Last Minute Gift Guide 2011 | East Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

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

Ring in this holiday season with dazzle and flair! Whether you need a sparkly cocktail dress for the office party, an elegant pantsuit for a dinner party or a luxurious fur wrap, Village Vogue Boutique in Milford has the perfect selection of glitter-ing, glamorous holiday clothing and accessories, all pleasingly priced.

“We’re actually a high-end consign-ment boutique,” says Karen Quinn-Panzer, who owns the shop with her husband, Frank. “Not only do we have fantastic vin-tage pieces from all dif-ferent eras, but we have a spectacular selection of design-er and couture pieces, including Chanel, Prada, Ann Taylor, Coach, White House/Black Market and Dooney & Bourke, for example.

“At least 25 percent of the items that come in to be consigned are brand new, unworn, with the tags still on!” says Karen. “People clean their closets and find items

that no longer fit, or they no lon-ger want and consign them with us. We have a constantly rotat-ing selection of items, which

makes shopping here a new experience each time you visit.

“It’s fun to refresh your wardrobe,” says Karen. “I

work with a fashion consul-tant, Amy Lyons Kemler. She can coordinate outfits here or come to your home, making valuable suggestions to revive

your existing wardrobe.

“I subcribe to the two-year rule,” Karen says. “If you have a piece in your closet that you haven’t worn in two years, consider consign-ing it. In fact, it’s a great idea to assess your closet every so often and decide what items you want to keep, what could be given away

and what could be consigned. We display your items for up to two

months, and when they sell, we pay you 40 percent of the sale price. It’s a great way for consignors to earn guilt-free shopping money,” says Karen, “and shop-

Delightful vintage values

by Robin E. Glowa

There is always something new at Village Vogue Boutique, a high-end consignment shop in Milford. Glamorous, glittering outfi ts for the holidays are one of a kind.

Ring in this holiday season with dazzle and flair! Whether you need a sparkly cocktail dress for the office party, an elegant pantsuit for a dinner party or a luxurious fur wrap, Village Vogue Boutique in Milford has the perfect selection of glitter-ing, glamorous holiday clothing and accessories, all pleasingly

“We’re actually a high-end consign-ment boutique,” says Karen Quinn-Panzer, who owns the shop with her husband, Frank. “Not only do we have fantastic vin-tage pieces from all dif-ferent eras, but we have a spectacular selection of design-er and couture pieces, including Chanel, Prada, Ann Taylor, Coach, White House/Black Market and Dooney

that no longer fit, or they no lon-ger want and consign them with us. We have a constantly rotat-ing selection of items, which

makes shopping here a new experience each time you visit.

“It’s fun to refresh your wardrobe,” says Karen. “I

work with a fashion consul-tant, Amy Lyons Kemler. She can coordinate outfits here or come to your home, making valuable suggestions to revive

your existing wardrobe.

“I subcribe to the two-year rule,” Karen says. “If you have a piece in your closet that you haven’t worn in two years, consider consign-ing it. In fact, it’s a great idea to assess your closet every so often and decide what items you want to keep, what could be given away

and what could be consigned. We

Vintage continued on page 6

Wayne Ratzenberger photos

1

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��PACC is a holistic educational center for the performing arts. Our professional NYCinstructors (all holding degrees in their field), instill in their students proper technique and passion for their art form. The center has 13,000 sf of state of the art space:5 dance studios, 4 voice/music studios, black box theater, costume shop, student homework lounges and kitchen and much more - all conveniently located off I-95,The Merritt Parkway, Route 25. Our neighbors are Planet Fitness, Trumbull Racquet Club, Next Step Gymnastics, Triple Play Sports Center and the Trumbull Mall.

Stop by and find out why there is always something exciting happening at PACC!

1

• 2 • • Last Minute Gift Guide • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • December 15, 2011 •

For more than a century, the Chiappetta family has produced first cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil in the Calabria region of southern Italy. About a year ago, family members living in Fairfield County decided to bring their tasty, homemade olive oil to the United States. Tall, elegant, long-necked bottles bearing the Chiappetta name can now be purchased in 21 specialty grocery stores and markets in Connecticut.

