Dining with the Dudleys
but fresh is better. Also, the original recipe calls for white pep-
per but I hate the taste of that stuff!
Into the seasoned soup, stir 1/2 cup to a full cup of heavy
cream or whole milk depending on how rich your taste is. Once
the soup is stirred, carefully reheat it without allowing it to boil
or burn. If you think it's too thick, add a little stock but bear in
mind it should be velvety smooth and creamy. Correct the sea-
sonings and once you're happy with it, the soup is ready to
serve, Enjoy!
The traditional main dish at many American holiday din-
ners is turkey of course, but it's not my favorite part of the
meal by any stretch. As a matter of fact, I rather look at a
turkey as being nothing more than a great thing in which to
cook stuffing!
My favorite turkey stuffing recipe will yield enough to stuff
up to a 17 pound bird. It starts with cutting up enough sliced
bread with crusts to make 10 cups of 1/2 inch bread cubes.
It's a lot of fun to mix in different types of bread like whole
wheat or even a slice or two of pumpernickel. There's also
nothing wrong with using stale bread. In fact, more often than
not, I just go down to the local bakery to see what kind of stale
bread I can gather. I often end up taking away a bag of Italian
bread and rolls for free! After slicing and cubing the bread,
toast the cubes carefully on a baking sheet in the oven until
they are golden brown and then remove them from the oven
and set them aside.
Next, (or while your toasting the bread, if you can manage
to do two things at once) put a stick of butter in a heavy stock
pot on the stove over a low to medium heat. To the pot, add 2
finely chopped onions, a cup of finely chopped celery, a hand-
ful of raisins, currants or better yet, craisins and the finely
chopped giblets from the turkey. Cook for about 5 minutes and
then remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 Tbsp of dried
parsley, 1 tsp of dried sage, 1 tsp of dried thyme, 1 tsp of salt
and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.
To this mix, gradually add the bread cubes, stirring all the
while. You may need to sprinkle some water or stock in to get Now Taking Reservations for Christmas and New Year's Eve.
enough liquid to lightly moisten all of the bread cubes evenly
but don't do this until you've added all of the bread cubes and
then only if it's needed. I usually have a small sauce pan sim-
mering with some water and the turkey neck for this purpose.
Like my grandma used to say, "Waste not, want not" Once the
mixture is thoroughly blended, stuff it into the turkey without
packing it in too hard. Don't forget to stuff the neck flap too!
You can get a lot of stuffing in there, and with my family, I
need to cook all the stuffing I can! Truss up the bird, stitch the Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am-7pm
flaps shut, and roast away. Saturday, 9am-6pm · Sunday, 9am-5pm
After a big dinner, we like to sit around the fireplace and
drink hot cups of Mulled Cider. There just doesn't seem be
anything better for a cold winter night, whether it's Christmas
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 17
Dining with the Dudleys
or not. Mulled Cider is also a lot less fattening than eggnog!
Mulled Cider is quick and easy to make with 3/4 cup wa-
ter, 1/2 cup sugar, 3/4 cup raisins, 4 sticks of cinnamon, 8 whole
Wine & Dine Special cloves, 8 whole allspice, the grated colored portion of the peel
Two entrees and a bottle of wine for only $25 of 1 lemon (the zest), the zest of 1 orange and 1 whole lemon,
thinly sliced, with seeds removed. Combine all of these ingre-
every Sunday, Monday & Tuesday dients into a 4 quart enamel or stainless steel stock pot, stir it
up, and bring it to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to
8 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic low, cover it, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then, add 2 1/2
(860) 572-1180 · www.themysticboathouse.com quarts apple cider and slowly heat the mixture until hot, with-
out boiling it. The traditional way to heat each serving of this
beverage is to heat a poker in the fireplace until red hot and
then dip the poker into the mug of spiced cider. Although it
sounds romantic and all, it also sounds dangerous, so I'll stick
with heating it up on the stovetop!
However you choose to heat your cider, stuff your turkey
or thicken your Vichysoisse, my family and I would like to
wish you all the very best for this festive season. Happy Holi-
days from the Dudleys!!!
Happy Holidays
from
Flander’s
Donut & Bake Shop
327 Flanders Rd., East Lyme
247 Main Street, Phone:
Open Saturday, Christmas Eve
Niantic 860·739·2041 4:00 am to 4:00 pm
Call Today To Place Your Holiday Orders For:
Assorted Pies · German Christmas Stollen · Bagels
Donuts · Angel Wings · Butter Cookies · Rolls
Pastries · Coffee Cakes · Strudels
Christmas Cakes · Cookie Platters
Now Serving
3 Cookie Platters
lb.
Closed Christmas Day - January 1st
Mon-Thur & Sat 4am - 4pm · Fri 4am - 6pm
Closed Sunday
Phone: 739-6320
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 18
Old Lyme Ice Cream our e
kY v
B o o ear’s E s
Shoppe & Cafe w Y vation
Ne s e r
Celebrating its Re a r l y !
E
10 Year Anniversary!
This local favorite was started
by the Albert family in 2001 with
the goal of making the best
homemade ice cream around. For the last two years, Jason
and Eileen Conroy (and now baby Ainsley) have carried
on this tradition. The Conroys are grateful for the many
loyal customers who have helped keep the shop going!
Stop by to see what new creations they have for you!
*One coupon per table *One coupon per table
excludes tax & gratuity. excludes tax & gratuity.
Not valid with other offers Not valid with other offers
We Make Our Own Premium Ice Cream & Italian Ices or holidays. Expires 1/31/12 or holidays. Expires 1/31/12
Cones · Sundaes · Shakes · Fresh Sliced Deli Sandwiches
Ashlawn Farm Fresh Ground Coffee & Espresso Bar
HOMEMADE CELEBRAT I NG
CELEBRAT ING
ICE CREAM, OUR 10th
CAKES & ANNIVERSARY!
SOUPS
Open Tues - Sat at 11 A.M., Sun at 12 P.M.
Free Wine Tastings
Every Friday & Saturday 12-8 pm
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 19
C h i l d r e n 's SING-A-LONG
o WITH SANTA
r Join us at the Bill Memorial Library, in the City of Groton, on Mon-
n
day, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. for an evening with Santa Claus. Santa
will visit with all the children before leaving for the North Pole.
Enjoy some old-fashioned Christmas caroling and warm up with
e hot cocoa and cookies.
Parents, be sure to bring your cameras! Santa will give every
r child the opportunity to be photographed with him in front of the
library’s cozy fireplace.
This annual event is a fun time for the whole family. This is a free
FL ANDERS
FLANDERS program and no registration is required. Call the library at 860-445-
0392 for more information.
PEDIATRICS LLC
PEDIATRICS, LLC The Bill Memorial Library is located at 240 Monument Street in
Maria Alexandra Lopez, M.D.,F.A.A.P. Groton, near the Groton Monument and Fort Griswold. The library,
Michelle A. Cretella, M.D., F.A.A.P. now more than 100 years old, has an extensive collection of books
Brenda McNeil, APRN and media for adults and children. Visit their web page at http://
FLU SEASON IS UPON US - PLEASE CALL billmemorial.org
TODAY FOR A FLU SHOT APPOINTMENT
Bilingual (English and Spanish) · Now accepting new patients
Same-day appointments available · 24 hour physician on call
Waterford Public Library
www.flanderspediatrics.com Child & Youth Programs
13 1 Bos t on P os t Rd., Eas t L yme, CT
Bost ost
Pos East Lyme, For more information or to register call 860-444-5805
860-739-0348 StoryTime Programs
Mother Goose On The Loose: Tuesday, December 6, 13 (10:00-10:30)
and Wednesday, December 7, 14 (10-10:30) A program that com-
bines music, movement, books, and language development to help
children get ready to read. Birth - 3 years with an adult.
Fantastic Friends: Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15 (10-10:45) This
Holiday Special story time features music, stories, and crafts. Age 3 and up.
Selected Items Mother Goose At Night: Monday, December 5, 12 (6-6:30) A pro-
gram that combines music, movement, books, and language devel-
BUY 1 ITEM AT $10 opment to help children get ready to read. Birth - 3 years with an
OR adult.
BUY 2 AND GET 1 FREE Special Programs
Mathemagic: Saturday, December 3 (10-2) Fun activities to en-
hance math skills including counting, shapes, time and patterns.
Don’t miss our estimation contest! For preschool to grade 3 with a
parent/caregiver.
Game Day: Saturday, December 10 (10-2) Games, games, games;
HARVEST CHRISTIAN play ours or bring your own. Play against your family or friends and
enjoy the competition!
FELLOWSHIP
“A place of comfort and healing”
Crafty Kids: Saturday, December 17 (10-2) Make and take craft pro-
gram for all ages with a parent/caregiver. All materials provided free.
· Contemporary Worship · Relevant Bible-Based Teaching · For all ages with an adult.
· Children’s Ministry · Men’s & Women’s Groups · World of Color(ing): Tuesday, December 27 through Friday, De-
AWANA Children’s Programs cember 30, (10-2) Winter themes to color for all ages with an adult.
Join Us Every Thursday at 7pm Teen Programs
FREE Men’s Breakfast 1st Sat. 8:30AM - Sunday Service 10:30AM TAB: Saturday, December 10 (2-3) The Teen Advisory Board will
Celebrating 15 Years in Niantic/East Lyme meet to discuss program ideas and other ways to make the library a
5 Freedom Way, Niantic - Exit 72 off I-95 - behind the Bridal Mall more teen friendly place. Grades 6-12.
visit us at www.harvestcf.net or call:
AniManga Club: Saturday, December 17 (2:00) Stop in for an anime
442-7423 or 739-5723 screening and discussion. Grades 6-12.
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 20
We have begun our 16th
dance season and we invite
all to come and enjoy a fun
Official Opening and family-friendly environ-
ment. Call, email or come in
of the 17th Annual for a visit.
Fantasy of Lights
Despite a chilly and rainy start, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries
flipped the switch at New Haven's Lighthouse Point Park to light up
the 17th Annual Fantasy of Lights on Thursday, November 17, 2011.
Celebrating the opening was Title Sponsor PSEG, the Nathan Hale
School fourth grade chorus, police recruits from The Connecticut
Police Academy – POST, Mayor-Eelct, Joseph Maturo, Jr., volun-
teers, sponsors, employees, family members and participants of the
Easter Seals Goodwill Industries programs.
“We are so excited about this year’s Fantasy of Lights,” said
Eloise Mongillo, the Director of Development. “We have a brand
new nativity scene, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and a
new Santa with fire dog display, sponsored by Honeywell Fire Sys-
tems. We are very thankful to our Title Sponsor, PSEG, who make this
BAY · BARN FOR ARTISTIC YOUTH
ART LESSONS
event possible. And this year, we have fourteen displays with LED
lightbulbs, which save energy and make the displays even more
colorful and vibrant.”
The Fantasy of Lights Preview Party kicked off with the Nathan 35 WEST MAIN STREET · NIANTIC
Hale School fourth grade chorus singing a variety of holiday carols, 860-691-0555
including one that they wrote especially for the Fantasy of Lights.
At approximately 5:30, Donna Zampa, a program participant of
Easter Seals Goodwill Industries helped president, Richard Borer Ukleja’s Christmas Tree Farm
and PSEG’s Michael Stagliola to flip the switch, to turn on the Fan-
tasy of Lights for the 2011 season.
81 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill, CT
The party wrapped up with a special surprise visit from a few Strictly Christmas
famous holiday characters: Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the
Ornaments, Wreaths, Lawn Novelties,
Red-Nosed Reindeer. Finally, the big man himself, Santa Claus ar-
Silk Flower Arrangements & Other Items
rived with his very own police recruit escort. The park was then
to make your Christmas Wonderful
opened for everyone to drive through.
Come help Vinnie and Sue Ukleja
The Fantasy of Lights will be open to the public until January 7, celebrate their 21st year in business!
2012. It opens each night at 5pm and closes at 9pm on Sundays
through Thursdays and at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Admis- SPEND THE DAY WITH
sion is $10 for cars and family vans, $25 for mini-buses and $50 for MR. & MRS. SANTA CLAUS
full sized buses. Additional information is available at Saturday, Dec. 10 th from 10-3
www.ctgoodwill.org/fantasyoflights. ~ FREE ~
Hot Chocolate, Donuts and Pictures with
Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus!
A gymnastics school dedicated to the healthy Collecting non-persihable food items for
physical, mental and social development of Montville Social Services from September 18th - Christmas Eve.
children announces Winter registration for ages 12
months and up. Call for a free trial!!
Open 9:00 a.m. ‘til 5:00 p.m. Every Day of the Week
from Sept. 18th ‘til Christmas Eve
(860) 443-8717
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 21
THE HISTORY OF SANTA
CLAUS IN AMERICA
by Brian Conklin
We all know who Santa Claus is - right? He’s the white bearded guy
that lives at the North Pole with his wife and an army of elven
helpers. We also know that he's sometimes referred to as Saint
Nicholas or "Saint Nick" but how many of us know that there actu-
ally was such a man?
Saint Nicholas was the Archbishop of Myra in what is now
Turkey during the rule of the Holy Roman Emperor Constantine.
Before he was a saint, Nicholas became famous for his devotion to
the church and to the poor and their children. He was also particu-
larly noted for his generosity.
It is said that there once was a good man in Nicholas' church
who had three daughters but was very poor and could not raise a
dowry for any of them.
As the story goes: under the cover of darkness one night,
Nicholas secretly climbed to the roof of this man's cottage and
dropped a bag full of gold coins down the chimney. When the
oldest daughter awoke in the morning and went to start the fire, she
found the bag of money. The family had no idea who did this - but
now that she had her dowry, she was soon wed. Nicholas was later
to drop more gold down the chimney until each of the poor man’s
daughters were married.
Canonized long after his death, Saint Nicholas is still honored
in many European countries where the anniversary of his death on
December 6th has been celebrated for centuries. In fact, many of
the people in these countries exchange gifts on that day only, re-
serving Christmas for more solemn devotions.
Since the Puritans didn’t recognize saints - and actually out-
lawed the celebration of Christmas in Massachusetts I think it's
safe to say they didn’t bring "Saint Nick" to America. That honor
goes to the Dutch settlers who colonized New York in the early
1600's. "Sint Niklaas" or more commonly, "Sinter Klaas" was al-
ready a well-established figure in Dutch culture at the time and
though he ran into a temporary lapse of popularity during Holland's
own Protestant Reformation, the ancient Dutch tradition of "Sinter
Klaas" still lives on to this very day.
To modern Dutch children, Sinter Klaas lives
not at the North Pole, but in Madrid, Spain. How
he came to live there is anybody's guess, but
he has lived there since the earliest Dutch
nursery rhymes mention him. He spends
his days there keeping track of the naughty
and the nice in a great book. Meanwhile his
sidekick "Zwarte Piet" (Black Peter) makes
all of the toys and goodies.
Each November Sinter Klaas sails to
Holland with Zwarte Piet who is said to
be black because of all the chimneys he's
dropped down. Judging by the way he
dresses, however, it's probable that
Zwarte Piet actually has his origins in the
tales of the African Moors that once ruled
much of Spain.
In the Netherlands, the annual arrival
of Sinter Klaas and Zwarte Piet by ship
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 22
SANTA CLAUS Mary Ann Salvatore, GRI, SRES
Realtor
from Spain is a major event which is televised nationally. After (860) 235-4656 cell
they've arrived, Dutch children put their shoes out by the fire- www.maryannsalvatore.com
place at night before they go to bed. Each Maryann.salvatore@cbmoves.com
morning, the children check the shoes
knowing that one night, before the Eve
of the Feast of Saint Nicholas on De-
cember 5th, Sinter and Piet will visit
their home and leave them something.
Dressed in the red robes of a Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage
bishop with a red bishop's hat and a NEW OFFICE LOCATION
golden shepherd's crook, Sinter Klaas 132 Boston Post Road,
rides to each rooftop on his white horse East Lyme
"Schimmel". There, he listens down
the chimney to hear reports of how well
the children have behaved and makes
careful notes in the great book he al-
ways carries. If the reports are good,
Zwarte Piet drops down the chimney,
fills the children's shoes with small
presents or candies and cookies and
takes the clutches of hay, carrots and water that the children have
left for Sinter's horse. If the children have been bad, Zwarte Piet
might leave a switch of birch for their parents to punish them with,
but if they've been really bad, he might take them from their beds in
the night and carry them off to Spain in his sack!
Although our own Santa gets his name from Sinter, the Ameri-
can Santa that we know today apparently came into our collective
cultural consciousness only after the publication of the immensely
popular poem "A Visit From Saint Nicholas" which was penned by
a distinguished biblical scholar named Clement Moore in the mid-
1800's.
In this poem which begins with the classic line, "T'was the
night before Christmas.." Moore probably drew heavily on the lo-
cally popular description of Saint Nicholas to flesh out his charac-
ter. How much may have been his own invention, however, will
probably never be known. It is obvious that Sinter had already at
some point traded in his horse for eight Scandinavian reindeer. And
somewhere along the way, he'd also turned into a plump and jolly elf
dressed from head to toe in furs and dropping down chimneys on
Christmas Eve with a sack of gifts.
Santa might have gotten those characteristics from immigrants Upcoming Puppy Kindergarten classes:
from southern Germany for it is there that an elf-like character named Niantic - starts Thursdays December 8th 6:00 pm
"Belznickel" was part of the Christmas tradition. This character's Mystic - starts Sundays December 4th 1:30 pm
odd name evolved from the term "Pelz Nickole" which meant liter- starts Saturdays January 7th 1:30 pm
ally, Nicholas in pelts or furs.
The Germans managed to keep their precious Saint Nicholas Upcoming Basic Manners classes:
alive through their Protestant Reformation by taking away his holi-
Niantic - starts Wednesdays December 7th 7:10 pm
day and turning him into the character "Belznickel" who traveled
starts Thursdays December 8th 8:00 pm
around with his companion "Kriss Kindle" (Kriss Kringle) on Christ-
mas Eve. Belznickel was reduced to being a kind of gnome who's Mystic - starts Sundays December 4th 12:30 pm
job was to frighten children with his furry clothes and long beard.
He’d come to their house and interrogate the children about their
behavior. If he found that they'd been good he'd quickly smile to
put them at ease before he dissapeared into the night. After this,
Kriss Kindle, a cherubic child sent from Jesus on the back of a
donkey, would leave the good children gifts in their shoes and
stockings as they slept in the night.
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 23
SANTA CLAUS
For the bad German children however, Kriss Kindle and
Belznickel always had "Krampus" close by, ready to punish them or
to stuff them in his sack and carry them off. The Krampus may offer
a more sinister light to the origins of Zwarte Piet because, to the
Germans, the Krampus was none other than Satan himself who was
Fashioned Charm!
Old Fashioned Seaside Charm! said to have been enslaved by Saint
Nicholas.
Homemade Fudge, Pies, Chocolates, Nostalgic Candy
Krampus has been depicted
Popcorn, Pretzels, Hot Dogs & Ice Cream
over the years in many guises and
860 739-7800 · 334 Main Street, Niantic in the earliest drawings he is
shown in Moorish clothing just
Open 7 Days at 11:00 am Year Round like today's Zwarte Piet. In more
recent times however, Krampus
closely resembles the Devil as we know
him, complete with horns, cloven
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Maybe it’s just that we don't
We have factory trained like having Satan in our holiday
traditions, but one can only guess as to
technicians and can why even the less-than-demonic Moorish helper of Sin-
ter Klaas never gained favor here. Maybe it’s because many early
save you an average of Americans kept African slaves and didn’t want their children associ-
ating them with Santa Claus.
25%
What is certain is that, over the years since he came to America,
FREE LOCAL FREE LOCAL Santa Claus has traded in his furs and bishop's robes for a red flannel
TOWING TOWING suit and a funny red cap. He’s also relocated from Spain to the North
Pole, he got married to Mrs. Claus and, more recently, he picked up a
red-nosed reindeer as a sort of navigational aid for foggier nocturnal
on you car repair. sleigh rides.
As you can see, there's a lot more to this jolly guy than you may
have thought. He's not just a hollow plastic figure on a suburban
lawn. On the contrary, he started out as a Turkish Archbishop. Keep-
ing all this in mind, on Christmas Eve, I'm going to make sure my
chimney is clean and that there are plenty of cookies and milk set out
for him and maybe even some oats for his reindeer too. I also know
better than to try to surprise him or catch him on video so I'm just
going to let him do his work and move on to the next house. Remem-
ber, after he visits every single home in the world, he has to fly all the
way back to the North Pole! Besides that, I'm afraid he might still be
keeping in touch with that Krampus guy!
12/31/11 12/31/11
12/31/11
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 24
Regional Events
CONCERT: Occidental Gypsy - 8pm Saturday Dec 17 at the CONCERT: Cappella Cantorum Messiah Sing-Along 4pm Sun-
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook day, Dec 18 at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300
- Take the high-energy rhythms and Gypsy Swing sounds of Django Main St., Old Saybrook - MESSIAH Singalong or Listen, spon-
Reinhardt, add irresistible pop hooks plus the improvising spirit of sored by Cappella Cantorum. The Singalong is open to all, featur-
early jazz and what do you get? The unique music of Occidental ing professional soloists. Bring your Messiah Scores if you have
Gypsy - who take contemporary music and add an Eastern Euro- them or they will be provided. Singers Call time is 3:30 PM. The
pean flair. Best known for their “gypsified” cover of Michael audience is invited to sit in the back, witness the short rehearsal
Jackson’s thriller and their Harry Potter soundtrack cover, they and the Sing. www.cappellacantorum.org
bring their energy and charm to the Kate. Call (877) 503-1286 for Celebration of the Winter Solstice, Sunday December 18th at 4:30
more information or visit online at www.thekate.org pm at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 19 Jay Street,
Children’s Chirstmas Party, Sunday, December 18th, 2:00pm - New London. Come join us for our annual celebration of the winter
5:00pm at The American Legjon Post 128, Niantic, sponsored by solstice! Our winter solstice celebration is an affirmation of ancient
The Amercan Legion Auxiliary, Unit 128. All children welcome! wisdom, through music and storytelling, that draws from an eclec-
You do not need to be a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. tic array of Greek mythology, Pagan chants, universal drumming,
Refreshments, entertainment, special guest Santa!! Pictures with Native American texts, and singing. Lots of singing! Come join us
Santa! Parents: Please bring one wrapped (not over $10.00) gift as we welcome the turning of the seasons. Call 860-443-0316 for
labeled with name of your child/children. Santa will distribute the more information
gifts to each child. Call 860-739-7941 for more information. Pequotsepos Hikers at Yawgoog Area, (hike in from North Rd in
Community Carol Sing 2 p.m. 12/18 at Mystic Seaport, 75 Hopkinton) - 12/19 Hike starts at 9:30 am. Led by Denison
Greenmanville Ave., Mystic - All are invited to the 56th annual Pequotsepos Nature Center educator/naturalists. Difficult terrain -
Community Carol Sing at Mystic Seaport. Bring a canned good to moderate walking pace . Steady rain cancels. Please call DPNC
donate to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and enjoy free ad- (860) 536-1216 to register or if you wish to carpool.
mission. Listen to the holiday sounds of the Mystic Seaport Carol- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Saturday, December 24th at
ers as they perform a special concert in the Greenmanville Church 7pm, at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 19 Jay Street,
at 2 p.m. Then participate in the group carol sing at the Museum’s New London. Come celebrate the Christmas season in music, story,
Anchor Circle at 3 p.m. For more information call (860) 572-0711 or and song. All are welcome! Call 860-443-0316 for more information
visit www.mysticseaport.org/carolsing continued page 31
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 25
AT THE MOVIES with Joan Radell
J. Edgar Directed by Clint Eastwood
Runtime 2 hours, 20 minutes
Rated R for brief strong language
When we head to the theater, we antici- Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1934. He discovered very early
pate a good story well told. This doesn’t in his career that knowledge is power. He investigated his enemies
seem like much to ask. But so much must as enthusiastically as he investigated crimes, compiling “confi-
come together for a movie to work tech- dential files” full of potentially devastating information. He de-
nically and artistically. When it happens, it can be a transforma- manded unflagging loyalty from his agents, political favor from the
tional experience. When it doesn’t, we leave the auditorium in dis- Justice Department, and recognition as the top law enforcement
appointment. official in the nation from the public. We know little of his private
A director decides on the story he wants to tell, and hires life—he never married, was not known for socializing, and spent
everyone he needs to tell that story in the best possible way. At most of his time in the company of his second-in-command, Clyde
first thought, it would seem that if that story is a biography of a Tolson. Historians still debate about the nature of their relation-
public figure, the director has a head start. Clint Eastwood has ship. Some characterize their lifetime companionship as fraternal,
shown us in the past that he’s good at handling period pieces and some say they were long-time lovers, and others refuse to specu-
historical figures. He assembled a talented cast, an Oscar-winning late. No one knows for sure.
screenwriter, and once again tapped his long-time cinematic col- J. Edgar tells the story of this fascinating man from his earliest
laborator, Tom Stern. Since his subject had a well-documented public days at the Justice Department to his death in 1974. Although
life, set design and costuming should have been simple to research. Hoover was not well-liked by most, he had a remarkable career and
With all of this in his favor, Eastwood’s latest offering J. Edgar still revolutionized criminal investigations, introducing forensic sci-
falls almost embarrassingly short. ence to solve crimes.
Enigmatic, ambitious, and mercurial, John Edgar Hoover Leonardo DiCaprio does a good job of stepping into the skin
(“John” to his superiors, “Edgar” to his mother, and “Speedy” to of Hoover; the speech cadence, gestures and idiosyncrasies are
his underlings) worked in federal public service for 55 years. His fine. But unlike his remarkable performance as Howard Hughes in
star rose quickly, and he was tapped to head the newly-formed The Aviator (2004) he cannot manage to act from inside Hoover’s
skin. His performance is imitation, not acting.
Rated # 1 in New London
Armie Hammer, who plays Clyde Tolson, gives a performance
that can only be characterized as lackluster. (Interestingly, Hammer’s
great-grandfather, tycoon Armand Hammer, was the subject of one
County by our customers. of Hoover’s clandestine investigations.)
Dame Judi Dench delivers a too-brief bravura turn as Hoover’s
mother but it’s Naomi Watts whose is the star of the show. She
WHY PAY plays Helen Gandy, Hoover’s lifelong secretary. Her obvious admi-
ration for Hoover flavors every scene she appears in, but she is no
MORE? sycophant. Hoover trusts her completely; she is the only other
person privy to his controversial confidential dossiers on the rich
and powerful and famous.
CARPET STEAM CLEANING Eastwood rounds out his cast with a lot of familiar faces. Look
and Professional Upholstery Cleaning for Lea Thompson, Ken Howard, Jeffrey Donovan, Geoff Pierson,
Jessica Hecht, Josh Lucas and Gerald McRaney in supporting
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Eastwood makes some directorial and editorial choices that
Water & Smoke are simply baffling. He uses recreations of period news footage
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Eastwood had the presence of mind to use a hand double for
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Connecticut, LLC inconsistent. Those familiar with Washington DC will enjoy see-
ing some of the iconic buildings and institutions of the city, but
why Eastwood didn’t correct the spelling of the name of venerable
1-800-475-2225 retailer Julius Garfinkel & Co. in a shot of the flagship storefront is
a mystery.
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 26
AT THE MOVIES
Cinematographer Tom Stern, a frequent Eastwood collaborator, pre-
sents us with a movie that is inexplicably dark, as if it were filmed in
sepia tones. This does evoke an historical mood, but the overall
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impression is somber and joyless. Even the women’s costumes are in
shades of neutral; it is difficult to believe that screen star Ginger
Rogers would dress so drably at a dinner in the toniest social club in
Washington DC. These may seem like niggling details, but each little
slip takes this film down another step. DiCaprio is unable to build
empathy from his audience; the supporting cast lumbers through the
film, uninspired. Even Josh Lucas evokes no emotional audience
response in his role as Charles Lindbergh as the FBI searches for his http://bucklebee.etsy.com
kidnapped baby son. J. Edgar is more than just flat as a cinematic
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work. It is motionless. Every opportunity for wit, for a spark of color,
or for a glimpse of the glory of post-World War II America is missed.
Even the soundtrack misses the mark. In some scenes the back-
ground music is a distraction; in others it fades too far into the back- All You Can Eat
ground.
The overall impression of J. Edgar is “So what?” Instead of Breakfast Buffet
lionizing anAmerican political icon or even demonizing him, Eastwood
tiptoes around any bits of history that could breathe life into this 1st Sunday of the Month 8:00 am - 11:00 am
story. What could have been a sweeping epic of 20th century Ameri- Eggs to Order, Gourmet Omelets, Pancakes etc.
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on this clunker, please.
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entirely by the support of its advertisers.
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PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 27
OLD ORCHARD FARM History Matters: Tales from
East Lyme’s Past
(860) 625-5015
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
SNOW PLOWING SKIRMISH ON THE NIANTIC RIVER
by Jim Littlefield
Grading & Tilling · Bush Hog When former student Dr. Brandon Lewis, now an anthropology pro-
Septic Systems fessor at Santa Monica College in California would return home to
visit his parents in East Lyme, it was always a pleasure to chat about
Backhoe & Excavating his latest archaeological adventure in Central America. I remember
very clearly one day when the two of us were sitting in Lyme Tavern
pouring over artifacts that my class had uncovered while searching
for the nearby Little Boston School House, he said something about
NIANTIC PLUMBING our town and its history that bears repeating. He told me I should
consider myself very fortunate to be doing historical research in an
40 Pennsylvania Ave • Niantic, CT area that is as rich in history as this one. It is often true that when
you live in a particular place you can become quite complacent
• PARTS Since about its many virtues. Although East Lyme has officially only been
1952 a town since 1839, its colonial history and prehistoric past makes it
• FIXTURES a wonderful candidate, Dr. Lewis said, for historical investigation. I
• INSTALLATION would offer up the following example which I believe is not widely
known.
WE HAVE IT ALL!! The American Revolution was certainly a high water historical
marker in our nation’s past. Students study it, books are written
about it, and both heroes and holidays are currently celebrated in its
739-5032 memory. Most Americans are quite familiar with Paul Revere’s fa-
mous ride, what happened in Massachusetts at Lexington and Con-
cord, the turning point in the war at the Battle of Saratoga (New
York) and of course the definitive battle fought at Yorktown, Vir-
Siding ginia. We cannot help but have great admiration for those brave
Roofing revolutionaries from thirteen colonies who valiantly challenged the
odds as well as the world’s greatest empire (who also happen to be
HIC 603145
Windows in league with many Americans still loyal to the crown) …difficult
A full service interior and exterior Decks times and high drama indeed! Those aforementioned battle sites
remodeling contractor servicing still boast their hallowed ground and invite tourists to visit. Maybe
Southeastern Connecticut Baths East Lyme should do the same!
Emergency Repairs Kitchens In 2004 the senior Anthropology class at East Lyme High School
and Handyman Services changed its focus from a Native American dig on the Duck River in
Flooring Old Lyme to a Native American dig on the Niantic River. It would
VISA - MASTERCARD ACCEPTED
soon be necessary to change that focus yet again, we found, as few
CALL JIM - 860 739-0670 Nehantic artifacts consented to make an appearance. What did
surface was evidence of a colonial home that once stood on the
banks of our Niantic River with artifacts suggesting 18th century
You’re Invited to Join Us at Our occupancy. Mrs. Flora Storrs, her daughter Pat and her husband
CHRISTMAS EVE Lindy Bayreuther (current owners of the property), believed the
house to have been that of one Elijah Smith, local businessman and
COMMUNION SERVICE English loyalist who resided there during that time.
First traces of the lost house appeared in the form of numerous
Saturday, December 24th from 7-8pm at broken and crumbling bricks that were uncovered during the exca-
vation of several test pits. Test pit #7, where bricks first began to
HARVEST CHRISTIAN appear was further expanded producing numerous cut stones al-
FELLOWSHIP though they lacked the size of normal foundation stones. We began
digging a series of finger trenches in an effort to locate the missing
5 Freedom Way, Niantic - Exit 72 off I-95 - behind the Bridal Mall stones but never found a single one. We eventually concluded that
visit us at www.harvestcf.net or call: the larger ones were reused in the foundation of the currently exist-
442-7423 or 739-5723 ing 1840’s structure built further back from the water.
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 28
Linda B Griffiths
Financial Advisor
860 739-1945
51 Penn. Ave., Niantic, CT
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
Artist rendering by Kevin Littlefield (the son of the author) of the skirmish
on the Niantic River as described in the Sylvanus Griswold Diary.
History Matters continued
What we did find was a most unusual soil lay-
ering…approximately ten inches of dark humus soil suddenly giving
way to over 50” of sand, which in turn gave way to another dark
humus layer beneath… not a natural occurrence by any means. We
knew the dark soil at the bottom, like the soil we encountered when
we first dug into the ground had the same origin… leaf degenera-
tion. It became obvious there had been an open hole here for many
years collecting composting leaves which eventually had been in-
tentionally covered over and filled in with sand. Just for good mea-
sure Flora Storrs added a story about a relative…a young girl many
years ago who reportedly was quite fond of playing inside that open
pit with her favorite dolls.
We did recover many artifacts both below and around the old BOYD’S BUYS
JUNK CARS
foundation. They tended to confirm a late 18th to early 19th century
time period. Flint from a flintlock rifle, a lead musket ball, a 1734
British coin adorned with image of King George, a button (possibly
from a British uniform) especially captured our attention.
As is often the case, our efforts were complimented by a very YOU CALL, WE HAUL
revealing piece of information that came our way through yet an- or for extra cash, bring your vehicle in to
other member of the Bayreuther family. Rebecca Bayreuther Donohue,
who currently resides with her husband Richard in the Old Stone
be weighed on our new Fairbanks scale
House on Smith Cove, passed along an early 1900’s news article the
family had saved from the New London Day paper she thought
would be of interest. What we read there would be an incredible
piece of this archaeological story. Large Warehouse Inventory
The article stated that the East Lyme Historical Society had Delivery Sevice Available
recently come into possession of numerous old documents from the
local Griswold family. Despite the fact that these papers had trav- Top Cash Paid for Late Model
eled all the way to St. Louis, Missouri, Mrs. Florence Griswold Conner Wrecked Vehicles
felt they belonged back home in East Lyme and arranged for them to
be given to our historical society. Among the documents was a Recyclers of Quality Used
diary…a diary written by Sylvanus Griswold, bearing witness to life
Auto & Truck Parts Since 1958
in our town in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Too valuable to
remain in East Lyme, the society soon had it transferred to the state 133 Corning Road, Norwich
library where it currently resides. With white gloves and a security
officer looming nearby, I peered into the small 72 page manuscript
and was instantly captivated by memories of the American Revolu-
tion penned by this local resident.
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 29
History Matters
Foster Construction, LLC from page 29
“War had commenced with Great Britain when I was young
Residential · Commercial · Industrial and powder being very scarce I found means, however, of procur-
SNOWPLOWING/REMOVAL ing a little and became acquainted with the use of firearms at the age
Excavation & Land Grading Services of fifteen. With wild game plentiful …my brother George (and I)
Retaining Wall Systems soon became gunners and thought ourselves fit for war. In the year
Septic Systems & Sewer 1781, the illicit trade to Long Island was carried on to excess and
Demolition Services (revolutionary) guards were stationed along the sea coasts for the
Topsoil, Gravel, Fill purpose of taking them and many were taken and made prizes. It
Site Design-Build/Consulting was in April that my father, Robert Latimer, my brother and Thomas
Fully licensed and insured in all phases of work since 1953 Clark, under the command of Samuel Griswold went on a cruise to
the Barr and channel banks at about ½ after ten o’clock at night.
860 625-5015 Latimer and myself saw a skiff coming to land (in the Niantic River)
and ran ½ mile to alarm my father and the others, then one mile to
run to the house of ELIJAH SMITH north of the Barr where we
WE BUY YOUR SCRAP METAL found the boat hold up and saw lights in the house. Soon two men
WHY THROW IT AWAY? came out loaded with goods…viz. Nathan Beckwith and Nathan
Huntley; we pursued and soon overtook them. We bid them stand
€ Copper € Aluminum but Beckwith struck with an iron shovel. My father warded off the
€ Brass € Misc. Metals blow by bringing up the breech of his French carbine. I, being
€ Steel € We sell wiping rags armed with an old buccaneer loaded with ball and buckshot, the
€ Container Service Available two men took to their heels down a steep hill (to the river) and I
discharged my piece at Huntley who ran four yards to the left of my
Shetucket Iron & Metal co., Inc. father…the contents of which passed through his shoulder and cut
the cord of his thumb which hand held up the bags on his shoulder.
New Wharf St., Norwich (This) made the Tory women scold.”
M-F 7:30-4:00 € Sat. 7:30 -11:00 am This first entry in the “Chronicles of Sylvanus Griswold” went
860 887-1681 on to relate even more violence with Latimer later shooting at
Beckwith and Sylvanus inflicting a leg wound on one of the men
with a bayonet as they struggled in a boat on the Niantic River.
Both Tories did manage to escape, however.
It was obvious in reading Griswold’s accounting that he had
2011 Santa Anonymous written this particular event many years after the fact. For one thing
he does admit to it happening in his youth and he had also origi-
Boot Project nally written the event as 1771, but then corrected the entry in the
diary with an “8” superimposed over the third digit he had
written…hardy something one would do if the event had just taken
TVCCA’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program place. These first accountings of the Revolutionary War (and an-
(RSVP) is sponsoring the 2011 Santa Anonymous other which followed about the War of 1812) are also much shorter
Boot Project for the towns of New London, than later entries chronicling life in Niantic during the early 1800’s.
Montville, Groton, Stonington, Waterford, Ledyard, Despite the lack of overall context, the information that the author
and East Lyme. Last year’s sponsorship resulted in does provide is quite extraordinary.
over 700 low-income children throughout South- The oral traditions passed on by Flora Storrs and the
ern New London County receiving warm winter Bayreuthers, the artifacts that were discovered on the dig, this rev-
elation from a long ago diary, all conspired to provide our class with
boots for the holidays!
a wonderfully poignant picture of a defining moment in our country’s
RSVP is presently looking for donors to help past. Dr. Lewis was absolutely right when he said East Lyme has a
us meet our requests for new winter boots. If you great deal historically to offer. If you believe as I do that history
would like to participate in this worthwhile effort, really matters… it really doesn’t get much better than this!
please call RSVP, 425-6617. You will then receive POSTSCRIPT
a letter with the first name, gender, age, and boot The Diary of Sylvanus Griswold is a great historical resource
size of a child in Southern New London County. and a true town treasure. It would be only fitting for a copy to
We will provide you with further instructions, in- someday be returned to East Lyme where this all took place. The
cluding how to wrap the boots and information Sylvanus Griswold home, it should be noted, still stands at #16 East
about drop-off sites. A monetary donation towards Society Rd. A mustard colored colonial building, it is visible on the
the purchase of new boots is also welcome. north side of the turnpike between exits 74 and 73 during the winter
months.
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 30
CARE & SHARE OF EAST
LYME EXPECTS BUSY
HOLIDAY SEASON
LOWE Carting &
Recycling
As the economy struggles to rebound, so do many of our friends $25 OFF $40 OFF
and neighbors. That’s why Care & Share of East Lyme is preparing ANY
for a busier than usual holiday season. The organization provides
JUNK REMOVAL
food and financial assistance to East Lyme and Salem families year
DUMPSTER JOB
Not valid w/ other offers Valid for jobs over $250 · Not valid w/ other offers
round, but also offers holiday assistance through its Holiday Store,
providing food, gifts, and gently used winter wear to residents who
request help. A limited amount of refurbished bicycles will also be Office: (860) 442 LOWE (5693)
available.
Care & Share has experienced a 35 percent increase in food
JMS
requests this year, an indication that requests for holiday assistance
are likely to increase as well. All of the food and gifts used for holi-
day assistance is donated by the community. Residents, organiza-
tions, churches, and businesses have been very generous over the
years, but this year may pose a new challenge in maintaining the
level of donations as everyone in the community tightens their bud-
gets.
Automotive Center LLC
This year, the Care & Share food pantry at Midway Plaza, 170
Flanders Road in East Lyme will act as the Holiday Store and the
John & Leanne Santos - owners
Holiday Donation Center.
Donations of food, gifts (new items), gently used outerwear
Our Best Wishes
and linens may be made at the Holiday Donation Center starting on
Wednesday November 2nd. The hours of operation will be 9am –
noon Wednesday and Saturday and 3pm – 6pm on Monday, Wednes-
day and Friday. Donations may be made until Friday December 9th,
after which food and gifts are distributed.
To All
In addition to the Donation Center, groups or individuals may
choose to sponsor a family for food and/or gifts. Contact Care & For A Happy & Healthy
Share at (860)739-8502. Individuals can also be sponsored by select-
ing tags which list people and gifts desired from Angel Trees at That
Look, Liberty Bank, The Savings Institute, Smith’s Acres, Stop & Holiday Season
Shop, Chelsea-Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.
Regional Events from page 25
FULL SERVICE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
CONCERT: Blaze of Glory Bon Jovi Tribute 8pm Friday Dec 30 at
the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old • Foreign or Domestic
Saybrook - Blaze Of Glory looks and sounds so much like Bon Jovi
even the most discerning Bon Jovi fans are amazed. Blaze Of Glory is
• Tires & Alignment
the most authentic Bon Jovi Tribute in the world. Livin’ on a Prayer, • ASE Certified Master Technicians
Runaway, Wanted Dead or Alive - come hear the most rocking live
versions of these songs this side of the Jersey Turnpike. Call (877) • State Certified Emissions Repair
503-1286 for more information or visit online at www.thekate.org
New Year’s Eve with Steve D’Agostino - 9pm Saturday Dec 31 at the
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook.
Steve D’Agostino sings the Great American Songbook like he was
860-444-2180
born to and what better place to hear him sing it than The Kate and
what better time to hear him sing it than New Year’s Eve? Swing and
REPAIR HOURS:
sway with the one you crave on the dance floor at the Kate as Steve
channels Frank, Bobby, Tony and Dean. Bid goodbye to 2011 with
Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm
complimentary champagne and other festivities. Make your New
Year great. Spend it at The Kate. Call (877) 503-1286 for more infor-
360 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford
mation or visit online at www.thekate.org
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 31
Garden Notes
Worms Keep Me Gardening
All Winter Long
By Robin Franklin, Master Gardener
As the growing season comes to an end here in Connecticut,
we may feel that once the bulbs are planted and the beds
prepared for winter that we have done all that we can until
early spring. But you can be helping your garden soils all
winter by saving your vegetable scraps in a vermicomposting,
or worm composting bin.
If you have an outdoor composting bin, it is probably
When you mention this ad! Expires 12/15/2011 pretty far from the house and may soon be covered with snow.
But you can compost in the comfort of your home. While
composting is often thought of as a smelly, buggy enterprise,
if done with the help of special red wiggler worms, it really
can be done indoors with pleasant results.
There are special bins with lots of features that make
vermicomposting easy and productive, but it can also be done
with homemade bins made of inexpensive materials. I made
three, small 10 x 14 bins two years ago using opaque plastic
bins into which I drilled drain and air holes. I added shredded
newspaper bedding—you can also use shredded leaves--- and
860-739-5514 a bit of soil. I set the bins on trays and set them up on scraps
of 2x4s and they were ready to give years of service to my
little red worms and their enormous appetites.
I like the small bins because they are so easy to carry
even when they are getting full. I usually keep one under the
kitchen sink and two at the bottom of the basement stairs,
rotating a new one upstairs if the little guys can’t keep up with
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 an especially busy cooking week. In the summer I keep two
of them in the garage and they create compost even faster in
the warmer temperatures.
It is important to start feeding the worms slowly to give
the worms and beneficial microorganisms time to get the sys-
tem running at top efficiency. If the container starts to smell,
slow down on inputs until the wigglers catch up. I also try to
give the worms waste that has been in an aerobic environ-
ment, in other words getting air, so that healthy microbes are
already at work in there. If it has not had air, it will have the
wrong kind of breakdown organisms in it and so will be smelly,
which is unpleasant for you and makes it harder for the little
guys to process. Just keep the kitchen scraps in an open
container on your sink top until you feed the wigglers. They
also like waste that is pretty fine such as carrot peels, coffee
grounds and lettuce. I don’t give them whole broccoli stems,
for example.
What to do with the compost? There won’t be as much
as you get from your outdoor bin, but it is very concentrated
and your houseplants and potted plants will love a few spoon-
fuls of it. I like to brew it into compost tea. In 12-18 hours 2
cups of compost will make 2 gallons of a wonderful, concen-
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 32
Garden Notes continued
trated brew filled with beneficial organisms that can treat my
whole lawn and vegetable garden. More detailed information
about the benefits of compost tea and instructions for making
it can be found at Harvard’s website because they now use it
on all of their lawns and gardens. http://www.uos.harvard.edu/
fmo/landscape/organiclandscaping
There are a lot of online sources of detailed information
about how to set up a hospitable home for red wigglers and
where to obtain the critters. A few are listed below.
Vermicomposting can be done with simple inexpensive mate-
rials and takes very little maintenance. I urge you to give it a
try. Red Wigglers may become your most unusual and most
useful ‘pets’!
You’re Invited to Join Us at Our
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/
vermicompost107.shtml CHRISTMAS EVE
cityfarmer.org
yankeeworm.org COMMUNION SERVICE
Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Applehof Saturday, December 24th from 7-8pm at
Robin Franklin is a NOFA certified organic landscaper in
Ledyard, CT and is a Master Gardener with the Univer- HARVEST CHRISTIAN
sity of Connecticut Extension Center. If you have any gar- FELLOWSHIP
dening questions or need a soil test, please contact the
5 Freedom Way, Niantic - Exit 72 off I-95 - behind the Bridal Mall
Uconn Home and Garden Center at 1-877-486-6271 visit us at www.harvestcf.net or call:
(www.ladybug.uconn.edu) or the Cooperative Extension 442-7423 or 739-5723
- Business Owners -
Did you know that every month
The Post Road Review is
MAILED TO EVERY RESIDENCE IN EAST LYME
(Including Niantic & Flanders)
AND PARTS OF WATERFORD
Not only that but every issue of The Post Road Review
is also distributed at drop off locations
IN EVERY TOWN FROM MYSTIC TO MADISON
AND points north including:
SALEM, MONTVILLE, NORWICH,
PRESTON & GALES FERRY
This means that a single, reasonably priced ad,
distributed at over 300 drop off locations
AND mailed to East Lyme and Waterford
residences can reach TENS OF THOUSANDS
OF POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS
But wait! There’s more!
- EVERY PAGE OF OUR MAGAZINE CAN ALSO BE
FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE COMPLETE W/ EVERY AD!
- Advertisers are also featured, by category, on a
“Links To Our Advertisers” page!
And, as it has been since 1993, The Post Road Review
is a locally owned, family run business.
To maximize the return on your advertising dollars -
CALL (860) 848-3737
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 33
SMITH'S ACRES
Have a Safe Holiday Season
LLC Brought to you by Smith's Acres in Niantic
“A Yard Altering Experience”
Poinsettias are by far, the most common plant associated with the
FREE Christmas Ornament Christmas holidays. Despite some nasty rumors about them, poin-
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settias make the perfect hostess gift, and fill homes with beautiful,
HUGE After Christmas Clearance Sale festive color. They are relatively easy to maintain and the available
12/26 - 12/31 Be sure to drop in! color range has expanded in the last several years. Poinsettias can
Connecticut Grown now be found in Ivory/White, Pink, Red, and Burgundy, several
Annuals · Perennials · Hanging Baskets · Herbs, bicolors as well as with ruffled petals. Florists can also use some
Vegetables · Fruit Bushes · Trees & Shrubs spray-on color to change color to orange, blue, or even purple. Add
a little glitter, and these are NOT your grandmothers’ poinsettias.
4 West Main Street, Niantic Poinsettias should be kept in a bright room, close to a sunny
www.smithsacres.com · open daily 9-6 · 860-691-0528 window, out of drafts. They are tropical plants and should be main-
tained at 65-75 degrees in the day, with nighttime temperatures down
Your online source for to no less than 60 degrees. They should be watered when the soil is
dining, shopping, dry to the touch, but be sure to NOT let the plant sit in water.
lodging & entertainment Contrary to the fact that over 60% of Americans think that
poinsettias are poisonous, they are not. Poinsettias are however,
www.DiscoverEastLyme.com
extremely bitter tasting, and it is highly unlikely that a child or pet
would take more than a bite or two. A mouthful is a far cry from the
approximately 1.25 lbs of poinsettia bracts (over 500 leaves) that a
50 pound child would have to eat to exceed the experimental doses
according to POISINDEX Information Service. In addition, the
American Medical Association’s Handbook of Poisonous and Inju-
rious Plants only lists occasional vomiting after eating poinsettias
for side effects. However, Poinsettias belong to the genus Euphor-
bia, which does include several varieties that are toxic. This may
have helped to promote the false idea that poinsettias are poison-
ous. So, although eating a few leaves from your favorite Christmas
plant may make you sick, it will not kill you. And again, most pets
and small children will taste the nasty, bitter leaf and stop eating.
Mistletoe is another common Christmas plant and this one is
poisonous - but it’s only the berries that carry the toxins - which
is why most preserved mistletoe is sold with arti-
ficial berries.
Much more dangerous, however, is the
Christmas tree - especially if they’re dried out.
To ensure that you have a safe and happy holi-
day season, be sure to take a few steps to keep
your Christmas trees fresh while in the house.
When purchasing a tree, ask for a “fresh cut”. This
cut can be as little as an inch cut off the bottom of the tree but it
allows the tree to readily absorb water. If you are not going to set
the tree up when you get it home, be sure to get it into warm water
immediately.
M-F 10-5, Sat 9-5, Sun 12-4 There are several different additives that you can make or pur-
chase to add to water that supposedly extends the life of the tree.
My experience is that as long as you refill the reservoir with water
each day, your tree will last for the entire holiday season.
The variety of tree that you purchase or cut down also makes a
difference. Fraser firs seem to last the longest, but as long as you
are diligent with the water, any fresh cut tree should last through the
holiday season.
Letting your tree dry out can be dangerous in that a dried Christ-
mas tree can go up in flames very quickly. Another common sense
safety hint – do not leave your tree lights on overnight. Here’s
wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 34
OFFICE HOURS
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9-12 Saturdays
24 Hour Customer Service
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Where am I? Happy Holidays
from
Each month, The Post Road Review will feature a picture or a
portion of one like the picture below and to the right. If you know
the other place in this magazine that the picture can be found, call
Flander’s
Donut & Bake Shop
Brian Conklin at (860) 848-3737 and leave a message with your
name, telephone number, and the answer. The first caller with the 327 Flanders Rd., East Lyme
correct answer will win a Post Road Review Tote Bag.
Winnings are limited to once per year - Open Saturday, Christmas Eve
if you’ve already won in the past 12 months, 4:00 am to 4:00 pm
please give someone else a chance!
Call Today To Place Your Holiday Orders For:
Assorted Pies · German Christmas Stollen · Bagels
Donuts · Angel Wings · Butter Cookies · Rolls
Pastries · Coffee Cakes · Strudels
Christmas Cakes · Cookie Platters
Now Serving
3 Cookie Platters
lb.
Closed Christmas Day - January 1st
Mon-Thur & Sat 4am - 4pm · Fri 4am - 6pm
The winner of last month's contest was Frank Bocian of Old Closed Sunday
Lyme who found the answer on page 13 in the All Pro Automo-
tive advertisement.
Phone: 739-6320
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 35
Artists and East Lyme Senior Center
Chairs 37 Society Road, Niantic
Call 860 739-5859 for more info or to register for programs
Wanted! MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES Thursdays at 10am. Looking for
people who want to play or want to learn how to play.
LAUGHTER YOGA Thursdays at 11:30am. No fee! No residency
The Estuary Council of Seniors, requirement.
Inc. is planning a “Painted Chair BINGO Fridays except the 9th and the 23rd.
Auction” in June. We are look- PICKLEBALL Saturdays from 11am-1pm. $1pp each play.
ing for artists and creative people CANASTA Mondays at 1pm.
to take a chair and paint it. We INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED QUILTERS MON 12/05 1-4pm
will provide the chair or you may Bring your own sewing supplies and sewing machine.
use your own.
One-on-One INTERNET instruction TUE 12/06 at 10:15am.
The chairs will be displayed in the 9 town estuary region communi-
BENEFITS CHECK-UP WED 12/07 & 12/21 9am-NOON To help
ties, and then auctioned at an event to benefit Meals on Wheels in
determine eligibility for state and/or federal programs. Call for
10 towns along the shoreline. Artists’ name will accompany the
appointment.
chair and will be listed in the program and on our website.
SWEDISH STYLE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON FRI 12/09 at 11:45am
Anyone wishing to donate a sturdy, wood chair can drop it off
Swedish Meatballs, Buttered Noodles, Brown Beans, Yellow Tur-
at the Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Call Sandy for more
nip and Cucumber Salad with Spritz Cookies for dessert. Musical
information and if you would like to paint a chair 860 388-1611
entertainment provided by Dean Martin & Marilyn Monroe will
follow.
The Post Road Review AGE- RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION MON 12/12 11am
offers the publication of non-profit org. news,
Keep Sight will be here to discuss its symptoms
event listings and press releases free of charge
on a space-available basis MOVIE and snacks for $1. MON 12/12, 1pm “Water for Elephants”
To submit E-Mail editor@postroadreview.com starring Robert Pattison and Reese Witherspoon.
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL EVENT LISTINGS BY THE 17th
COMMISSION ONAGING monthly meeting MON 12/12 at 6pm.
of the MONTH PRIOR TO THE EVENT
Public welcome.
LIONS LOW VISION CLINIC TUE 12/13 11am-2pm Appoint-
le
ce Availab
ments required
This Spa
MOCKTAIL PARTY TUE 12/13 5-7pm Sparkling drinks and hors
devours will be served plus there will be photographers available
to take holiday photos of you and loved ones.
BUSINESS OWNERS/PROFESSIONALS “DRAWING ON OUR MEMORIES” WED 12/14 & WED 12/28
By taking advantage of our reasonable advertising rates, 10:30-11:45am Hospice program for the newly bereaved
you can put your company’s name in front of VNASC WELLNESS CLINIC WED 12/14 1-3pm appointments
tens of thousands of our readers WITH ONE EDITION. required.
And with our website visitors can click on links that take HEALING TOUCH 30 minutes sessions available THU 12/15, 1-
them directly to your website. Call 860 848-3737 3pm Call to register.
email sales@postroadreview.com or visit us at INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED QUILTERS FRI 12/16 5-9pm
www.postroadreview.com Bring your own sewing supplies and sewing machine. $2 dona-
tion.
EAST LYME HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL GROUP to put on a holi-
DeBartolo's day concert TUE 12/20 at 12pm. Lunch and Music
CLOSING FOR THE HOLIDAYS at 12:30pm FRI 12/23. Re-open-
ing on the 27th
Complete BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC WED 12/28 from 1:15-2:15pm.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
208 FLANDERS ROAD • NIANTIC
Across from Dunkin Donuts
739-6924
Over 40 Years Experience
PHONE (860) 848-3737 Visit www.postroadreview.com THE POST ROAD REVIEW Dec . 2011 PAGE 36