tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20539184817226094492024-03-13T07:09:08.534-07:00Accentuate the PositiveThe editor of The Litchfield County Times, a 2010 SNA Newspaper of the Year, the national award-winning glossy magazine Passport and other publications, celebrates the best of what Northwest Connecticut and beyond has to offer.Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-14924570186883259082011-11-29T11:20:00.000-08:002011-11-29T11:20:03.121-08:00Hitting the Sweet Spots; At Least the Ones With Strong CoffeeBrevity has to be the equivalent of wings for writers with too many words in the air at one time---which is another way of saying that I haven't updated this blog for too long because I can only seem to envision carefully crafted comprehensive posts. Fixating on the ideal, however, isn't helping anyone.<br />
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So here come the shorter, snappier, more frequent blogs:<br />
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Like everyone else, I've added another drive-time to the schedule; besides taking children to school and commuting, I'm now also out shopping for the holidays. The thing that makes the experience palatable---in fact, the thing I build the whole experience around---is stopping at the great local bakeries and coffee shops in Greater Litchfield County, Connecticut.<br />
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I recently discovered first-hand a new one, La Palette Bakery in the center of Watertown. Gaze at the gorgeous pear and blueberry tarts below, and read our recent <a href="http://countytimes.com/articles/2011/08/27/l_c_t_monthly/doc4e57f93a8ee05916421838.txt">story in LCT magazine</a>, and then seek it out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjQ-vtKeuH4/TtUuQPmHQnI/AAAAAAAAAFc/--UCCLojGy8/s1600/IMAG0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjQ-vtKeuH4/TtUuQPmHQnI/AAAAAAAAAFc/--UCCLojGy8/s320/IMAG0514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div align="left">Another favorite stop is the Bridgewater Village Store in Bridgewater, which has great muffins, scones, breads and other baked goods, in addition to the world-class Bridgewater Chcolates. Read <a href="http://countytimes.com/articles/2011/08/27/l_c_t_monthly/doc4e57f93a8ee05916421838.txt">the story</a> on <a href="http://www,countytimes.com/">www,countytimes.com</a> and check the photo below.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLY3vBRyBsg/TtUvo6EkenI/AAAAAAAAAF0/huH2P3wEIys/s1600/Toffee+Bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLY3vBRyBsg/TtUvo6EkenI/AAAAAAAAAF0/huH2P3wEIys/s320/Toffee+Bites.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Just two of many great places; stay tuned for more.</div>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-41839730886079308732011-09-26T13:31:00.000-07:002011-09-26T13:31:03.884-07:00Reaching the Pinnacle <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxOmngDZltY/ToDfC_JE8JI/AAAAAAAAAFY/o0u6Po-wTOY/s1600/IMAG0465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxOmngDZltY/ToDfC_JE8JI/AAAAAAAAAFY/o0u6Po-wTOY/s640/IMAG0465.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Lake Waramaug, looking toward Warren and Kent from The Pinnacle, reached via trails in the Macricostas Preserve of the Steep Rock Association.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
More than one noted nature writer has called September a season unto itself.<br />
Here in Connecticut, especially, it may be the kindest month, the one with the most to offer.<br />
Most of September, technically, falls into summer, but it's that waning-light saturated late summer; a season that's both summer and autumn at the same time.<br />
That's the magic of September; layers of resonance that complicate our winter-is-coming thought processes When evening arrives earlier and earlier, when the late afternoon light is almost pink or purple because of the increasingly oblique angle of the sun, and when the underbrush that clutters landscapes and forests starts to die back, opening up views and allowing the super-saturated light to sink in and make everything glow---that's when going on an adventure is most rewarding.<br />
Northwestern Connecticut is blessed with many wonderful and expansive nature preserves, including <a href="http://www.whitememorialcc.org/">White Memorial in Litchfield and Morris</a> and the <a href="http://www.steeprockassoc.org/">Steep Rock Association</a> in Washington.<br />
That latter entity is the steward of three landmark preserves, each with its own attributes.<br />
On a clear, warm Sunday in late September, I set out for the one that, unfathomably, I had yet to explore---the Macricostas Preserve, whose parking area is off Christian Street in Washington, Conn., just off Route 202, near its intersection with Route 45.<br />
More times than I can count, I have walked in the Steep Rock Preserve off River Road, whose features include a short, dark and curving former railroad tunnel, and at the Hidden Valley Preserve, where my pas de deux with an angry goshawk has been well chronicled.<br />
But the Macricostas Preserve had remained a mystery until now. Its of a recent vintage in the Steep Rock holdings, just a decade old this year. The preserve resulted, after a long narrative with plenty of twists, from plans to build something like 200-plus condominiums.<br />
Now the property remains untouched swamps, fields and mountainous terrain.<br />
The signature attraction of Macricostas is the trail that leads to what's called The Pinnacle---a feature that Steep Rock actually boasts in all of its preserves.<br />
This pinnacle overlooks another local gem, Lake Waramaug, which is rimmed by Washington (<a href="http://www.preston-ct.org/">New Preston</a>), Warren and Kent.<br />
The hike, about 2.5 miles round trip along the shortest of a few different possible routes, featured beautiful vistas, some moderately difficult climbing and then the reward of the spectacular Alpine views.<br />
Take a look at the photos, and then take the opportunity this fall to explore Steep Rock and the charming village of New Preston, which is tiny but also full of smart, stylish shops and restaurants.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_EnYRyc22Y/ToDe1OS_zAI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/aRD8LoZKPeo/s1600/IMAG0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_EnYRyc22Y/ToDe1OS_zAI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/aRD8LoZKPeo/s640/IMAG0468.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from The Pinnacle looking back over Washington.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TQAGGQa8pg/ToDe8Ar6fzI/AAAAAAAAAFU/3M7ZUSo2rA8/s1600/IMAG0470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TQAGGQa8pg/ToDe8Ar6fzI/AAAAAAAAAFU/3M7ZUSo2rA8/s400/IMAG0470.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From The Pinnacle, the Meeker Trail leads back through the Steep Rock Association's Macricostas Preserve, while June Road, a steep narrow road off Route 45 in New Prestion, is another point of entry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-4631688495469787512011-06-20T10:33:00.000-07:002011-06-24T10:36:21.550-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Last Friday I did something revolutionary--I spent the morning away from the office. Not only that, I liberated myself from the car, and lingered with idle thoughts while enjoying the view of a small but fast-flowering river and the plunging waterfall it leads to.</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICE8_CxlYeo/Tf94DpU7MlI/AAAAAAAAAEk/dX1yJuEAdS8/s1600/IMAG0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICE8_CxlYeo/Tf94DpU7MlI/AAAAAAAAAEk/dX1yJuEAdS8/s400/IMAG0200.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The East Aspetuck River running behind shops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span>The truth, of course, is that I was working the entire time, primarily through conducting interviews for a story on the new Upstairs Antiques, located above Dawn Hill Antiques (<a href="http://www.dawnhillantiques.com/">http://www.dawnhillantiques.com/</a>) for the LCT monthly magazine of The Litchfield County Times (see <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">http://www.countytimes.com/</a> June 24 for the story.) But strolling, looking, thinking and re-ordering the world is working, too. Almost everything I notice or investigate eventually becomes content for readers of our weekly paper, monthly magazine or glossy quarterly magazine (<a href="http://www.passport-mag.com/">http://www.passport-mag.com/</a>). </span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This morning of interviewing and content fishing was different, though. I was in New Preston, a village of the town of Washington, Conn., that possesses a unique charm and appeal that is exponentially bigger than the hamlet's bijoux-sized status. Located on the lower end of Lake Waramaug, a bastion of fine summer and year-round homes for affluent sophisticates, New Preston literally clings to a strip of land squeezed between higher ground on one side and the rushing East Aspetuck River on the other. Once a self-contained village with a gas station, drug store, restaurant and more, New Preston today is full of the best things in life.</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span>It' still has blink-and-you'll-miss-it status, but you won't want to miss any of it. While walking last Friday morning from a parking lot at a former boys club at the top of the village down to Upstairs Antiques at the lower end of "town," I realized more than ever how much I love New Preston. Hardly any shops were open yet, but in peeking in the windows of clothing boutiques, an upscale kitchen goods store, an antiques shop and more, I wanted everything. To make a corny analogy, it's like the laundry detergent that's so concentrated, one spoonful will cleanse your entire wardrobe. Within a tiny footprint, New Preston's merchants can change your entire wardrobe and decor, along with your palate and sense of self.</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>So hemmed in by its geography is New Preston that parking can be a bit tricky at times. The real challenge is that the village was dealt a blow recently by a state project. It was necessary to shore up a section of the road between the village and Lake Waramaug. In this case, the state route was closed entirely, making it very difficult and circuitous for anyone to get to New Preston from towns such as Kent, Cornwall, Warren and beyond. Business suffered.</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In the interest of a rebound, the merchants have gotten together and created a new Web site for New Preston (<a href="http://www.newprestonct.com/">http://www.newprestonct.com/</a>) and are having a party with drinks, food and live music on the evening of July 1 to officially celebrate the launch of the site and re-launch of New Preston. There will be an opportunity to win a $1,500 shopping spree in the village, and generally a chance to get acquainted with a place that deserves to be visited and savored. Read a story about the Web site and summer stroll in The Litchfield County Times: <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/articles/2011/06/24/business/doc4e035f4586fdd922214197.txt">http://www.countytimes.com/articles/2011/06/24/business/doc4e035f4586fdd922214197.txt</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In no way playing favorites---these just happened to be the photos I took that turned out OK---here's a sampling of what awaits in New Preston.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u6AXHRjlkpk/Tf97oCSjbcI/AAAAAAAAAE8/qBqR7YQW_r8/s1600/IMAG0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u6AXHRjlkpk/Tf97oCSjbcI/AAAAAAAAAE8/qBqR7YQW_r8/s400/IMAG0203.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Firehouse, Fashion and Furthermore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This is The Firehouse, a boutique with fashions for women and children (<a href="http://www.shopthefirehouse.com/">http://www.shopthefirehouse.com/</a>). My wife picked up an outfit there not long ago for a special dinner at a private home and the whole county has apparently heard how amazing she looked.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The longtime anchor boutique for women in town is J. Seitz & Company (my photo was a lemon). Joanna and Amanda Seitz are trendsetters, and their shop also offers fashions for men and for the home, including pieces from the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams line. (<a href="http://www.mgbwhome.com/">http://www.mgbwhome.com/</a>). See the shop's Web site: (<a href="http://www.jseitz.com/">http://www.jseitz.com/</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9S9H8LamYgU/Tf99czxxTTI/AAAAAAAAAFI/G0kxq0P1GXw/s1600/IMAG0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9S9H8LamYgU/Tf99czxxTTI/AAAAAAAAAFI/G0kxq0P1GXw/s320/IMAG0209.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pergola.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Another shop whose partnership gets the Seitz touch is called Pergola, and it's focus is on the garden side of homes. (<a href="http://www.pergolahome.com/">http://www.pergolahome.com/</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">After fashion has been covered, interior decorating and exterior accoutrements, too, next comes the kitchen and dining areas. New Preston Kitchen Goods stands ready to offer everyone necessary for the gourmet c</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">hef, or just the master-entertainer. To get a taste, see the shop's Web site: <a href="http://www.newprestonkitchengoods.com/">http://www.newprestonkitchengoods.com/</a>).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">With dining in mind, New Preston has an amazing amount to offer in a very limited space. At The Smithy (<a href="http://www.thesmithystore.com/">http://www.thesmithystore.com/</a>), organic and local produce can be purchased as the ingredients for a fine meal at home, and just up the hill on the same property is The Mindful Kitchen, a gourmet take-out food establishment.</span></span></span></b> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xmwLz1OP-4/Tf97gNzpU9I/AAAAAAAAAEs/iJJAaOCTURk/s1600/IMAG0211-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xmwLz1OP-4/Tf97gNzpU9I/AAAAAAAAAEs/iJJAaOCTURk/s200/IMAG0211-1.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nine Main.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Just across the street is Nine Main, a bakery with award-winning muffins, scones and more that does a thriving lunch trade with its signature sandwiches.</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">For fine dining, the place to go is Oliva Cafe, (<a href="http://olivacafe.com/">http://olivacafe.com/</a>). To read the latest writeup about the talents of chef/co-owner Riad Aaamar, follow this link to our story in the summer issue of Passport magazine:</span></span></span></b><br />