Made from 100 percent organically grown caroleo olives, Chiappetta’s olive oil is best used on salads, with fresh Italian bread for dipping and in sauces and soups, said Pat Chiappetta, a resident of Norwalk. He and his brother, Frank, of Stamford, were instru-mental in launching the new business,

which they both define as “a labor of love.”

In 2,009, the brothers celebrated the 80th birthday of their father, Vito, by traveling with him to Italy. While they were sharing photos of the trip with Pat’s two daughters, Leslie (of Milford) and Lori (of Trumbull), and Frank’s daughter, Ashley (of Stamford), the cousins were impressed with their rela-tives’ lush olive groves and asked why they couldn’t distribute the exquisite olive oil in the United States. “It all started as a tribute to their grandfather and the idea of wanting to keep the family name going,” Pat explained.

Pat’s twin sons, James (of Wilton) and John (of Norwalk), were also enthusiastic and

FROM CALABRIA WITH LOVE

Delectable olive oil in elegant bottlesby Karen Kovacs Dydzuhn

Gift baskets are always a pleasure to receive, especially ones with Chiapetta Olive Oil.Calabria continued on page 7

2

Up to 70% Off!

1 WEEK ONLY

MANUFACTURER’SCLEARANCE SALE

��

1 WEEK ONLY1 WEEK ONLY��

��

��

��

Happy Holidays to All from��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Lewis Jewelers��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

2

• December 15, 2011 • • Last Minute Gift Guide • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • 3 •

With Christmas a few weeks away parents will begin the scramble to find the right toys for their children, though they may find it’s not quite as simple as loading up a shopping cart. As you shop, remember that children of all ages need a well-balanced assortment of toys to contribute to their development and pleasure — ones for active play, make-believe play and creative play. Also, most everyone is looking for ways to save money these days, but, are those cheaper choices safe for children?

The importance of play influences every aspect of a child’s development — develop-ing motor skills, critical thinking, language skills, self-esteem and social skills. When children pretend to be firefighters, astro-nauts or teachers, they begin to see life is full of possibilities and opportunities. Overall, play is fun. When we recall our childhood,

it’s the happy times spent playing with special people we remember most fondly.

For infants between six and 12 months, beginning to master motor skills helps them see toys in a new and exciting way. Push-pull toys, busy boxes, cloth cardboard picture books and squeaky toys are won-derful choices, for they begin to show cause and effect.

Children become explorers in their sec-ond year of life as they start to master the physical skills that make it easier to play and learn. Feet-propelled toys, puzzles with knobs and playhouses encourage experi-mentation. This is also the age children begin to mimic adults, so kitchen toys and household items, such as play telephones or shopping carts, make a child feel impor-tant.

Older toddlers love trying out their newly acquired physical skills — jumping, climb-ing and throwing — toys for active play are now in the spotlight. Larger balls, small slides and climbing apparatus help put those skills to work.

Social activity after the age of three leads to sharing and a combined creativity. Pre-schoolers and kindergartners can spend most of their time in a make-believe world. They enjoy role playing and dressing up as well as expressing themselves through arts and crafts. This is the perfect age for non-toxic art supplies, simple board games and props for that imaginary world.

When it comes to choosing toys for chil-dren with special needs, the Toy Industry Foundation publishes a guide especially for them. There are profiles for toys appropriate

for children with visual, physical and hear-ing impairments, as well as developmen-tal disabilities including Down Syndrome and Autism. These toys have been tested, reviewed and recommended by the Alliance for Technology Access and the American Foundation for the Blind. For more informa-tion or to order a copy of "Let’s Play" visit toyindustryfoundation.org

As you shop, keep in mind the interests and abilities of the children you are buying gifts for and read the labels to help you make the right choices.

