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

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MARCH 2010 HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERSMARCH 2010 HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

HOMEEntertaining At HomeMake It Simple, Make It Fun

All Sewn UpCustom Creations For Less

The Need For EleganceMore Than Just A Table Setting

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• 2 • • HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • March 4, 2010 •

by Robin E. Glowa

“If you make something by hand, it can last forever,” says master seamstress and designer Lynn Chalk. Lynn’s talents for handcrafting led her to an exciting career designing and sewing dazzling cloth-ing and home accessories. Recently she opened her studio to the public, offering sewing and design classes for adults and children, as young as 10 years old.

“Making clothing and home accessories gives you a wonderful sense of accom-plishment and fulfillment,” says Lynn. “You create items that are of superior qual-ity and you can often save quite a bit of money in the process. I’m so pleased that shows like Project Runway have become so popular and are inspiring both kids and adults to explore their creativity and learn to sew. I’m definitely seeing a trend where people want to sew again and I am thrilled

to be able to open my studio for design and sewing classes.”

Lynn has been following her passion for sewing since she was a little girl. Her

All sewn upCustom creations for less

Designed, sewn and hand-beaded by Lynn Chalk, this dress exemplifies her artistry. Right, colorful window treatments and pillows are a specialty, created by you or by Lynn. Sewing continued on page 7

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1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton CT 06484203-926-2080

Copyright 2010, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, LLC

Jackie Perry, editorBryan Haeffele, designer

•Thomas B. Nash, publisher

•For advertising information

call 203-926-2080MARCH 2010 VOL IV, ISSUE 2

Special Section to:

The Valley Gazette • The Stratford Star • The Milford Mirror

The Amity Observer • The Trumbull Times • Fairfield Sun

The Huntington Herald • The Monroe Courier • The Easton Courier

HOME

• March 4, 2010 • • HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • 3 •

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by Karen Dydzuhn

Serving up delicious, wholesome foods, Soup Thyme in Monroe attracts loyal cus-tomers who return for more ... sometimes even in the same day.

Lisa Lilly, a librarian at the Monroe public library, stopped in at the popular eatery in the late afternoon to pick up a container of chicken tortilla soup for dinner. She explained that she had already purchased corn chowder for lunch. “While I was wait-ing, I smelled the chicken tortilla soup and asked if I could taste it,” she said. “It was so good that I had to come back and get some.”

Another Monroe resident, Ann Blauch, was also buying some chicken tortilla soup for dinner. “Everything is good in here, and the people are really nice, too,” she said.

Although known for the quality and vari-ety of its soups, Soup Thyme also offers tasty paninis, sandwiches, cold and hot salads and baked goods. Ann said that her favorite is the cheddar cheese and chive scones.

“I’ve always had a talent for putting togeth-er spices,” said Ron Lee, Soup Thyme’s owner and chef. “I learned a lot by just ‘doing,’ but I think I have always had a good sense for knowing what would go well together.”

For 26 years, Ron worked as a private chef for a family in Fairfield. He loved the job, he said, but for a long time he envisioned opening a restaurant like Soup Thyme. “This has always been a dream of mine. I spent a long time visualizing what it would be like,” said the Seymour native.

On Valentine’s Day, Soup Thyme celebrated its fourth anniversary as part of the Monroe business community. “It’s been a hit ever since we opened,” Ron said. “I always noticed that people love soup and, overall, they really, really love to eat good, healthy food.”

During the weekday lunchtime hours, from 11 to 3, the restaurant has a steady flow of customers. Ron said that he “jumps on the cash register” during these busy times to keep the lines moving along. “I know that many of our customers have to get back to work,” he said.

However, people never feel hurried at Soup Thyme. Led by Ron’s sister, Kim, Soup Thyme’s servers are patient and efficient. “She is my right-hand man,” Lee said, smil-ing. The brother-and-sister team honed their culinary skills working behind the counter of their parents’ bakery, Ciesinski’s of Seymour.