<a href="http://passport-mag.com/articles/2011/06/20/highly_palatable/doc4dffa8cbd1914402002002.txt">http://passport-mag.com/articles/2011/06/20/highly_palatable/doc4dffa8cbd1914402002002.txt</a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">And while in New Preston, make sure not to miss the shops not mentioned by name here---and also don't miss the waterfall!</span></span></span></b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"></div>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-54695578335365850422011-05-27T12:43:00.000-07:002011-05-27T12:43:15.905-07:00Washington State of MindI can say that Washington, Conn., is the only place I've ever been attacked by a northern goshawk (though that's not what this blog is about, so hang in for a bit before being persuaded of the town's charms).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twhESPMhXdI/Td_0o_Av4zI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/9wnZYAcC_fY/s1600/Northern_Goshawk_ad_M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twhESPMhXdI/Td_0o_Av4zI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/9wnZYAcC_fY/s320/Northern_Goshawk_ad_M2.jpg" t8="true" width="196" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Goshawks are accipiters, or hawks built for bursts of speed and agility as they navigate dense forests; they're also among the larger hawks in Connecticut, and are described as powerful hunters. It was eight years ago, around this time of year or maybe in early June that I had my encounter. Of course I knew these hawks were nesting in the Hidden Valley Preserve of the Steep Rock Association (<a href="http://steeprockassoc.org/">http://steeprockassoc.org/</a>). Signs were posted warning those walking in the lush, beautiful woods bisected by the Shepaug River not to use a trail that came close to a nesting area---and that, when nesting, the hawks would attack.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I heeded the warnings, but ended up "outsmarting" them by taking a series of other trails that brought me near the nesting grounds, a fact that didn't sink in as I followed this self-choreographed route more than once without incident. Then, one Friday afternoon, I entered the preserve from a different parking area on the other side of the river, at a point that contained no warning signs. I followed a trail alongside the river, and eventually crossed a footbridge to the other side and started up a series of switchbacks to pick up the outer loop trail I had been tracing.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Only a few hundred feet down the trail at the top of the hill I was startled into crisis mode first by a loud piercing cry and then the site of a very large dark object coming toward me. I turned around, began to run and, out of pure instinct, dove under the fence and rolled down the hill when I came to the hairpin turn of the first switchback; I figured the hawk was close and that slowing down to make the turn would result in talons piercing my scalp.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With no time to look back for the goshawk, I repeated the run, dive and roll maneuver at each switchback all the way down the hill. Finally, back down on the trail just above the footbridge, I turned to look and saw nothing. I thought I may have gotten far enough away from the nest, but immediately heard the cry and saw the hawk coming for me again. This time, I threw myself down the last hill between me and the river, ran along the rocks and hid underneath the footbridge for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, I climbed up onto the bridge and made haste back the way I had come and out of the preserve.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Despite my run-in, which serves as an unusual nature lover's badge of honor, given that I successfully escaped, the presence of goshawks in the landmark preserves of Steep Rock is a good thing. Though it means taking care in communing with nature during nesting season, it also means that the town is still so unspoiled and wild that one of the least seen and most private hawks lives here.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's symbolic, really, of Washington's rarefied demographics. The humans who live here are, almost without exception, highly successful, affluent, sophisticated, discerning and, often, tied meaningfully to New York City. Houses are grand, and parties and benefits lavish.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In fact, the very existence of the natural riches preserved by Steep Rock come thanks to the architect Ehrick Rossiter, who designed the signature shingle-style manses of Washington, and whose reverence for the environment that helped gild his career prompted him to establish the preserve that now forms the core of Steep Rock's holdings.</div><br />
Another accomplishment for Rossiter was designing a cultural gem in town, the Gunn Memorial Library. It's the pinnacle of small-town Connecticut libraries, and every year, as spring blossoms into the summer, the library holds a unique fund-raiser called Library Luminaries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GfCAnYPRi2c/Td_3k9OjvtI/AAAAAAAAAEU/7VlDdaz0GCo/s1600/gunn+library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GfCAnYPRi2c/Td_3k9OjvtI/AAAAAAAAAEU/7VlDdaz0GCo/s400/gunn+library.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a>Here's a piece we published recently in The Litchfield County Times on the upcoming event: The 2011 Library Luminaries event to raise funds for the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum is taking a slightly different approach this year, its 16th. Traditionalists shouldn’t worry, though, as the spirit and structure of the event remains intact. </div>Fourteen separate dinner parties will each feature at least one "luminary," or a distinguished person of note, and each party will be hosted by an area resident. That much is unchanged. <br />
But during the event’s past decade and a half, a flat donation allowed guests to choose which dinner to attend, in addition to alternatives in case of a sell-out, with an adjunct pre-dinner cocktail party at library. The package fee this year begins at $150. But the 2011 Library Luminaries Committee will also open up the cocktail party to those who may not attend, and do so for a contribution of $50. <br />
"In prior years, people had to [sign up for] the dinner," said co-chair Bill Fore. "But this year you do not need to go the dinner, you can just go to the cocktail party."<br />
The annual event is one of the primary fund-raisers for the town’s library and historical museum, which largely depends upon private contributions rather than taxpayer dollars. According to a release, recent Connecticut statistics reveal that the Gunn Memorial Library boasts double the number of visits per capita of libaries in towns of its size, and performs at the top of every measure of libraries statewide.<br />
Just a few of the guest luminaries this year include: designer Robert Couturier and historical architect Jeffrey Morgan, hosted by Philippa Feigen Malkin and Jonathan Malkin; chef Wayne Nish, hosted by Susan and Lawrence Kessler; "Sex and the City" author Candace Bushnell, hosted by realtor Carolyn Klemm; author and radio host Ann Leary, hosted by Christina and Peter Klemm; and author and memoirist Dani Shapiro, hosted by Linda and Arthur Carter, the founder of The Litchfield County Times who is now a sculptor.<br />
And in another departure from previous years, singer-songwriter Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez will perform a concert, hosted by Susan Bishop-Wrabel and Gene Wrabel, Cynthia Oneglia and Dan Whalen, Susan and Craig Schoon, Chris and Marlene Smith, along with Mr. Fore and Joe Loose. Ms. Ohlman, best known from the Saturday Night Live Band, will conduct her show at the Washington Club Hall adjacent to the library.<br />
"We’ve never had a luminary dinner that was also a concert," said Mr. Fore. "If your heart is beating, your hips will be shaking." <br />
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 4. For information on how to partake, visit the library’s Web site at www.gunnlibrary.org or call 860-868-7586.<br />
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If a library's fund-raiser, however lofty, doesn't hold appeal, seeking out and discovering Washington certainly is in order. In addition to connecting with Steep Rock's preserves, zero in on Washington Depot to get acclimated. Clustered within a small area are plenty of shops worth discovering, including the landmark Hickory Stick Bookshop (<a href="http://www.hickorystickbookshop.com/">http://www.hickorystickbookshop.com/</a>).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCPKbZEOiHw/Td_5MpsnHHI/AAAAAAAAAEY/wu9gSTxaSMs/s1600/hickory+stick-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCPKbZEOiHw/Td_5MpsnHHI/AAAAAAAAAEY/wu9gSTxaSMs/s320/hickory+stick-1.jpg" t8="true" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hickory Stick Bookshop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There's also good places to eat, including the G.W. Tavern (<a href="http://www.hickorystickbookshop.com/">http://www.hickorystickbookshop.com/</a>) and the upscale Mayflower Inn & Spa (<a href="http://www.mayflowerinn.com/">http://www.mayflowerinn.com/</a>)<br />
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One of the central spots in town, only established in recent years, is Marty's Cafe, a stylish coffee shop with yummy baked goods and rotating art exhibits. (<a href="http://www.seeyouatmartys.com/">http://www.seeyouatmartys.com/</a>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-migR_VAwoxA/Td_6h4weu_I/AAAAAAAAAEc/ygitc_hAs2k/s1600/marty%2527s+cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-migR_VAwoxA/Td_6h4weu_I/AAAAAAAAAEc/ygitc_hAs2k/s200/marty%2527s+cafe.jpg" t8="true" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marty's Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Marty's is on one end of a small plaza that has another (locally) legendary food establishment on the far end, across the parking lot. The Pantry is a popular lunch-spot, and even more popular for its take-out delicacies, sandwiches, baked goods and more. (860-868-0258)<br />
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Once fueled up, visitors can't miss the Washington Art Association at the rear of the plaza that's home to town hall. See the Web site at <a href="http://www.washingtonart.org/">http://www.washingtonart.org/</a>.<br />
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To learn more about Washington Depot, see the Web site of the Washington Business Association (<a href="http://www.washingtonbusinessassociation.org/">http://www.washingtonbusinessassociation.org/</a>), which, in fact, is holding a community day for the villages of Washington on Saturday, May 28.<br />
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Beyond Washington Depot is New Preston village, a rich little stop for visitors, Marbledale and more. Find this town and fall in love---just watch out for the goshawks.Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-42515402742207616342011-05-13T14:32:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:36:10.438-07:00Faith in the Local Culinary Economy<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><em>Note: The following is an essay I wrote for a magazine called Epicurean Delights, which is being published May 27 by The Litchfield County Times (</em><a href="http://www.countytimes.com/"><em>www.countytimes.com</em></a><em>). It's meant to highlight the culinary gems in Greater Litchfield County, Conn., and all the experiences described below are worth seeking out. If proof is needed, just take a look at this sea bass entree at one of the hottest restaurants in the region, Chef Joel Viehland's Community table in Washington, Conn.</em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gf1aigQcuU/Tc2jDNdOXSI/AAAAAAAAAEM/B61kSwvtiU0/s1600/PP-dine-40-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gf1aigQcuU/Tc2jDNdOXSI/AAAAAAAAAEM/B61kSwvtiU0/s320/PP-dine-40-LG-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">One of the best series on National Public Radio in recent years was the revival of “This I Believe,” based on the 1950s radio program hosted by the legendary Edward R. Murrow that featured ordinary Americans sharing the core values and personal philosophies that guide their daily lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">With a bit of imagination, the approach can be applied to the dining scene in the region, interpreting the things one believes in through the prism of experiences that have been treasured, and desires awaiting to be fulfilled or satisfied again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">So, without further introduction, here’s a culinary laundry list of things I believe in, with the caveat that there are too many to mention and the lack of inclusion here does not signify any implicit judgment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Sitting at the sidewalk café of the West Street Grill in Litchfield on a warm summer evening with my beautiful wife, enjoying the lighter fare of chef Jimmy Cosgriff and a fine white Burgundy (<a href="http://www.weststreetgrill.com/">http://www.weststreetgrill.com/</a>; 860-567-3885).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Trying all the new menu items at chef Carole Peck’s Good News Café in Woodbury—and knowing I will be wowed even by items I don’t usually order—while sitting not in the main dining room but in a snug booth in the bar area (<a href="http://www.good-news-café.com/">http://www.good-news-café.com/</a>; 203-266-4663).