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Special Section to: Greenwich Post I The Darien Times I New Canaan Advertiser I The Ridgefield Press I The Wilton Bulletin I The Redding Pilot I The Weston Forum I The Lewisboro Ledger
Morocco is a photographers paradise, from the windswept dunes to the colorful bazaars. Polly Tafrate photos
Morocco ...
FallPreview
HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS
Iknew a little more than that about
Morocco before I visited there a few
months ago, but not much. Sure, I
knew it was located in northern Africa,
and had intriguing sounding names of places
we were to visit Rabat, Fez, Casablanca,
Erfoud, Marrakech but there was nothing,
and I do mean nothing, that prepared me for
touring this glorious country. My travel buddy
and I meet each year for a few weeks in a
non-English speaking country. Morocco wasnt
high on our bucket list, in fact it was at the
end, but it fit her vacation schedule. Neither of
us expected to be overwhelmed.
To describe each place we visited might resem-ble a How I Spent my Summer Vacation,
composition, so Ill blend together the high-
lights: riding camels across the dunes to watch
the sunset at the edge of the Sahara, driving
through the snow-covered Atlas Mountains
and holding our breaths as our bus navigated
guardrail-less hairpin turns, visiting a small
mountain village and enjoying mint tea with a
family in their cave dwelling, walking throughthe narrow and dimly lit, twisting and turning
alleys in the Medinas (older walled cities), and
shopping at the souks within, being alert to the
shout, Barrack, which meant to press your
back against the mud wall or be stepped on by
a beast-of-burden mule. Seeing and smelling
leather being tanned and bread being baked,
watching hundreds of storks on and around
their nests, hearing the Muslim call to prayer
(the Muezzin) over loudspeakers, each called
by a different man within seconds of one
another, being mystified at the multitude of
satellite dishes that spring up like mushrooms
throughout poorer sections of the country
My stereotype of all Moroccans being dark-skin Arabs was abolished. Three nationalities
populate Morocco Arab, Berber and French
each with their own language. Indeed, some
of the Berbers are fair-skinned with blonde
by Polly Tafrate
Morocco continued on page 15
spelled with one r and two cs
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2 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011
Looking for European culture and beauty?Consider bountiful Budapest
Budapest, Hungarys capital, is a city rich in history and
culture. It is divided by the River Danube, which flows
majestically through the center of the city. Over the cen-
turies, Budapest was controlled by the Celts, the Romans,
the Mongols, the Turks, and the Magyars whose Asian or
European origin is a subject of debate among historians.
Logically enough, the name Budapest stems from those of
the two cities whose union created it Buda and Pest. The
city of Buda was the home of the first Royal Palace during
the reign of King Bela IV in medieval times. Pest arose even
earlier, during a conquest by the Magyars. Some believe
Pest is of Slavic origin, meaning stove or kiln, referring to
the citys natural warm springs. In 1873, Buda and Pest were
united with the former Roman settlement of Obuda, creatingthe current city of Budapest.
American Airlines now flies nonstop from John F. Kennedy
International Airport to Budapest. Flight 158 departs at
6:40 p.m., using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 28 seats in
Business Class and 191 seats in Economy Class.
* * *
It is 9:30 a.m. and your American Airlines flight has just set
down in Budapest Airport. You and your family have gotten
some sleep in Americans comfortable Business Class cabin,
and are eager to check into your hotel and explore this city
one of the most beautiful in the world. A magnificent
array of castles, museums, churches, restaurants, and the
citys fabled dozen spas, await us.
Lets begin with a walk down Budapests so called Cultural
Avenue, nearly half of which lies along the straight Andrssy
t. Andrssy was built by the founding fathers of Budapest in
order to create a riding and cart-driving route between the
city centre, and the City Park (Vrosliget).
We are struck by the beauty of the Opera House, completed
in 1884. A masterpiece of Hungarian architect Mikls Ybl, it
is one of the most stunning of its kind in Europe. It has 1200
seats, and it underwent a total renovation exactly a century
after its creation. The musical director from 1886 and 1889
was Gustav Mahler, but intrigue and incomprehension of his
art soon drove him away.
Next, lets visit Buda Castle, the most famous attraction in
Budapest. Also known as the Royal Palace, Buda Castle is
part of the citys World Heritage site, declared in 1987. If
you have teenagers with you, let them know that Katy Perry
filmed her 2010 Firework Music Video here. And if youve
brought younger children along, take them for a ride on the
castles Funicular railway. Theyll also enjoy the Childrens
Railway, which winds through the picturesque Buda hills
and so will you.
