Kensington’s Restaurant at The Spa at Norwich Inn welcomes this season with a lighter, fresher palette of wall colors along with new window treatments that allow diners to enjoy views of the lawns and gardens on the property.
“We are very happy with the results,” said John G. O’Shaughnessy, general manager of The Spa at Norwich Inn. “We wanted to open up the room with more sunlight, more views, and lighter colors that come from the same decorating palette of the public rooms in the rest of the Norwich Inn.”
The large, hand-painted mural of flowers and fruits that covers one long wall of the room remains, as do the chandeliers. The dark paneling on the other walls received a totally different treatment.
In order to highlight the picture-frame moldings that were virtually unnoticeable on the dark walls, a light neutral color was applied to all the areas above the chair rail. Inside the moldings, a soft green paisley wall covering brought in color and highlighted the existing crystal wall sconces that also were retained. Below the chair rail, the walls are painted a rich russet, much brighter and warmer than the previous dark brown. The colors tie in with the patterned carpet and the hand-painted mural, which stands out even more by the dramatic change in the surrounding colors.
The large balloon shades that blocked the exterior views were removed, and the windows are now decorated by textured silk-like swags and jabots in the same russet tone as the window trim. Embossed pleated shades in taupe further soften the windows and easily control natural light.
Gail Sharkey supervised the renovations for Solidus in Rocky Hill.
Kensington’s is open 365 days a year for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For reservations, call 860.425.3630, or visit www.thespaatnorwichinn.com for menus and additional information.
Governor M. Jodi Rell urges CT consumers to take advantage of the State’s 10th annual sales tax-free week – a tax holiday that allows shoppers to purchase individual items of clothing and footwear priced under $300 without paying the usual 6 percent sales tax. This year’s tax-free week runs from Sunday, August 15 through Saturday, August 21.
“This summer has been one for the record books, with more than 20 days with high temperatures of 90 degrees or more and humidity that – at times – has been more reminiscent of South Carolina than southern New England,” Governor Rell said during a news conference at Westfarms Mall, Farmington. “But we also know that the fall – that glorious time of cool nights and vibrant color – is not far away.
“Parents of school-age children are especially sensitive to this change of seasons, because it’s time for back-to-school shopping – and that’s why CT times its yearly Sales Tax Free week for August,” the Governor said. “Both consumers and retailers benefit from this annual end-of-summer ritual: Families get a price break and store owners get increased ‘foot traffic’ in their stores. That’s good for our economy and, in turn, good for keeping and growing jobs – our top mission right now.”
The sales tax free week increases the usual $50 exemption on clothing and footwear. Special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use, accessories, and jewelry do not qualify for this exemption.
Governor Rell noted that retailers often plan sales to coincide with the annual sales tax holiday. Shoppers can take advantage of sales, coupons and store discounts to build on the savings from the tax exemption. Because sales tax is applied after the use of any coupons or discounts, if the final price is less than $300, the sale is exempt. Layaways and rentals of clothing or footwear under $300 are also tax-free during the week. For purchases of $300 or more, sales tax is calculated on the full cost of the item.
“I urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to save on the purchases they need to make before fall,” Governor Rell said.
For answers to questions about the CT Sales Tax Holiday Week, the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) posted details on its website at www.ct.gov/drs
Alfred “Al” Restivo is the recipient of the 2010 Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award, sponsored by Groton Utilities. Al is the seventh person to receive the award. The award was presented on City of Groton Day. As a symbol of the award each year, the Community Service Award winner is presented an Ethan Allen comb back armchair.
Alfred “Al” Restivo is the recipient of the 2010 Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award for his many years of “Giving Back to the Community.” The award was presented to Al at the annual City of Groton Day celebration on August 6. As a symbol of the award each year, the Community Service Award winner is presented an Ethan Allen comb back armchair.
Al has a history as a volunteer. He gives generously of his time and energy to the youth of the community.
William “Bill” Sanford, retired City of Groton Recreation Director, has known Al for many years. “Al has spent a lifetime making Groton a special place to live” Bill says. “He has been a volunteer in our community for over fifty years.”
“Al has dedicated his life to making Groton better,” Bill emphasizes. “Whether it was the need for a league for youngsters to play ball or improvements at our parks or beach, he has always been there, giving generously of his time to make Groton a better place to live.”
Al’s contributions to the community are many. Whether it was as a manager for many youth teams from Little League to Babe Ruth to Pee Wee Football, he was a visible and vibrant part of the youth sports environment.
When the need was there to provide a place for the growing number of youngsters not making the regular Little League to play, Al was a co-founder of the City of Groton Little League Minor League System.
Al also identified another need in the community – a place for 16-18 year olds to play baseball and acted on that need. Al and the Town of Groton Parks and Recreation Department founded the Groton 16-18 Baseball League. Al served as its first president.
Showing his leadership on another level, Al served as a member of the City of Groton Beach and Park Committee for 30 years, helping to lead the way in making Washington Park and Eastern Point Beach, two of the premier recreation areas in Southeastern CT.
His volunteerism is not limited to youth sports. He volunteers on the Sacred Heart Church Administration Committee, serving as chairperson since 1990.
The Selection Committee concluded that of the nominations received, Al met or exceeded the established criteria for the award, citing his tireless efforts in volunteering his time to give back to the community.
The purpose of the award is to honor a member of the community who has contributed his or her time, energy and resources to make the community a better place in which to live and work.
Earle A. Williams was the recipient of the first annual Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award. Subsequent recipients were Robert “Bob” Leeney, E. Marion “Mimi” Orkney, Lillian “Lil” Hansen, Sarah Stanley, and William “Bill” Welsh, Jr.