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Ordering the amazing antipasto and an entrée with a Moroccan influence by chef Riad Aaamar at the gorgeous, graceful Oliva Café in New Preston (<a href="http://olivacafe.com/">http://olivacafe.com/</a>; 860-868-1787).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Taking the kids for wood-fire pizza and enjoying the warm hospitality of Julio and Maria Duque at Julio’s in Southbury (<a href="http://www.julioswoodfiredpizzagrill.com/">http://www.julioswoodfiredpizzagrill.com/</a>; 203-264-7878).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Finding the time and means to become a regular at Winvian in Morris, in order to enjoy the amazing seed-to-table cuisine of chef Chris Eddy (<a href="http://www.winvian.com/">http://www.winvian.com/</a>; 860-567-9600).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Hoping for cold weather, and then snagging a fireside table in the Tap Room at the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington—and then ordering chef Justin Ermini’s signature burger (<a href="http://www.mayflowerinn.com/">http://www.mayflowerinn.com/</a>; 860-868-9466).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Finally trying an Italian restaurant with a legendary reputation, Roma in Watertown (860-274-2558).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• While in Watertown, picking up homemade ravioli with lobster, and sauce and Arthur Avenue bread, from the Pasta Gallery and treating myself at home (860-945-0223).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Finding a reason to stop at Belgique Patisserie & Chocolatier in Kent every day it’s open, for everything from croissants and Madeleines to pair with coffee and chocolates and desserts to give as gifts (860-927-3681).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Grabbing a sandwich at Panini Café in Kent and enjoying in the courtyard of the gorgeous Kent Village Barns shopping haven (860-927-5083).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Having dinner more often at the ultra-welcoming Doc’s Trattoria in Kent (<a href="http://www.docstrattoria.com/">http://www.docstrattoria.com/</a>; 860-927-1711). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Enjoying once again the Old World-feeling charms of the Fife n’ Drum restaurant in Kent, with the hope of catching founder Dolph Traymon at the piano (<a href="http://www.fifendrum.com/">http://www.fifendrum.com/</a>; 860-927-3509).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Frequenting the fresh, contemporary Bank Street Tavern in New Milford and enjoying a glass of wine in one of the upstairs club chairs before settling in for a filling dinner (860-799-7991).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Finally having dinner (as opposed to brunch and appetizers at events) at The Woodward House in Bethlehem (<a href="http://www.thewoodwardhouse.com/">http://www.thewoodwardhouse.com/</a>; 203-266-6902).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Discovering a favorite among area chefs interviewed for a story in this magazine, the Yokohama Japanese Restaurant in New Milford (860-355-0556).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Trying a Greyledge Farm hot dog, and the Roxbury establishment’s fine cuts of beef. For a highly successful bunch, the Fitzgeralds couldn’t be nicer—or more dedicated to the farm, which apparently comes through in the quality of the products (<a href="http://www.greyledgefarm.com/">http://www.greyledgefarm.com/</a>; 860-350-3203).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Seeking out the Landing Zone Grill in Harwinton and sampling some of its cult-following fare (860-485-2733).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Do the dinner-and-a-movie classic by pairing the authentic offerings of Wood’s Pit BBQ (<a href="http://www.woodspitbbq.com/">http://www.woodspitbbq.com/</a>; 860-567-9869) with a show at the adjacent Bantam Cinema in the Bantam section of Litchfield (<a href="http://www.bantamcinema.com/">http://www.bantamcinema.com/</a>; 860-567-0006).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Digging deeper into the Italian fare at Matteo’s in Watertown or New Milford (<a href="http://www.matteorestaurantandbakery.com/">http://www.matteorestaurantandbakery.com/</a>; 860-274-9800 or 860-799-7371).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Enjoying dinner and a nice bottle of wine once again at the charming John’s Café in Woodbury (<a href="http://www.johnscafe.com/">http://www.johnscafe.com/</a>; 203-263-0188).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Pairing dinner and a show—at the Warner Theatre in Torrington (<a href="http://www.warnertheatre.com/">http://www.warnertheatre.com/</a>; 860-489-7180) and the adjacent Backstage restaurant (<a href="http://www.backstageeatdrinklive.com/">http://www.backstageeatdrinklive.com/</a>; 860-489-8900).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Working my way through the pub fare menu at The White Horse country pub in the Marbledale section of Washington, while experimenting what will pair better with a fine ale or a fine wine (<a href="http://www.whitehorsecountrypub.com/">http://www.whitehorsecountrypub.com/</a>; 860-868-1496).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Raiding the bakery case at The Pantry in Washington Depot, while also ordering sandwiches for lunch and take-home entrees (860-868-0258).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Sitting outside on the spacious patio at Hopkins Inn in New Preston on a summer evening and ordering the newest and freshest items the chefs have been adding to the menu and the landmark establishment (<a href="http://www.thehopkinsinn.com/">http://www.thehopkinsinn.com/</a>/ 860-868-7295).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Stopping daily at Bantam Bread for “semolina with seeds” and everything else Niles Golovin bakes (860-567-2737).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Trying the wonderful-sounding, and very affordable, special offers at The Rooster Tail restaurant and inn in Warren (<a href="http://www.roostertailinn.com/">http://www.roostertailinn.com/</a>; 860-868-3100).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Getting a chance to bring the family for pizza at Da Capo in Litchfield (www.dacaporestaurant.com; 860-567-482-6246).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• After enjoying the coffee and pastries at its bakery appendage, finally trying chef Keith “Red” Lanphear’s dinner cuisine at @ the Corner in Litchfield (<a href="http://www.atthecorner.com/">http://www.atthecorner.com/</a>; 860-567-8882).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Getting in the French spirit once again at Pastorale Bistro & Bar in Salisbury (<a href="http://www.pastoralebistro.com/">http://www.pastoralebistro.com/</a>; 860-435-1011).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Having dinner and then attending a concert at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro in Norfolk (<a href="http://www.infinityhall.com/">http://www.infinityhall.com/</a>; 860-542-5531).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Tweaking driving routes to stop more often for coffee and a muffin at Marty’s Café in Washington (<a href="http://www.seeyouatmartys.com/">http://www.seeyouatmartys.com/</a>; 860-868-1700).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Stopping frequently at the Flour Garden Bakery in Woodbury for almost anything in the display case (203-263-7355).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">• Trying more of the specialty sandwiches—can’t seem to stop ordering bacon, egg and cheese on a roll—at The Ripe Tomato Deli in Morris (or Litchfield). No nicer people than Warren and Hilary. (860-567-1199).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">All of these things I’ve either done or plan to do as soon as I can.</span></div>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-44163701133892321172011-04-07T09:54:00.000-07:002011-04-07T09:54:13.512-07:00The Freedom to Collect ImagesI admit to being remiss in updating this blog; the promise of new entries each week, mostly on Fridays, has suffered because of a confluence of factors. One of those---not always having easy or quick access to images from the places I wish to highlight---has just been remedied.<br />
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The camera on an HTC Droid phone I just got will liberate me forever forward from the bottleneck of wanting to type odes to all the special places in northwestern Connecticut, the region that's become encoded in my DNA, but being stalled when it comes to visuals.<br />
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So this is not as much a standard entry as a promise to become more frequent and robust in posts---and an announcement of a new Droid-driven feature on our Web site, <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">http://www.countytimes.com/</a>. We've just launched a Twitter Photo of the Day feature, in hopes of creating a sort of visual dialogue with kindred spirits who live in the Northwest Hills, along with those who have visited or just dreamed about spending time in our verdant, culturally-rich towns.<br />
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Here's our first photo:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pf8AwFb-Erg/TZ3rThP4GHI/AAAAAAAAAEE/azyNm7dRo6A/s1600/IMAG0003-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pf8AwFb-Erg/TZ3rThP4GHI/AAAAAAAAAEE/azyNm7dRo6A/s320/IMAG0003-1.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br />
Follow this link to see the full post and interact with us: <a href="http://bit.ly/fK2kOs">http://bit.ly/fK2kOs</a>. Connect with us, comment, submit photos and, mostly, enjoy the images we'll be offering.Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-17574095589429435152011-02-25T15:00:00.000-08:002011-02-25T15:00:19.297-08:00Rainy Day Torrington<span style="font-size: large;">In an example of that mental alchemy in which coinciding but unconnected input yields an unexpected result, the combination of a rainy late winter afternoon in western Connecticut and a story we published this week in the March issue of our LCT magazine (<a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">http://www.countytimes.com/</a>) about a new restaurant has me remembering time spent in downtown Torrington.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It may seem to some like an unlikely setting for a Proustian voyage of the mind, but the post-industrial city has a downtown of many facets, some troubling---like crime and other unpleasantness---some challenging---like a long, slow march toward an orchestrated revitalization---and some uplifting---like a true sense of character, cultural landmarks, signature shops and an indomitable will among local guiding lights that good will eventually prevail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fittingly, the "madeleine" that sparked my memories comes in the form of a new restaurant called Backstage that has opened under the umbrella of the landmark Art Deco Warner Theatre (<a href="http://www.warnertheatre.org/">http://www.warnertheatre.org/</a>). The gloriously restored Warner is home to a broad range of programming, ranging from locally-produced plays to concerts by nationally-known performers and dance premieres by troupes as renowned as the Washington, Conn.-based MOMIX (<a href="http://www.momix.com/calendar.html">http://www.momix.com/calendar.html</a>).</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9D967AIInEM/TWgs8q4sxlI/AAAAAAAAAD8/1anabtysDQU/s1600/LCT-Dine-07-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9D967AIInEM/TWgs8q4sxlI/AAAAAAAAAD8/1anabtysDQU/s400/LCT-Dine-07-LG-.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Laurie Gaboardi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Here's a look at seating in Backstage, with the somewhat gritty but still charming downtown streetscape seen through the window, and a photo of a burger at the restaurant.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko2NwVEJA3c/TWgtH7BacpI/AAAAAAAAAEA/XTtQceXcXRY/s1600/LCT-Dine-22-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko2NwVEJA3c/TWgtH7BacpI/AAAAAAAAAEA/XTtQceXcXRY/s320/LCT-Dine-22-LG-.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used to live in Torrington, in an unusual old farmhouse in a residential neighborhood not far from the downtown. In the beginning of that time, around 1990, the neighborhood of mostly two-story houses was filled with friendly people, mostly elderly, who carefully maintained their properties and sat out on the front porch in the evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My front and back yards had beautiful mature birch trees, I fostered modest but pretty flower gardens, and built out of twigs a grape-vine covered arbor in the back. A brook bordered my yard on one side, across the street was a "pocket park," created mostly because of the course of the brook, and along a parallel street, up on a soft hill, sat a Roman Catholic church evocatively painted a shade of salmon that, in certain light, seemed pink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was strangely a magical place in which to live. On weekends or in the evenings I liked to walk through the downtown and the many other residential neighborhoods that crowd up against it. Shops and amenities come and go in Torrington center, and, aside from the stalwart anchors and landmarks, there's always something interesting to discover. In a phenomenon common for city dwellers, a bijoux of warmth and fascination always takes on added appeal and meaning amid circumstances with enhanced drama---during a snowstorm, for example, or simply when it's raining.