As with Paris, well find beauty everywhere we look in
Budapest. We will want to take in Chain Bridge, the capitals
first bridge monument, with decorative lights at night;
Parliament, the largest building in Hungary, overlooking the
Danube and containing 691 rooms; the spectacular Heroes
Square, whose Millennium Memorial displays statues of the
leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary; and St.
Stephens Basilica, whose dome can be seen from every-
where in the city.
Its a good thing we packed our swimsuits, because Budapest
is the City of Spas. The Szchenyi Baths are a not-to-be-
missed attraction. They are not only the largest bath com-
plex in Europe with their 15 pools, but also the most pleas-
ant in the city. Visitors are invariably amused when they see
groups of bathers playing chess, submerged in the steaming
water up to their necks!
And, we must sure to sample Budapests unique, delec-
table food. Favorite main courses in Hungary include
csirkepapriks -- paprika chicken; porkol -- a meat stew;
roston -- roasted meat; and salami. Then, of course, there
is Hungarys famous gulash, a thick soup made with small
meat cubes with potatoes and csipetke.
But leave some room for the pastry. The most typical des-serts are the trs csusza, sweet warm cakes filled with curd;
the pancakes; the palacsinta, an omelette filled with raisins,
ground walnuts and lemon covered with chocolate cream;
and the soml, a sponge cake with cream and rum.
So, now its time to board our American Airlines return flight
159 to JFK our stomachs filled with great cuisine and our
hearts and minds filled with the beauty of this delightful
city!
For additional information about Budapest, please visit
http://www.budapestinfo.hu/
ADVERTORIAL
Chain Bridge, which spans the Danube, was built at the request ofCount Istvan Szechenyi between 1839 and 1849.
American Airlines photo
Budapest is the City of Spas, and more than 100 natural warmsprings feed a dozen spas, which date back to Roman times.
Provided by dreamstime(r)
Now accessible via daily non-stopflights on American Airlines
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August 25, 2011 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers 3
Founders HallWHY PEOPLE OVER 60
ARE GLAD THEY LIVE IN RIDGEFIELD
by Lois Alcosser
You could plan your life around Founders
Hall, Conte Guzman commented, as she
attended one of Founders Halls most pop-ular programs Michael Lankesters New
World series, which is a cultural adventure
combining music, history and art. Mr.
Lankester conductor, composer, former
music director of the National Theater
of Great Britain and guest professor of
orchestral studies at Yale has been cap-
turing the attention of almost 100 men and
women fascinated by his extraordinary
knowledge and irresistible teaching style.
This series epitomizes the mission of
Founders Hall: a donor-supported educa-
tion and recreation center in Ridgefieldthat is open, without charge, to individu-
als 60 years of age and older who are
Ridgefield residents or who live in towns
without a senior center.
Founders Hall, in its ninth year, was unique
from the beginning. It was conceived and
built by the Founders Hall Foundation,
a not-for-profit organization started by
two Ridgefield couples, Liz and Steven
Art Class: Jack Flannery. Laurie Christiansen
Founders Hall continued on page 4
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4 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011
Goldstone and Elaine and John Couri. Their
objective was to re-define what a senior
center should be a facility for recre-
ation, education, social opportunities to
enrich the lives, minds, bodies and spirits
of men and women over 60.
The building itself is a state-of-the-art envi-
ronment, designed to have enough differ-
ent rooms to offer many programs at the
same time. Its a wonderfully comfortable
setting for a few hours of activity, a full day
of new experiences or a relaxing, renewing
meeting place to chat with a friend. Grace
Weber, the director, says You dont have to
have a building like this. People come for a
lot more than the building. Programmingis most important, and having someone
greet you at the door makes a big differ-
ence.
The programming is a response to actual
requests, reflecting a panoply of choices.
There are academic courses: history, writ-
ing, language, literature, current events.
The courses in drawing, oil painting, water-
color at different levels of expertise
resemble a mini-art school. Computer
courses, dance, fitness the choice is
dazzling. And traditional favorites such as
cooking, quilting, knitting, bridge, bingo
have not been forgotten.
Grace Weber says it best in her message in
the Annual Report: I struggle to find the
words that capture the soul of Founders
Hall, that describe how life-changing it can
be. People are living longer and staying
more active, but theyre also facing loss
of loved ones, retirement from interesting
jobs, too much time on their hands. Instead
of resigning themselves to boredom and
loneliness, being part of Founders Hall can
turn things around, with mental and physi-
cal stimulation, friends and fun.