Toys are labeled based on four criteria: the safety aspects of the toy, the physical capa-bilities of the child (ability to manipulate the toy), their cognitive abilities, as well

For kids’ sake: Think toy safetyby Priscilla Whitley

Saftey continued on page 7

3

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Y.Z. Jewelry Mfg.��

��We cut diamonds and manufacture one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry...

Buy Direct at Truly Wholesale Prices and Save!

431 Post Road East, WestportComp Shopping Plaza,

Suite 18, Second Floor (above Cohen Optical)yzmanufacturing.com

Come visit us, we will give you a complete education

about Diamonds and Gems.

Holiday Hours:Monday-Saturday 10-6 PM • OPEN SUNDAYS 11-4 PM

(203) 222-1894

Handcrafted 18 kt. sapphire and diamond necklace set with gem quality cornflower blue oval sapphires

50 cts. total weight and 22.10 cts. total weight in diamonds. (A piece to cherish for generations.)

Crafted in platinum, GIA-certified natural, unheated cushion-cut sapphire, 2.7 cts. Adorned with diamonds, 0.85 cts total weight.

Crafted in 18 kt. white

gold. Set with gem-quality emerald-cut

pink/red tourmaline, 17.83 cts.

Adorned with diamonds, 1.20 cts total weight.

Large selection of GIA-certified

diamonds in all shapes and sizes at

huge savings.

Crafted in platinum. GIA-certified

radient-cut diamond, 5.58 cts. Color F.

Clarity VS 2. Adorned with two trapezoid diamonds, 1.63 cts

total weight.

Acclaimed for our incomparable craftsmanship, we continue to lead the way in styling & luxury. Consumate skill & uncompromising attention to detail are given to every piece.

Large selection of certified unheated sapphires, all shapes and sizes.

Crafted in 18 kt. Sapphire diamond earrings, set with fine cornflower

blue color sapphires 6.00 cts. total weight. Adorned with diamonds,

3.00 cts. total weight.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

ö ��õ��

��

��

��ö ��õ

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

3


One of the most memorable gifts I’ve ever received was from a neighbor, who, to thank me for helping her out of a tough spot, gave me a boxed set of Penzeys Spices baking extracts. The neighbor and I, both avid cooks and bakers, usually end up talking about food over our split-rail fence, and we often share recipes, as well as the fruits of our labors. It was the perfect gift for me, and showed just how well she knew me.

To be perfectly honest, however, when Penzeys Spices first opened in Norwalk in 1999, I was a little skeptical. An entire store devoted to spices? Don’t most people buy their spices in the supermarket? How are they going to stay in business? I wondered, and gave them six months.

Well, it’s been 12 years, and not only have I been proven completely wrong (the store has continued to thrive), but Penzeys has become one of my very favorite places to shop. In fact, the phrase “like a kid in a candy store” could be applied to me and anyone else who loves to cook and bake and who eschews the supermarket baking aisle for Penzeys Spices.

Cooks Wanted!

Headquartered in suburban Milwaukee County, Wis., the business actually began as a mail-order company, with people pur-chasing their spices out of catalogs.

Owner Bill Penzey, who grew up in his

parents’ spice business, followed the tradi-tion of their life’s work when he launched Penzeys Spices 25 years ago, first from a warehouse and then the company’s first retail store. Today, Penzeys boasts 63 stores, with two more scheduled to open soon. The Norwalk store, the company’s fourth, is conveniently located at 197 Westport Ave., a stone’s throw from Stew Leonard’s and just minutes away from I-95 and the Merritt Parkway.

“Our principal focus is the home cook and baker,” explains Margie Gibbons, spokes-person for the company. “There is some-thing kind, generous and wonderful in the notion of going into the kitchen and mak-ing something to share with your family

and friends. We want to make it easy for people, from beginner to expert, to prepare the meal they have planned, whether they are following a cookbook recipe to the letter or improvising on an old family favorite.”