With a choice of 10 mouthwatering soups, including daily vegetarian and gluten-free options, customers often have a difficult time deciding what to order. They are encouraged to taste a small sample before ordering.

Ron also honors special requests. “If some-one likes tomato soup, for example, I will ask them when they will be in so that I am sure to have made it that day,” he said.

For example, potato and leek soup is avail-able every Monday because that is when one of Ron’s special customers stops in. He explained that she is having treat-ments nearby to combat cancer and, before returning to her home in Bridgeport, she always picks up some potato and leek soup for dinner. “She is such a sweet woman,” Ron said. “This is her favorite soup and I am so happy to be able to have it ready for her every Monday.”

Ron estimates that Soup Thyme sells at least 30 gallons of soup each day. Paninis are also popular, he added.

As you might imagine, Ron loves to cook creatively. However, he also enjoys the daily

contact with his beloved customers. “I love to hear their stories,” he said. “I’ve gotten to know so many people in the past four years. I also love that people come in happy and, with their soup in hand, they leave happy. That is really what this is all about.”

He admits that he’s a “tough” boss. Overseeing a staff of 10, Ron has high expectations for those who work for him. “I have a phenomenal group of part-time and full-time staff; they work hard and they know what’s expected of them,” Ron said. “For one thing, I expect them to focus com-pletely on the customer. I take a lot of pride in what we do at Soup Thyme and I expect them to, also.”

Ron appreciates their diligence. He espe-cially praises the part-time high school stu-dents who come in every afternoon to do “prep” work. “They cut and chop all of the vegetables and also roast the squash and

caramelize the onions,” he said. “I make a long list for them every day and I expect it to be done by the time they leave.”

Everything must be ready for Ron when he arrives early the next morning. His daily schedule entails baking from 5:30 until about 7, when Kim arrives. He then begins to create the soup broths and stocks, while Kim grills the chicken.

Although Ron said he would one day like to bring Soup Thyme to “another level,” he is happy with the success his business has enjoyed in the past four years. “I’m happy here and I’m happy with my life overall,” Ron said. “This is not a ‘job’ for me. When my alarm goes off at 4:45 every morning, I jump out of bed because I can’t wait to get here.”

Soup Thyme is at 450 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe, 203-268-0214.

Savory soup, savvy service

Owner Ron Lee loves cooking

creatively, but he is equally

fond of getting to know

his customers. One of Soup

Thyme’s paninis is a tasty

complement.

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by Robin E. Glowa

There’s no place like home for gathering with friends and family to enjoy good food, laughter and love. Entertaining at home can be an economical way to express your creativity and prepare an occasion that will be memorable for all.

The comfort and coziness of home is a par-ticularly pleasant alternative to dining out. A party at home offers endless ideas for amusing themes, pleasurable pastimes and rollicking recreation. Birthday parties, casu-al or elegant dinner parties and impromptu get-togethers can all be pulled off with a little help from local retailers, who have everything you need for the perfect party at a perfect price.

A night at the movies

Gather the gang for a night of cinematic thrills or chills — you can rent films for a fraction of the price of movie tickets. Your group can watch their favorite double fea-ture spread out in total comfort on the floor or couch. Pick up the fixings for snacks, like gourmet popcorn, cookies and a selection of candy.

Take the evening a little over the top with a dinner and movie theme. Pair Asian takeout with your favorite Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan film, or plan an entire menu around a classic like The Godfather trilogy. Specialty markets such as Liuzzi’s in North Haven offer abso-lutely delicious antipasto items, including marinated olives, artichokes and roasted peppers, crusty fresh Italian bread, luscious proscuitto and freshly made mouth-watering mozzarella. For a fitting dessert, take a cue from the scene when Clemenza says, “Leave the gun, take the cannolis,” and serve some of Liuzzi’s decadent, to-die-for cannolis. Your guests will love the sumptuous spread, and your party will be a super easy, super afford-able, award-winning hit!