There was a big open house when FoundersHall opened in 2002. The goal was 1,000
members in the first year, Ms Weber says.
We had that in two months. There are
2,900 members now; about 200 people
visit each day. The ratio of women to men
is about 65% to 35%. We have classes that
particularly appeal to men: woodcarving,
investment issues, history. And yes, weve
had a few romances.
Laurie Christiansen, director of communi-
cations, says, One of the things we really
want to emphasize is that Founders Hall is
Founders Hall Singers: Elfie Brandon, Zayne McFarlane.
Founders Hallcontinued from page 3
Lankester class: Instructor Michael Lankester, Jack Daniels, Grace Kulwin
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August 25, 2011 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers 5
an example of true philanthropy. We rely on grants, spon-
sorships and the generosity of individual donors to keep our
doors open and our programs growing. Our free member-
ship and nominal program fees are mainly possible because
of philanthropy. The town of Ridgefield covers 10% of our
total operating costs with a community grant.
The emphasis at Founders Hall is providing a busy, sat-
isfying social life for those who want it. There are teas,
trips, picnics, and book discussions in an atmosphere that
encourages warmth and friendliness. Ms. Weber says, We
try to avoid the term senior center because that phrase
has acquired so many stereotyped connotations. Founders
Hall is proud to be an active, thriving source of learning
and enjoying life. Our membership is quite amazing. We
have so many fabulous people whove accomplished a great
deal, led exciting lives and want to continue to do so.
Enjoying Michael Lankesters course was Ed Chrostowski,
who was the editor of the New Canaan Advertiser for 35
years. Alice Learman, a former Wiltonian, now lives in
Ridgefield. She still attends many of Wilton Librarys pro-
grams, but shes also very happy to be living in Ridgefield,
where she can be a member of Founders Hall.
Founders Hall is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, at 193
Danbury Road; 203-431-7000; founders-hall.org.
This fall, plan on some socializing, shopping
and a little self-pampering at Wine, Cheese &
Accessories, a Ladies Night Out for women of all
ages on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at Founders Hall. The
event is a festive evening of boutique shopping,
fine wine, fun activities and fellowship. You can
shop at more than 25 boutiques for jewelry,
handbags, stationery, home dcor and more.
You can also chat with a wardrobe consultant
for accessory advice, try a temporary henna
tattoo, or indulge in an eye-make-up makeover
just a few of the evenings many activities.
Wine, Cheese & Accessories is sponsored by
Western Connecticut Health Network Spirit of
Women, Ridgefield Crossings and Laurel Ridge
Health Care Center. Tickets are $20; proceeds
will benefit Founders Hall, a donor-supported
education and recreation center for people age
60 and older.
For more information: Founders Hall, 203-431-
7000.
Aarti Paranjape will be applying henna tattoos at Wine, Cheese &Accessories, a Ladies Night Out for women of all ages, on Oct. 6 at7 p.m., Founders Hall.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
TheRidgefieldSchool of
DANCE
OPEN
HOU
SE
OCTO
BER
231-3PM
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6 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011
On the trail of a growlerTO QUAFF A TOAST TO FALL
by Col. Jack E. Daniels
Cooler evenings plus extended periods
of daylight are obvious dictates for many
of us to prepare backyard barbecues and
cookouts. Not so obvious, but ultimately
more fun and more interesting, are varia-
tions on traditional hotdog and hamburger
fare. Health professionals and nutritionists
urge us to consume less meat and to eat
more fish; USDA guidelines recommend
eating fish three times a week. Try some
healthy fare on the grill.
We recently attended a neighborhood gath-
ering where a whole salmon was served as
the pice de resistance; plus, in a bow to
health-food gurus, an assortment of veg-
etables eggplant, squash, carrots and
broccoli, grilled and delicious.
With fall less than a month away, now is a
good time to change our drinking patterns
as well. Start by skipping the tradition-
al domestic beers. True, with Budweiser
now owned by the Stella Artois group
in Belgium and Millers by South African
Beverages, domestics are not very domes-
tic any more. However, if you aim to go
green and reduce your carbon footprint,
try some local beers; become a locabibber
as well as a locavore.
In southwestern Fairfield County, sample
offerings at The Brewhouse, 13 Marshall
Street in Norwalk. Note that despite impres-
sive fermenting tanks and brewing equip-
ment prominently displayed, beer is not
brewed here. Nonetheless, 16 micro beers
are on tap and 56 in bottles national
and international. The top sellers, all origi-
nating within 50 miles, are Ommegang, a
Belgian-style pale ale; Brooklyn, a slightly
less-sweet lager; and Captain Lawrence, an
India pale ale.
