Transcript
Page 1: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

HOMEA Hersam Acorn Special Section

November 2011

Greenwich Post • The Darien Times • New Canaan Advertiser • The Ridgefield Press • The Wilton Bulletin • The Weston Forum • The Redding Pilot • The Lewisboro Ledger

Holiday Festival of TreesDecorated Trees & Gifts Galore

Eyes on the PiesTried & True, Something New

From Classic to ContemporaryHomes for the Holidays Tour

Page 2: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

2 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

Forty years ago, with bagless, dewy eyes, someone, somewhere was moved to plan it. They advertised — we all chipped in — probably in the Times, while local, like-minded groups organized. Then someone

hired a bus and before the sun was in the sky, we climbed aboard.

Hours later, in the shadow of national marble, we gathered amidst the Porta-Potties. Our permits were filed and we marched.

Our full heads of hair shone in the sun-shine and the PA echoed across the crowd. Familiar voices sang familiar songs, and we all sang along. Mort Sahl. Harry Belafonte. Peter, Paul and Mary and Pete Seeger, of course.

We were against the war. Whatever war. And I like to think we helped end it. There was a sense, as we sat together determined

No news is good newsby Ben Guerrero

■ HOME I MOANER ■

See Home Moaner page 4

203 . 762 . 5100

Excellence in dentistry is the first priority of Dr. Aris and hisprofessional staff. Confirming this commitment, Dr. Aris attainedthe distinct honor of Fellow from the Academy of General Dentistry.“A general dentist who is a Fellow,” states the Academy, “has acceptedthe charge to keep abreast of advances in dentistry for the benefit ofpatients and the betterment of dentistry.”

To earn a Fellowship Award, a dentistmust earn a minimum of 500 approved continuing education credits and pass a comprehensive 400-question examination.

Dr. Aris is a graduate of theUniversity of Pennsylvania DentalSchool where he received hisDoctorate of Medical Dentistry.

A believer in life-long learning,Dr. Aris is a founder of theWilton Dental Study Grouplaunched 17 years ago. He is a member of the AmericanDental Association, CT StateDental Society, Academyof General Dentistry, andPast President of the GreaterNorwalk Dental Society.

Excellence in dentistry is the first priority of Dr. Aris and hisprofessional staff. Confirming this commitment, Dr. Aris attainedthe distinct honor of Fellow from the Academy of General Dentistry.“A general dentist who is a Fellow,” states the Academy, “has acceptedthe charge to keep abreast of advances in dentistry for the benefit ofpatients and the betterment of dentistry.”

To earn a Fellowship Award, a dentistmust earn a minimum of 500 approved continuing education credits and pass a comprehensive 400-question examination.

Dr. Aris is a graduate of theUniversity of Pennsylvania DentalSchool where he received hisDoctorate of Medical Dentistry.

A believer in life-long learning,Dr. Aris is a founder of theWilton Dental Study Grouplaunched 17 years ago. He is a member of the AmericanDental Association, CT StateDental Society, Academyof General Dentistry, andPast President of the GreaterNorwalk Dental Society.

Dr. james T. Aris, DMD, FAGD, PCFellow of academy of general dentistryWilton Center Family Dentistry67 Old Ridgefield Rd. Wilton . CT 06897

203 . 762 . 5100

�����������������������������

BEDFORD GRAVEL

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

�������������������������������������

����������������������������������

�����������������

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

& LANDSCAPESUPPLY

���������������������������

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

Page 3: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 3

�������������������������������������

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

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

Page 4: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

4 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

to overcome someday, that the songs and the signs we waved, along with the two minutes we’d get on Walter Cronkite that night, would start national sentiment rolling in our direction. And while our sentiments were not popular at first, there came a day that the country changed its mind and we put down our guns, if only for a while.

We went down to Wall Street last week-end to check out the protest there. When we got out of the subway car and made our approach, the population of the street thickened. At the core, if you took off your glasses, you could vibe right back to the Washington mall. Noise and smoke and signs in the air. Drums and chants. Folks of all ages and stripes.

But it was different. In the 1960s, the marches in Washington

swelled out of the grassroots efforts of orga-nized people who believed in the uniquely American concept of free speech and our right to peacefully congregate to protest. We held a fundamental belief that if enough of us said something, our voices would be heard. But it took months to get the word out and dollars to place the ads and dimes to make the phone calls and sweat to get the job done.

The Wall Street movement, with the aid of technology and the need for the global news media to fill 24-hour cycles of news each day, could have been sparked by a sin-gle well-worded “Tweet.” This brought the world to the park in Manhattan before they could even come up with a clear agenda. Sure, the sentiment is visceral, but so vis-ceral that it almost has to be expressed with a belch or a sneeze. It is not controversial to say here that the balance of wealth has tipped and it is becoming almost impossible to exist on the low side of that balance. And most of us, alas, reside there.

My children grew up with keyboards as extensions of their fingertips. They have subsequently proven to be expert typists, rattling like castanets while dear old dad hunts and pecks. I have heard that some of our youth are so facile that they can “text” on a cell phone while it is in their pocket. So the organization of this protest is topsy-turvy — where the participants show up and then the organization starts.