Shoppers who visit the retail stores are encouraged to ask questions of the knowl-edgeable staff, who tend to be self-pro-claimed foodies themselves. “Customers can come in and chat with us about what they’re planning to make, and we can help them find what they need to make every meal special,” Margie says. “People don’t need to wait for the weekend ... why not make Tuesday evening a little more inter-

TUESDAY IS THE NEW SATURDAY

Penzeys Spices proves dinner can be special every nightby G. Lisa Sullivan

Spice continued on page 9

4

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Gourmet Gift Baskets

11 River Street • Milford • 203.878.8646www.thevillagourmet.com

email: [email protected]

��

��

��

The Villa Gourmet

Personalized Service. Expert fi tters in attendance. Open 7 days.

��Cozy Robes • Elegant Night Gowns • Bra & Panty SetsFashion Jewelry • Small Accessories • Gift Certifi cates

Complimentary Gift Wrapping

Lady Olga’s Lingerie • 3490 Whitney Ave • Hamden • 203-288-1133Whispers • 21 River Street • Downtown Milford • 203-876-7400

www.WhispersFromLadyOlga.com

ONE ITEMwith this ad • excludes sale items

cannot be combined with any other discountexpires 12/31/11

25% Off

��

��Ladies Night

��

��

��

Men’s Night ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Brownson Country ClubBrownson Country Club��

Premier Private Golf, Pool & Social Club has a limited number of full year 2012 Memberships available. ��Family or Individual Golf/Pool ��

Initiation Fees on our Separate Family PoolMemberships. Join Now...No Monthly Dues

or Fees until March. Call or Visit the Club Today! Brownson Country Club

15 Soundview Avenue Huntington, CT

203.929.0555www.brownsoncc.com

...or for more information email [email protected]

��

��

��

��

��

��

4


John Bender, known to his friends, family and clients as JC, has three loves: his family, his physical therapy practice and his artwork.

JC received a master of science in physical therapy from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield in 2000. His under-graduate degree was in art, since art and illustration were JC’s first passion. However, after much reflection, he decided to pursue his education in a different discipline.

“I loved art, but I loved helping people more. After I received my art degree, I knew it was time to go in a dif-ferent direction. I felt physical therapy suited my career goals more than becoming an artist did,” JC said. Art was still an interest but, after JC graduated, “life got very busy” and art went on the back burner.

JC married Jessica, a fellow physical therapist, and they set up practice in upstate New York. JC and Jessica became the parents of three daughters, now ages five, three and two. Four years ago, they left New York and moved back to Connecticut, JC’s home state. JC became a partner in the Moore Center for Rehabilitation, which has offices in Stamford, Darien and Wilton.

He settled into his new routine and then the art bug bit him again. “This past summer, my oldest daughter, Alexandra, asked me to teach her how to draw and paint dogs. I wanted to share my love of art with my girls,” JC said.

Art has become a family hobby for JC and his daughters. “They love to watch daddy paint and draw, and to be able to join in with their own art projects, large or small. In their playroom, there are always crayons, paper, paste, paints and other art supplies. I’m happy that my enjoy-ment of art has been transferred to my girls,” JC said.

As JC got more involved in art projects with his daughters, he “started to think that I shouldn’t allow this talent of mine to go to waste. I felt it was time to throw my hat back into the art ring,” he said.

JC has always loved drawing dogs. He had dogs as a child, even though he is allergic to them. “I didn’t care that I had a runny nose and watery eyes; I just wanted to be around

dogs,” he said. JC had three dogs when he was growing up — first a Siberian husky, then a Shih Tzu and finally a Shetland sheepdog. JC’s first art commissions came to him via his love of dogs.

“As part of my art degree, I had to set up a portfolio of my work. The portfolio was shown at a student art show held at Sacred Heart. I had cards made up of one of my dog portraits called the Dapper Dog. The cards were given around, and I received two commissions from clients who wanted me to draw their dogs’ portraits,” JC said.

JC’s Dapper Dog portrait is certainly a standout. He used watercolors and colored pencils in its creation. The dog is a dark brown dachshund, sporting a navy-blue stripped

rugby jersey, along with a navy-blue beret. The dapper dog is smoking a brown pipe. He obviously thinks deep thoughts since he has a very pensive look, as he gazes off into the distance. In the background, the brown sepia sky blends into a red gold sunset.