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Downtown Torrington seems poised, once again, at a proverbial crossroads. Many signature buildings have been under bank ownership and facing uncertain futures. Now, as the city fitfully tries to push forward with the revitalization, a group called Torrington Downtown Partners (<a href="http://www.torringtondowntownpartners.com/">http://www.torringtondowntownpartners.com/</a>) has emerged to lend private capital and the vision of entrepreneurial leaders to the effort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That movement has created a positive vibe among existing entities that are wonderful enough to deserve a more vibrant and welcoming cityscape as a backdrop. Among them are the Warner Theatre and the nearby Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts (<a href="http://www.nutmegconservatory.org/">http://www.nutmegconservatory.org/</a>), along with the nonprofit egalitarian art gallery called Artwell (<a href="http://www.artwellgallery.org/">http://www.artwellgallery.org/</a>), several good restaurants and other shops. The new high-end home and bath showroom Bender (<a href="http://www.artwellgallery.org/">http://www.artwellgallery.org/</a>) is helping to set the tone, and other longtime fixtures such as Remember When (<a href="http://www.remwhen.com/">http://www.remwhen.com/</a>) and Toy Jam (<a href="http://www.toyjam.net/">http://www.toyjam.net/</a>) among among the shops creating the type of charm and hometown spirit that the downtown needs and deserves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While far more compact than the big cities of literary inspiration, downtown Torrington has the history, tradition, streetscape and potential to fulfill its destiny of become the type of amenity rich, semi-urban destination that will tempt many, many residents and visitors to come and indulge in the type of purposefully slow, immersion rich Joycean rambles that are stamped in my memory with the dark, indelible impression of an etcher's ink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go to Torrington and discover, and when you're there make sure to connect with the newest and arguably most exciting phenomenon of all---our sister publication, the Register Citizen newspaper, recently relocated to 59 Field Street and has launched the world's first interactive newsroom and Newsroom Cafe. Not only can you get the latest news, you can help shape it, and in the process, help shape the future of downtown Torrington. To learn more, go to <a href="http://www.registercitizen.com/">http://www.registercitizen.com/</a>.</span>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-74532980443393674572011-01-28T10:30:00.000-08:002011-01-28T10:30:15.502-08:00Spring (Passport) Is Coming<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I said during my appearance this week (Jan. 26) on "The Roundtable" show on WAMC in Albany </span><a href="http://www.wamc.org/prog-roundtable.html"><span style="font-size: large;">(http://www.wamc.org/prog-roundtable.html</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">), <em><strong>the</strong></em> story in Northwest Connecticut at the moment is snow and its derivatives---ice, leaking roofs, school delays and closings, and headaches for parents, drivers and homeowners.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">The record-breaking snows of January and their side effects had me, for once, not lamenting a kind of psychic jet lag phenomenon arising from our production schedule. Among our national award-winning publications is the glossy magazine Passport, in which we cover arts, culture and all the aspects of fine lifestyles in Litchfield County, the Berkshires of Massachusetts and the Greater Millbrook area across the border in New York.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">To figure out what must be done by when, all magazines work backward from a publication date. Passport is a quarterly, timed to the seasons, and based on the schedule of our printer in Pennsylvania, along with many other factors, we're always working at least a season ahead. Our current issue, winter, (take a look on <a href="http://www.passport-mag.com/">http://www.passport-mag.com/</a> or link through the weekly paper <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">http://www.countytimes.com/</a>) was put together during the first blush of fall, and staff members were out working on stories when it was still technically summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">As successful as Passport is, the non-stop cycle of constantly living in the future can be fatiguing. You find yourself mournfully looking out the window at glorious foliage, glowing in that refracted late afternoon purplish light of autumn, and longing to be abroad and soaking it all in, rather than looking at photos of landscapes covered in snow. You get ahead of yourself, and that, combined with the frenetic beat of journalism, can make it hard to take a breath and live in the moment. Your seasonal rhythms get thrown off and don't re-align easily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Now we're heading into the production cycle for the spring issue of Passport. Christmas trees were still up in most households when the story list was polished and assignments went out, and all of the phone calls, live interviews, photographs and ad sales took place this month, as Mother Nature walloped the region with storm after storm---including another one overnight Jan. 25-27, which has left the landscape truly buried. Roofs are being raked, barns are collapsing, snow is piled into veritable mountains, and the forecasters say only that more storms are coming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">So as I prepare to dig into a very promising batch of content for spring Passport, for once the circadian sorrow of living on time not yet arrived is not present. Instead---and perhaps strangely for someone who loves all seasons---I feel hope and a sort of determination that working with purpose on a spring magazine is like the power of positive thinking, that the sheer psychic force will banish the look, feel and effects of winter sooner. Never mind what the calendar says, if the snow is gone, the temperature is bearable and a brave crocus or two pokes up, it's spring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">In the spirit of speeding its arrival, here's even more emphasis on Passport's spring edition, in the form of a teaser for some of the terrific content, which includes a hallmark interview with Robert Harrison, CEO of the Clinton Global Initiative (<a href="http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/">http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Perhaps the best and brightest embodiment of the hopeful quality that runs as a subtext in this blog is our student essayist for the Passport to Education section of the magazine. Giving students a voice is a Passport tradition, and the spring piece comes from Emmeline Pappas. She chronicles the voyage from her high school years in Roxbury, Conn., to the challenges and possibilities presented at Syracuse University.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TUMITjKr9FI/AAAAAAAAADo/GSbtbTcsQyY/s1600/PP-Emme-01-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TUMITjKr9FI/AAAAAAAAADo/GSbtbTcsQyY/s400/PP-Emme-01-LG-.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emme Pappas; photo by Laurie Gaboardi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Because spring is, admittedly, raw, cold and a bit of a bleak season, the urge remains to seek havens of comfort. To fill the bill, one of our dining stories profiles The White Horse, A Country Pub & Restaurant, in the Marbledale section of Washington, Conn. <a href="http://www.whitehorsecountrypub.com/">(http://www.whitehorsecountrypub.com/</a>) An aspiring gastropub in the British tradition, it's a warm, welcoming place that will increasingly turn to its outside venues as the seasons progress.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TUMIprw3EEI/AAAAAAAAADs/jBTcWjxNxV8/s1600/pp-WhiteHorse-05-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TUMIprw3EEI/AAAAAAAAADs/jBTcWjxNxV8/s400/pp-WhiteHorse-05-wk.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Fabrice Denis at The White Horse with chicken pot pie; photo by Walter Kidd</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Not far from The White Horse in the New Preston section of Washington is an antiques shop, Dawn Hill Antiques <a href="http://www.dawnhillantiques.com/">(http://www.dawnhillantiques.com/</a>) that has spawned another story, this one in the arts-and-entertainment category. Co-owner John Peden is also a very successful photographer (<a href="http://www.pedenstudio.com/">http://www.pedenstudio.com/</a>) with a passion for vintage guitars. (Wait until you see his photos; think Robert DeNiro and Keith Richards.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TUMI5y6yDfI/AAAAAAAAADw/KcC2VCgVexE/s1600/PP-Peden-15-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TUMI5y6yDfI/AAAAAAAAADw/KcC2VCgVexE/s400/PP-Peden-15-LG-.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Peden with one of his classic guitars; photo by Laurie Gaboardi</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Finally, once you read all of our great content and learn about a small, small fraction of the riches offered by the region, you're probably going to want to move here, or at least acquire a weekend residence. Passport can help with that too, via our Passport to Country Properties section, which features an interview with one of the most successful brokers in the region, Stacey Matthews of William Raveis Real Estate (<a href="http://www.staceymatthews.com/">http://www.staceymatthews.com/</a>) Lately, she has listed properties owned by literary legends, including William Styron, and has been marketing them very appropriately---by telling a story.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TUMJPIykgUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/efD5tSHEUb0/s1600/PP-Stacey-01-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TUMJPIykgUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/efD5tSHEUb0/s400/PP-Stacey-01-LG-.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Realtor Stacey Matthews; photo by Laurie Gaboardi</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Be sure to look for the spring issue of Passport in The Litchfield County Times March 18, dropped in bundles at select locations, or online via <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">http://www.countytimes.com/</a>. The more you think about the advent of this great issue of our magazine, the sooner it, and spring, will come.</span>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-39473324117223494882011-01-21T10:49:00.000-08:002011-01-21T11:08:04.450-08:00A New Way to Hibernate on a Saturday Morning<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It’s news to no one at this point that New England, along with some other parts of the country, is weathering an old-fashioned winter that brings storm after school-closing storm and has left the landscape wrapped in a deep blanket of white.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It’s reason to give more than lip service to the time-honored instinct to hibernate in a warm, cozy nest. Traditionalists among us might do so with a nice fire, a beloved book, a rich red wine and some chamber music in the background. Children of the digital revolution would turn the same setting into a playground for wireless on-demand movies or some multi-media “cloud” that could follow them from one warm nook to another.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In Litchfield County, on Saturday mornings during a most inhospitable stretch—from Jan. 15 through March 26—a series of events ostensibly aimed at children actually forms a third-stream type of winter womb.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TTnScQgNG1I/AAAAAAAAADc/2NVj5NSK7_o/s1600/tlct-Puppets-01-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="266" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TTnScQgNG1I/AAAAAAAAADc/2NVj5NSK7_o/s400/tlct-Puppets-01-wk.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In this story by the Pumpernickel Puppets of Worcester, Mass., the mouse saves the lion from a hunter.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The fifth annual Puppetry Festival at the Washington Montessori School, for which The Litchfield County Times is a principal sponsor, represents a good reason to leave the “cave” and venture forth into a cold and snowy landscape.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Shows are presented at 10 and 11:30 a.m. each Saturday, with seats costing just $8.50 per person. While the productions may be geared toward children, it only takes attending a show or two to realize that—like the best things in any artistic medium—their appeal crosses generations.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TTnS563KK_I/AAAAAAAAADg/-mnjmwPzhVk/s1600/tlct-Puppets-06-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="266" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TTnS563KK_I/AAAAAAAAADg/-mnjmwPzhVk/s400/tlct-Puppets-06-wk.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">John McDonough of the Pumpernickel Puppets shows a rabbit puppet to children attending the Jan. 15 show at Washington Montessori School.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Such stories as “Three Billy Goats Gruff,” “Rip Van Winkle,” and “Hansel & Gretel,” may seem simple and straightforward, but the issues they raise are often fodder for adult consideration. Perhaps the best aspect is that the collection of puppeteers assembled by Stephen Warshaw, the Chief Experience Officer at Moving Experiences, LLC, is so skilled that these narratives are only enhanced by the cartoon-like qualities inherent to puppetry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As the puppeteers present a vividly exaggerated version of, well, everything, and ride the edge of hilarity, it would seem that the suspension of disbelief necessary to buy into the performance would be pushed to the breaking point. The opposite ends up being true, and you find yourself so mesmerized that when the show comes to its inevitable conclusion and the lights come up, you sort of blink and wonder with disappointment who snapped the scene back into reality—and why.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">What you realize, ultimately, is that these Saturday morning puppet shows in the dead of winter are far more than entertainment for kids, and adults. In part because they’re held in the dark of the state-of-the-art theater at Washington Montessori School, and partly because of the communal nature of the gatherings, the experience is a new surrogate for hibernating in a culturally gleeful style.