The crowds in Manhattan were dif-

Home Moaner continued from page 2

See Home Moaner page 18

����� ������������������� �� �����

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

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

Page 5: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 5

Architect Amanda Martocchio has been winning awards, one after the other recently, for her skillful merging of beautiful, livable homes with the most efficient, energy-sav-ing construction. Her style is classic con-temporary — clean lines, nature-sensitive design and interiors that are made-to-order for each client — whether it be for growing families or for a serene retreat.

She admits that the current economy is affecting most architects. “There’s practi-cally no new building. What is happening, though, is homeowners’ desire to improve what they have — add space, renovate and cut energy costs. One of the most popular requests right now is the addition of mud rooms, that much-used space for boots and backpacks. “I think of it as a useful transition from the outdoors to home life.

There are also many post-Hurricane Irene requests for repairs and restoration.”

She’s recently renovated an existing guest house for the mother of the homeowner, providing privacy as well as a way to be near children and grandchildren.

Whether it’s a brand-new home or a modest addition, Amanda believes that it’s essential to get to know the family. Their lifestyle, habits, likes and dislikes will affect the aesthetics and functioning of their future home.

“Many people hesitate to use an architect because they really don’t understand what the process is like. It may seem intimidating at first, but the architect’s skills and knowl-edge can make the difference between a

The vision of threeEQUALS ONE AWARD-WINNING HOME

by Lois Alcosser

Architect Amanda Martocchio runs through the day’s work schedule.

Jane Beiles

See Award-winning page 21

Be PreparedFor The

Next Storm.Call UsToday!

Page 6: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

6 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

The picturesque town of New Canaan is known for both its rural charm and sub-urban sophistication. Steepled churches and stone walls border the downtown area teeming with hot new restaurants and trendy shops. Historic Colonials share their tree-lined country lanes with Mid-century Moderns.

It is the combination of classic and contemporary that will be on display at this year’s Homes for the Holidays house tour, presented by the Newcomers Club of New Canaan. The tour, which will take place on Dec. 9 and 10 from 10 to 2, features five homes of historic, cultural or architectural significance. Each home has a cinema-based theme and will be festively decorated by professional design-

ers, with the help of a team of Newcomers’ volunteers.

Perhaps the most recognizable home featured on this year’s tour is the Anglo-Indian manor. The house of Dinyar Wadia, principal of Wadia Associates, and his wife, Gool, is a personalized reflection of the architect’s design abilities, interests and passions. It was originally an English cottage built in the 1860s, and Mr. Wadia resuscitated the aging half-timber home and brought it back to life. A Passage to India is the theme for floral artist Michael George, who plans to highlight the play between cultures and the Wadias’ interest in gardening.

Another showcase home, which has undergone a fascinating transformation,

From classic to contemporaryNEW CANAAN HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOUR

by Eileen Murphy and Anne Matviak

A Passage to India features the home of architect Dinyar Wadia.

UNFINISHED FURNITUREThe affordable alternative to Home Decorating

�������������������������������

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

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

������������������������

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

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

����������

Page 7: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 7

is the Country Stables. Built as a dairy barn in 1934, it was originally part of an estate and summer residence named Wexford Hall. It was converted for residential use in 1956, but many of the features that make this home so special, such as the silo, still remain. With this in mind, designer Robert Rizzo, of Cobble Court Interiors, chose Sleigh Bells Ring as his motif. The theme not only honors the house’s history as a barn, but also evokes the holiday spirit.

The more traditional of the showcase homes has also undergone a metamor-phosis over the years, in part because its owners are both interior designers. The All-American Cape is owned by Jean Marie McLaughlin, of JMac Interiors, and her hus-band. The Cape Cod-style house was built in the 1940s, but went through some badly conceived additions in the 1970s and 80s. When the McLaughlins purchased the home 20 years ago, they embarked on sev-eral renovations to correct its design flaws. Jean Marie calls the renovation her “labor of love,” but her chosen holiday theme, It’s a Wonderful Life, where wishes and dreams come true, is indicative of the end result.

When Shelley Morris of Shelley Morris Interior Design acquired her home, now

unrecognizable as a 1956 ranch, it was in its original condition, complete with eight-foot ceilings and nylon carpeting over slab floors. Morris dramatically transformed the house into a California-style home, updating and opening up the interiors, raising the ceil-ings to 12 feet and incorporating reclaimed beams into the kitchen and hallways to cre-ate a gallery-like atmosphere. The beautiful courtyard was completed just this year, letting light sweep into the interiors from outside. Her sophisticated white interior set against the stark winter landscape inspired a theme of Dr. Zhivago’s Ice Castle, calling forth visions of snow, ice, and crystal and the blustery Russian tundra.

At the Exotic Estate, the house tour takes a dramatic departure from the traditional. The 13,000-square-foot, shingle-and-stone house is set on seven wooded acres. Its beautiful decor and soothing palette complement the inviting interior. However, one would never expect to cross the breezeway off the kitchen and find an extensive collection of taxider-mied animals from the African desert to the Arctic Circle. Designer Melissa Lindsay, of Pimlico Interiors, likened the experience to being a guest at the Sundance Film Festival: one minute you are enjoying the warmth of a

luxurious ski lodge and the next minute, you are on a remote, exotic movie set.