Say cheese

A wonderfully interactive way to engage your guests is to host a cheese tasting party. Tasting cheeses from different countries stimulates both the appetite and the intel-lect. At Villa Gourmet in Milford, owner Linda McIntyre offers an extensive and amazing assortment of cheeses from around the world. For a home tasting, a collection of five to six cheeses will give guests a nice selection to discover and discuss.

For a full-flavor experience, the cheeses should range in texture and taste from soft, smooth and creamy (a melt-in-the-mouth Italian Taleggio or a triple-cream French Brie) to firmer yet still mellow choices (Spanish Manchego or Irish Cheddar) and culminate with a couple of more complex, assertive cheeses (an Italian Piave or a Dutch extra-aged Beemster Classic Gouda).

An experienced and knowledgeable chee-semonger like Linda will offer you tastes of each cheese so you may be sure you are choosing a spectrum of deliciousness for your guests. Attactively arrange them on a

large platter accompanied by fruits, such as seedless grapes, crisp apple slices, ripe pear, fragrant strawberries or plump figs. Add a loaf of French bread, walnut bread and sev-eral types of crackers and you will have all the components for a captivating party.

More bang for the buck

Nearly every community has a dollar store, such as Dollar Tree, which is a rich source of inexpensive inspiration. For at-home birth-day celebrations, ribbons, bows, bags and boxes can be found in bright colors and fes-tive patterns, making gift wrapping easy and affordable. Stock up on balloons, tablecloths, plastic/paper cups, plates and tableware in a rainbow of colors. Party favors, table deco-rations, ornaments, piñata toys, candy and scavenger-hunt items are all available for just a dollar.

Creating a soft, romantic atmosphere is easy when you have a multitude of candles on hand. Dollar stores often have a nice selec-tion of scented and unscented ones in differ-ent sizes and shapes, as well as glass votives. Groupings of five or six candles throughout

the house will look lovely. Using candle holders of various heights adds a custom look so no one will guess how little it cost.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize

Pick a theme for your next party and acces-sorize with oomph and pizzazz. Check out local boutiques for unusual tableware and accessories, especially after holidays, when items may be on sale. Go on a treasure hunt and collect such one-of-a-kind items as shiny peacock paper cocktail napkins from Me Boutique in Milford, romantic rose dish-es from Tickled Pink in Seymour or antique serving platters from Barbara’s Barn in Monroe. Beautifully displayed, tempting foods in a fabulous atmosphere heighten the pleasure of entertaining at home

ENTERTAINING AT HOME

Make it simple, make it fun

DETAILSThe Villa Gourmet

9 River Street, Milford

203-878-8646

thevillagourmet.com

Me Boutique

23 River Street, Milford

203-874-2663

meboutique.com

Tickled Pink

23 Bank Street, Seymour

203-888-8898

tickledpinkct.com

Barbara’s Barn

418 Main Street, Monroe

203-268-9805

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by Priscilla Whitley

Whether you’re buying a home, selling a home or renovating your current one, wood floors are at the top of the list of cov-eted enhancements. Many people, however, think twice about this classic look because of the upkeep. Until recently, sanding has been the only solution, sending even the most seasoned decorator into a frenzy just thinking about the mounds of dust it cre-ates.

For the past 11 years, the Mr. Sandless company has been refinishing hardwood floors without sanding, using their patent-ed, nontoxic, water-based products. Using a process that achieves a similar result to sanding, technicians clean the wood and then apply the company’s own brand of finish to seal the floor. The finish looks like polyurethane and wears like polyurethane, but unlike poly, there are no odors, no toxins, no fumes, and it dries in one hour. That means they can seal your floors with multiple coats in a few hours without the disruption sanding creates.

Steve Geoffrion, a Fairfield County resident, has been in the floor care and building industry in Connecticut for over 10 years, and provides Connecticut with Mr. Sandless products.

