per show. In a rainy season, we can

lose two shows per production. Those are tough financial

years, but we do budget with losses in mind, she said.

Of course, she got right to the heart of why people love

outdoor theater and picnicking. Sitting under a beauti-

ful starry night sky with a favorite picnic dinner and a

A MARRIAGE MOST MERRY

Picnics & outdoor theaters

The view is superb and so is the theater at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, and you can even order a picnic supper. Lower right, families, with picnicsin tow, gather early in the afternoon to enjoy the evenings performance of Shakespeare on the Sound, Pinkney Park in Rowayton.

HudsonValleySha

kespeare


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June 10, 2010 HOME Hersam Acorn Newspapers 3

bottle of wine creates a unique summer

theater experience. Its perfect for enjoy-

ing a full-scale Broadway production, she

said. Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street, and

Carousel fill this season. For information:

musicalsatrichter.org/directions.php.

Shakespeare on the Sound has two water-

front sites Rowaytons Pinkney Park

and Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in

Greenwich. This year Othello is featured,

and stars include Victor Williams, best

known for The King of Queens and Jesse

J. Perez, Puck in last years A Midsummer

Nights Dream, and an audience favorite.

Theres no admission, but a $20 dona-

tion is suggested and appreciated. Artistic

director Joanna Settle said theres nothing

like their audience. They even stay during

the rain. I had to tell them were canceling

the show (one recent rainy night) because

they wouldnt leave; the sound equipment

had to be protected. They kept applaud-

ing. Directing outdoors with birds flying

through the stage is like launching a show

into the stratosphere, she said. Check out

the details at: shakespeareonthesound.org/

shakespeare_layout_1/Home.html.

When it comes to exotic outdoor theater

experiences, Connecticut Free Shakespeare

in Bridgeports Beardsley Park Zoo rates

number one. This theater company takes

advantage of the unexpected sights and

sounds of the zoo creatures and integrates

them into productions. The company now

tours to Guilford and Old Saybrook, too.

In the zoo, picnic tables and benches

are plentiful, but bring along a blanket

or lawn chair to get close to the stage.

Twelfth Night plays this season. Check

the Web site for details: ctfreeshakespeare.

org/index.html.

Shakeseperience, a young, intelligent and

vivacious group of Shakespearean actors

performs in Waterburys Library Park and

on the grounds of the Shakespeare Theatre

in Stratford. This year its Henry V. At

a recent production, people arrived with

portable tables and set out feasts for their

picnics, which included everything from

appetizers to dessert. The set, a giant chess

board, provided an interesting setting for

the moves of each actor. For details: shakes-

perienceproductions.org/.

One of the newest outdoor theaters is the

Summer Theatre of New Canaan (STONC),

which welcomes picnickers and theater lov-

ers to beautiful Waveny Park. An open-air

tent and open-field seating allow for huge

audiences. There are a limited number of

reserved seats and reserved-dining box

seats, but field seating for picnics is avail-

able. Henry4 opens the season. Catch

the details at: stonc.org/S1D1/.

If you want a city experience, check out

Elm City Shakespeare in Edgerton Park,

New Haven, where James Andreassi

directs. See the Web site for show times:elmshakespeare.org/. If you prefer a coun-

tryside experience, check out Bethlehems

The Gary, the Olivia Theatre at the Abbey

of Regina Laudis. This roofed open-air

theater has as many stars in the audience

as it does on stage. The Pajama Game

plays this summer. See: abbeyofregina-

laudis.com/sitelive/stewnhosp/g-otheater/g-

otheater.htm.

All in all, theres plenty of outdoor theater

waiting for you. All you need do is call in

a reservation, pack up that crispy fried

chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, a bottle of

wine and enjoy star-lit entertainment.

Everybody Needs a Little SunShine

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Copyright 2010, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, LLC

Jackie Perry, editorBryan Haeffele, designer

Thomas B. Nash,publisher

For advertising information

call 203-926-2080JULY 2010 VOL IV, ISSUE 7

Special Section to:

The Valley Gazette The Stratford Star The Milford Mirror

The Amity Observer The Trumbull Times Fairfield Sun

The Huntington Herald The Monroe Courier The Easton Courier

HOME


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by Robin E. GlowaWith the golden years, comes golden

opportunity. Older individuals, who

have retired, leaving the day-to-day

grind of the rat race behind, can now

focus on fulfilling themselves in new

and exciting ways. Some will take

their dream trip to Alaska, Europe

or other fantasy destination, some

will go back to school or take up new

hobbies, others will finally have time

to plant and tend their herb gardens

and some will finally have more time

for family and friends.