If not a beer aficionado, you might want to
know the difference between ale, which is
top-fermented and slightly bitter and lager,
which is less bitter and bottom-fermented
a process that takes longer, quite often
up to four months.
Southport Brewing Company, a mini-chain
of pubs, offers food and a varied selec-
tion of beers brewed on their premises
ales, lagers and stout. As with so many
chain operations, the company is plagued
with constant employee turnover. Read
customer ratings on their Web site: south-
portbrewingco.com. They are proud of
their family friendly atmosphere, though
this can sometimes be upsetting for non-
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August 25, 2011 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers 7
family oriented customers. Their locations
are Stamford, Southport, Milford, Hamden
and Branford.
If business takes you to the vicinity of
Hartford or Bradley Airport, allow a little
extra time to visit the Cambridge House
Brew Pub and Restaurant in Granby.
Modestly, they bill themselves as The Best
Brew Pub in Connecticut. For proof, they
point to their Copper Hill Klsch, a German-
style light ale that won gold medals at both
the Great American Beer Festival and the
Great International Beer Festival. It packs a
modest 4.8 % alcohol by volume. Of con-
siderably greater heft is their Abijah Rowe,
with 6.9 %, which won a gold medal at the
2005 Great International Beer Festival.
Another beer destination near Hartford
and Bradley Airport is the Thomas Hooker
Brewing Company at 16 Tobey Road in
Bloomington, where eight ales and three
lagers are brewed. No food is served, but
they offer the ubiquitous munchies every
Saturday from noon to 5 and first and third
Fridays from 5 to 8. These open houses
and tours get crowded arrive early.
Four different beers are usually offered and
theres no limit on quaffing. On entering,
you pay $5 (Saturday) or $10 (Friday) and
on leaving receive an attractive Hooker
glass. The Hooker name, with all its attenu-
ate connotations on T-shirts, mugs, etc.,
will draw you to the gift shop.
Hooker derives from the great Colonial
leader of the late 16th Century and early
17th Century. With other Puritans, he left
England for Holland and then sailed to
America in 1633. He had won a schol-
arship to the University of Cambridge
in England and took his degree in theol-
ogy. A further point of interest is that in
Massachusetts he became the first minister
of the First Parish Church in Cambridge, a
building that still stands.
In 1638, he and 100 of his parishio-
ners founded a new English settlement
in Hartford, which got its name from
Hertford, English birthplace of one of
Hookers assistants. If you check the Web
site of Thomas Hooker Brewery, you will
read about and see pictures of their 11
beers and customers comments on the
brewery and its award-winning brews. All
of these beers are available from tap in
growlers, a 64-ounce glass vessel that
will keep unopened in the fridge for a
week or two. It lasts only four to six hours
after opening. Kegs and half kegs are also
available for taking to your cookout.
As a wine educator and writer, I am
inclined to match my barbecue food with a
complementary wine. To buy directly from
a nearby winery, go online to ctwinetrail.
com, where you will find a map showing
more than 20 Connecticut wineries. All
carry excellent wines for locabibbers.
Teaching students how toreally dance since 1957!
Classes startmid-September*for our 55th yearBorn to Dance!
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Classes in Darien, New Canaan, Wilton & Bedford students from surrounging areas are welcome!
REGISTER TODAY! Program details & registration forms available at:
www.WalterSchalk.comQuestions? Call us at (203)762-7508
The Walter Schalk School of Dance
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8 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011
Divide & conquer: tips for efficient packingby Polly Tafrate
I never bring pants like the ones youre wearing, says
Alice, a gal Im eating breakfast with on a cruise along the
River Danube.
Why? I ask. Theyre pick-pocket proof. Every pocket
has a zipper or button. Thats where I put my money and
credit card. If anybody wants to grab my shoulder bag, all
hell get will be my sunglasses and guidebook.
But your pants are cotton, Alice says. They take up
too much room in a suitcase. We never check our bags
everything fits into our carry-ons.
She goes on to tell our fellow breakfasters how she packs
by only bringing nylon-spandex-y type clothes.
I observe Alices wardrobe throughout the trip and admire
her neutral coordinated outfits. But theyre drab the
only sparkle I see are her exquisite rings and bracelets.
Alices approach is understandable, especially with most
airlines charging for checked bags, imposing a weight
limit and losing luggage. Ive traveled both ways carry-
on or checked bag and have developed a guideline. IfIm on a trip where Ill be doing all the schlepping of my
suitcase (read: steps, taxis, subways, trains), Ill squeeze
everything into a carry-on. But if Im going on a tour and
theyll be handling my luggage, then Ill check my bag
and hope its not lost.