“I still love animals and I enjoyed doing dog portraits in the past, so once I decided to get back in the art game, I felt dog portraits were the way to go,” he said.

JC works from photographs of the dogs. He is open to sug-gestion and is happy to put a bow-tie on a dog to create the effect the customer wants.

The art media JC uses are watercolors, colored pencils and acrylics. He can work in oil, but it takes a lot longer, so he usually doesn’t employ that medium, “unless a client really has his or her heart set on oil.”

It takes JC between four to six weeks to complete his dog portraits. The average size is 9 x 12 inches, but JC has done head shots of 8 x 10 inches and larger works of 11 x 14 inches. He does acrylics on canvas and watercolors on watercolor paper; however, he doesn’t frame the work. “The watercolors should be matted and framed, but the acrylics can be hung on the wall since they are on canvas,” he said.

Many clients ask JC for a portrait of a friend’s or relative’s dog to give as a gift. Dog portraits can be a great idea for a special someone’s birthday or for Mother’s or Father’s Day. Often a parent will ask for a portrait of their child’s favorite four-legged friend to hang in his or her bedroom.

JC doesn’t have to actually see the dog since he works from photographs. “The client can send the photograph, in the highest resolution possible and with the best color, by e-mail. The lighting of the photograph is important. If the sun is washing out the dog, it will not work. If a client says they love the dog in a certain pose but the lighting is bad, I will ask them to re-pose the dog in a good light,” he said.

For more information, 203-505-5611 or e-mail at [email protected].

One man’s passion renewedAs family joins in the fun

by Isabelle Ghaneh

Titled the ‘Dapper Dog,’ this painting inspired other dog owners to request portraits of their own pets.

5

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31st 2011

��

7PM � 1:30AM

TOP SHELF OPEN BAR ASSORTED ��

3 COURSE DINNER:PASTA . SALAD . SURF & TURF

CHAMPAGNE TOASTPARTY FAVORS

ASSORTED DESSERTS

$125 PER PERSON

$225 PER COUPLECALL 203.735.4883

LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLEMUST PURCHASE IN ADVANCE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31st 2011 LIVE PERFORMANCES BY DARIK AND THE FUNBAGS

&

UNZIPPED

312 ROOSEVELT DRIVE SEYMOUR, CT 06483 203-735-4883 [email protected]

��

312 ROOSEVELT DR.SEYMOUR, CT 06483

203-735-4883WWW.VILLABIANCA.COM

[email protected]

Tickets must bepurchased in advance.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31ST 2011 • 7PM - 1:30AM

LIVE PERFORMANCES BY - DARIK AND THE FUNBAGS & UNZIPPED

TOP SHELF OPEN BAR • ASSORTED HORS D’OEURVES3 COURSE DINNER: PASTA • SALAD • SURF & TURF

CHAMPAGNE TOAST - PARTY FAVORS – ASSORTED DESSERTS

�

865 River Rd. (2nd floor) Shelton, CT 06484203-925-VFit (8348)

www.studiovfitness.com

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

5


pers find high-quality garments at terrific prices.

“If the piece doesn’t sell and the consignor doesn’t want it back, we donate it to the Kennedy Center Thrift Shop, whose pro-ceeds benefit handicapped individuals,” Karen adds. “We have all kinds of events and incentives here at the store, from charity events to shopping parties and swap events. You can come in and set up a holiday wish list by selecting up to 10 favorite items. We write them down, and when someone comes in to buy one of those items for you, they receive 20 percent off. We make holiday shopping easy and economical! We also do Come Back Bucks, which our customers just love. Every time you shop here, you receive a 10-percent-off coupon on your receipt.

“Consignment shopping has really come into its own, and there is a wonderful focus now on vintage wear, influenced by television shows such as ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Boardwalk Empire.; I love the concept of mixing vintage and new,” says Karen. “That’s why we have focused on offering all types and time periods of clothing. You can combine an elaborate piece of 1920s jewelry with a very clean-lined dress, or vintage lavender suede 60s boots with a modern mini. You have fun creating your own unique look here, expressing your own style, which will make you shine in your holiday outfit.”