“I came across Mr. Sandless through a friend,” Steve said. “After many months of research, I could see the tremendous value of this product to both home and business owners because it’s green, nontoxic and odorless.

“Polyurethane is not necessarily the prod-uct you want in your home,” Steve said, “especially if it was laid down many years ago. The Mr. Sandless product is the healthy alternative to polyurethane, and the only difference is in the product, not in the fin-ish.”

The procedure is simple and fairly non-inva-sive and can usually be completed within a day, depending on how many rooms need to be refinished. Two thousand square feet takes about eight hours, at which point fur-niture is ready to be moved back into place. And there’s no dust and lingering odor.

The process begins with the floors being machine-screened with a special pad and a nontoxic solution. This solution takes the dirt, grime and bad oils out of the wood. Then the floor is rinsed with another cleans-ing product followed by detailing prior to finishing. It is then sealed with multiple coats of finish, which cure in an hour.

The company offers a satin and gloss vari-ety of finish and will lay down as many

coats as necessary, depending on the condi-tion of the floors. Usually two or three coats complete the job, though in high traffic areas, such as kitchens, an additional coat or two may be applied. If furniture needs to be moved, that service can be arranged.

New environmental regulations and con-sumer demand have led to the development of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and zero-VOC paints and finishes like those used by the Mr. Sandless company. Not only are low-VOCs less harmful to consumers’ health, they help reduce ozone-depleting contaminants in landfills and groundwater. Reduced toxins benefit everyone, as well as those with allergies and chemical sensitivi-ties.

The company offers a five-year warranty stating the finish will not peel, crack, chip or yellow. If there is damage, such as pet urine or ingrained scratches, they also offer board replacement if necessary, and can service modern-engineered or laminated flooring.

With an older home or a historic residence, the wood floors may have been sanded down for so many years they cannot be sanded anymore. In these cases, looking into a non-sanding product makes sense in order to restore the wood while retaining the classic look.

Four episodes of the popular HGTV have featured the Mr. Sandless method of refin-ishing, and the list of institutes that use the service is impressive. The Smithsonian Institute, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, St. John’s University and Uno’s restaurants are Mr. Sandless customers.

“My long-term goal is to develop Mr. Sandless here in Connecticut as the floor-refinishing service of choice,” said Steve. “And to that end, proper education is the key. For 95% of homeowners who are looking to refinish their wood floors, Mr. Sandless is the solu-tion. For most jobs, we can come in the morning and be done by the time the hom-eowner returns in the evening. Our focus is on quality, and we are committed to serving our customers in a professional manner.”

The sandless method of maintaining hard-wood floors enables homeowners to add a luxurious flair to living, update a home and provide a desirable selling asset. Mixing the classic look of a beautiful wood floor with a contemporary lifestyle is a perfect blend.

Steve offers a free estimate and can be reached at 203-798-WOOD (9663) or by e-mail, [email protected]. For photos and videos of the process, or more informa-tion, visit the Web site, mrsandless.com.

A QUICK, NO SANDING SOLUTION

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A well-worn floor’s beauty is restored, as shown in the before-and-after photos.

BEFORE

AFTER

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fascination with color, pattern, texture and gorgeous embellishments has taken her from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, across the country to Los Angeles and back to the tranquility of suburban Connecticut.

After graduating from FIT, Lynn turned down offers to work for big-name designers and instead focused on cre-ating her own custom clothing line. “I’ve always enjoyed forging my own path; I like to think outside the box,” Lynn says. “My feeling is, if you create your own look using beautiful materials and fine workmanship, your look will always be in fashion!”

Her move to L.A. provided her with amazing inspiration and wonderful opportunities to sell her one-of-a-kind cus-tom clothing. “I was also working at the William Morris Agency, where I met some great people who hooked me up with the exclusive store Fred Segal. I sold my clothing through Fred Segal to celebrities who were appearing in MTV videos, TV award shows and movies, in magazines and on stage. It was a fantastic experience,” she says.