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TTnTUvBVl-I/AAAAAAAAADk/sbmIVe9Bpiw/s1600/tlct-Puppets-20-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="266" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TTnTUvBVl-I/AAAAAAAAADk/sbmIVe9Bpiw/s400/tlct-Puppets-20-wk.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hannah Warshaw, left, interacts with a big bird puppet Jan. 15 ans her brother, Anderson, looks on.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Purple Rock Marionettes are presenting “The Snowmaiden” on Saturday, Jan. 22, and the Tanglewood Marionettes are presenting “An Arabian Adventure” on Jan. 29, followed by a roster of other fun shows through the end of March. To connect, see the school’s Web site at <a href="http://www.washingtonmontessori.org/">http://www.washingtonmontessori.org/</a>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 1in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy a show; it will help you enjoy the winter. After all, after being delighted by puppet masters, and perhaps having lunch nearby and doing a bit of shopping amid the cold-scape, you'll be primed to enjoy with extra intensity a Saturday evening by the fireside, a glass of wine in one hand, a book in the other and a classic movie cued up for when it's time to switch to vintage port.</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-24215959814511964202011-01-14T13:41:00.000-08:002011-01-16T06:17:42.912-08:00This Lofty Afternoon <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TTDAWoVcs6I/AAAAAAAAADY/yf9oDlserhA/s1600/compressed+ski+jump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TTDAWoVcs6I/AAAAAAAAADY/yf9oDlserhA/s640/compressed+ski+jump.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salisbury Winter Sports Association board of directors president Ken Barker, at left, oversees a practice Nordic ski jumping session last weekend in Salisbury. The association's new ski jump and its ongoing success story brought me to Salisbury on the afternoon of Jan. 14---but then I moved on from there.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes work rises to the level of exhilarating play, and, as the most progressive companies know, such play--the loosening of reins and encouraging of creativity--can prove far more productive, and produce greater dividends, than the chained-to-the-desk approach.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm riding that wave at this very moment, liberated from the office on a bone-cold winter's afternoon for an interview for an LCT magazine story, followed by some reconnecting and research in the town of Salisbury and its village of Lakeville.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From there I popped across the state line to Millerton, N.Y., where I'm currently ensconced at the Irving Farm Coffee House, enjoying a raspberry scone and a strong, beautiful latte as I post breaking news remotely on <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">http://www.countytimes.com/</a> and write this blog.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I'm finally living the dream of blogging live on the road, albeit on a PC laptop, not my iPad, and for this first mobile post, without the benefit of a digital camera and the ability to point, shoot and post. But that's just a planning/time management glitch that will get ironed out before my next on-the-road post.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After the interview (I'll get to that in a bit) I flirted with stopping at The Roast, a coffee shop tucked behind the pharmacy on Main Street (Route 44) in Salisbury, but, to be honest, I got diverted on a trip to find the resources to adhere to The Roast's no credit/bank cards policy and, while wandering, remembered how great Irving Farm's coffee is. That and the desire to check out Millerton again pushed me over the state line.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Irving Farm didn't disappoint. Its cafe--soups, sandwiches and other hearty fare is also served---is one of those funky, open spaces given warmth and charm by the interesting people who gather here. Seen out of context, the wood floors, mostly utilitarian tables, functional display cases and close-up view of the main street may not impress, but add in the halo of ambiance the coffee and food creates, along with the people and the display of color photos on the yellow walls, and the place represents a womb-like invitation to settle in. (<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.irvingfarm.com/">http://www.irvingfarm.com/</a>)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On the walk over to the coffee shop, I saw signs for the stylish home style shop Nest, I'm next door to the landmark film venue, The Moviehouse, and driving in from Salisbury I was reminded by a sign of the great independent bookstore, Oblong Books & Music. Also here is Harney & Sons tea company with its cafe, a fine wine shop, other restaurants and cafes, and lots more to see/experience in a concentrated setting. For an overview, see the Web site at </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.millertonny.com/">http://www.millertonny.com/</a></span>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Appreciating Millerton and it's near-the-state-line state of mind takes nothing away from Lakeville and Salisbury, community centers in one of the prettiest towns anywhere that are both full of charm and lifestyle friendly. My wife reminded me the other day of the many Sundays in recent years when we drove to Salisbury after church in Litchfield---maybe 30 or more miles away---just for the great homemade oatmeal in one former restaurant.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For bibliophiles, Dan Dwyer's Johnnycake Books is paradise found. As Christmas approached, Dan sent out his own personalized lists of books that would make great gifts, and in this age of technology, just reading the titles in a document attached to an e-mail was like a call to action not to abandon the best of human/intellectual comforts. The new Peter Becks Village Store for lovers of the outdoors has become an instant landmark, joining many others, including the Chaiwalla Tea Room.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lakeville, meanwhile, just a mile down the road, has its own concentration of shops, restaurants and art galleries. It's also home to one of the nation's finest private schools, The Hotchkiss School, whose Tremaine Gallery has top-flight exhibits, and whose music hall offers concerts by performers of national and international renown---most often for free. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For a closer look at all that Salisbury and Lakeville have to offer, see the Web site at </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://salisbury-lakeville.com/index.html">http://salisbury-lakeville.com/index.html</a>. To learn more about Hotchkiss and its stunning arts and cultural outreach, see the school's Web site at </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.hotchkiss.org./">http://www.hotchkiss.org./</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The folks I met with Friday made me appreciate more than ever how Salisbury and Lakeville, despite having lofty demographics and being popular as second-home havens for successful New Yorkers, are tight-knit communities whose primary asset is the caring, quality people who live here. They appreciate the broad range of lifestyle options just steps away, and reciprocally, the merchants and businesses are grateful for the discerning, sophisticated and involved families they serve.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of those families comprises the folks who run the Salisbury Winter Sports Association, the can-do organization that, in February, will sponsor its 85th annual Nordic ski jumping competition at its newly-upgraded Satre Hill venue in Salisbury center. Over lunch with a group that included the nonprofit group's board of director's president, Ken Barker, the builder of the new 65 meter jump, Rafe Churchill, and public relations energizer Andes Hruby, it was clear the rising-again sport of ski jumping is a cross-demographic speciality that has woven the fabric of these communities tighter than the best winter's blanket.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Scroll up to see that photo again, by Walter Kidd, of a practice session last weekend for young jumpers at Satre Hill, a venue with amazing views. (I was flown in a worker's lift bucket to the top of the new jump and was mesmerized by the views north and east over the southern Berkshires.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the full story, see the February issue of LCT magazine, in The Litchfield County Times and dropped in bundles across the region, on the last Friday of February. Or read all of the great content in the magazine online at <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">http://www.countytimes.com/</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, cure the winter doldrums with visits to Lakeville, Salisbury and Millerton, N.Y.</span>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-36856138591106691232011-01-07T09:43:00.000-08:002011-01-07T09:45:37.931-08:00Seeking Out Comfort Food<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For some, the responsibility of driving a child to school each morning is a burden. Not for me. I view the school buses we encounter along the route from home to school as opportunities missed for families, while understanding that mine is a personal view, and that riding the bus can be fun for kids, a positive bonding and socialization experience.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I wouldn't say our family chose a school that requires a 25-minute drive and doesn't offer a bus for our geography because I always harbored a desire to be my son's scholastic chauffeur, but when the right school came along, it's distance and geography were more of a fulfillment for me than an issue. As crazy as mornings can be, spiced by a bright-eyed younger sister who goes to her "school" with mom, I love the whole routine--getting up while it's still dark, multi-tasking cleanup and preparation responsibilities, coffee, breakfast, shower, etc.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And it's best in the winter, even perfect in snowy weather that requires shoveling the driveway before departing. At the moment when I go outside into the cold air and a beautiful frozen landscape to start the car, I feel almost elated from knowing that in a few minutes my son and I will begin the journey of learning and growing all over again, blessed with nearly a half-hour together in a warm "cabin." We drive through pretty countryside of forests, farms, fields and ponds, admiring our surroundings, talking, plotting, laughing, practicing spelling words and, sometimes, listening to music.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A few weeks ago on the morning school commute, my son announced from his perch in a "race car" child's seat in the back that he was having a text-to-text connection. Before I could articulate my confusion, he explained how some aspect of the landscape had resonance with the narrative in one of the books his class was reading. The term text-to-text may have been a misnomer, but his stitching together life and literature into a mental "cloth" more valuable than the pieces alone made me have one of those little rushes you feel when first in love, or when you envision changing the world just after finishing a particularly strong espresso drink.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>A son who seeks out and celebrates juxtapositions---yes, he's mine to the core. I thrive on counterbalancing often disparate elements in search of the confluenced harmony I appreciate. One simple translation is that, this time of year most of all, I like to deepen the joy of a nice meal by balancing it against the palpable nature of the cold kiss of bleakness all around. We dont' just study ice crystals or make snowballs before getting in the warm car and heading to school, we purposefully suit up and go for long sojourns in the quiet woods before emerging to seek out a haven like a coffee shop with a certain ambiance and good scones, muffins and croissants.<br />
<br />