Vivian Newill is treasuring her goldenyears by filling her days with what has

become a passionate pursuit. Vivian, a

painter and naturalist, has combined

her love of animals and the rustic,

rough beauty of rocks to create a line

of handpainted objets dart known as

Rockpettes.

Did you ever look at the sky and real-

ly see all the shapes of the clouds?

Vivian asks. You can see lambs and

bears and all sorts of whimsical things.

Well, I look at rocks and see possibil-

ity everywhere.

I found a rock with the shape of aneagles head, which I then painted an

eagle on. I have found rocks in the

shape of a hamburger, hearts and so

many different shapes. I like to really

be interested in the rock its shape,

its indentations. You have to really

keep looking closely to find all the

interesting ones.

When asked where she finds her

rocks, Vivian says with a chuckle,

Well, we live in New England, you

know, they are just tumbling out all

over the place!

Indeed, its true, a rock painter would

surely be in heaven in the rock-rich

landscape of Connecticut. Anyone

who has ever tilled a garden would

agree with Vivian that there is plenty

of raw material to be found close at

hand.

Vivian and her husband, Les, make

an adventure out of their rock col-

lecting. First, I pack a picnic, says

Vivian, then we set off. We dont

always know where were headed, but

we always know there will be rocks.

We gather them in a canvas bag and

bring them home where we scrub the

rocks. Les is very picky and insists

that they be very clean before I paint

them. Some of the rocks are quite dif-

ficult to clean, she adds.

Once the rocks are sparkling clean,

Vivian sets forth on her creative jour-

ney. She often takes commissions

from people who want their pets

immortalized. They will supply her

with a photo of the family pet, and

working in water-based paints, Vivian

An artists creative joySPILLS INTO OTHER LIVES, AS WELL

Vivian Newills Rockpettes have developed quite a fan club. At right, favorite Rockpettes are her portraits of family pets. Lester Newill photo

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then turns a rock into a valued keep-

sake. Once the painting is complete,

Les will spray it with four coats of

waterproofing material. Even with

the protective coating, Vivian cau-

tions, These rocks are meant for

indoor use, I wouldnt leave them

out in the rain.

The decorated rocks make wonder-

ful house gifts, birthday or anniver-

sary gifts or commemorative pres-

ents. I recently did a Jaguar for a

man who ordered it as a birthday

gift for his brother. I have many

requests for cats, but even more

for dogs, Vivian says. I also did a

nativity set once.

This is a true labor of love for Vivian

who does not accept payment for

any of her work. Rather, she and

her clients agree upon a fee and

the check is then made out to the

clients favorite charity.

I have had people send checks

for the Elim Park Benevolent Fundin Cheshire, where we also hap-

pen to live, says Vivian. I have

received many donations for the

Ronald McDonald House, as well

as for hospice. This really is my

pleasure in painting the rocks, and

it feels wonderful to be able to give

something back.

Vivian also loves to paint wild ani-

mals as well as the domestic vari-

eties. She consults magazines and

picture books for inspiration. Im

always on the lookout for pictures,

she says. Often the shape of the

rock will determine what animal

she will paint. I found a rock that

was perfect to paint a monkey on,

Vivian says. The indents were per-

fectly positioned for the eyes. Im

quite good at painting eyes, but I

will tell you that monkey was a little

creepy once I finished it; the eyes

would follow you around the room!

They really do come to life for me;

they are like my children, Vivian

says of her rock-painting pursuits.

The projects are very time con-

suming, like knitting can be. But I

take my time; it gives me so much

pleasure. I enjoy doing them, and I

find it to be very relaxing. Whats

really interesting is that I will paint

a rock for an exhibit or charity event

and have no idea who has taken it

home. But months later, I will hear

a wonderful story from someone

about a painted rock they saw on a

table or a desk, and it turns out to

be one of my projects!

Vivian finds beauty in her rocks and

beauty in giving back to the com-

munity. And she is so happy for the

beauty of spending this golden time

with her husband, Les. Our morn-

ings are spent together now, she

says warmly. All the time he was

working, we never had time togeth-

er. Now he reads to me and I play

with my paints. Its very special.

To order a Rockpette from Vivian

Newill, please call 203-271-8863.

by Karen Dydzuhn

Petunias in hues of purple and pink adorn

the exterior of Sunshine Nursery and GardenCenter in Monroe. The colorful display of

annuals under a tent on the Route 111 prop-

erty is a welcome sight to drivers passing

by. Inside, bouquets of fresh roses and other

cut-flowers fill the garden centers gift shop

with a sweet fragrance.

Owner Donna Fernandez of Stratford spent

five years in the corporate world before leav-

ing to open a business in a field that she loves.