One of Lynn’s signature fashion statements is her use of whimsical, delightful beading. A stunning black dress hangs in her studio, lustrous in hand-beaded, brilliant yel-low sunflowers and small black spiders. Her use of color and fabric is original and refreshing. Lynn also displays a sumptuous Russian coat she created from leftover mate-rial, with a dramatic gold pin attached to the lapel, as well as hand-beaded lotus leaves on the pockets, creating an opulent yet completely wearable piece.

“Sewing is a wonderful way to recycle,” says Lynn. “Fabric scraps can be turned into handbags, scarves, window treatments, really just about anything. I’m a fabric nut,” she says. “I also collect buttons, many of them antique. Sometimes I create outfits just to go with the buttons!”

Marriage and motherhood brought Lynn to her home and studio in Monroe. “I began making window treatments to sell so I could stay home with my daughter. Teaching classes seemed like such a natural progression,” she says.

Lynn’s husband, Scott, built a studio for her that is an incredible work of art itself. A massive, airy space domi-nated by her huge loom and drenched in sunlight, the studio is a warm, wooden haven, embellished with hand-hewn beams and fabulous copper and stained glass details. Students will love working in this space, which is suffused with positive energy.

Lynn also has a deep appreciation for the earth, its resources and the environmental movement. “I dye my own wool and grow plants for the dye. I weave. I take a lot of inspiration from nature. I think young people are really getting it; they are in tune with saving the planet,” she says, “and by teaching children to sew, they learn to reuse materials and can appreciate working in harmony with the earth. Again, making things yourself is economi-cal and is a terrific outlet for creativity.

“Young kids really like to make things with their hands,” Lynn says with a big smile. “I’ve found that the children I’m teaching have intuitive creativity; it just flows through them. The best thing to do is get out of their way and let them go to it! I give them guidance and let them have fun. It’s a non-restrictive way of learning. I’ve done several birthday sewing parties and these have been a huge hit with the kids. They get to make cool, totally usable stuff like pocketbooks and pillowcases. They open my eyes to new ways to use fabric and color.”

Teenagers who are interested in a career in fashion can benefit from Lynn’s abundant expertise and experience. Lynn will work with teens to help them create an indi-vidual look and designs, as well as assembling a portfolio. Her extensive collection of vintage patterns, books and magazines will provide them with inspiration.

Adults who want to make their own clothing or home accessories, such as pillows and window treatments, will also enjoy the experience of working in Lynn’s peaceful studio. She has a wide base of wholesale resources that will help students create items with a custom, high-end look for a fraction of the price. Private and group lessons are available weekdays, evenings and weekends.

For more information, call Lynn at 203-459-4919, or visit lynnchalk.com.

Sewing continued from page 2

Classes for children and adults are held in Lynn’s studio.

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by Joanne Greco Rochman

With an economic climate that is more chill-ing than a cold March morning, and with hectic schedules that keep fast-food drive-throughs thriving, there’s a need to lift the heart and lighten the spirit. In other words, in our complicated and busy world there’s a real need for elegance in our daily lives. More than just civilized, we now embrace cultured, refined and simple good taste. We’re acutely aware of this in our holiday traditions and special occasions. That’s when we bring out the family china and set our tables elegantly.

People often confuse elegance with elabo-rate, when in actuality elegance is more closely aligned with simplicity and grace. Take a moment and think back to the most elegant table setting you remember. Chances are that the memorable setting featured flowers and/or candles. With flowers so read-ily available these days, it’s not a hardship to brighten your breakfast table with a single rose or a pretty daisy. Truth be told, a single flower is often more dramatic than a fussy floral arrangement. Try putting one flower by each table setting at any meal and your family will likely ask what special occasion is being celebrated. A single flower can be quite powerful. It can transform the ordinary to the elegant.