Over my many years of travel, Ive learned a few packing
tips that apply no matter which option you choose.
Consult travel catalogs like Travel Smith (travelsmith.
com) or Magellans (magellans.com) where you can buy
space-saving items. I find the pack-it folders, which assure
wrinkle-free clothes, invaluable. Heres how they work:
Fold your clothing around the special packing boards,
then slip these packets into mesh folders that will fit flat
anywhere in your suitcase. Another option is plastic com-
pression bags. Remove the air by either suctioning it out
with a vacuum hose or rolling it along the floor. They make
handy compact laundry bags for your return trip.
Stuff your shoes and purses full of small items eye
glasses, toiletries, non-liquid medicines whatever fits.
Roll underwear, socks, pajamas and T-shirts and put them
in the bottom of your suitcase to create a flat surface. Line
your belts around the edges of your suitcase.
Find the oft-overlooked spaces on your suitcase. I put flat
things like magazines and books in the zippered outside
pockets and roll up tiny items to put in the space beside
the pull-up handle.
Keep non-prescription drugs in original containers, but
put others like Tylenol and diarrhea medicine in small zip-
lock bags. Buy travel-size toothpaste, hair products and
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August 25, 2011 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers 9
sunscreens, which you can discard when
used.
A Baggallini (bag-in-a-pouch) is wonderful.
It comes as a small packed square and can
be zipped open into a shopping bag. If you
happen to over-buy on souvenirs, this can
become your purse on the plane. How? Put
your purse inside the Baggallini along with
whatever doesnt fit into your suitcase and
sling it over your shoulder.
Wear your heaviest shoes, even if you have
to unlace them when going through securi-
ty, and wear or carry your coat or jacket to
save the added weight. The limit for most
airlines is around 50 pounds, so weigh
your bag on your bathroom scale before
you leave for the airport. Be aware of extra
weight you add throughout your trip. Use
the Pack, Wear, Pitch theory. Take some
of your older underwear or shoes, wear
them and before returning home, toss. This
will lighten your suitcase a bit not much,
but a bit.
A few dryer sheets placed among your
clothes, will give them a fresh clean scent.
Ever arrive home to discover that you
didnt wear everything you took? Lay out
all that you plan to take. Theres an old
adage which Ive found to have some truth
take away half and youll still have too
much.
Above all, dont lose sight of the fact that
the journey and adventure are whats
important not the clothes youre wear-
ing. Enjoy your trip!
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For more informaon please visit our website www.ridley.edu
Fall Classes are forming now!
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10 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011
Saying goodbyeto the lake
by Polly Tafrate
Another summer has slithered past
and its time to begin the not-so-much-
fun of closing up the summer cottage.
This chore might be compared to the
Christmas cleanup of ones house and
yard after getting a bit too deeply into
the holiday spirit.
Its easy to forget whats on the back
end in June when we arrive at the lake.
Having survived another winter is a
heady feeling, and my husband and
I step out of the car in anticipation of
another wonderful summer. The first
thing he does is walk through the cottage
to see if anything is amiss, while the first
thing I do is walk out onto the dock to
revel in the serene view of the lake and
surrounding mountains. These actions
energize us enough to unload the car, lug
the porch furniture outside and slip the
kayaks into the water.
Summer is a fast runner and now its
hard to know where to begin to wave
goodbye as we survey our closing-up
To-Do list. We know spiders will camp
here over the winter and greet us with
an abundance of diaphanous waving
strands when we return. Its the mice
Saturday, October 1st
(raindate October 15)Ballard Park
Main Street Ridgefield, CT11 am - 4 pm
ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITORS,
MUSIC, DANCE, FOOD AND MORE!
admission is FREE
for more information visit:
www.ridgefieldartscouncil.org
A limited number of exhibitor booths are still available for artists and businesses.Register today!
Cultural Festival
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August 25, 2011 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers 11
we dont want to entertain. Theyre not
going to get fat on our crumbs! The high-
pitched whine of the vacuum drones on
for hours.
Among the other not-so-fun chores is my
final visit to the Laundromat for a mas-
sive wash of scatter-rugs, bedspreads and
beach towels which should be called
lake towels. Then comes decision time:
Do we eat the last two kosher-dill pickles
in the jar or toss them? Dump half-used
boxes of cereal in the woods? Pack my
Teva sandals or leave them here?
There has never been a closing where we
havent forgotten to take or do something.