With snow in the forecast today (Jan. 7) I drove to work reflecting on a little stew of feelings: disappointment that the "snow day" erased the ride to school, excitement about the storm and a bit of familial hibernation, and the urge to respond to the embellished wintry landscape the storm produces with voyages that juxtapose steeping in the snowscape and stopping for comfort food. Litchfield County, along with the Berkshires and the Millbrook, N.Y., area, which we cover in our glossy Passport magazine, are rich with wonderful restaurants. Two new ones on the scene fit the comfort food bill in totally different ways.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Tollgate Tavern at the Tollgate Hill Inn in Litchfield (<a href="http://www.tollgatehill.com/">http://www.tollgatehill.com/</a>) is located in a Colonial-era historic property, has working fireplaces and features the delicious-looking comfort food of executive chef Samantha Tilley, who previously worked in the kitchen at chef Carole Peck's Good News Cafe in Woodbury (<a href="http://www.good-news-cafe.com/">http://www.good-news-cafe.com/</a>), one of the best and most fun restaurants in the state. The dining room features murals of what the area looked like long ago, and the fireplace is a perfect enticement to discover the tavern right now.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdF66_CoEI/AAAAAAAAAC4/W85rUfpx75Y/s1600/LCT-Dine-01-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdF66_CoEI/AAAAAAAAAC4/W85rUfpx75Y/s200/LCT-Dine-01-LG-.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dining area at the tavern.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samantha Tilley, left, and innkeeper Alicia Pecora at the Tollgate Tavern. Photos by Laurie Gaboardi.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The food also looks perfect for the season, simple but sophisticated, flavorful and hearty.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdGWCoYv3I/AAAAAAAAAC8/hOpGvppktrM/s1600/LCT-Dine-09-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdGWCoYv3I/AAAAAAAAAC8/hOpGvppktrM/s400/LCT-Dine-09-LG-.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nonna's chicken: tomato-braised chicken with capers, anchovies, soft polenta and Parmesan cheese.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdG8tIcI1I/AAAAAAAAADA/ThphYqohV_w/s1600/LCT-Dine-22-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a>Desserts are also in order to help blunt the bite of the season, and to end a meal with a feeling of sweet satisfaction. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdG8tIcI1I/AAAAAAAAADA/ThphYqohV_w/s200/LCT-Dine-22-LG-.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade spiced bread pudding with pumpkin ice cream.</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">In the spirit of seasonal juxtapositions, as a prelude to trying the Tollgate Tavern (860-567-1233), spend time shopping on West Street in the center of town or walking at the White Memorial Conservation Center (<a href="http://www.whitememorialcc.org/">http://www.whitememorialcc.org/</a>)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The other new spot worth seeking out might provide an equal dose of comfort, but in an entirely different way. After the proprietor of a modest operation on the green in Washington called the Crossroads Cafe decided to close, the owner stepped in to take over the breakfast and lunch business. The owner happens to be the prestigious private school The Gunnery, and the little cafe is one that has been around for decades and is little changed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdLhaWMiWI/AAAAAAAAADI/MlGzI1rWJoQ/s1600/tlct-Cafe-02-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdLhaWMiWI/AAAAAAAAADI/MlGzI1rWJoQ/s200/tlct-Cafe-02-wk.jpg" width="133" /></a>It's the kind of Norman Rockwellesque place that has a soda fountain and offers milkshakes and egg creams. With The Gunnery at the helm, the breakfast and lunch fare looks tempting. Making the new Cafe on the Green special and perfect for a winter-warming juxtapositions outing are its history, charm and promise of good food in an unexpected, inconspicuous setting, tucked into a historic building that also houses a little Post Office. It's open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Before lunch, shop in Washington Depot or the New Preston section of town, or walk in the landmark Steep Rock Preserve (<a href="http://steeprockassoc.org/">http://steeprockassoc.org/</a>).</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdL8BD93_I/AAAAAAAAADQ/ZHZOsYye9tY/s1600/tlct-Cafe-07-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdL8BD93_I/AAAAAAAAADQ/ZHZOsYye9tY/s400/tlct-Cafe-07-wk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennifer Calhoun making a milkshake at the Cafe on the Green; photos by Walter Kidd.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> As I write this at midday on Jan. 7, most schools in the region are closed or about to close, businesses that can are getting ready to send employees home early and most residents are already tucked in at home for an afternoon of watching the snow fall and, perhaps, reading, playing games or watching movies over cups of hot chocolate as the afternoon turns into a long but not lonely evening.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Tomorrow, when the storm clears, it's time again for embracing winter, turning the landscape into an ally and finding just the right juxtaposition to make the most of the season. Enjoy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdME6SI-cI/AAAAAAAAADU/Owxi5n-s-jM/s1600/tlct-Cafe-12-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TSdME6SI-cI/AAAAAAAAADU/Owxi5n-s-jM/s200/tlct-Cafe-12-wk.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Buffalo chicken wrap with homemade chips.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-58323160373942971182010-12-09T14:02:00.000-08:002010-12-13T14:21:50.859-08:00Appreciating Brookfield<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On the northern edge of Fairfield County, Brookfield is a town in transition. It has long been impacted by commercial growth, a fact that gave it a reputation among non-residents as a hectic town defined by the retail/commercial hustle and flow of Federal Road. Not helping matters in the past was the traffic-choked Four Corners intersection, a test of will for drivers trying to move between New Milford and Litchfield County and Danbury and points south.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But Brookfield was always far more, and far better, than those issues and challenges. The Four Corners/Federal Road area is just one aspect of a much larger town---a community that counts Candlewood Lake among its scenic and lifestyle assets, and a community that is still rural and historic in many places. For most residents, the town presents the best of both worlds; quiet, wooded residential neighborhoods that are just minutes from a wealth of services and shopping.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I just returned from popping out to Brookfield from our office in New Milford, which is easier than ever since the completion of an extension of the so-called Super 7 highway, the state route that funnels traffic between I-84 and Route 7 on its way to/from New Milford. The extension brought the highway spur around the Four Corners area, where it now seamlessly flows back into the non-highway part of Route 7, which, in recent years, was widened to four lanes in both directions. Traveling in the area has never been easier.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The development has also created a major opportunity/challenge for Brookfield, which is to re-imagine the Four Corners area and coax into being a true town center that would be the locus of living in town. But there's no need to wait to discover what Brookfield has to offer.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Two of its amenities are especially worth mentioning at this time of year, the landmark Brookfield Craft Center and the incomparable Bridgewater Chocolate company, which began life in the basement of the Bridgewater Village Store and expanded into a factory/retail shop in Brookfield. Bridgewater Chocolate is premium and handmade, and its legions of admirers---both ordinary and lofty---include actress Gwyneth Paltrow. I stopped at the Bridgewater Chocolate shop for some stocking-stuffers and the place was humming with folks doing holiday shopping. To learn more, see the Web site: <a href="http://www.bridgewaterchocolate.com/">http://www.bridgewaterchocolate.com/</a>. Meanwhile, here's a look at the gorgeous display area and something amazing made by Bridgewater Chocolate (in photos by Laurie Gaboardi), along with one of the seasonal offerings: </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TQFOK0GJvjI/AAAAAAAAACk/UrJBemIR_yc/s1600/TN-B%2527wChoc-06-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TQFOK0GJvjI/AAAAAAAAACk/UrJBemIR_yc/s640/TN-B%2527wChoc-06-LG-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TQFOP13CpKI/AAAAAAAAACo/GbPQugR5UzA/s1600/EAGLE-LG-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TQFOP13CpKI/AAAAAAAAACo/GbPQugR5UzA/s320/EAGLE-LG-.jpg" width="211" /></a><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TQFOUVMejyI/AAAAAAAAACs/6mArXtBNhyo/s320/Swirly-santa.gif" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The other landmark that's perfect for discovering in the holiday season is the Brookfield Craft Center: <a href="http://www.brookfieldcraft.org/">www.brookfieldcraft.org/</a>. After undergoing difficulties earlier this year, and actually closing for a period to deal with financial difficulties, the craft center is back with new energy and purpose. And right now its galleries are given over to the annual holiday exhibit and sale of very fine crafts. Here's a view of the sale, in a photo by Walter Kidd.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to the unique and homegrown Bridgewater Chocolate and Brookfield Craft Center, the town, as mentioned, is a holiday shoppers' paradise full of brand name retail operations, which means the time to discover Brookfield, or visit once again, is now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-28996072625826900172010-12-09T11:45:00.000-08:002010-12-09T11:45:55.314-08:00Good Time Had By AllAs the editor of The Litchfield County Times, LCT magazine and Passport magazine (among others), I get invited to a lot of events. Most sound tempting, and most come and go without me, based on the confluence of work and life responsibilities.<br />
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One event I find the time to attend each year is the annual benefit auction for the Cornwall-based Housatonic Valley Association, which, led by Lynn Werner, protects land and water in the 83 communities that make up the Housatonic River Valley, spanning Connecticut, the southern Berkshires and part of eastern New York.<br />
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Supporting HVA may be the primary reason to show up for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and an afternoon of bidding on silent auction items and raising your paddle in a live auction---but it's hardly the only reason. Logistically, the gala has everything going for it: the parameters are kept simple, the time of day is perfect, the cost ($50 for basic tier admission) is inexpensive, and the wine and food flow generously.<br />
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But those reasons collectively are like the amuse bouche before a fine meal. In the case of the HVA auction, the equivalent of the appetizer might be the silent auction items. Ranging from donated artwork to jewelry, clothing, wine, furniture, services, getaway dinners and more, the items are things you really want to bid on---and actually hope to take home.<br />
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Pursuing the metaphor of a meal, the rich, rich dessert is the live auction items, ranging from week-long stays in retreats in France to this year's show-stopper: a visit to the set of the hit CBS show "The Good Wife" and a chance to meet the show's star, Julianna Margulies. (I'm still cursing myself for not bidding on, and winning as a gift for my wife, the visit to designer Diane von Furstenberg's New York studio, which came with lunch at a trendy restaurant and a $1,000 gift certificate to purchase something from the designer's collection.)<br />
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All of that is reason enough to turn out on a cold late November day at Bryan Memorial Town Hall in Washington to support HVA, sip wine and have some fun, but the deal clincher---the entree in the meal metaphor---is the people. From the HVA staff to its board, the long list of supporters and the legions of "ordinary folks" who round out the movement to protect and preserve the region's environmental riches, they are a great group.<br />
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That big-ticket auction item featuring Julianna Margulies was arranged by none other than Christine Baranski, who has a home on Lake Waramaug and this year took over from Ms. von Furstenberg (who has an estate in New Milford) as honorary chairman of the auction. Ms. Baranski, whose turn on "The Good Wife" is perfectly pitched and mesmerizing, also helped make the board of honorary co-chairmen more robust. The who's who list included Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, designer Oscar de la Renta (who calls Litchfield County home) and Dorothy Cann Hamilton, founder of the French Culinary Institute. Here's a photo by Walter Kidd (who took all of the images below) of Ms. Baranski with Ms. Werner at this year's auction.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TQEqxpr8gUI/AAAAAAAAACQ/vK4akB9G_Gg/s1600/tlct-HVA-03-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TQEqxpr8gUI/AAAAAAAAACQ/vK4akB9G_Gg/s320/tlct-HVA-03-wk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've had the pleasure of chatting with Ms. Baranski about HVA and other things, working for a short stretch (very indirectly) with Mr. Carter, featuring Mr. de la Renta in Passport magazine, and dining at Ms. Hamilton's home, and at the French Culinary Institute. For all their success and fame, they are gracious people whose devotion to their own pursuits has forged a core sense of dedication to important missions, and it is that they summon in coming to the aid of HVA. In fact, Ms. Baranski says that one of her favorite things about the annual auction is how it serves to bring together diverse demographic groups among area residents for the sake of the place we call home.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Here's another one of those folks, the talented, genuine and friendly Fran Brill, one of the "Sesame Street" geniuses and the voice of Zoe. As I write this, I'm remembering my look of horror when she and my wife were on the phone once and my wife actually asked if Zoe would talk to our daughter. I needn't have worried. Zoe delighted our children without hesitation.</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The warmth and inclusive nature of the auction isn't lost on anyone, and this year U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-Cheshire) was surely happier than ever to attend after coming off a hard-fought victory in the midterm cycle when the term Tea Party became a mantra that couldn't be muted. He brought his son, Owen, knowing that the young Democrat would be welcome, and not only because dad is a member of Congress.</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Perhaps my favorite couple at this year's event is shown below: former BBC journalist and author of a series of enviously impressive novels about Ireland Frank Delaney, and his wife, author, marketer and style guru Diane Meier. Almost weekly, it seems, my senior editor, Kathryn Boughton, pitches me a new story about one or both of them. Given our effort to present readers with new and fresh content---some folks don't get a second story for <em>years</em>----I try to dismiss Mr. Delaney and Ms. Meier and just say no. But with them, it's impossible; everything they do is notable and fascinating. And, as you can see, they look great too.