Candles on a dinner table not only add ele-gance but warmth and romance. Affordable and plentiful, candles also have that quality of transforming what is common to uncom-mon. Yet, for some strange reason, people tend to bring out the flowers and candles for only the most auspicious occasions. Place a couple of candles on your dinner table tonight and someone is going to think that something special is happening. And it is.

Other items that people like to store away with candlesticks and bud vases are those too rarely used heirloom china plates, crys-tal stemware and sterling silverware. Bridal registries have made it possible for many young couples to acquire fine china and crystal, most of which is either permanently displayed in lighted china cabinets or tucked safely away in storage. Those who have such beautiful accessories can actually turn any meal, even breakfast, into a pleasant and memorable event. Try serving orange juice in a Waterford or Baccarat goblet. Serve toast and scrambled eggs on Limoges plates. It’s a great way to start a day. This kind of elegance can not only enhance one’s disposition, but

it goes a long way in making someone feel downright special.

This translates to the most mundane situa-tions. For instance, when my children were young and came down with colds or sore throats, I would always fix them tea with lemon and honey. However, I always served the tea from an especially pretty teapot and they drank their tea from delicate china tea-cups, saucers included. It always got them smiling even when they were feeling under the weather. While there’s no known medici-nal quality to serving tea in a china cup, I’m convinced it helps with the healing.

Granted this is a far cry from the so-called elegance experienced in the golden age of Newport. In Deborah Turbeville’s Newport Remembered, a lavish table setting is vividly described. It’s the type that the Vanderbilts would have enjoyed and used for their eight-course meals. At the turn of the 20th Century in Newport, extravagance rather than ele-gance was all the rage. One table setting was described as featuring a stream that flowed

down the center of the table. It actually had fish swimming in it. On this table at each place setting, there was a “small sterling silver pail and matching shovel.” These were used to dig into individual sand piles where some 50 guests found “thousands of dollars worth of rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds.” Extravagant, yes. Rich, yes. But extravagance and wealth are not synony-mous with elegance.

Thanks to the Internet, tag sales, and auc-tions, it’s easy to purchase reasonably priced china and crystal. Mixing and matching odd dishes and glasses can work like a charm when unified with matching cloth napkins. However, it is important to note that one doesn’t need to have china or crystal to set an elegant table. The standard for gracious living and entertaining is really a matter of individual taste.

It’s all in the eye of the beholder as well as in the attitude of the person setting the table. When you intentionally make a table-scape

special, it is quickly recognized as such by others.

One especially memorable and elegant lun-cheon was cleverly created by a garden club member. She had no fine china or crystal on her elegant table. She served a delicious chicken salad in individual, edible lilies on simple glass dishes ... diners could see straight through to the placemats decorated with oversized elephant ear leaves.

Often we hear designers repeat the man-tra, “Less is more.” That saying and a true appreciation for living should be included in a guide to elegant table settings. Of course, imagination and attitude should also be included.

Knowing that something as simple as a flower, candle or piece of china will not only transform a table setting but make someone feel special, shouldn’t that take you straight to the florist or china cabinet? It‘s quite remarkable how a touch of elegance can transform our everyday lives.

The need for elegance TRANSFORMING MORE THAN A TABLE SETTING

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Saint Mary’s By The Sea

LOCATION: This appealing Cape-style home is in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, with just a short walk to the beach.

PROPERTY: The level, attractively landscaped grounds are low-maintenance and can be fully enjoyed from a spacious screened porch.

HOME: A well-designed home, it features four bedrooms, two up and two down and two baths. There’s a living room with fireplace, a dining room, a family room and an eat-in kitchen.

GARAGE: Two-car attached.

PRICE: $425,000.

REALTY: Weichert Realtors.

Agent: Mindy Wolkstein, 203-226-5100.

Photography by Wayne Ratzenberger

■ HOME I OF THE I MONTH ■

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