One year we remembered to unplug, but
not empty, the mini-refrigerator on the
porch where we keep the beer, soda
and recycled margarine tubs of fishing
worms. During the cold months the
cans exploded, the bottles broke and the
worms froze. This all blended and, I sup-
pose, froze together. When we arrived in
June it had defrosted into a gelatinous
mess. Another time we forgot to empty
the refrigerators vegetable drawers, or to
take home the bananas swinging from
their little wooden stand atop the micro-
wave. All rotted well. And then there was
the time my husband tossed what he
thought was the bag of stinky garbage
into the rest-stop Dumpster. Instead it
was the bag of shorts, shirts and bathing
suits I was taking home.
We learned the hard way that some
chores need to be sequential on the day
we leave. One rainy morning I got up
extra early to wash and wax the floors,
ignoring, or rather forgetting, the fact
that we hadnt packed the car. Many trips
through the house and muddy footprints
later, we left.
Just as our cars were heavily loaded
on our trip north in June, they have a
similar stuffed-turkey look on our return,
although much of the stuff will be dif-
ferent pottery bowls from a craft fair,
a bag of new books, the great finds that
Lake continued on page 14
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12 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011
Happy feetWHEN IT COMES TO KITCHEN FLOORING
by G. Lisa Sullivan
It took only eight years of begging, whin-
ing and crying, but early this spring I was
finally able to convince my budget-con-
scious husband to replace the worn, dated
vinyl kitchen flooring that we had installed
when we first moved into our house in
June 1996.
To say that the floor had become an eye-
sore would be an understatement. Over
time, the vinyl had yellowed and lost the
original glossy veneer. Mud, dirt and grime
filled the vinyls tiny crevices, and I had to
get down on my hands and knees to scrub
it with Brillo just to clean it, and, eventu-
ally, even that didnt do any good.
It got to the point where I was so embar-
rassed to have people over that I would
dim the kitchen lights and shut the shades
every time we had guests, who presumably
had gotten used to dining by candlelight
at our house, night and day. I desperately
wanted a new floor under foot.
Once I got the go-ahead from The Bank
(aka my husband), I wasnt actually sure
what the best option for a new kitchen
floor would be. Should we go with hard-
wood, tile, laminate or something else?Unfinished wood can be stained vir tually any color to match your decor.
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August 25, 2011 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers 13
I wisely decided to consult a couple of
experts.
Dealers Choice
My first stop: Wilton-based Christopher
Fine Flooring. Owner Chris Mahoney, a
Westport resident, opened the 2,000-
square-foot store at 70 Danbury Rd. in a
recently constructed building, which was
designed to look like a typical New England
Colonial home.
Chris carries wood, tile, marble and high-
end woven wool carpets. While all are
viable options for my kitchen floor, wood
and tile were my own preferred materials,
so I decided to start there.
Clients can choose either custom unfin-
ished wood or prefinished wood flooring,
Chris explains, and each has its advan-
tages. Custom hardwood which is
delivered raw and then sanded, stained
and finished on site allows for a one-of-
a-kind floor since it is available in different
widths that can be mixed and matched to
create a specific look, according to Chris.
Virtually any species of wood oak,
Brazilian cherry, hickory, beech, maple
is appropriate for a kitchen floor, he says.
Wood has excellent shock absorbency,
and it can be stood on comfortably for long
periods of time. Its also extremely durable,
and can be refinished a number of times to
look new again.
Dan Breiner, co-owner of Classic Carpet &
Rug, 84 Commerce St., Stamford, agrees
Wood is always a timeless choice, and
is easily maintained with basic sweep-
ing, vacuuming and damp mopping, he
says. In addition, unfinished wood can
be stained virtually any color, allowing for
total customization.
If a homeowner needs to match a new
wood floor with an existing wood floor, as
we would in the case of our kitchen, which
adjoins both the dining room and living
room, unfinished wood is the best option.
Many kinds of wood are available for kitchen flooring, such as oak, Brazilian cherry, hickory, beech,maple. Courtesy of Christopher Fine FlooringHappy feetcontinued on page 14
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14 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011
will become just right Christmas
gifts, jugs of maple syrup, ears of
corn to freeze
At last I cant ignore the dark cloud
thats been looming over my shoul-
der during this week of closing up
saying goodbye to the lake. Before
getting into the car, I walk out to
the dock for what I call my Zen
moment. I look across the lake to
the mountains that come down to
meet the shoreline and follow these
majestic beauties upwards until I
see their peaks silhouetted against
the sky. My mind always goes to the
same question: What might happen
in my life before I stand here the
next time? Silly as it sounds, I some-
times think the mountains know
if only they could talk. But there
they sit mute in their stoic splendor,
patiently waiting to welcome me
back, whenever that may be.