</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Every year, starting around now, only a few weeks after the auction, I start looking back at the afternoon fondly. The reason is the people, who are the true treasures of this part of the world, along, of course, with our beautiful town's and pristine landscape. As the photo below illustrates, anyone who's someone is making a bid to ensure that growth and change are managed in a way that doesn't dilute the magic. Until next time.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-69572269015436430842010-11-22T11:37:00.000-08:002010-11-22T11:37:03.480-08:00Holiday Spirit<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Anyone who has read The Litchfield County Times over the years, especially our Passport and LCT magazines and seasonal special sections, has likely run across an old chestnut I find occasion to dust off at this time of year. Whether I'm springboarding from a particular town or taking a regional approach, I gently exhort readers about to embark on holiday shopping to pause and refocus, so that their expeditions become pleasant ones that involve time well spent in festively decorated area towns, and so that their holiday budget helps propel the local economy. In fact, the winter issue of Passport, (published Nov. 19) has just such a mini-feature, offering the overlooked borough of Bantam in the town of Litchfield as a shopping venue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">While I'm not immune to shopping in large brand name stores and don't mean to denigrate their place on the retail landscape, I argue (and believe) that the best and often unique gifts can be found in towns such as New Milford, Kent, Washington (and New Preston), Litchfield, Salisbury (and Lakeville), Woodbury and elsewhere. Add in stops for personal shopping, and interludes in the great coffee shops, patisseries and restaurants, and suddenly holiday shopping is transformed from fatiguing a mission to, well, a seasonal joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">But that's not really what this blog is about. It's topic is the reverse side of the local holiday shopping coin, which is hometown holiday events and celebrations. There are plenty of them taking place (see the December LCT magazine, published as part of the LCT Nov. 26), and in underscoring their appeal here I'll mention just two towns, Litchfield and Washington.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Litchfield, as most know, is a top tourist destination within Connecticut---less in the winter than summer and fall---for its history, natural wonders and lifestyle amenities. It's also a town that takes seriously the salutary qualities of community gatherings that make use of the landmark green and the rest of the town center. The annual Litchfield Borough Days is one example, and a more recent entry was a First Thursday strolling/shopping/dining series of events last summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The holiday version of the hometown gatherings takes place this year on Nov. 28, beginning at 2:30 p.m., and if it follows form it will be a gathering of locals and visitors from surrounding communities for a handful of attractions that---truth be told---are endearing, fulfilling and a bit spartan all at once. An ice carving demonstration, horse-drawn hayrides, visits with Santa and crafts for kids are some of the highlights. It's not a lot, in one way, but families that attend are richly rewarded, remember the event fondly and look forward to the next year. Here are a few scenes from last year, in photos by Walter Kidd.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TObzmxCo8mI/AAAAAAAAAB4/2wh46ySjHLo/s1600/tlct-stroll-12-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TObzmxCo8mI/AAAAAAAAAB4/2wh46ySjHLo/s320/tlct-stroll-12-wk.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TOrBFGL8bYI/AAAAAAAAACI/96JyAm0VMdw/s1600/tlct-stroll-01-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TOrBFGL8bYI/AAAAAAAAACI/96JyAm0VMdw/s320/tlct-stroll-01-wk.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TOrAvdEqnRI/AAAAAAAAACA/gUW2R4I0oXI/s1600/tlct-stroll-03-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TOrAvdEqnRI/AAAAAAAAACA/gUW2R4I0oXI/s320/tlct-stroll-03-wk.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TOrA6VAumgI/AAAAAAAAACE/KD_n3rqDcXY/s1600/tlct-stroll-02-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TOrA6VAumgI/AAAAAAAAACE/KD_n3rqDcXY/s320/tlct-stroll-02-wk.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Washington is among the other communities that schedule events to bring out families for the holidays. It's version is an evening event called Holidays in the Depot. A 20-year tradition, it takes place this year on Dec. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. There's the classic tree lighting, along with Santa, music from local public school groups, wagon rides, hot chocolate and cookies, gifts sold at the senior center---and the bright lights and special appeal of all the shops staying open late.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The next day, on Dec. 11, the New Preston section of Washington is holding its own holiday event from 1 to 5 p.m., in which the concentrated cluster of shops will show off festively-decorated windows and other other promotion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's a look at last year's Holiday in the Depot, in a photo by Walter Kidd.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Leading up the the holiday festivities in Washington is the Festival of Trees at the Gunn Memorial Library. It's launched with a cocktail party Dec. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. </span><span style="font-family: "Geneva", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">(donation $12/person or $20/couple.) and festive </span>and uniquely decorated trees are available for sale. Other highlights, according to the library, include "treasure pouches," chances to win fabulous prizes, such as dinner at local restaurants, tickets, and gift certificates. Ornaments by local artists will be available again this year. The trees will be on display through Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m. To learn more about the lineup of events at the Gunn, which is essentially the cultural hub of the town, see the Web site at <a href="http://www.gunnlibrary.org/">http://www.gunnlibrary.org</a>.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Geneva", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">These are just a few examples of what's available over the coming weeks, and while the holiday rush can be stressful, making time to visit area towns and participate in seasonal events can offer a whole new perspective on things. Enjoy and until next time.</span></span></div>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-89068313723622144072010-11-12T14:17:00.000-08:002010-11-12T14:17:24.984-08:00Kent Is CallingJust before this year's leaf-peeping season, Yankee Magazine bestowed the gift of bragging rights and a commercial/retail boost when it named small, rural Kent in Litchfield County as the top fall foliage town in New England. The town is blessed with dramatic natural features, including rugged hills aspiring to be mountains, state parks, the Housatonic River and Kent Falls, and Yankee backed up its pick with color photos showing a panoramic eagle's-eye view of the town with an uninterrupted canopy of blazing leaves.<br />
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A cultural hotspot full of art galleries, private schools and the annual Litchfield Jazz Festival each August, Kent is a daytrip paradise any time of the year. My most frequent visits happen to start around now, just before Thanksgiving and the holidays, and after the best of the autumn colors has faded.<br />
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The reason? The truth is that it comes down to a combination of seasonal traditions and chocolate. While my intentions to get to Kent more often are dashed by responsibilities for much of the year, I start to make time as the holidays approach---in large part to visit Belgique Patisserie & Chocolatier (860-927-3681 <a href="http://www.kentct.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=226&Itemid=155">http://www.kentct.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=226&Itemid=155</a>), run by Susan and Pierre Gilissen. From the real hot chocolate to the handmade chocolates, the pastries and the cakes and desserts, everything here is gorgeous and delicious.Last year, I ordered a Buche de Noel, or Christmas log, for a family gathering on Christmas Eve, and, of course, came home with chocolate St. Nicholases for all. Here's a look:<br />
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</div>Beyond Belgique, I love Kent this time of year because it's also one of the region's perfect places for holiday shopping. Within a very concentrated and charming town center, you can buy everything from shoes and unique children's clothing to fine wines, artwork, women's clothing, vintage jewelry, small gift items, books (antiquarian and new) and much more. And before, during and after, you can eat and drink in fine style. See the Web site of the Chamber of Commerce to connect: <a href="http://www.kentct.com/">http://www.kentct.com</a> Here's a file photo of the type of artistic welcome visitors to the town center can expect:<br />
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Visitors who get to Kent this weekend can catch the end of a great exhibit focusing on the works of Sharon artist Eric Forstmann at Eckert Fine Art (<a href="http://www.eckertfineart.com/html/home.asp">http://www.eckertfineart.com/html/home.asp</a>). See the story on <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">www.countytimes.com</a> and take a look at one of his images below:<br />
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</div>While you're in town enjoying the culture, dining and shopping, don't forget to take in some of the scenic beauty, no matter the season. A stop at Kent Falls, shown here, is pretty much mandatory, and for a bit of history, have a look at Bulls Bridge, which is still in use and stands in an area where it's said George Washington's horse once fell from the road into the waters below.<br />
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Make plans to spend a day in Kent---you won't be disappointed---or more than a day, as the town is also home to some fine inns that can be found on the chamber's Web site.<br />
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<em>Note: The photos of the Buche de Noel and the chocolate St. Nicholas are courtesy of Belgique; the other photos were taken by staff photographers Laurie Gaboardi and Walter Kidd.</em>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-87388444224609187672010-11-08T10:16:00.000-08:002010-11-08T10:16:10.212-08:00Taste of Winter Thought: Overlooked Warren TwinklesMost of Northwestern Connecticut awoke this morning to a snarling, spitting storm that felt like the first icy finger beckoning us toward winter. There were pockets of sleety ice-snow on the ground, the temperature was in the 30s, town crew trucks were out sanding and the wind was whipping the trees around mercilessly.<br />
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As forbidding as that outdoor-scape was, especially for parents whose school districts did not call a delay, the scene also produced a childlike excitement. As the first real signal that autumn was on its way out, the storm was also a herald that the holidays were almost here. And cold, snow and holidays add up to a mandate to plan the Christmas tree-cutting trip.<br />
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One of the oldest and most popular tree farms in Litchfield County is Angevine Farm in Warren <a href="http://www.angevinefarm.com/">(http://www.angevinefarm.com/</a>), a family-run operation perched on a hillside amid the kind of panoramic farming scene that you find on calendars. The tree farm and its Christmas Barn open for the season Nov. 20, and no matter where you cut your tree, Angevine is worth a visit because it's one of those places that exists according to the beat of its own homespun drummer. Consider this snippet from the Web site:<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><blockquote><span style="color: black;">"On Saturday, there will be children’s craft tables, gingerbread decorating, theater pipe organ concerts throughout the day, free refreshments, farm tours and demonstrations. Bring your hiking boots and a picnic lunch to share on Hemlock Hill, the most beautiful picnic area in Warren."</span></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: black;">Where else could you find a Christmas tree farm where the experience includes pipe organ concerts in a rustic barn made festive by the holiday displays. In this painterly photograph by Laurie Gaboardi from last holiday season, a few simple, pretty ornaments exude an almost sublime beauty.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">New visitors to Warren wouldn't be wrong to think that the very rural town, one of the smallest in the region, is no hub of activity. Still, there's more going on here than meets the eye, and the resources that do exist are better than ever and worth seeking out. In the center of town, at the junction of Routes 45 and 317, is the relatively new Rooster Tail Inn (<a href="http://www.roostertailinn.com/">http://www.roostertailinn.com/</a>). It's also home to an inviting tavern whose daily specials are both mouth-watering and very affordable. Here's a view of one dining/imbibing area from the Rooster Tail's Web site:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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With a Christmas tree strapped to the roof of the SUV and pretty ornaments tucked safely inside, upscale shopping is in order either after lunch or before dinner. Happy to help are two intermingled businesses, Privet House (<a href="http://privethouse.com/">http://privethouse.com/</a>) and Vol. 1 Antiques (<a href="http://www.vol1antiques.com/">http://www.vol1antiques.com/</a>). The antiques shop is run by Suzanne Cassano, who teams up on Privet House with Richard Lambertson; he is half of the Lamberston Truex line of designer handbags that is now under the Tiffany's umbrella. What that means is that Privet House is bastion of impeccable style, full of interesting and unique items. Here's a shot by Walter Kidd of Privet House and Vol. 1 Antiques awaiting visitor's on a winter's day.<br />