Since 2005, Donna, along with her partner

and sister, Mary Beth, has not only been

responsible for Sunshine Nurserys daily oper-

ations, she is the head landscape designer, as

well. (Mary Beth is director of inventory con-

trol for Richemont North America and worksonly part-time at the nursery.)

Explaining that the bulk of the business is

in landscape design and installations, Donna

is pleased that word of mouth has helped

the nursery to steadily grow. Im also glad

that I put up the sign out front, she said with

a smile.

Obviously, it was the nurserys prime loca-

tion on one of Monroes busiest roadways

that attracted Donna to the site, which was

formerly occupied by another garden center.

I used to come here to buy plants and flow-ers, she said.

At that time, she was still working as the

manager of advertising research for Sheltons

Nielson Media Research. During the last four

years of her tenure, Donna also operated a

small landscaping business with a friend and

co-worker, Karen Laubcher. Their goal, she

said, was to slowly build a business doing the

kind of outdoor work that they enjoyed.

MONROES SUNSHINE NURSERY

And how its grown

At Sunshine Nursery, youll find a gift shop with cutflowers, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, a FarmersMarket and a landscaping service, too.

Nursery continued on page 6

Hours: Tues, Thurs, Sat 10-5 Wed & Fri 10-7

147 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

NEWTOWN, CT(Exit 9 Off I-84 to Rte. 6 West)

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Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

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When asked if she is pleased with her deci-

sion to leave corporate life, Donna laughs

before replying affirmatively. A garden

center is not an easy business, though,

she admitted. You are so dependent upon

the weather, and the weather can affect

the retail end for the whole season. She

pointed out that it rained for 21 days last

June.

Also, she said, There is practically a gar-den center on every block in Monroe.

Despite the competition, Sunshine Nursery

has managed to thrive for the past five

years. People come here for our quality,

customer service and knowledge, she

said.

The 2.5-acre property is filled with a retail

area, shrub and tree displays, gardens and

flower beds. In the summertime, Sunshine

Florist also hosts a Farmers Market, selling

produce from a Naugatuck Valley farm at

a table in their front driveway. This has

been a big draw, said Donna. People love

[the farms] corn. We also have tomatoes

and fruit.

Donna began to work part-time in the

landscaping business in the mid 1980s,

while she was attending college. Back

then, there werent as many women doing

this kind of work, she said.

It was at this time that she met Karen at

a flower show. They both applied for posi-

tions and got hired at Nielson Media.

However, the two women never lost their

passion for gardening and working out-

doors.

When Donna learned the property that

once was Monroe Nursery was for sale,

she decided to open her own business. It

happened very fast. I called the telephone

number for the hell of it, and two weeks

later we were signing papers, she said.

For three years, the lawn-maintenance part

of the business was put on hold. Now, how-

ever, Sunshine Nursery does commercial

and residential lawns and landscaping in

Monroe, Trumbull, Shelton and Stratford.

Weve been very busy this year, Donna

said. Mary Beth has worked part-time

every weekend and holidays, and their

parents, Sally and Angelo, are responsible

for the companys bookkeeping.

While Karen oversees the landscape and

planting division, employee Kim Ross is

responsible for managing the gift shop

and maintaining all of the centers beauti-

ful annuals and perennials. We spend a

lot of time keeping them looking healthy,

Donna said.

This year, Sunshine Nursery participated

in a Mothers Day fund raiser with Monroe

Elementary School, which is nearby on

Route 111. Children were able to purchase

gift coupons that they could redeem for a

plant at the nursery.

Sunshine Nursery and Garden Center is at

288 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe. For more

information, call 203-268-1199 or go to

[email protected].

Nurserycontinued from page 5

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to learn about a $1500 tax credit

on windows, roofing and siding!


7/8


HOME I OF THE I MONTH

LOCATION: Noteworthy is the spacious design of this home in Milford.

PROPERTY: On more than an acre, the house is surrounded by sweeping lawns.

HOUSE: Built in 2008, the house features 10-foot ceilings, handsome wood floors

and custom millwork. On the first floor is a great room with fireplace, dining

room, kitchen with fireplace and several eating areas, family room with book-

shelves and a master bedroom

suite. There are three bedrooms

on the second floor and a total of

three full baths and one half-bath.A home warranty is included.

GARAGE: Three-car attached.

PRICE: $949,000.

REALTY: Coldwell Banker Milford.

Agent: James Porto, 203-783-8718.

Photos by Wayne Ratzenberger.

ElegantColonial


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Hersam Acorn News HOME Magazine July 2010 Eastern Edition