Lakecontinued from page 11
Its nearly impossible to match pre-fin-
ished wood to what you already have in
another room, Dan says. Many homes
have existing traditional red or white oak,
which has been the mainstay of the wood
flooring industry for years.
Knock On Wood
Prefinished hardwood, on the other hand,
has already been factory sanded and fin-
ished, so it doesnt require any further
treatment once it has been installed. The
many coats of finish applied at the fac-
tory give this type of wood an extremely
durable wear layer, Chris notes. Also,
prefinished wood, with its quick and easy
installation, doesnt result in dust invari-
ably associated with traditional two-and-
a-quarter-inch-strip oak flooring, so preva-
lent in older homes.
Cork, an environmentally friendly prod-
uct, is another alternative, as is laminate
flooring, which is less expensive than
wood. Laminate, which is actually a com-
puterized picture applied to a multi-layer
synthetic flooring product, is made to
resemble wood, tile, slate and stone finish-
es, Dan explains. Its extremely scratch
resistant and doesnt fade, and is a good
choice for the right space.
Tile, the last option I was considering, was
priced comparably to wood, and came in
many colors and sizes. The floor usually
gets installed last, but its selected first,
Chris says.
Customers are choosing larger tiles, rang-
ing in size from 12 inches by 12 inches
to as large as two feet by two feet, par-
ticularly in larger kitchens. Porcelain or
ceramic tile, preferably with a wear-rating
of four or five, is perfect for non-com-
mercial use, Chris says, and it can be
easily installed over a properly prepared
subfloor.
Porcelain, which is extremely durable,
is one of Chriss top-selling kitchen tiles.
With its lower moisture content, its prac-
tically bullet proof, he says, and since
it is the same color throughout, even if it
chips, white will not show through, as with
other types of tile.
Some home owners are choosing natural
stone or distressed looks with tumbled
edges, or contemporary styles with a
straight edge and a slightly contrasting
grout. Darker grout shows less dirt, Chris
says, and with stain-resistant grout now
available, tile flooring is easily cleaned
with ammonia and water.
As for what I decided to do for my own
kitchen floor ... well, youll just have to
come over and see for yourself. I am
deliriously happy with the choice, and
even my husband likes the floor, and you
can be sure well have every light in the
house on and every shade up when you
stop by.
For further information, Christopher Fine
Flooring, 203-210-7112; Classic Carpet &
Rug, 203-359-3622.
Happy feetcontinued from page 13
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August 25, 2011 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers 15
hair and blue eyes. Many men and women
wear jelabas, long flowing robes with point-
ed hoods. Some women continue to cover
their hair and/or face with burkas, while
others dress more like Americans.
Morocco is a photographers paradise
mules laden with heavy loads of cargo that
stick out on either side of their bony backs,
cobalt-and-white tiles arranged in geometric
perfection on gates and fountains in the
inner courtyards (riads) of homes, which
are entered through solid wooden doors
with small amulets attached to keep out evil
spirits. Small grillwork windows over these
doors serve as peepholes, and are the only
clue that there is a large home behind the
door. We photographed everything, and in
time these mules, gates, doors and court-
yards began to merge together like the
churches in Italy.
Much of what we saw at the souks (bazaars)
could not be taken home, but it sure was fun
to window-shop. Each market was packedto the ceiling with wares brightly colored
jelabas edged in silky brocade, red felt tar-
boosh hats (a fez), leather barboush slippers
with pointy toes, lavish wedding regalia,
scarves woven with cactus thread, stacks
of terracotta pottery, mountains of spices,
symmetrical mounds of gleaming olives and
dates, Berber rugs, amulets and talismans,
just to name a few.
Never to be forgotten was the food! Most
Moroccan lunches and dinners start with an
array of about 10 appetizers, arranged on
little plates to pass around the table. If we
didnt know what it was, most likely it was
eggplant. All were delicious, all were per-
fectly spiced. This was followed by several
other courses, often a fragrantly steaming
terracotta tagine was placed in the center
of the table. When the lid was whisked off,
chicken, sometimes beef, rested atop veg-
etables and couscous, all flavored with tur-
meric, honey and apricots. One dinner we
were served bistiya, a platter of wafer-thin
sweet pastry beneath which lay a mixture
of pigeon meat, almonds and eggs. At the
other end of the spectrum was a buffet with
horses hoofs as a choice. Dessert could be
a fruit bowl (a favorite was the Moroccan
tangerine seedless, succulent and as
easy to peel as a Clementine or sweet
desserts. Lunch and dinner never failed to
conclude with mint tea prepared before
us. The server, always a man, would hold
the pot of hot water high above his head
before pouring it in a steady stream into
small gold-rimmed glasses. Remembering
to ask for little sugar was important, asMoroccans are fond of adding at least four
cubes to each tiny glass. We even ate din-
ner at Ricks Caf, the legendary restaurant
where Casablanca was supposedly filmed.