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Before heading home, there's one more stop to make---just for a look. Warren is is one of three towns bordering Lake Waramaug, a lifestyle haven for the well-heeled and gorgeous natural feature. Go on Google Maps and seek out Tanner Hill Road in Warren, which affords a beautiful view in any season. Take a look at this view in a Walter Kidd photo:<br />
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</span><span style="color: black;"></span>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-33460198008973785092010-11-04T09:55:00.000-07:002010-11-04T09:55:20.825-07:00Rainy Day WalksDriving through Roxbury this morning, just as WSHU Public Radio (<a href="http://www.wshu.org/">http://www.wshu.org/</a>) was moving from NPR news into classical music, the rain mingling with the music became a mnemonic cue to recall many walks in the woods that only a certain breed would find pleasurable---because these slow-paced rambles were undertaken while<em> </em>it was raining.<br />
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I had been thinking about Roxbury in the context of walking recently, after a family hike on a crisp autumn afternoon in the signature Steep Rock Preserve, off River Road in Washington, of the Steep Rock Association (<a href="http://steeprockassoc.org/">http://steeprockassoc.org/</a>). As I have done many times before, we walked from the parking area near the riding ring along a narrow dirt road that hugs the Shepaug River and, in places, seems almost to be sliding down into the river. At a certain point you can switch off onto a flat, parallel path that is the rail bed of the former Shepaug Valley Railroad, which branched off another rail line and ran from the Hawleyville section of Newtown to the center of Litchfield. It began service in December 1871 and was finally abandoned in 1948.<br />
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The rail bed trail, one of many in the Steep Rock Preserve, including one that leads to a pinnacle offering a view of the Shepaug River's clam shell-shaped meanderings, eventually leads to a natural feature that the laborers who built the railroad turned into a dramatic man-made feature---a short, curving tunnel blasted through the rock. It's shown during the winter in the photo below, posted on flickr: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/criana/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/criana/</a>.<br />
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If you were to walk through the tunnel, and were able to continue following the railroad's former route, which you cannot after a while, eventually you would end up in the center of Roxbury, the beautiful rural town that, in addition to being home to lots of affluent and famous people, also has a very active and successful land trust. The Roxbury Land Trust (<a href="http://www.roxburylandtrust.org/">http://www.roxburylandtrust.org/</a>) conserves 3,400 acres of land that offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the region. Helpfully, the trust's Web site has a prominent link to a map that can be downloaded to offer access to 30 miles of trails. Here's just one view of a land trust preserve, photographed by Walter Kidd.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've never actually walked on the Roxbury Land Trust's trails; it has always been a matter of geography and scheduling. Most of the time I end up on the familiar trails of the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield and Morris (<a href="http://www.whitememorialcc.org/">http://www.whitememorialcc.org/</a>). The foundation oversees approximately 4,000 acres of varied and glorious preserves, but, like many visitors, I favor a route that includes the trail around Little Pond, a trail that for much of its run consists of an elevated wooden boardwalk. I've walked here in every month of the year, and, whenever the weather, cooperates, in the rain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's something lonely, magical and fulfilling about the muted colors of the landscape in the rain. Another part of the appeal is having the entire preserve to yourself, but there's so much more going on that's difficult to quantify. Walking for miles under a leaden sky, amid the sound of the rain hitting the trees, leaves and forest floor is a joy, and an staying in the woods on those days until it's nearly dark is like pure liberation---a feeling that takes on a deeper and different context later at home, after a hot shower and over a glass of nice wine in the low light of happily shuttered-in evenings. And there are things you never forget: encountering eight or nine blue herons on the pond on one of those rainy afternoons, or coming around a corner on an early winter day and being face-to-face with a bobcat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These days, I like to start with Little Pond and use it as grounding to reach a still point of reflection before moving on to trace as many other trails as time allows. Usually that involves crossing a couple of roads and edging along the Bantam River toward the main conservation center area. Here's a view from one spur path along that route, taken by Walter Kidd for a story in our November LCT magazine about the curative qualities of kayaking at White Memorial: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TNLf0i0R-YI/AAAAAAAAABI/vlhk6JkTkpE/s1600/LT-Paddle-09-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TNLf0i0R-YI/AAAAAAAAABI/vlhk6JkTkpE/s320/LT-Paddle-09-wk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following one of many possible routes takes you eventually to the edge of Bantam Lake, where a wooden platform offers wonderful views. The return trip, depending on which way you turn, leads to an encounter with a strange site---two parallel concrete walls, a few feet apart, with water in the middle, that stretch from the lake back into the woods. It looks like a canal, now being subsumed by the landscape, from some ancient, forgotten city. It's actually said to be part of a former ice house operation, which is illustrated by an exhibit in White Memorial's conservation center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Interestingly, on the walk back toward the conservation center, you're not far from the route of the old Shepaug Valley Railroad. Where it traveled is less obvious here, and more so along one side of Little Pond, and there is an ongoing effort to reclaim the former rail bed in Litchfield as a new greenway. Someday, perhaps, hikers with a purpose will be able to walk all the way from Litchfield center to Roxbury center along the railroad's route, passing through nonpareil landscapes and that defining tunnel at Steep Rock along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For now, to enjoy the under-appreciated, solitary charm of mid- to late-autumn, seek out the trails of Steep Rock, the Roxbury Land Trust and the White Memorial Foundation. What you'll find is muted and subtle, but also rich and rewarding, as in this recent photo in Roxbury by Walter Kidd,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left"></div>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-22688088181450505972010-11-01T10:39:00.000-07:002010-11-01T10:39:18.571-07:00In From the ColdI should have checked the weather Monday morning. By the time I got my son buckled into his car seat to head to school, the December-like cold had drilled into me so effectively that dislodging it would take more than just the heat in the car. With many trees bare now and the remaining leaves on the hillsides looking less colorful and more like what I call the "roasted coat" of autumn, I didn't truly mind being cold because it seemed to be the motif of the day---cold temperatures, cold, clear air, a landscape feeling increasingly chilly and cold of all sorts on the horizon.<br />
Still, I knew that some kind of penetrating warmth to re-balance body and spirit would be welcome. And then, as I parked near the office in New Milford, I recalled that I had an invitation to a preview of a new shop, Spruce Home & Garden, opening this Friday (Nov. 5) on Bank Street. Once I got settled in my office, out into the cold I went once again, a fully-zipped fleece vest doing little to blunt the cold.<br />
And then I found the warmth I was, by now, craving. It came from the coffee served at the preview opening, but also from the re-imagined interior of a retail space with a long and storied history in the center of a town that continues to work hard to be the heart of the community and not get pushed into slouching toward oblivion by the rise of big box retailers and the mass merchandise, one-discount-fits-all mentality. Long ago, the big space (two floors) in an attractive building on the short, sloping street that's a bellwether of the downtown's status was a classic five-and-dime. Up until September, it was the luxe lifestyle store Homeward Bound, whose principals painted a grim picture in explaining their (small) chain's demise.<br />
Being opened by the friendly and style savvy Steve Wilburn, Spruce Home & Garden should strike downtown watchers and champions as an oasis and herald---with the former designation stemming from the great merchandise, much of it at nice price points, and the latter role being attributable to its timely arrival to blunt the cold, cold message that the downtown might have been in decline.<br />
Whether cold, hot, rainy or blanketed in snow, New Milford center is a wonderful place in which to work, or otherwise spend time in. As I look west out of my office window, past the Housatonic Railroad tracks that may once again offer passenger service, and across a placid stretch of the Housatonic River toward hills dressed in their roasted coat, I'm sure that New Milford center's status is firmly the opposite of decline---because with a rail line, a river and gorgeous views, the truth (which would be obvious to visionary urban planners) is that it hasn't even scratched the surface of its potential.<br />
The latest entry in the cadre of those working to create a better future for the town center is Spruce Home & Garden. Have a look at what will be open to the public beginning Friday:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TM76GVqQAjI/AAAAAAAAAA0/ww9_jzmbHHk/s1600/tlct-Spruce-02-wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TM76GVqQAjI/AAAAAAAAAA0/ww9_jzmbHHk/s320/tlct-Spruce-02-wk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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For more photos by Walter Kidd and a story, see The Litchfield County Times and The Housatonic Times this week, or online at <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">www.countytimes.com</a> and <a href="http://www.housatonictimes.com/">www.housatonictimes.com</a>.<br />
Until next time.Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2053918481722609449.post-50065262460861840042010-10-29T08:40:00.000-07:002010-10-29T09:01:12.782-07:00Getting Acquainted<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hi,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Welcome to my new blog, Accentuate the Positive, which is one of several new blogs being written by staff members of The Litchfield County Times and the Housatonic Publishing Group. We're blogging to add context, depth and value to the content we publish online daily at <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/">http://www.countytimes.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.housatonictimes.com/">http://www.housatonictimes.com/</a> and <a href="http://www.passport-mag.com/">http://www.passport-mag.com/</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As we continue to transition into a fully integrated digital media publishing cluster through the vision of Journal Register Company CEO John Paton, my goal is to use the technology we're harnessing to highlight the wonderful aspects of the region we call home, some subtle, some dramatic, and the joys of living here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just this morning (Oct. 29), for example, I was driving my son to school and even amid the rush to arrive on time, I had to pause to look at a haunting landscape scene along Route 132, east of Bethlehem center; a flock of black crows that had descended upon a farm field of pumpkins left behind. Though prone sometimes to bare-knuckle politics and troubling land-use proposals, this town that still won't formally adopt zoning can be just gorgeous. It feels like a place out of time, and the landscape of crows and pumpkins was reminiscent, at least in mood, of the 1890 Van Gogh painting "Wheat Field With Crows." </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TMroIJzUqBI/AAAAAAAAAAw/M9Dy1_R4hkI/s1600/800px-Vincent_van_Gogh_(1853-1890)_-_Wheat_Field_with_Crows_(1890).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Ycd8W5HXSk/TMroIJzUqBI/AAAAAAAAAAw/M9Dy1_R4hkI/s320/800px-Vincent_van_Gogh_(1853-1890)_-_Wheat_Field_with_Crows_(1890).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Stay tuned as I endeavor to get out of the office more and offer multiple points of entry into enjoying the riches of Litchfield County, the Berkshires and the Greater Millbrook area of New York state---the territory covered by our national award-winning glossy magazine Passport.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Join me in the journey, which, I hope, will soon involve posting blog entries live from the road, with links, photos and more in a quest to maximize our coverage of the area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Until next time---and please offer feedback and requests for what you'd like to see covered.</span>Douglas P. Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11681826091465134860noreply@blogger.com1