Groton Utilities named the award, The Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award, to commemorate Mrs. Nixon’s service to her community. Jackie, as she was known to most, operated a food pantry in her residence for 24 years. She distributed food on a regular basis to many needy families. Jackie passed away July 6, 2004 after a brief battle with cancer. Groton Utilities created the award in 2004 during its 100th anniversary year.
The Utility Commission, Management and the employees of Groton Utilities congratulate Al Restivo as this year’s recipient of this award and thank him for his many years of community service.
Michael Maderia, Stonington High School graduate, 1969, authors a book that simplifies a massive subject.
by Roger Zotti
I taught wine for a long time and I find that people look for an understandable way to approach it, because the subject intimidates them,” said Michael Maderia, author of The Song of Wine: Music as a Metaphor for Wine. Writing his book was “an effort” because it meant “simplifying a massive subject that is intimidating.” So Michael used “another subject – music – that doesn’t intimidate us because we grow up with it.” He added that his musical background “is that of a lover of music. I have no professional background. I’ve played guitar and drums most of my life. But really this book isn’t written from the point of view of a music or wine expert. It’s written by someone whose favorite moments in life – well, music and wine have been a big part of those moments. And I found they go together really well.”
A Certified Sommelier, Michael has worked in hospitality for twenty-five years. In the 1980s, he said, “I took over the dining-room management at Flood Tide Restaurant at The Inn at Mystic and we had a pretty good wine list written by a purveyor. But there was no one on staff who understood wine.” So he educated himself and researched wine “pretty much the way someone would write a term paper – by studying and investigating and making sense of the subject.” And he hasn’t stopped learning and teaching: “I was an inn-keeper for twenty-five years and have taught wine both to wait staff and dinner classes.”
How and where does one start with wine? I mean, I suppose I have to pay big bucks for a bottle of “quaffable” red or white. “No!”Michael said. “This book recommends a procedure exactly for that.” Of the five thousand grapes used to produce wine, Michael suggests learning eight of them – “and I list the eight in the book. Once you learn the eight and reach a comfort level with them, after that you can begin to explore elsewhere.”
Here’s what Michael – who now works as a sommelier at a private golf club in Rhode Island – hopes readers take away from his book: “As we choose the music of our lives, we learn to understand what we enjoy. We love the music that’s part of our lives.” It’s the same with wine. “There’s this worry in wine drinkers they’re supposed to taste and enjoy what someone else likes – and that’s not the case. I’d be happy if people realized that their own favorite wines should be their own favorites.”
Reaction to the book has been good, though Michael admitted “it’s not a subject that will ever be a best-seller. It’s a specialized subject. The people who have enjoyed it – especially young people new to wine – have found it helpful.”
Michael Maderia took a diverse and daunting subject and – in clear, often lyrical prose – demystified it and made it exciting and enjoyable. His metaphoric technique demonstrates his knowledge, passion and appreciation for wine and music. The Song of Wine is a marvelous introduction to wine.
So, folks, forget what Miles, Paul Giamatti’s character in the film Sideways, said about Merlot and instead let’s treat ourselves to a glass.
When deer are hungry, they will eat just about anything that grows. This deer damaged Hosta is one of their favorites to eat.
by Gene Henson
It can be devastating. You walk out one morning and find your garden, the one you’ve worked your fingers to the bone nurturing through drought, flood and all kinds of nasty little creatures, almost completely wiped out out. Most everyone think deer are cute and cuddly, until they are the victims of deer appetite. There are, however, a few things you can do to do, if not to prevent it totally, at least cut down the potential for disaster.
The products to keep them away, as well as, the methodology used to employ them, are directly proportional to the number of gardeners who have suffered deer damage. The first thing to remember when dealing with deer, is that they are critters of habit. When they discover that a part of your property is, for them, the equivalent of a local green grocer, they are going to keep coming back until the well goes dry. They may pass up your luscious Hosta, one of their favorites, for your string beans, just because they are there. When deer are hungry, they will eat just about anything that grows. And once they have established a pattern of movement, it’s very difficult to make them change.
By far, the most effective method of deer control is a permanent fence. And it must be a high one. Deer are prolific jumpers, easily topping a six foot fence from a standing start. To be effective, any fence must be at least eight feet high. While effective, fencing may not be practical for the home gardener. They are initially quite expensive and do require maintenance. Plus, let’s face it: they are just downright ugly.
Temporary fencing can be had that’s effective, but the labor involved can be daunting. Scare tactics are another popular method of deer control. Propane cannons, old CD’s hung so they twirl in the wind, motion detectors that turn on sprinkler systems, it goes on and on. Propane cannons do scare them off, until they discover that nothing bad is going to happen. And then, it’s just an annoyance to them, just as it is to your neighbors; same with the old CD’s. A couple days and they’re right back. And when they find out that all they are going to get is wet, all the sprinkler does is water the garden.
Some people shred scented soap, like Irish Spring, while others collect hair from their local hair salon and spread it around. All these things work… for a while. The bottom line here is that there is only one thing you can do to prevent deer damage that is consistent and that remains the fence. All the others do work to some extant, but must be rotated on a regular basis to keep the deer guessing.
There are also commercial products that do a pretty good job. Most of them come in a concentrate that you mix with water and spray on the plants. Most are a combination of egg, garlic extract, pepper and who knows what. They smell to the high heavens and sometimes will keep you out of the garden along with the deer. If using one of these deterrents, be sure to read the label carefully, just as with anything used on your plants. Be particularly careful with anything sprayed on plants that produce food.
Gene Henson is a University of Connecticut certified Advanced Master Gardner.