Truth is that many movies are filmed in
Morocco because of the starkly haunting
scenery.
If you ever have the chance, try to visit this
jewel of a country before it becomes a too
popular hotspot. It is my hope to return
for another visit Inshallah if God
wills it.
Moroccocontinued from front page
Cobalt- and white-tiles are arranged in geometric perfection in the inner courtyards. Polly Tafrate
SoundviewPreparatory School
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16 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011
Situated on 172 acres of cliffs, streamsand wooded hills, the Pound Ridge Golf
Club combines natural beauty and mag-
nificent views with one of the finest public
courses in the area. In keeping with its
spectacular setting, the club has made a
commitment to being a vigilant steward
of its land by instituting several green
initiatives.
The course, designed by renowned golf-
course architect Peter Dye, features four
ponds fed by artesian wells and drainage
water, which are used to irrigate all 18
holes. Total volume for the ponds is about
22 million gallons.
The course also features grasses that arepest-resistant, reducing the use of chemi-
cals. A 1,500-square-foot patio was built
with recycled rubber, an eco-friendly new
building material. We call this The Perch,
said general manager Todd Leavenworth.
It is everyones favorite place to gather
the distant views are unbelievable.
Both in the clubhouse and on the course,
disposable cups are made of biodegradable
cornstarch. The woodlands also serve as
habitat for an array of native wildlife.
After 10 years of planning and execution,
the golf club opened to the public in 2008.
Pound Ridge Golf ClubPUBLIC COURSE OFFERS A CHALLENGE IN A MAGNIFICENT GREEN SETTING
by Jane K. Dove
Designed by golf-course architect Peter Dye, the course features four ponds fed by artesian wells anddrainage water, which are used to irrigate all 18 holes. Jim Krajicek
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August 25, 2011 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers 17
High Standards
When Mr. Dye designed the course, he left
dramatic rock formations and boulders on
site, creating a visually stunning setting forgolfers to enjoy. More than 14,000 linear
feet of rock wall surround trees, wetlands
and water hazards. Contoured fairways
wind through hardwood forests and fescue
mounds that lead to open meadows.
Pound Ridge Golf Club plays to a par 72,
houses five sets of tees and measures
7,165 yards. A practice range, short-game
area and putting green are among its other
features.
Our property features some of the high-
est points in Westchester County, with a
number of tee boxes offering expansive
views of the surrounding countryside, Mr.Leavenworth said. On a clear day you can
see Long Island Sound to the south and 50
miles to the north. Our eco-friendly patio
is at our highest point, and we can accom-
modate 60 to 70 there.
Safeguarding water quality on the golf
course and controlling the rate of run-off
is a major concern. The club has a storm-
water management plan that minimizes
the number of impervious surfaces and
maximizes absorption of storm water.
Our concerns in this area led us to the
selection of VAST pavers because the prod-
uct we wanted had to be permeable and
its appearance had to be in harmony with
the natural surroundings of the patio,Mr. Leavenworth said. The rubber paving
stones fit in perfectly and are easily main-
tained.
Mr. Leavenworth said the bent grass used
for the course is hardy, disease- resistant
and helps the club exceed all state stan-
dards for the use of pesticides and fertiliz-
ers. We are well above what they require,
he said.
Looking back over the four seasons the club
has been up and running, Mr. Leavenworth
said each year has gotten better. Our first
year, 2008, was a struggle; 2009 was one
of the rainiest summers in recent memory;2010 was excellent weather; and 2011 has
been great so far in terms of our revenue.
We are up 36%.
Mr. Leavenworth said future plans include
the construction of a permanent club house
to replace the current temporary structure.
We are all looking ahead to a great future
here.
For information: poundridgegolfclub.com.
Cliffs, streams and wooded hills contribute their beauty to the 172 acre course. Jim Krajicek
A Co-Ed Independent SchoolPre-K - 9th Boarding 6th - 9th (860) 435-0871
www.indianmountain.org 211 Indian Mountain Rd., Lakeville, CT 06039
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18 Fall Preview Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 25, 2011