It is the uniqueness of each of these homes that influenced The Newcomers Club of New Canaan to make this a two-day event, a first in the history of the tour. “We felt like with such a spectacular group of houses, we didn’t want people to feel rushed,” says event chair, Susanna Anderson. “With the additional day, tour-

goers can savor the history, architecture, and decor of these spectacular homes.”

Visit www.ncholidayhousetour.com to purchase tickets, get a sneak peek at the showcase homes, and more. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 on the day of the tour. One ticket allows access to the tour on both days. All proceeds from the event go to support local Fairfield County community organizations. ■

Dr. Zhivago is the theme for the home of interior designer Shelley Morris.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

�������������������������������������

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

Page 8: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

8 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

My Uncle Mac was born on a farm in rural South Carolina, where he lived his entire life. He trained and raced harness horses, traveling north to compete at the old Roosevelt Raceway in Long Island. By

November, racing season ended and it was back to the farm for winter training.

It was here with this hard-working, simple farm family that we all gathered for Thanksgiving every year. Along with the

sweetest green beans I’ve ever had, sugary corn and pumpkin pecan pie, Uncle Mac introduced deep-fried turkey. The Yankee in us was appalled.

With visions of a batter-crusted fried

bird, caked with flour and dripping in oil, I thought, “Oh, no, is this all these Southerns know?” But I was wrong. “Dang wrong,” as Uncle Mac would say. This deep-fried turkey was the best I’ve ever had, with the

DOWN HOME ON THE FARM

Fried turkey southern styleby Priscilla Whitley

������������������

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

�������

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

������������

������������������������������������

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

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

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

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

��������������������

Unhappy with your Tile or Grout?

AFTERBEFORE

Unhappy with your Tile or Grout?

Pssst…Got dull marble?We also restore, repair and care for marble &stone. Whatever your marble, granite,terrazzo, stone, tile or grout need or questionMARBLELIFE has the answer.

CALL

Free estimateswww.marblelife.com

BEFORE

AFTERRecapture your floors’ original appearance.Call MARBLELIFE for aGROUTLIFE restoration.

For little more than a cleaningwe can make your floor

not just cleanbut look brand new!

�����������

AFTERBEFORE

Unhappy with your Tile or Grout?

Pssst…Got dull marble?We also restore, repair and care for marble &stone. Whatever your marble, granite,terrazzo, stone, tile or grout need or questionMARBLELIFE has the answer.

CALL

Free estimateswww.marblelife.com

BEFORE

AFTERRecapture your floors’ original appearance.Call MARBLELIFE for aGROUTLIFE restoration.

For little more than a cleaningwe can make your floor

not just cleanbut look brand new!

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

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

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

������ �����

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

������ �����

UnhappyUnhappyUnhappy with your Tile or Grout?with your Tile or Grout?with your Tile or Grout?

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

Page 9: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 9

juiciest, tender meat and the crispiest skin. There’s no turning back now.

First a word of caution in deep-frying such a large fowl. This has to be done out-side. Not on a deck, not near the house, but on level ground for the turkey fryer to stand secure. Keep in mind you’ll be working with bubbling, spitting oil heated to 350°. Read all directions, which come with the fryer, and be sure to keep children and pets away as you cook.

Deep fryers can be bought in kits, which include almost all your needs. Eastman Outdoors carries one (which can be bought online), consisting of a burner with a regu-latory-hose assembly, safety shut-off valve, a 30-quart, heavy-duty aluminum pot and lid, poultry stand, lift hook, 12” thermome-ter and a marinade injector. You bring along the insulated mitts and the turkey.

A 12- to 15-pound bird is about the maximum size for this type of cooking, as it handles well and cooks evenly. Thaw first, rinse well — both inside the cavity and out — remove the giblets and neck, as well as any pop-up thermometers.

A deep-fried turkey is cooked unstuffed, which leaves one to prepare an assort-ment of stuffings appealing to all tastes.

The southern way is to inject the turkey with a marinade before cooking. When the oil sears the skin, the natural juices and the marinade are sealed in and the oil seared out. There are a variety of marinades — some with Cajun spices, others laden with herbs and a touch of garlic. A food injector can be bought in a cooking store, though many come with an outdoor deep-frying set.

After preparing the marinade, carefully lift the skin from the meat and insert the needle directly into the meat around four points in the breast. Give each leg and wing an injection also. It’s best to do this the night before, which allows the turkey to marinate longer. Before frying the turkey, apply a dry rub of seasonings, giving the bird a bit of a massage, which also helps the marinade mingle with the meat.

Be particular in the oil for frying. Peanut oil is the best choice. It’s healthy, tastes great and is the least likely to smoke or flame up. Since some people may be allergic to peanuts, corn oil, safflower oil or canola oil will do well.

Set up your kit outdoors and heat the oil to 350° to 365°, using a deep-fat fry-ing thermometer clipped to the inside of

the pot. Be careful not to exceed this tem-perature as the oil can smoke and catch fire. Keep an eye on it and it will be fine.