Shoppers can put together a holiday outfit that says classic or cutting edge, or add

as much flamboyant flair as they wish. Incorporate exceptional allure with acces-sories, such as retro clutches or handbags to hold your holiday essentials. On any visit, you may find a lusciously soft coyote fur handbag, a stunning black- silk scallop-shaped clutch or an amazing forest-green velvet clutch edged in gold.

The right pair of shoes takes an outfit from great to glorious. Slip your feet into sensu-ous snakeskin pumps, black-suede Prada espadrilles, dove-gray tall leather boots or golden kitten heels.

Feeling a little Bette Davis, Pippa Middleton or even Marilyn Monroe? Indulge your inner star with hats — maybe a wide-

brimmed black-velvet hat trimmed with ostrich plumes or choose a perky, pink mar-ibou puff. Frank says, “I just love when hat people come in. I’m always asked for my opinion on the hats!” Even dapper gentle-men can find Panama straw hats, bowlers or top hats.

Whether your taste in jewelry is Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly or Beyonce, you can drape yourself in pearls, be ravish-ing in rhinestones or add sophistication with chunky beads, delicate chains or bold bracelets.

“Customers come in and mention all the time that they’ve never seen a shop just like this one,” says Kathy. Frank adds, “They are always saying what beautiful condition the pieces are in. I carefully clean everything that comes in, and our customers really notice.”

“You never know what treasure you’ll find next,” Kathy says with a grin. “We have stunning, very different wedding gowns, formal wear, all kinds of things to dress up and feel gorgeous in.”

From a shimmering lime-green bolero jacket to a bright-scarlet beaded silk mini- skirt, chocolate-brown leather pants, vin-tage rabbit-fur jackets or a bronze lamé mink-trimmed cocktail dress, the holidays are looking sexy and sensational at Village Vogue!

Village Vogue Boutique is at 163 N. Broad Street in Milford; 203-283-9400; villagevogueboutique.com. Hours are Tues. through Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-4. Amy Lyons Kemler: 203-988-5137; freshstartwardrobeconsulting.com.

Vintage continued from page 1

The right pair of shoes takes an outfit from great to glorious.

6

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

AT

T

HE SMITH

Y

GO

OD

F

O O D & D

RIN

K

��

��

��

��

��

��

6


offered to spearhead the company’s Web and digital presence. “The girls are primari-ly responsible for the gift baskets,” Pat said.

Though Chiappetta’s Olive Oil had only been available for a few months by the time the holiday season rolled around, its gift baskets were extremely popular last year.

The Maglie basket ($34.95) — which con-tains a 250 ml. bottle of olive oil, crostini, organic garlic spread and organic sun-dried tomatoes — is a perfect alternative to bring-ing a hostess or a client a fine bottle of wine.

“It’s much healthier,” Pat remarked. “In fact, at many of our tastings, which we sponsor at local markets every weekend, people tell us that they’re into the Mediterranean diet and that good olive oil is at the heart of healthy living.”

Chiappetta’s Dinner for Two Gift Basket ($59.95) is filled with “a nice variety of Italian specialty food items, including extra virgin olive oil, so that you could make

yourself a good meal,” Pat said. The bas-ket has a package of pasta, fresh organic tomato sauce, an aged balsamic vinegar to go on a salad, sea salt, garlic paste and two Italian wafer cookies for dessert.

Pat describes his wife, Jean, an elementary school teacher in Westport, as one of his “top sales people” because her praise draws others to the product. “She’s a very good cook and she loves to use our oil,” he said.

Pat and Frank own and operate Point and Click, a training and development service company in Westchester County. However, their weekends are spent talking about their olive oil at Wilton’s Village Market and the Rowayton Market. “We’re doing very well,” Pat said. “After our tastings, I have to go into these stores and restock their shelves. It’s hard for us to believe that we’ve only been doing this for a little more than a year.”

