Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

A Tradition Continues

By Joseph Montebello

The white clapboard structure with the white picket fence suggests a typical New England house. In truth it is a historical building, which has been in existence since the 1900s, and for a time operated as a pharmacy and small grocery. With its proximity to the Frederick Gunn School, it then became a place for students and faculty to meet and share a meal at its old-fashioned lunch counter replete with soda fountain. These items have remained all these years and even served as a backdrop in recent years for fans of Gilmore Girls, who visit Washington as part of a local fanfest and who claim that The Po was the inspiration for Luke’s Diner. Celebrity aside, everybody loves that The Po is back in business with the talented Maggie Colangelo and her husband Frank in charge.

Colangelo is well known in the area as baker/owner of Food for Thought in New Milford. The Colangelos also own Flirtation Farms where they produce fresh vegetables and eggs and sponsor farm-to-table events. The Po offers Colangelo’s specialties from her fresh-baked tarts, muffins, pastries, cheddar chive biscuits, smoothies, acai bowls, vegan chili, salads, and her southern fried chicken winner sandwich.

“This beautiful location has stolen my heart,” says Colangelo, “and I love how many people come in and tell us The Po is perfect! Our family and team are so grateful for the support and encouragement.”

The restaurant is even more poignant for those who remember the space in its heyday. Laura Eanes Martin, whose father was head of school at what was then known as The Gunnery, has been a patron of The Po in all its incarnations. “I have childhood memories of the soda fountain and the pharmacy. The Po became my lifeline when I had three children under the age of six and needed to eat on the run. It was a saving grace and they have always preferred Po food to mine. We are beyond thrilled that it’s open again.” Congratulations to The Po for being voted first place by our readers in the Best New Restaurant category.

The Po Café
5 Kirby Rd
Washington
860-868-1879

Readers Choice Guide 

Books Take Care of You

By Joseph Montebello

“I owe independent bookstores a huge debt since they made it possible for me to have a career as a writer by handselling my first book and hosting in-store events. They are a huge part of what makes reading fun.” So says Litchfield resident Martha Hall Kelly, bestselling author of Lilac Girls and Lost Roses.

She is not alone. Whether you listen, scroll on a device, or hold a printed version in your hands, reading a book is one of the most joyous ways to amuse, entertain, and inform. Escape into a fantasy, a conflict, a romance, learn new facts, or discover the joy of poetry.

Here in Litchfield County we are fortunate to have two extraordinary independent bookstores—Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington Depot and House of Books in Kent—both voted favorites in our recent Readers Choice survey.

The Hickory Stick will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2021 and has been owned by Fran and Michael Keilty for the past 17 years. It is the mainstay of Washington Depot and attracts customers from many corners of the county. Everyone who frequents the shop agrees that Keilty and her staff always have spot-on recommendations. She has been working diligently to provide the best services during the pandemic. One can visit the shop during reduced hours, arrange a private appointment, order online, and pick the order up in the store, curbside, or it can be shipped. “Thanks to our extraordinary staff, whose courage and determination has been a huge factor in being able to serve the community and our customers,” says Keilty.

House of Books is Kent’s literary landmark. It was founded as a family business by Carol and  John Hoffman in 1976. Ownership was passed on to Jim and Gini Blackketter in 1991. Robin Dill-Herde, a former employee, purchased the business in 2013, concurrent with the Kent Barns restoration. When the owners decided to sell the bookstore, Peter Vaughn stepped in. He firmly believed in the importance of having a bookstore and has kept the tradition going. Housed in a temporary space in Kent Barns, it will move to its original home on North Main Street once renovations are completed.

“We have been open by appointment only during the pandemic,” explains Vaughn, “and our online business has been amazingly strong. When I took over the shop I knew I had to find the best general manager I could and Ben Rybeck is that person. He has kept all the balls in the air, has conducted our Zoom events with amazing ease, and carried on in spite of the pandemic.”

Our readers have made it clear that both shops are indispensable to our communities.

Lisa Taddeo, author of the bestselling Three Women, describes this aspect of a bookstore:

“On rainy days, in rainy day masks, being in a bookstore is one of the few experiences that hasn’t changed much for me. It’s still quiet, it’s still lonely in the best possible way. And books take care of you.”

Readers Choice Guide

Where a Community Connects with Nature

By Hannah Van Sickle

The history of Steep Rock dates to 1925 when American architect Ehrick Rossiter created a land trust to preserve 378 acres along the Shepaug River Valley in Washington. Rossiter, a graduate of The Gunnery, now known as the Frederick Gunn School, intervened when the renowned and rocky cliff was slated to be clear cut. Today, Steep Rock Preserve boasts 998 acres and miles of hiking trails that follow the undulating river banks and provide access to the towering hills above.

Lovers of rich history will be drawn to remnants of the Holiday House Hotel—a vacation retreat for working-class women from New York City—and the 235-foot abandoned railroad tunnel, constructed by hand in the 1870s as part of the Shepaug Valley Railroad. Looking for a rigorous hike? Steep Rock summit, at an elevation of 776 feet, provides breathtaking views of the Clamshell portion of the river valley and serves as the core of Steep Rock Association (which holds 5, 200 total acres in a trio of preserves and conservation easements). If climbing hills is not your thing, take a leisurely stroll around the hay fields. The preserve’s diverse topography, including seven loops and two trails, offers something for all ages and abilities.

“I’ve hiked in Steep Rock’s preserves for the past twenty years and almost every day since March,” says Carol Santoleri, author of The History of Steep Rock Association. “Each hike is a new experience—dappled sunlight pierces the treetops, lighting first one side of the Shepaug River Valley and then the other; misty fogs roll off the river as rainstorms pass by; and birds, butterflies, and wildflowers come and go with the seasons. Mother nature can be a wonderful tonic in times of stress.”

In addition to unwinding and reflecting at Steep Rock, visitors are invited to take part in the Citizen Science Program, which includes nest box monitoring of local birds and the egg laying and hatching of turtles. “As a nonprofit, our operating budget is almost entirely based on donations,” says Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch, who remains bound and determined to keep the preserve open despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To support Steep Rock’s mission of conserving ecologically and historically significant landscapes in the region while enhancing the community’s connection with nature, make a donation or purchase a book—all proceeds go directly to supporting Steep Rock Association.

Steep Rock Association
2 Tunnel Rd
Washington Depot

Readers Choice Guide

By Charles Dubow

Every town needs a place like The Owl. Somewhere people can grab a glass of wine, have a light bite, chat with friends, listen to some live music and—weather permitting—sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy all the above. A local favorite since it opened in New Preston in 2016, The Owl underwent a renovation and expansion in March 2020 that increased its indoor and outdoor seating, and for the first time gave it a proper kitchen. “We were really excited about where we were going,” says co-owner and veteran restaurateur John Bourdeau. “Then COVID hit.”

Bourdeau and his new business partner Ryan Cangello knew they had to scramble. They created creatively spaced tables, constantly disinfected tables and utensils, and upped their takeout business. “We were doing well over the summer when it was warm,” says Cangello, “but with the cold weather approaching we installed heaters to accommodate outdoor dining.” On a recent chilly night, several parties on the tented patio were happily sitting over bottles of wine and The Owl’s new signature—and delicious—thin-crust pizzas.

“The Bee Sting is probably our most popular pizza,” says Cangello, who has a background in catering. “Its sopressata and crushed red pepper drizzled with honey.” (I heartily recommend it.)  Other favorites include a classic cheese pizza, the Italiano pizza (sausage and broccoli rabe), charcuterie and cheese plates, and their recently introduced meatballs.

The two men met at an event at Judy Black Memorial Park in Washington Depot pre-pandemic. “I was cooking and John was pouring,” says Cangello. “He was looking to partner and we just hit it off.”

“We are lucky,” says Bourdeau. “Our customers are both local and weekenders who share our love of good food and a great atmosphere—casual and comfortable, yet sophisticated and hip.”

Closed Monday and Tuesday.

The Owl
18 East Shore Rd,
New Preston
860-619-0585

Readers Choice Guide

By Hannah Van Sickle & Allie Steers

During the holidays, it’s an especially nice time to make a difference in the lives of others by supporting our local non-profit organizations. Now more than ever, the non-profits in Litchfield County need our help. The following list includes just a handful of organizations that are supporting people and animals every day. Of course, there are numerous food pantries, land trusts, schools, arts organizations, pet shelters, and libraries that are always in need of donations. Too many to list here.

ASAP!

ASAP! founded in 1999, is a social profit organization. Reaching families of diverse backgrounds from over 100 different towns, their mission is to foster creative, hands-on learning through the arts. They are guided by principles that support creativity, learning by doing, endless possibilities, collaboration, community, and constantly evolving and growing. ASAP! provides the home to support creativity and protect it until it gains confidence to do it on its own. Their programs provide opportunities for children and adults from all walks of life, allowing everyone to explore possibilities for new experiences. Through honoring children’s imaginations and creativity, they will become the compassionate adults the world needs.
asap.org

Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition

Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition is a 501c3 organization that was founded in 1999 in response to the increasing threats to local water resources. They have evolved into a nationally recognized model for scientific investigation, municipal assistance, stakeholder collaboration, community education, and volunteer engagement. Their mission is to promote the use of science and education to maintain and ensure the availability of high quality water in the Pomperaug Watershed communities. They share knowledge and expertise with others committed to the protection of water resources. They develop water management tools for the use of municipalities and offer an online resource center for residents and others stakeholders.
pomperaug.org

Helping Hands for Wildlife

Helping Hands for Wildlife is a fully certified and state licensed non-profit organization committed to the care of Connecticut’s orphaned and injured wildlife. They are licensed wildlife rehabilitators through the state of Connecticut that devote their time, energy, and hearts to give native wildlife a second chance after they are injured or orphaned. Helping Hands is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing healthy animals back into the wild in their natural habitat when they are ready for a second chance at life. They also focus on raising public awareness of the role we all play in nature.
helpinghandsforwildlife.org

Clover Ridge Animal Sanctuary 

Creating a safe haven that heals and nurtures animals has been the mission of Clover Ridge Animal Sanctuary since its inception in 2016. Despite a global pandemic, sanctuary life goes on as usual: the barn still needs to be mucked, senior dogs rely on life-saving medications, and dozens of semi-feral cats await neutering. Consider doing your part by adopting—not shopping—this holiday season. Can’t take a pet home with you? A tax-deductible donation to this nonprofit supports the sanctuary’s lucky residents and allows for the gift of shelter to even more animals in the New Year.
cloverridge.org

Women’s Support Services

Domestic violence knows no boundaries: It affects individuals from all socioeconomic, cultural, educational, and religious backgrounds; it is experienced across sexual identities and gender expressions; and it occurs in every age group, from teens to the elderly. The mission of WSS is to create a community free of domestic violence and abuse through intervention, prevention, and education. Donations to this nonprofit go towards staffing the 24-hour hotline; providing emergency shelter, counseling, and safety planning; offering support groups and legal advocacy; as well as teaching Violence Prevention Education for students in preschool through grade 12.
wssdv.org 

Food Rescue US/NWCT

When it comes to food, bridging the gap between excess and access isn’t just possible—it’s simple. Since 2011, 50 million pounds of fresh, usable food has been rescued from waste and put to use. The nonprofit’s mission—to fill plates, not landfills—is alive and well in the Northwest corner. A trio of moving parts—including 39 donors, 130 volunteers and 28 food pantries—are working together to feed the 20,000 people in Litchfield County who are currently food insecure. They are accepting donations to support holiday meals for approximately 1,700 local families.
foodrescue.us

Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House

‘Feed the hungry, empower the weak, nourish the soul’ has been the inspiration behind New Milford’s Loaves and Fishes for more than three decades. The non-profit has been open for a daily meal—every day of every year—since 1984 thanks to a team of dedicated and faithful volunteers. After years of planning, The Danny Straub Community Outreach Center is currently under construction. This new home will allow Loaves and Fishes to expand beyond the kitchen and provide guests with the compassion and dignity they deserve—from laundry and shower facilities to community educational programs aimed at addressing social justice issues.
loavesandfishesofnewmilford.org

Susan B. Anthony Project

Providing crisis and support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault—24 hours a day, 365 days a year—is the mission of the SBAP. Give the gift of safety, healing, and growth this holiday season by supporting the Torrington-based nonprofit’s efforts on behalf of all survivors. Interested in adopting an individual or family for the holidays? This year the agency is collecting gift cards, in $25 increments, to local grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations; Visa gift cards will also be accepted, as will monetary donations.
sbaproject.org

Tropical Storm Isaias Delivers an Unexpected Gift

By Joseph Montebello

Tropical storm Isaias wreaked havoc in many parts of Litchfield County. Residents were without power for many days, falling branches and trees were strewn across countless streets. Linda and Clayton Blick of Litchfield were two of its victims. While their house remained safe, the 70-foot red maple on their property did not. It fell, bringing with it a monumental problem—how to get rid of the tree’s remains.

“The base of the tree was too big for my husband’s 14-inch chainsaw to handle,” says Linda. “Our wonderful young neighbor Adam, who just became a new dad, came to our rescue. When he sawed the last 20 feet at the base of the tree, the chunks of wood revealed these spectacular sunburst designs. As Adam, my husband, and I gazed at these designs we thought they were beautiful and wanted to preserve a piece as an art form.”

When Isaias arrived, Linda had not been in a good place. “I was feeling quite demoralized,” she explains. “I had been diagnosed with Lyme disease and was seriously ill in July. Plans to celebrate our 40th anniversary got cancelled because of Covid. Then the storm hit and we were without power for six days. Seeing the beauty that can come from nature lifted my spirits.”

The Blicks were quite taken with the sunburst patterns and decided there should be a way to create something out of one of the pieces. They researched and found woodturner extraordinaire Richard Heys. Heys has always been interested in woodturning. When he retired as an organic chemist in pharmaceutical research and development, he took it up more seriously. He recognized the same beauty the Blicks had seen. So they commissioned him to make a bowl to commemorate the event, the kindness of Adam, and their anniversary. 

“The finished bowl will be about six inches high and seven inches wide,” says Heys. “I’ve turned it to the approximate shape I want. I’ve coated it with a wax emulsion to slow down the curing and the loss of water. I’ll keep it at this stage for about six months so that it seasons. Then I will put it back on the lathe and complete the final form, wall thickness, and the details for the design. At that point the wood should be stable. It will be round and stay round forever. I will put a transparent finish on it. My goal is to make objects that allow the wood to speak to its history and at the same time be beautiful, interesting, or intriguing.”

Heys has invited the Blicks to be part of the journey through photographs of the progress as well as visits to his workshop.“What is materializing is stunning,” says Linda. “We love what he is doing and while it will be functional, the bowl will be a cherished treasure that we will keep as a piece of art. In addition to that, we’ve become closer to our neighbor and have met the amazing Mr. Heys.”

A family finds their American dream at the Litchfield Inn

By John Torsiello

The holidays are a special time around the Litchfield Inn. The hotel is decked in its seasonal finery; a large Christmas tree sits in the lobby adorned with colorful lights and ornaments. It all conspires to create a warm glow for staff and guests.

But the real glow is inside those that work at the Inn, including general manager Syed Bokhari. “The inn is more than just a place of work for myself and my staff—we’re a family. We extend this same sentiment to all of our guests as well and hope they feel right at home when they stay with us.”

Syed Bokhari took over management of the Inn from his father and owner, Syed I. Bokhari, in 2018. The elder Bokhari bought the Inn in 2011. And it’s not just the employees and their families who receive kindness and good will. The Bokharis donate to various hospitals, mainly children’s facilities, around the state. This year, they plan to donate to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

“I had an injury about ten years ago,” said the 30-year-old Bokhari, “and was in a hospital in Boston. Next door was a children’s hospital and I would see children whose big excitement for the day was having their parents take them outside for a walk. That stuck with me.”

Bokhari also feels personally blessed to be making a living in a country his family moved to from Pakistan. “You can make it here if you work hard. I got a college education, and was working in the financial sector in Boston before I made the decision to take over management of the Inn.”

Upon taking over, the younger Bokhari believed it was time the popular hotel received a much needed makeover. Without sacrificing the traditional colonial character of the hotel, Bokhari with the aid of his wife, Pari, was able to merge timeless architecture with modern amenities and décor to make it what it is today. Currently, they are working on refreshing several of the themed guest rooms and aim to have them completed by the start of the new year. In addition to the cosmetic upgrades, operational changes were also undertaken in order to revitalize the guest experience.

Bokhari adds, “I’m a hands-on manager, working the desk, helping the housekeepers, and will do anything that needs to get done. I want my employees to see me involved with hopes that it will rub off, and it has. We are around 72 percent occupancy this fall, which is quite remarkable considering the pandemic.”

Like many other local businesses, the hotel was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a community outreach effort, Bokhari invited doctors and nurses working at Charlotte Hungerford and other health care facilities during the height of the pandemic to stay at the Inn at a considerably discounted rate.

Bokhari addressed divesting himself for the most part of his previous successful career and coming to Litchfield to manage the Inn. “It was a risk worth taking. I’m doing this for my family. We came to the United States in 2000 looking for the American dream. I’m pleased to be able to reinvigorate the Inn and bring it to where our guests, and the townspeople of Litchfield, expect it to be plus more.”

Litchfield Inn
432 Bantam Rd, Litchfield
860-567-4503

By John Torsiello

When Paul Winter turned 80 his determined resolution was “slow down as fast as I can.” Now, as the years have passed and the acclaimed and decorated musician has hit the 81-year-old milestone, there has obviously been no slowing down.

Indeed, Litchfield resident Winter has recorded what he considers a very special album, Light of the Sun, his 53rd recording, was released on November 13, 2020. The work showcases his “signature” sax voice for the first time, and the musician and composer believes he has produced the most “personal musical offering” of his 60-year recording career.

In his compositions, Winter mixes elements of jazz, classical, world music, and the sounds of animals and nature. They have been called “ecological jazz,” and Winter’s musical style is often called “Earth Music.”

“I have long dreamed of making an album that features my sax throughout and of recording it in my three favorite acoustic forums on the planet: New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the “Kiva” of the Miho Museum in the Shigaraki Mountains of Japan, and the Grand Canyon,” Winter explained of the genesis for his new recording.

Winter, terming himself primarily a “bandleader,” said it was “a thrill” for him to be able to focus so much attention on his own playing. “In most of the 50-some albums I’ve done over the years, my focus was primarily on my whole ensemble first, and sax player secondarily.”

While Light of the Sun was “a very pleasurable process” Winter related, the undertaking was not without its challenges. “It began a year ago in early September in Japan, and it’s been a long journey.”

From the early days of his college jazz sextet, which toured 23 countries of Latin America for the State Department and performed the first-ever jazz concert at the White House for the Kennedys in 1962, to his later ensemble, the Paul Winter Consort, Paul Winter’s concert tours and recording expeditions have taken him to 52 countries on six continents. He has recorded over 60 albums, of which seven have been honored with Grammy Awards.

The Paul Winter Consort has been Winter’s forum since 1968, and he has been more than content to play as a member of the ensemble. But he said he has long harbored the dream of creating an entire album featuring his beloved horn.

“This year, having recently turned 80, I figured this was as good a time as any to do it,” Winter says. “So I embarked on this adventure: to weave a tapestry of pieces I love to play, with the finest accompanists I know, and to record in my favorite acoustic spaces on the planet. These are places where I feel my horn realizes its true voice.”

Light of the Sun is “like a collection of 15 love songs I’ve recorded,” Winter opined. “Most of my albums where I’ve been just one of the players in the ensemble. I regard this album as my testament as a sax player. I aspired to sing on my horn, and I believe Light of the Sun is by far my best effort as a soloist.” His inspirations for the songs on the recording were many, Winter explained, but primarily it was, as its title suggests, the light of the sun.

Now it’s on a new project, the celebration of the great bird migration from Africa through the Middle East to Eurasia. It’s entitled “Flyways.” Despite his year-old resolution, there seems to be no slowing down for octogenarian Paul Winter.