Make sure your turkey is dry before inserting it into the hot oil, as oil and water don’t mix and hot oil will splatter up. When the oil is heated to 350°, gently slide the turkey in — don’t give it that manly heave. You don’t want any excess oil overflowing the pot. If a basket comes with the kit, use that, otherwise use the hook provided. For added safety, turn the fryer off while insert-ing and again when removing; this will prevent any spillage of hot, bubbling oil.

Cook for about three minutes per pound, which is approximately 45 minutes for a 15-pound bird. Don’t fiddle with it as it cooks. Keeping the temperature at 350° will insure a well-cooked turkey.

Turn off the burner and remove the turkey carefully, wearing insulated gloves, using either the basket or the provided hook. Immediately wrap it in aluminum foil for about 30 minutes before carving. Carry-over cooking will finish the cook-ing outside the oil, bringing it up to the

See Fried turkey page 14

������������������

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

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

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

��������������������

���������������������������������

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

��������������������������

�������������������������

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

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

������������������AND UNIQUE GIFT BOUTIQUE

HOSTED BY THE WOMEN’S COMMITTEE TO BENEFITRIDGEFIELD’S HISTORIC LOUNSBURY HOUSE

NOVEMBER 18TH - 20TH

FRI. 10–8 � SAT. 10–5 � SUN. 11–4

RIDGEFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER ��316 MAIN STREET, RIDGEFIELD

ADMISSION $10 SENIOR CITIZEN $5 CHILDREN 6–12 $3FOR INFORMATION CALL (203) 438 - 6962

����������������������� ��������������THURS. NOVEMBER 17TH

7:00–10:00PM

$40 PER PERSON

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED,

CALL (203) 438 - 9524

OR EMAIL

[email protected]

FOR MORE INFO

FRI. NOVEMBER 18TH

SEATINGS AT 10:00AM AND 2:00PMSAT. NOV. 19TH & SUN. NOV. 20TH

SEATINGS AT 11:00AM, 1:00 & 3:00PM

$15 PER PERSON INCLUDES ADMISSION TO FESTIVAL

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED,EMAIL NAME AND PHONE # TO:

[email protected]

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 438 - 6962

Page 10: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

10 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

The 15th biennial Holiday Festival of Trees is opening the Christmas season at the Ridgefield Community Center. The interior of the Lounsbury House is turned

into an enchanting vision of sparkling beauty. It is the major event and show-piece of the Community Center’s Women’s Committee. The group, founded about

50 years ago, is dedicated to the ongoing interior restoration and preservation of the historic landmark.

This year’s judges are an outstanding

group. Emmy-nominated Tonja Walker is an actor, singer, stage performer and film producer. Diane Crehan is an artist, author and teacher and has been a professional

Holiday Festival of Trees DECORATED TREES AND GIFTS GALORE

by Pat Lennon

CLASSICNEW ENGLAND

BARNS

PRE-CUT WITH

AUTHENTICMORTISE & TENON

JOINERY

(860) 350-5544GAYLORDSVILLE, CT

www.newenglandbarn.comHANDCRAFTED TIMBER FRAMES

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

����������������������

������

����

��

�����

����

����������������������������������

�����������������

����������������������

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

�����������

���������������������

�������������������

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

������������������������������

Bedford Lighting & Home

�������������������

�����

��

��������

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

���������������������

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

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

��������������������

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

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

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

���������������������������������

�������������� �������

������������

Page 11: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 11

storyteller for 25 years, plus being a photographer and video editor. Stephen Consentino has a long list of Hollywood credits and was the main cameraman on the set of the Academy Award-winning film “Black Swan.” The decorated trees will be judged in five categories: Best in Show, Most Original, Most Artistic, Best Use of Color and Best Use of Material. We do thank them for giving of their talent and time to support this event.

On Thursday, Nov. 17, the festival starts with a Champagne Preview Party. It is a gala affair with sumptuous hors d’oeuvres accompanied by champagne and sparkling water. Attendees are the first to see the beautiful-ly decorated trees, which will be available for sale. Shoppers then make a mad dash up the grand staircase to the extraordinary boutique, to have first choice of the magnificent collection.

The Festival of Trees opens on Friday, Nov. 18, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 20.See Festival of Trees page 14

Wilton High School Field House 395 Danbury Rd . (Rou te 7 ) , W i l t on , CT

$10 Admission at Door $2 off wi th th is ad OR Advance T ickets Purchased onl ine at

www.wi l toncraftsmanshow.com (Not to be combined wi th any other d iscount of fer . )

T h e W i l t o n H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y P r e s e n t s I t s 26th A n n u a l

Fine American Craftsman Show

P r o c e e d s b e n e f i t t h e W i l t o n H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y t o h e l p s u p p o r t i t s m i s s i o n i n p r e s e r v i n g o u r h e r i t a g e .

����

M a n a g e d b y B a r n S t a r P r o d u c t i o n s . E x h i b i t o r i n f o r m a t i o n ( 8 4 5 ) 8 7 6 - 0 6 1 6

G o u r m e t C a f é F r e e P a r k i n g F r e e D e m o n s t r a t i o n s

November 12 & 13, 2011S atu rday 1 0am- 5p m Su nd ay 10a m-4 pm

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

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

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

����������������������

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

��������������������

����������������������������������

������������������������

Page 12: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Home of the Month • November 2011

LOCATION: Minutes from downtown Ridgefield, this Colonial-style home has amenities galore.PROPERTY: More than three acres include a diversity of set-tings, all professionally landscaped. There is a patio and a pool with spa and waterfall. HOUSE: Built in 1998, the house is notable for its archi-tectural detail. There is a living room with fireplace, dining room, family room with fireplace, den with fireplace, gour-met eat-in kitchen, a master suite with balcony, four more bedrooms, five full baths and one half-bath. GARAGE: Three-car attached.PRICE: $2,399,000.REALTY: William Pitt Sothebys.Agent: Roni Agress, 203-438-9531.Photography: Bryan Haeffele.

ADistinctive

Home &Setting

Page 13: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

14 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

The Festival of Trees begins Friday, Nov. 18, and contin-ues through Sunday, Nov. 20. As you walk towards the Lounsbury House, which is bedecked with garlands and greenery, you will see a large sleigh by the door. It is a great photo op — put the kids in the sleigh and take a holiday photo. Each room of the first

floor has a display — most with lovely trees. These trees were decorated by organiza-tions and merchants who have worked their magic into strik-ing creations. Each of the ele-gant mantels throughout the house will be decorated by someone from the community, and they are always impres-sive. Everywhere you look, you

will be inspired for the upcom-ing Christmas season.

Up the grand staircase, on the second floor, three rooms and the large center hall will be filled with multi-themed holi-day items of all kinds. The buy-ers have searched all over from New York City and into the countryside for some unique and often one-of-a-kind wares. There are pet gifts, spa items, teacher gifts, decorative and useful kitchen items, decora-

Festival of Trees continued from page 11

proper temperature and allowing the juices to circulate back through the meat.

Allow the oil to cool thoroughly before pumping it into a safe con-tainer. Let it rest overnight and filter it first, then store in a cool dry place and it will be reusable, as long as it hasn’t smoked, for up to six months. Peanut oil can be used again for several fry cycles. Always

follow the directions on the kit and use good sense.

And now you’re done. It’s time to carve into the juiciest Thanksgiving turkey you’ve ever tasted.

Thanksgiving on the farm is always filled with good food, lots of cousins, some horses grazing in the paddock and my Uncle Mac, sitting patiently outside, frying up turkeys through the day.

Fried turkey continued from page 9

����������������������������������

�������������������������������������

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

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

How can YOU protectyour family and your home’s vital

systems when the power goes out?������������������������

���������������������������������

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

���������������������������������

���������������������������������

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

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

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

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

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

��������������

���������������������������������

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

�������������������������������

�������������������������������

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

����������������������

�����������������������������������

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

Page 14: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 15

tive pillows, belts, purses and jewelry. The different ornaments, swags, and mantel decorations will update your decorations. The wonderfully made and educational Melissa and Doug toys, loungewear for teens and other numerous items kids want are available. Unfortunately, space does not allow listing of them, but be sure to check out the delightfully different table-top trees decorated by our talented members; these can be used year after year.

All three days we look forward to the excitement of people coming and going, especially the little ones coming to the ever-popular Teddy Bear Teas. This charm-ing event takes place in the mansion’s decorated dining room, which includes the Teddy Bear tree. Special juices and cookies are served to the children, while the adults enjoy tea and goodies. To the delight of the children, Mrs. Santa Claus comes to visit and read to them! Seating is limited and reservations are required for both children and adults. Teddy bears are most welcome.

We hope you all can come to this year’s Holiday Tree Festival — it is a spectacular event.

Reservations are required for the

Champagne Preview Party, Nov. 17, from 7 to 10; tickets are $40 per person. Call Peggy Loehr, 203-438-9524, or e-mail [email protected].

Holiday Festival of Trees and Holiday Boutique hours are Friday, Nov. 18, 10-8; Saturday, Nov. 19, 10-5; Sunday, Nov. 20, 11-4. Admission is $10, seniors $5, chil-dren 12 and under, $3.

The Teddy Bear Teas are Nov. 18, two seatings, at 10 and 2; Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19 and 20, three seatings, at 11, 1, and 3. Tickets are $15 per person by reservation only: e-mail [email protected]. ■

Three rooms and a center hallway of the Ridgefield Community Center are filled with holiday gift items and decorations.

�����������������������������

������������������������������������

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

��������������������

����������

���������

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

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

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

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

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

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

����������������������

Page 15: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

16 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

Indulge is the keyword when it comes to Thanksgiving. Folks who have struggled all year to watch their weight will let loose on Nov. 24, as they celebrate their blessings, surrounded by friends and family. What better way to treat yourself then by having a slice of aromatic pie?

Of course, most of us have busy sched-ules, so creating a home-baked pie isn’t always a possibility. Luckily, there are many shops in Fairfield County where you can buy your favorite holiday pie.

Blue Jay Orchards, in operation since 1934, offers a variety of pies. Beth Dingee, the marketing manager, said they sold “over 1,200 pies in Thanksgiving week last year.”

“We make our apple and apple crumb

pies from scratch, here in our kitchen,” Beth said. They get their other pies from a local bakery. Beth said their biggest seller at Thanksgiving is the traditional apple pie.

“We have a variety of pies besides apple, including strawberry rhubarb, pecan and peach,” Beth said. “Our berry berry pie is something a little different and would add a nice touch to the holiday table. Berry berry has blueberries, raspberries, black raspber-ries and strawberries,” Beth said.

Beth also recommends the apple caramel walnut. “I’m not a nut fan,” she said, “but I do enjoy this pie.”

Our next pie baking venue is the SoNo Baking Company and Café. SoNo Baking is the brainchild of owner and chef John Barricelli. He and a cousin previously had

a bakery in Brooklyn called Cousin John’s, according to Fran Frusciano, the manager of SoNo Baking Company. “John decided to open his own establishment seven years ago, renovating a 3,600-foot warehouse on Water Street in South Norwalk,” she said.

Pumpkin pie is their biggest holiday seller, Fran said. “Pumpkin pies can be ‘heavy,’ but ours has a very light and fluffy filling folks seem to love. Cranberry pear is also a big seller, and a tad different than the traditional pie offerings this time of year,” she said.

Two years ago John published a cook-book, The SoNo Baking Company Cookbook, and he has another one in the works. The SoNo Baking Company offers a holiday pie-baking class through Westport Continuing

Education. It will be held on Monday, Nov. 7, at the SoNo location in Norwalk.

Last but not least, we come to Michele’s Pies. Michele Stuart loved to watch her grandmother bake pies. Michele learned how to create luscious pies under her grandmother’s guidance.

Initially, Michele worked as a real estate broker. However, in 2006, she decided to change careers and focus on her pie-baking skills. She and her husband, Kelly, opened a store in Vermont, followed by one in Norwalk in 2007. “Our business blos-somed,” Kelly said. “Six months ago, we opened a new store in Westport.”

Kelly previously worked as a refrigerator mechanic and is able to do double duty, both as a business manager for the pie busi-

Eyes on the piesTRIED AND TRUE & SOMETHING NEW

by Isabelle Ghaneh

Get it all back in shape with us at

Does your outdoor furniture look this good ?

Decorating Consultant on StaffPowder Coating

���������������������

� � �

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

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

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

Page 16: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 17

ness and also as an on-the-spot repairman.Michele has won numerous awards for

her pies, and has recently published a cook-book, Perfect Pies.

“Last year, we sold 4,000 pies via our Norwalk store,” Kelly said. “Two customer favorites are maple pumpkin with pecan streusel and chocolate pecan bourbon, always big sellers at the holiday season.”

Kelly said that nut pies can be frozen weeks in advance of the holiday, “but fruity pies should be used within two to three days. Fruit pies can get watery after they’ve been frozen.” ■

DETAILSBlue Jay Orchards 125 Plumtrees Rd.Bethel, 203-748-0119Hours: 10-5, seven days a week ’til Thanksgiving, then Thurs. to Sun., same hours. Open on Thanksgiving Day 9-12.

SoNo Baking Company and Café101 Water St.South Norwalk, 203-847-7666Hours: Mon. 7-3, Tues. to Sat. 7-5, Sun. 7-4.

Michele’s Pies666 Main Ave.Norwalk, 203-354-7144Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 9-6:30, Fri. 9-8, Sat. 9-6:30, closed Sun. & Mon.180 Post Road EastWestport, 203-349-5312Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 7-8, Fri. & Sat. 7-10, Sun. 8-6, closed Mon.

RECIPE

Cranberry Pear Piewith Streusel Topping

from The SoNo Baking Company Cookbook by John Barricelli

Pie crust2 1/4 cups flour2 t. sugar1 t. coarse salt2 sticks cold, unsalted butter cut into small cubes1/4 cup ice water

In a food processer, combine flour sugar and salt. Add butter cubes, pulse for 10 seconds until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water through feeding

tube in a slow and steady stream until dough comes together (dough should not be wet or sticky). If dough is too dry, add more water. Turn dough out and divide into 2 sections, wrap in plastic, shape into flattened discs and chill for one hour. While pie crust is chilling do the cranberry sauce.

Cranberry Sauce1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup water6 oz. (1 3/4 cup) cranberries fresh or fro-zenI pinch coarse saltGrated zest of 1/2 orange1 small cinnamon stick

In a medium saucepan boil sugar and water. Add cranberries, salt, zest and cin-namon stick. Simmer on medium to low heat until cranberries become juicy, about 10 minutes. Transfer to small bowl, remove cinnamon stick, cover with plastic wrap, press to surface of sauce and refrigerate. Next do streusel topping.

Streusel Topping1 c. flour1 c. light brown sugar1/2 t. coarse salt

1/4 t. cinnamon1 stick cold unsalted butter cut into cubes

Stir with a fork flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Add butter cubes, use fingers to work into dry ingredients until pea size crumbs, set aside in refrigerator.

Now roll out crust on a lightly floured surface, make into 12-inch rounds. (Freeze and save the second half for another pie.) Fit into 9-inch pie plate. Overhang and crimp edges. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven at 425˚. Now it’s time for the pie filling.

Pie Filling 1 lb. (6 or 7) Anjou or Bosc pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1 inch pieces1/4 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon nutmeg2 T. flour

In medium bowl toss pears, sugar, cin-namon, nutmeg, flour. Add 1 cup cranberry sauce, pour into pie shell, sprinkle streusel topping over pie, covering completely. Bake 20 minutes at 425˚ then reduce heat to 375˚, baking until streusel is golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let pie cool 1 hour before cutting. ■

Farmer's Market

at Gossett Brother's Nursery

Saturdays 9 - 1

Garden questions? Come visit our knowledgeable and friendly staff. For over 25 years we've been your local garden center, staffed by gardeners who enjoy sharing their passion with you

Organic produce * local honey * eggs * grass-fed meat * raw milk cheese *

wine * locally-roasted coffee * pasta* pastries * bread * fruit pops *

handcrafts * music and much more! 14+ Vendors

1202 Rt. 35, South Salemwww.gossettnursery.com“Like” us on Facebook

Twitter @gossettnursery

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

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

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

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

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

������������

����������

����������������

���������

��������

���������

����������������

������������������

�������������

���������

���������������������

����������������������������

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

�������

���������

��������

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

Page 17: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

18 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

ferent than the ones who sat on the Washington mall. They are pierced and tattooed and plugged in, and unlike the peaceful throngs who wore headbands and bellbottoms and passed around flow-ers, these protesters, while peaceful, seem to have an angry edge. I don’t know why that is. It may just be the times and the frustration, but I wonder if it is the fact that the information is two-way and instantaneous and unfiltered by the dul-

cet, avuncular tone of Cronkite at seven o’clock.

I believe in social protest. I believe in the first amendment. I believe the most patriotic thing I can do as an American is to publicly question the government even if I have to get on a bus to do it.

I used to watch news all day but it got be an endless loop and, if there is a breaking story, they will focus on nothing else even if there is nothing new to add to the story

for hours. And if it turns out there actually IS no story, they start the loop over.

I used to have a smart phone, but I down-sized because I realized I was a lot less stressed if every time I got an e-mail from an Ethiopian prince offer-ing to make me a millionaire, or a drug company promising to restore my inner stallion, my pocket ceaselessly dinged and vibrated. I cashed in built-in GPS for Rand McNally.

I still usually have a cell phone in my pocket, but I seldom receive a call. The kids, thumbing their tiny keyboards like

Home Moaner continued from page 4

Ben Guerrero

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

�������������������������

����������������������

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

�������������������������

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

������������������������������

�����������������

����������������������������������

����������������������������������

����������������������������������

���������������

Box 1019, Ridgefield CT 06877203-438-6544

Jackie Perry, editorJessica Perlinski, designer

•Thomas B. Nash, publisher

•For advertising information

call 203-438-6544NOVEMBER 2011 VOL XV, ISSUE 11

Special Section to:

Greenwich Post, The Darien Times, New Canaan Advertiser,

The Ridgefield Press, The Wilton Bulletin,

The Redding Pilot, and The Weston Forum in Connecticut,

and The Lewisboro Ledger in New York

Cover photo (Home of the Month): Bryan Haeffele.

HOMECopyright 2011, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, LLC

Page 18: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 19

African kalimbas, communicate with me exclusively in text messages. The old flip phone, like the Dude, abides.

After we circled the Wall Street park pro-test, we headed back up town. We passed Ground Zero on the way. Suddenly, up in the sky, we saw a small airplane. That was a bit off-putting. After a moment of staring skyward, it appeared that the small airplane was writing a message.

A park of emotional placards, a place of national tragedy where planes were used, in a most violent way, to send a message, and now, while we were there, a plane in the sky

over the park, over Ground Zero, writing words in the sky.

A few of us on the ground looked up. The cops and security guards seemed unim-pressed.

“Last Chance,” it said, finally. But what does it mean? All the news stations on the drive home offered nothing. An at-home Google search proved the stunt to be an innocent art project, but the whole thing was strange.

And it wasn’t on the news.This is why Bob Ross should always be on

somewhere, [email protected]

������������������������

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

������������

���������������������

������������

��������������

���������������

��������������

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

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

�����������������

����������������

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

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

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

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

�������������������

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

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

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

�����������������

��������������������������������

������� ������������

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

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

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

�������������������������

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

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

�������������������������������������

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

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

Page 19: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

20 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

Page 20: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 21

cherished home and a disappointing com-promise.”

So what does happen when Amanda Martocchio is chosen as the architect for a custom home? (An example of an award-winning Martocchio design was the Woodruff house featured in the September issue of Home.)

Amanda explains, “First, I meet with the clients to learn about the family. What are their thoughts about an ideal home? What did they like and dislike about the homes they’ve lived in? I explain the design pro-cess, that it consists of many incremental steps not one overwhelming challenge.

“We get personal. Do they plan to live in this home until their children are grown, or is this the place for their retirement? Often, I’m shown pictures of houses the family likes. We talk about specifics. Do they want windows in the kitchen? Do they want to see the sunset from the din-ing room?

“Things begin to unfold. As I’m more aware of their lifestyle, I understand the kind of home they want. The next step

for me is a site survey — observing trees, rocks, the incline of the site, what kind of driveway will be required. Are there wet-lands on the property? Then I take my pen-cil and paper and start drawing. Often, I’ll make three-dimensional cardboard models. We meet every couple of weeks, as the design develops.

“The client is involved every step of the way. It’s very wise to bring in the builder as early as possible. Working with great builders is a privilege; having access to their recommendations early on is a real asset. When client, architect and builder are committed to energy-saving construction, we work as a team and we get results.

“The whole process is about the specific needs of the homeowner. The house is not going to be like the house down the street. Every project is unique.

“I’m there, from the start to the day the family moves in. I’m a kind of guarantor that every detail is complete before the final bill is paid to the builder.”

Amanda hopes to change the notion that hiring an architect is only for the

wealthy. “Frankly, when there is a very limited budget, when it’s a smaller project, the job is a different kind of challenge. You have to use resources well, quickly, without frills. Having criteria that’s limited forces you to be more creative. Architects should

be available to more than the upper tier of clients. I love what I do and the big-gest compliment of all is when I know my efforts make a family’s life better.”

Amanda Martocchio, Architecture + Design; amandamartocchio.com.; 203-966-5707. ■

Award-winning continued from page 5

The architect’s style is classic contemporary, with clean lines and nature- sensitive design.

John M. H

all

ORGANIZE WITH DESIGN, LLC.

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

������������������������

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

����������������������������

���������������������������������

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

�������������

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

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

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

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

Door and Operator Company

Page 21: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

22 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

COOKBOOK REVIEWS

Four ingredients ... that’s it! With just four you can whip up desserts that are both pleasing to the eye and palate. They are fast and easy to make, and many can be made ahead.

Desserts 4 Today by Abigail Johnson Dodge (Taunton Press 2010) has five delectable sections: cookies, creamy desserts, frozen desserts, fruit desserts and pastry desserts. A sampling from each category is inspiring: Nutella Fudge Brownies, Key Lime Peach Trifle, Triple Ginger Ice Cream Sandwiches,

Rum-Raisin Bananas Foster and Chocolate Hazelnut Pear Dumplings, and there are many more — 125 to be exact.

The other ingredients that make this cookbook a winner are the introduction and the “essentials.” Even if you’re a novice, you’ll feel empowered once you’ve perused stock-ing your pantry, guidelines for using fruit and top-ten equip-ment musts. The “essentials” section includes tips on ingre-dients and techniques.

Desserts 4 Today

By the editors, contributors and readers of “Fine Cooking,” this fascinating book offers 1,023 kitchen tips, food fixes and handy techniques. It’s like a dictionary in that while you’re looking up one thing, along the way you happen by other entries that you just can’t resist skimming through, as well. Chapter titles tell the tale: Equipment, Produce, Meat, Fish and Poultry, Pantry Techniques, Wine & Beer and When Things Go Wrong.

Emergency substitutions are all inclusive — from pantry items, meat and dairy, fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs to baking pans, measurement, oven temperature and ingredi-ent equivalents.

Each chapter has lots of ideas to improve your cooking skills,

simplify the process and delight you with the results. Do you like your brownies chewy or fudgy? What’s the secret to tender kale? How to achieve perfectly cooked pasta? How to spot the freshest egg?

What makes this book especially fun to read are the ingenious solu-tions from the readers. One uses a shoehorn to extract all-of-a-piece muffins. Another uses a cocktail shaker to mix a slurry of flour and water. For equally sized strawberry slices, try an egg slicer.

How to Squeeze a Lemon was printed in 2010 by The Taunton Press.

How to Squeeze a Lemon

especially fun to read are the ingenious solu-tions from the readers. One uses a shoehorn to extract all-of-a-piece muffins. Another uses a cocktail shaker to mix a slurry of flour and water. For equally sized strawberry slices, try an egg slicer.

Lemon2010 by The Taunton Press.

Rum-Raisin Bananas Foster and Chocolate Hazelnut Pear Dumplings, and there are many more — 125 to be exact.

make this cookbook a winner are the introduction and the “essentials.” Even if you’re a novice, you’ll feel empowered once you’ve perused stock-ing your pantry, guidelines for

custom design simple to elegant closets

pantries • garage systems • accessories

en

te

rta

inm

en

t c

en

te

rs

• b

oo

kc

as

es

ho

me

of

fic

e &

mu

dr

oo

m a

re

as

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

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

Page 22: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

November 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 23

������������������ �������

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

����������

��������

THE QUICK NO SANDING SOLUTION TO BEAUTIFUL WOOD FLOORS!

Most Jobs Complete in 6-8 HoursNon-Toxic, Odorless & Certified GREEN

Over 50,000 Happy Residential & Commercial Clients

Call for a free estimate at 203-798-WOOD (9663) • Or visit MrSandless.com

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

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

����������������������������������

�������������������������������������

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

���������������������������������

�������������� �������

������������

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

�������������������

��������������������������

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

������������������

���������������������������������

������������������

����������������������

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

������������������

����������������

���������������������������������

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

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

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

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

����������

��������

Page 23: Home | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

24 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. November 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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