For more information: go to chiappettaoli-veoil.com. Gift baskets may be ordered online at olio2go.com or by e-mailing [email protected].

Calabria continued from page 2

as a child’s interests. The most com-mon safety labels warn against chok-ing, and any toy or game directed at children ages three to six is required to carry this warning if the toy con-tains small parts, marbles or balloons. On electrically operated toys, other labels to look for are Adult Assembly Required, Flame Retardant/Flame Resistant and Laboratory Certification or UL (Underwriters Laboratories).

Cautionary labels may be added by the manufacturer advising parents when special care is appropriate. Science sets with toxic chemicals, craft kits with sharp or breakable items and mobiles which hang over an infant’s crib should be supervised and removed if any dan-ger is suspected.

It’s a competitive world out there, and as tempting as it might be to give a young child a toy labeled and intended

for an older one, it’s not advisable. The age labels address not only safety fac-tors, for if children are given toys that are too advanced for them, they may become frustrated.

Toys for older children should be kept away from the younger ones, as well as small visitors. It’s best to throw out or repair broken toys. Checking to make sure all parts are accounted for is well worth the time. Avoid any toy boxes with heavy lids that can fall on heads and fingers. It’s best to stow toys in a low spot so a child isn’t tempted to climb to get one. And always make sure there is a safe area for play.

While labels help consumers with their choices, no manufacturer can tell you what is right for your child. Patronize a reliable retail store where careful consideration is given when stocking merchandise. If buying online, make sure you can return the toy if it doesn’t meet your standards.

Safety continued from page 3

7

CAPPY & SON and DAUGHTER INC.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��

��

��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Friday, December 16 • 5-9pm��

��

��

��

Stop By The Shops At Seymour For All Your Last Minute Gifts!

Shop Sma

ll

��

��

��

7


It’s a question parents and grandparents ask themselves regularly: What to give eight-year-old Lucy or six-year-old Kevin or the 11-year-old twins? There are prob-ably a dozen or so new versions of original electronic games, some of them boasting about their educational benefits, but they don’t really satisfy the need to give some-thing meaningful ... something more than another form of plastic entertainment.

This year, especially, it seems like a good idea to find something different, something significant. Then how about giving children something they can give to other children? A goat or a flock of chickens or a share of a cow? These are the living gifts available through Heifer International, which has been sending animals to needy families around the world for years. Their mission is to “Pass on the gift” to help poor families receive nutrition, achieve self-sufficiency and share their new-found prosperity with others. Sending a goat to a family in Peru, Honduras or Haiti, for example, gives the family milk and cheese to eat and sell, pro-viding economic strength as well as nutri-tion. Sending a flock of chickens provides eggs and more chickens that can be passed on to a neighbor.

I began to give these kinds of gifts to my grandchildren several years ago.

They were disappointed at first. They wanted a doll or a robot kit. But with a brief explana-tion and a small wooden plaque, on which I painted: “For her sixth birthday, Jody sent a llama to a family in Peru,” their expectations changed and they actually started looking forward to guessing what animal they’d be sending to what place. I also noticed that the little decorative plaques were on the walls of their rooms.

Ending hunger and poverty is Heifer’s goal, and it has been achieving that for women in Nepal, small farmers in Zambia, Mexico, Cameroon and Tanzania. From their cata-log, for instance, here’s a vote for goats: “The goat’s temperament and size make it ideal for families with limited resources. It doesn’t compete with humans for food and it can thrive and reproduce in all climates. Goats are low maintenance in terms of han-dling, housing and health care.” A goat is $120. Share of a goat is $10.

A “Flock of Hope” may contain chicks, ducks and goslings. In almost no time, egg production begins. Eggs are a life-saving gift for a hungry child and by regularly selling eggs, families can generate income to afford food, clothes, medicines and school fees. A Flock of Hope is $60.

A gift of a beehive can double fruit and vegetables yields. Income from the sale of honey, wax and pollen can make a big dif-ference in a family’s life. A gift of honeybees is $30.

There are sheep, pigs, camels, donkeys, rabbits, cows, geese, oxen and more. And if you’re still wondering whether a living gift can replace a toy, this is what Jean Mudenda of Zambia says: “These cows have removed us from hunger. Before, we were even fail-ing to have two meals in a day. We couldn’t even have a cup of tea. Now we drink tea anytime we feel like, with milk. There’s no malnutrition. Our children are very happy and healthy because of Heifer.” She also said that the first night the family received a dairy cow, her family couldn’t sleep a wink but just stared at the cow to convince them-selves that it was real.

See heifer.org or call 877-448-6437.

Llamas, chickens, goatsThe gift that lives and gives

by Lois Alcosser

Sheep, which can graze in even the hilliest, rockiest pastures of Peru, provide wool for clothing and food for sustenance.

Cou

rtes

y of

Hei

fer

Inte

rnat

iona

l

8

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Count on GE Credit Union for all your financial needs…� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

OR

8


esting?”

Penzeys products run the gamut from both whole and ground spices, dried herbs, rubs, custom and salt-free seasoning blends to a variety of cinnamons (four different types, to be specific), vanillas and cocoas, to name just a few. Arbol chili peppers, Cajun-style seasoning, Garam Masala (a salt-free all purpose blend called for in many Indian dishes), Penzeys minced gar-lic, lemon peel, mulling spices, pizza seasoning, poppy seeds, saffron, sausage seasonings, Trinidad lemon & garlic mari-nade and whole pink, green, black and white peppercorns are just some of the offerings that home cooks can find at Penzeys to create memorable family favor-ites.

“We try and meet every baking and cook-ing need, and offer a wide variety and type of products,” Margie explains. “These ingredients can be used to make an Indian- or Mexican-inspired meal, for example, and we encourage cooks to experiment, perhaps trying a spice or seasoning blend on something they’re used to cooking, like chicken or beef, and then if the dish is a hit, they can take it a little further and make something more layered, using addi-tional spices or seasonings.”

Smells A Lot Like Christmas

While the retail stores offer a veritable feast for the eyes, nose and mouth and comprise a large segment of the company’s busi-ness, a big portion of Penzeys sales also comes from catalog and on-line orders, particularly at holiday time, when people looking for gifts can just pick up the phone or visit the company’s Web site.

Both the catalog, which is published eight times a year, and the Web site feature reci-pes that customers have submitted. “Our catalog is very home-focused, and includes wonderful stories and recipes that our own

customers wanted to share,” Margie says. “They like to tell us about their families’ favorite meals and where some of their rec-ipes originated. Their input has helped us learn more about who is buying our prod-ucts, how they are cooking and baking and what they would like from us.”

From gift boxes and crates, peppermills and salt shakers to glass jars for storing spices and gift certificates, there is likely to be just the right item for the cook or baker on anyone’s holiday gift list.

“My principal recommendation for gifts this season would be our Kind Heart Gift Box, which includes a 1/4 cup jar Penzeys Forward!, 1/4 cup jar 33rd & Galena, 1/4 cup jar Arizona Dreaming and 1/4 cup jar Mural of Flavor ... all are salt-free, and we’re offering an introductory price of $7.95 per box through the holidays,” Margie says.

Gift sets come in a range of prices and include Some Like It Hot 4 Jar, Ethnic Milwaukee, Cheese Seasonings, Taste of Mexico, Grill and Broil 8 Jar, Kitchen of Provence Gift Crate and the Baker’s Gift Crate, among others. “There is literal-ly something for everyone,” Margie con-cludes. “Simply stop by the store, pick up the phone or visit the Web site.”

For further information: 203-840-9088, or penzeys.com.

The Kind Heart Gift Box has four jars of seasonings, all salt-free.

Spice continued from page 4

Phot

os C

ourt

esy

of P

enze

ys S

pice

s

9

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Happy Holidays

&A Joyous New Year

FromOur Family

to Yours��

��

��

��

��

��

��

9


10

��

��

��

10

Documents

Last Minute Gift Guide 2011 | East Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers