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

Three years ago, the Baker brothers looked around at our  beautiful rolling hills and decided to bottle it. They call  themselves the Batchers of Litchfield Distillery.

For three generations, David and Jack Baker’s family has been in the water-bottling business, namely the crisp, clear water called Crystal Rock. The brothers took this experience and launched Litchfield Distillery with a third brother Peter who is a silent partner. “Our commitment is to distill the finest spirits in small batches sourcing the best ingredients our local farmers have to offer. And the taste of that commitment can be found in every sip of our Batchers’ spirits.” It quickly became one of the state’s newest micro-distilleries.

Now 3 years old, the Litchfield Distillery batches exceptionally distilled spirits, handcrafted from the highest quality. Their Batchers’ series features 11 distinctive spirits. They primarily produce bourbon, gin, and vodka, but they also offer a Coffee Bourbon, a Vanilla Bourbon, a Cinnamon Bourban, and Blueberry and Apple Vodkas. Their grains and fruit are locally sourced here in Connecticut. The gin they produce has botanicals, juniper berry and citrus, and their vodka is distilled from luscious corn grown in Sharon. Their bourbon whiskey ages in Port wine barrels, white oak which affects the flavor profile. “Like jazz, bourbon is part of the American culture,” says Jack during one of his tasting tours.

Litchfield Distillery is a great destination for weekend tours. They are open most weekends for tours and tastings which have become quite popular. During the free tours, one of the owners will walk you through the process of batching fine spirits from farm to bottle. They show you the grains that they have sourced from local farmers and explain their state-of-the-art stills and equipment. Then they invite you to taste the spirits in their intimate tasting room.

Litchfield Distillery continues to grow and they are now available in over 750 locations across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Boston, and New York City.

If you are looking for the perfect locally-made gift for the holiday season, visit the shop at the distillery where you will find gift sets of their spirits and an assortment of Litchfield Distillery Batchers’ gear, such as t-shirts, flasks, glassware and more.

From the Saturday farmers market to the art shows and the movie nights, the Judy Black Park and Gardens has been transformed into a vibrant gathering place.

Nearly a year has passed since the formal dedication of the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens in the center of Washington Depot – at the site of an abandoned Texaco station. Much has happened since the garden was in full bloom this spring. The Park’s calendar of activities and events has quickly filled up.

The farmers market brought new offerings such as stylish accessories and skin care products. A steady stream of people stroll through the park, spending as much time greeting their friends and neighbors as purchasing the bounty shared by a dozen local vendors.

Market master Justin Moore has assured a rich variety of offerings at the market – from Kimberly Farm’s fresh corn to Waldingfield Farm’s tomatoes and sauces, Averill Farm’s apple cider donuts, Oliva on Main’s hummus, Ruth Chase’s flowers, Ox Hollow Farm’s beef, pork and chicken, to name a few of the regulars. Children and adults alike line up to the music of DJ Nathan Zapata to buy a fruit popsicle from Bee’s Knees, a new addition to the market.

Whether sitting on Mark Mennin’s “Currents” sculpture, or at the picnic table under the gazebo, or on a bench, folks are enjoying a cup of coffee and a donut while catching up with friends.

New this year are the Outdoor Movie Nights – a great way to relax with friends and family, spread out a picnic on the grass, sip a glass of wine or munch on popcorn, and enjoy a classic film. Thanks to the generous support of local sponsors like National Iron Bank, Klemm Real Estate, and Bouyea & Associates, the Judy Black Park erects a giant screen to entertain visitors of all ages with a wide selection of films. Coming soon are “As Good As It Gets” (Saturday,
September 2), “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (Sunday, September 2) and “The Philadelphia Story” (Friday, September 15). The movies roll at 8:15 pm, but get there early to enjoy dusk in the Depot and secure a place for your lawn chair or blanket.

For relaxation for the mind and body, and the learning of a lifelong skill, the Sunman Center for Excellence offers free yoga and meditation classes for the community every Tuesday at 11 am through October. Just bring a mat or rent one for $2. All levels are welcome.

Inside the fully renovated garage, art exhibitions are on display. Katie Morley, director of program and marketing, invites you to discover the revolving art shows that adorn the walls of the building.

“We have several wonderful exhibitions planned for the rest of 2017, ending with two shows from returning curator James Salomon Contemporary in November and December, and already have a full 2018 calendar,” Morley says. “On September 21, we will open an exhibition of the paintings of Bryan LeBoeuf.”

“If music is your pleasure, “ Morley continues, “don’t miss the upcoming concert at the Judy Black Park: on September 2 at 4  pm a concert by Chorus Angelicus artistic director Gabriel Lofvall and Chorus alumna Michaela Bottari.”

The park is run by an eleven member volunteer team that keeps busy planning activities and events as well as maintaining the property.

President Denise Trevenen announces, “Enjoy the beautiful gardens and lawn and picnic table anytime. Seek artistic inspiration inside the building. Come to the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens in the heart of the Depot — to relax, learn, play and share all that our community has to offer.”

The award-winning firm of Haver & Skolnick Architects has been creating stunning country homes, both inside and out, in the Northwest Corner (and elsewhere) for over 20 years.

Charles M. Haver, AIA and Stewart R. Skolnick, AIA, are partners in the Roxbury firm Haver & Skolnick Architects. Their projects have included New York city apartments, historic country homes, restorations, and new homes, but they are known for their work on classic New England houses and barns. From the stone work to the colors, to the smallest architectural detail, Charles and Stewart deeply understand how to achieve the whole look of a well-kept traditional New England home while making it a contemporary place to live. They handle flow and ease with all of the comforts of a modern home. This is timeless design at its best.

They have won numerous awards and the firm’s work has been published in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Garden Design, New York Cottages & Gardens, Litchfield Magazine, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, Connecticut Magazine, Connecticut Home & Garden, East Coast Home + Design, Hudson Magazine, Passport Magazine, The Litchfield County Times, Greenwich Time and was featured in Leah Rosch’s book American Farm Houses.

Offfering their clients a full range of services including the architectural design, interior design, and landscaping, Haver & Skolnick have created some of the most beautiful homes and properties in Litchfield County. Here’s what they had to say about their beginnings and their path to success doing what they love:

What is your background? Where did each of you grow up, and tell us about your education?

Stewart was raised on Long Island and headed west to the University of Arizona for undergraduate architecture school and then back east to Cornell for his Masters program. Charles traveled south from his home town of Sewickley, PA to the University of Virginia with its inspirational Jeffersonian campus. After receiving our architectural degrees we each wanted to be a part of New York City’s vibrant design community, training in a number of large architectural and interior design firms, each of us eventually becoming design directors.

How did you end up here, in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut?

Although we loved living on Manhattan’s upper west side, we eventually longed for more green than Central Park could provide. We scoped out several locations for a weekend getaway, including eastern Long Island and upstate New York, but fell in love with Litchfield County on our first visit. We bought a tiny cottage in Sharon, overlooking a pond, and began plotting ways to move to Litchfield County full time. In 1994 we purchased a neglected historic home on Roxbury’s green and its very visible restoration attracted clients, jump starting our practice.

Did you always know you would become architects?

Charles had a very early interest in architecture which was furthered by several years of art study at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh. Stewart’s interest in architecture peaked when he spent a college semester on a ship viewing the skylines of Asia’s port cities.

It is unusual for an architectural firm to not only design the home but also be involved in tableware and interiors. Does this happen with all of your projects?

Since we both have training in interior design as well as architecture, we find it very natural to flow from one discipline to the other. When we’re designing a home or addition we’re always envisioning how it will be furnished, down to the smallest details. We also are envisioning the development of the site and landscape and find that to be a natural extension of our services. So many of our clients have such busy lives that they prefer to have one firm handle all these aspects.

Do you have an antiques business as well?

In the world of antiques, most avid collectors eventually become dealers. Charles has been collecting Americana since a teenager and for over 20 years has been selling colorful country furnishings and folk art from the ground floor gallery of our restored carriage house. Over the years he’s developed a wide network of sources allowing us to find the perfect distinctive pieces for our clients.

What do you look to for inspiration?

We find inspiration wherever we go, often in unlikely places. On a recent ski trip to Telluride, we stumbled upon a home furnishings store offering the perfect rustic dinnerware for a client’s Connecticut weekend retreat. We ended up shipping a set back home along with unique bedding we never would have found in the east.

How do you describe your style, your philosophy, your signature?

Although we’re best known for creating relaxed country homes that recall local vernacular architecture, our work has also included more formal homes as well as some very contemporary interiors.

Although much of our work is inspired by history, we both have modernist roots which is reflected in the clear organization and flowing interior spaces of our work.

About how many projects could you be potentially working on at any given time?

We pride ourselves on personal attention to our clients so rarely take on more than three or four projects at once.

Who or what are your influences?

Our influences vary depending upon the assignment. We’re currently working with a client who loves country English homes. We find the rambling homes created by architect Harry Lindbergh in the 1920’s to be the perfect inspiration for this project. Often we’re also inspired by the simple, bold forms of the rural buildings dotting the local hillsides.

What are your future plans for the firm? Is there
something you would like to do but haven’t yet?

Although doing projects in Litchfield County will always be our first love, we’re also doing work in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. We were recently fortunate to have the opportunity to create an award-winning contemporary interior in a Central Park West duplex, which was a refreshing change of pace. Currently we have a Fishers Island seaside cottage on the boards and we would love do work in more exotic locals. Our passports are current and we like to travel!

With an eye for clean lines, a well-worn patina, and iconic shapes, Charles Lavigna has gathered a collection of furniture called Switch Factory Antiques in his showroom in Bantam.

Charles Lavigna was a house painter for thirty years. His wife had been selling antiques in Newtown (and on the internet) for about 20 years, and she got him hooked. She collects more traditional pieces, and his niche is mid-century industrial and garden antiques. He started off as a vendor doing a lot of antiques shows, such as The Brimfield Antiques Show in Massachusetts (of which he still participates in). He also had a few pop-ups in New Preston over the last few years. Since January of this year, he has a opened a shop in the old Switch Factory building in Bantam. Using it as a showroom, he named the business Switch Factory Antiques and combined with online sales, the business has taken off.

The pieces Charles collects and sells are a mix of high quality and well-reputed names. He likes to refer to it as “Usable Industrial Design”. He loves drafting tables and carries a few in the shop. Each week, he brings new pieces into the showroom and online. His items tend to be more furniture than smalls.

As we visited his shop, we notived there was a wide range of items available, such as a 1780 engraving of the Vatican in Rome, placed above a mid-century server sideboard, a map of New York State (one of four 4 maps); vintage suitcases, a large wire bin that was a 1930’s trash pail; and a black wrought iron chair with original wooden arms with a hatch pattern on the back, designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. There was a beautiful French iron table with a green patina and a small oval top, from the 1900’s. There were 8 Bertoia Side Chairs—mesh chairs designed by Harry Bertoia, a designer from the 1950’s. These chairs are among the most recognized pieces of mid-century modern design. Two lounge chairs by Persival Lafer covered in a salmon leather color are from 1974 and were made in Brazil. There was a Chinese Chippendale faux-bois étagere from the late 60’s – early 70’s.

A pair of black leather chairs built in the 1950’s with walnut wooden arms and legs designed by Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture stood out, as did the Snail Table, a carved wooden base with a circular glass top, from the 70’s, designed by Federico Armijo, an artist from New Mexico. A plexi-glass bar cart from the 1970’s has two shelves and those iconic curved sides. All pieces would compliment a variety of home styles, whether country, modern, rustic, formal, or casual.

The showroom is spacious and inviting, a good place to linger and contemplate individual pieces in this unique collection. Lavigna joins a select group of home goods businesses in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut, adding to the area’s appeal for design afficionados.

Local artist Vincent Giarrano’s paintings about women and NYC city architecture capture “the small, quiet moments in life—when people are truly themselves.”

A realist painter based in Washington Depot, Vincent Giarrano currently has two shows of his work—one called Recent Paintings at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens in Washington Depot and another show of about 30 paintings at the Gallery Henoch in NYC called New York City Women. We caught up with the prolific artist and he gave us some insightful thoughts on his process, inspirations, and approach to painting.

Giarrano lived for some years in New York City, which is the inspiration for his current paintings. “My work is focused on the experiences of life in a city environment. Specifically, my paintings are about contemporary women in New York City. For me, painting is about conveying sincere truths in our lives right now.”

Vincent’s paintings seem to be created in a traditional style but the subject matter is depicted in a very modern way. “I often think of our history and the things that lead to where we are now. In my work, this appears as a recurring combination of classic and contemporary elements. The city itself is often the subject or focus in my work. There’s an energy, mood, and character to it that is both captivating as well as inspiring.

Architecture changes with time and the influence of people. It takes on a character and personality of its own and also evolves over its life. I appreciate how the buildings reflect the culture and society around it. New York City is constantly changing, and you can chart that through the rise and fall of these architectural icons. There are great beauty and interest in contemporary life, and this is what I paint. Something that resonates with me is how Robert Henri spoke of the artist functioning as a journalist.”

Considering that Vincent Giarrano lives in rural Connecticut, we asked him if the contrast of his personal experience living in the country pulls him towards the city. “I lived in NYC for a bunch of years after college. It was a great experience. I think anyone who’s been to the city knows that there’s an incredible energy there. You can’t help but feel it. For me, it’s endlessly inspiring because of the variety of people, and the variety of architecture and environments there.

What I like about living in the country is that when I do go into the city, I see it more clearly, and I can appreciate it more. When you live there day in and day out, you become a little desensitized to it. I like seeing it objectively, and feeling moved by it.”

Large cities can have a grey palette, yet Vincent uses strong, vivid colors in his city paintings. He explains, “I think of it as having points of intense color, and I think those stand out more for being surrounded by things that are much less colorful. What I focus on most is achieving the harmony that I see, and that has to do with the light that’s affecting everything I see in a scene. My favorite light in the city is cool, even light. The buildings block the sun, so you get this wonderful, moody light. I avoid sunlight like a vampire.”

Many of Giarrano’s paintings depict women who seem to be caught in a moment in time framed by the buildings and signage of the city. Asked how he decides which scenes, and which women to paint, he replies, “I like the contrast and relationship between the human figure and architecture. In the city that’s what stands out to me—people living in this huge man-made environment. What interests me is capturing what real life feels like. I choose scenes that reflect that. There are a mood and energy to the experiences we have, and I love what those are like in a city environment.

As for painting women, it’s one of the subjects that I find very inspiring. I feel women best express the human condition; what it’s like for us to be these living beings. I also enjoy painting people that are very different from me. This allows me to see them more objectively. The people I paint can be quite varied; young people just starting out in the city or established professionals. I do like young people quite a bit because they can have interesting, expressive lifestyles. I also like that they reflect how the city is this always changing and evolving place.”

Vincent paints interior scenes as well—intimate ones of women in their bedrooms, getting dressed or doing routine things. Do these paintings tell a different story than the street scenes? “The interior scenes are often about portraying that person through what their living space says about them. I find the room that reflects that most is a person’s bedroom. It seems to be the place where people put things that express their personality. A studio or art space can have that as well. My painting Jeniffer in Her Studio is a good example of the room speaking about her as much as her likeness.

The small, quiet moments in life is something we can all relate to. I paint them because I feel that this is when people are more truly themselves.”

The current exhibition features about 30 new paintings by Vincent. That takes a lot of time! We asked him if he works with a goal in mind on how much time to devote to each piece, or if it happens more organically. And how long a period of time were these pictures produced? “These are all recent paintings from this or last year. I generally know ahead how long I’ll paint something. Often I work intuitively at first, but then look for what I see developing. My concepts are things I already have in mind, so I like that I’m free to paint and explore but still keep in the direction I want.”

Seasoned design gurus Wilson Henley, Bruce Glickman, and Betsey Nestler have just opened George Home—a new store and design studio featuring furniture, accessories, and gift items. by beth aviv

In keeping with the tradition of Litchfield County as the shopping destination for all things related to the home, we welcome another great resource: George Home. Located behind the Pantry in the Depot, George is a well-curated collection of global design, including mid-century modern and antique furniture, art, table top and accessories.

The brainchild of Wilson Henley, Bruce Glickman, and Betsey Nestler, the shop features mid-century modern pieces by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Karl Springer, and Tommi Parzinger. Terence Harold Robsjohn-Gibbings was a British-born architect and furniture designer who also designed ocean liner interiors and art directed films. In the late 1930s and 1940s he was the most important decorator in America. Karl Springer was a designer and manufacturer of luxury furniture and a wide array of accessories beginning the ’50s and continuing through the ’80s. Tommi Parzinger was a German furniture designer and painter who started his first company in New York city in 1939. His works were collected by famous clients, including Billy Baldwin, Marilyn Monroe, and a number of high-fashion New York families.

It’s no surprise that the three partners chose Washington as the place to launch their new business—they have a long history with the Northwest Corner. Bruce and Wilson have been coming to Litchfield County for 30 years on weekends and holidays, and now live here permanently. Betsey has been here for at least 30 years, probably longer. All three have years of experience with home decorating and retail.

Bruce and Wilson opened their first shop in New Preston with Garden House, then moved on to a business called Duane in NYC for about 15 years. Betsey Nestler ran a very successful shop called Jonathan Peters in New Preston for many years. After closing JP, they all collaborated on a shop called Betsey and Duane, again in New Preston. They have known each other for over 20 years, and every time they got together, they’d talk about opening a store. When the right spot came along in the Depot, they took it.

“While George incorporates some aspects of Duane—some of the furniture and art, for example—we’ve expanded our focus to include more table-top and gift items,” explains Bruce. The shop carries a large selection of soaps, candles, men’s accessories, cocktail napkins, table settings, beautiful linens from Canada, and hand blown glass from upstate New York. They also offer small purses from Stubbs & Wootton. Along with the vintage and mid-century modern furniture, are their own designs originally manufactured for Duane. Nestler brings a more global design sense to the mix – pieces from and influenced by Chinese and African artisans. To bring it all together, George Home also provides interior design services.

“We’ve been doing this for so long,” says Wilson. “We’ll offer what people have responded to and what’s dear to our hearts. Going forward we hope George will become another valuable design resource in Litchfield County. We’d also like to collaborate with some of the many talented local artists, designers and writers to showcase the creativity of the area.”

Stop by and take in the exquisite displays created by these three creative tastemakers, and on your way out look above the entrance to the shop where there’s a silhouette of the first president, the shop’s namesake.

Amanda Glover is known all over Litchfield County for her amazing wedding cakes, cupcakes, sweet and savory baked goods, and her vintage Airstream Bakery, Sweetie.

Ever since she was a little girl growing up in Seymour, Connecticut, Amanda Glover wanted to bake. She began at home in her mother’s kitchen with her sister. On rainy days they would bake bread together using their great grandmother’s recipe—which she never measured out. They baked chocolate chip cookies too— improvising—and the results came out surprisingly well.

As soon as she was old enough for working papers, Amanda headed straight for her first job in a kitchen with the goal of logging in enough hours to be accepted into the Culinary Institute of America, better known as the CIA.

After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, she worked at the Mayflower Inn in Washington and at the famed European patisserie Belgique in Kent, resulting in a well developed repertoire in breads, chocolate making, and pastry production. The next stop was at Winvian in Morris where she worked under Chef Chris Eddy. It was here that she gained an appreciation for sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and products that would ultimately shape her world view on the interconnectedness of a community built around food.

Glover started AmandaBakes, LLC in 2014 as a custom baking service. She put her energy into owning her own food truck and came across a beautifully converted Airstream that she named “Sweetie.” Today Amanda brings lovingly prepared baked goods to the community in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut and has developed quite a fan club from her appearances at the South Farms Morris Market Place, where Sweetie can be found. Amanda and Sweetie also travel to private events, markets, and festivals.

In addition to her popular cupcakes, cookies, and bars, Amanda also bakes special occasion cakes, wedding cakes, themed cupcakes, holiday desserts, pies, and pastries—delivered to parties and events. All of her baked goods are made from scratch using the finest ingredients and sourced locally whenever possible.

For those looking for a fun way to sweeten up their wedding day, the AmandaBakes Airstream can be booked to arrive at the reception fully stocked with sumptuous desserts. The menu for the evening can be completely customized to the event. Wedding cakes and coffee service are also available. Sweetie can be booked for children’s birthday parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties, and any other kind of event.

With the launch of her first cookbook titled Sweetie Bake your Day: Sweet & Savory Baked Goods Anyone Can Make, Amanda Glover begins a new journey of book signings and author appearances. The striking cookbook was playfully illustrated by Raheem Nelson, an artist from New Haven who works on an iPad. The book was produced by Barbara Gold of Mission Branding, and published by Ingram Spark Publishing, and the pages are filled with a wide range of creative,  easy recipes including her cookies, bars, quickbreads, cakes, savory goods, pies, tarts, gluten-free bakes, scones, and doughnuts. Throughout the book there are many tips on using high quality and local ingredients. Equipment is kept to a minimum, making the recipes accessible to any avid home baker.

The book will be sold at The Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington Depot. Priced at $20, a portion of the book sales goes to FISH NWCT, a homeless shelter. Amanda is already working on her second book Fatso: 50 Recipes to Expand Your Waistline, dedicated to her grandmother.

As well as a pastry chef, Amanda is also a classically trained chef in traditional cooking methods. She lives with her family (and Sweetie) in the Litchfield Hills. We spoke with Amanda about her passion for baking, community, and the freedom to be creative:

How did you end up in Litchfield County?

After two cross country trips, I landed a job at The Mayflower Inn. I’ve always been one for tall pines and rushing rivers and nature. As I began my search for a home closer to my work, I took my first trip to Litchfield. Growing up in a suburban landscape, the Litchfield Hills reminded me of being out west. White Memorial in particular, made a great first impression. I’ve now lived here for 18 years.

Do you use natural ingredients in your baked goods?

Yes, I believe that is where great cooking and baking starts, with the best quality ingredients. In my new book, I have an entire section dedicated to help the home baker identify and purchase high quality, pure ingredients that they may not have been aware existed.

Do you use local ingredients?

Absolutely. I pick pears from a backyard orchard, berries from Evergreen Berry Farm, rhubarb from Stonedrift Farm, maple Syrup from Crow Hill, coffee from Giv, Arethusa milk and cream, apples and peaches from March Farm, goat cheese from Little Farm on Main, honey from Berry Ledges, and my eggs come from Pond’s Free Range Poultry-the list goes on! I believe that a community is built around food.

What are your most popular baked goods?

My mother’s recipe for shortbread bars sell out every week. The whoopie pies have their very own following. The big, soft cookies in the cookie jars are popular with the kids – especially if they have sprinkles! Gluten-free brownies have a dedicated group of consumers. In the summer, fresh fruit galettes and ice cream sandwiches filled with Peaches and Cream Ice Cream are popular. In the fall its cider doughnuts, and slabs of pie with ice cream- and the apple crisp is also a big seller.

Besides the obvious, what are the differences between being a pastry chef for a restaurant versus selling from a trailer and taking on special orders?

What I love the most about selling from the Airstream is being able to be face to face with my customers at every transaction. I get to see them enjoy what they’ve ordered, I am able to talk to them and get to know their favorite things. I am able to be flexible enough to create a new menu every week based on what local produce is available, any fun customer requests, and in part, what it is I feel like creating. I’m never locked in to making the same recipe day after day.

How do you see your business growing?

I really enjoyed writing my first book, and I’m eager to pen a follow up. With the Airstream, catering private parties and creating menus is one of my favorite things to do. I’d love to expand and be able to bring on one or two employees. I’m always open to new opportunities as they come my way, and my future plans are always evolving!

Contact Amanda for a consultation. Allow at least one week’s notice; and for very detailed custom orders please give plenty of notice, so that Amanda has the chance to create the dessert of your dreams.

amandabakes.com
http://southfarms.org/amandabakes/

Upcoming Book Signing Events:

…………………………………………..

June 10, 2017, 12-2 pm
at the Nutmeg Olive Oil Company
25 Main Street in New Milford

Amanda uses their Persian Lime Oil in one of her recipes for Key Lime Cookies. The book’s iPad artist Raheem Nelson will be at the signing with Amanda, and at 3 – 4 pm he will be giving a free iPad art class at The Makery CoWorking at 55 Bank Street giving an in-depth look behind the art in the cookbook and on the fundamentals of creating art on a digital canvas. From 2-3 pm, there will be a Photo-Op with Sweetie, the Airstream Mobile Bakery, parked visibly on Bank Street in New Milford.

August 5, 2017, 2 – 4 pm
at The Judy Black Memorial Park
in Washington Depot

There will be an iPad art demo with the artist Raheem Nelson, as well as a baking demo and tasting by Amanda Glover.

 

July 15, 2017, 2 – 4 pm
at Sunset Meadows Vineyard
in Goshen
There will be a book signing and tasting of Amanda’s Merlot Chocolate Cake.

August 19, 2017, (time to be determined)
at Kitchenworks and Gourmet Gifts
in Litchfield
There will be a book signing at this kitchen shop.

With the AmandaBakes Airstream trailer named Sweetie, Amanda Glover is dedicated to bringing an authentic food truck experience right to an event or function. The 1978 Airstream Land Yacht trailer has been restored and retrofitted with a fully operational artisanal bakery aboard. It is available for events and arrives stocked with a selection of delicious sweets for guests to enjoy throughout the summer months and select fall dates for events at South Farms in Morris. AmandaBakes proudly supports local vendors, farmers, craftsmen and purveyors for their raw ingredients and supplies. Rental fees and information are available upon request.

 

Raheem Nelson, iPad artist
Ra! began copying cartoon characters at age 6. He published his own comic books selling them to his friends. He attended high school at ECA (Educational Center for the Arts), where he became an artist learning to paint with oil and acrylics and to draw and paint figures. His next stop was the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. The iPad and Ra found each other in 2010.

Raheem Nelson is a resident of New Haven. He teaches workshops, gives private lessons, and does iPad art testing for Apple. His work has been displayed in galleries in the UK, Vancouver, New York, and San Francisco. He has a permanent installation in a restaurant in New Orleans and recently published an illustrated book, From the Elm to the Empire. He continues to support ECA/Educational Center for the Arts.
www.raheemnelson.com

With Artistic Director Christine Gevert at the helm, award-winning Crescendo brings innovative choral and instrumental performances—some rarely heard— to our community.

Crescendo is a national award-winning music performance organization that has presented concerts year-round in northwestern Connecticut, the Berkshires, and the mid-Hudson Valley of New York. for thirteen years. Its choral singers include highly-trained amateurs and local professionals, and many of its soloists and instrumentalists are internationally-known musicians.

Crescendo was founded by Christine Gevert in Lakeville in 2004. As Founder and Artistic Director, Ms. Gevert is known for her innovative approach to programming and performance. Crescendo’s audiences are often rewarded with programs of rarely-heard and newly discovered works. Often Ms. Gevert uses original manuscripts to make her own performing editions for chorus, soloists and orchestra because there are no existing published editions. Crescendo has presented ten U.S. premieres and in 2014, it won the prestigious Chorus America/ASCAP/Alice Parker Award for Adventurous Programming.

This past April, Crescendo’s concerts featured all-American music and a collaboration with the Norman Rockwell Museum entitled “Norman Rockwell and Alice Parker: Visions of America in Art and Song”. In May, Crescendo turns its focus to early European vocal music. In the 16th and 17th centuries, influential churches such as the northern German church, St. Mary’s in Lübeck, kept a large number of scores of many composers’ music for use by their choirs. Two centuries later, in 1814, the church gave its choir library to the Society of Friends of Music in Vienna. Much of this repertoire was forgotten, “sitting in drawers gathering dust” until, a few years ago, the distinguished music scholar, Dr. Kerala Snyder, involved in researching a book, found this collection.  She cataloged the scores for performance use, and published the catalog in 2015. Dr. Snyder then collaborated with Christine Gevert in the design of this year’s May concert program.

A few prints existed here and there, scattered around Europe in cultural centers such as large churches like St. Mary’s. However, the print of a work by the early Baroque Italian composer Paolo Quagliati, Ave Sanctissima Maria, appears not to have survived anywhere but in the forgotten St. Mary’s Choir Library collection in Vienna, making its Crescendo performance the first time it has been heard publicly in many centuries.

Crescendo’s Vocal Ensemble, soprano Jennifer Tyo, tenor Christopher Sokolowski and period instrument specialists, including the highly-regarded Boston-based viola da gamba player Jane Hershey and baroque violinist Yi-Li Chang, performed works by early Italian and German composers such as Giovanni Rovetta, Paolo Quagliati, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Heinrich Schütz, Jacobus Handl, and Dietrich Buxtehude. Artistic Director Christine Gevert conducted and accompanied from the organ. The spectacular concerts “Renaissance Treasures Unearthed—Italian and German Music from Lubeck” were held at Saint James Place in Great Barrington and at Trinity Church Lime Rock in Lakeville.

Artistic Director Christine Gevert is an extraordinary musician who performs internationally. Originally from Chile, she moved to Berlin at 23 to study at the renowned East Berlin School of Sacred Music. When she was 26, she began playing the harpsichord and performed in concerts all over Europe. Eventually, she made her way to the United States, to Lenox, Massachusetts through a spiritual community called EnlightenNex .

Ms. Gevert has conducted and performed in Europe, South America and the U.S. Her education, performance, and teaching work in Chile and Germany focused on early music, organ, harpsichord, choral and orchestral conducting, Baroque vocal technique and composition. In recent years, she has appeared at Early Music Festivals throughout the Eastern U.S. and was invited to give solo recitals in France, Poland, Chile and Bolivia. She also performed in Boston, New York City and Washington DC, including appearances at the Brooklyn Beat Festival, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and St. Bartholomew’s Church.

Concerts feature primarily Crescendo’s own ensembles: the Crescendo Chorus, a group of 25 to 50 auditioned amateur and professional singers; the Crescendo Vocal Ensemble, a select group of singers from the chorus; the Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra of professional musicians, mostly from the East Coast; and the Crescendo Ensemble of Andean Instruments. These are joined on a regular basis by distinguished internationally-acclaimed soloists such as soprano Julianne Baird and countertenor Nicholas Tamagna.

The core of Crescendo’s repertoire is early music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras that extends far beyond the standard repertoire, including historically informed productions of large-scale choral works. Most of these are rarely performed works by German, Polish, Czech, Italian, Spanish and Argentinian composers, such as members of the Bach family and their German contemporaries, and Pekiel, Biber, Zelenka, Torri, Torrejón y Velasco and Zipoli, whose works Crescendo premiered in the U.S.

Crescendo’s commitment to Latin American music also stands out from other regional music ensembles. Ms. Gevert has introduced audiences to Baroque and Colonial Era Latin American music, to Incan chant, and to combining Andean folk instruments with classical period instruments. Contemporary works by young composers from Chile, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as her own arrangements and compositions are also programmed. Crescendo presented the U.S. premiere of a folk mass by contemporary Chilean composer, Jaime Soto León.

Crossing all musical genres, Crescendo’s programs have included a jazz mass by Dave Brubeck and, innovative—and even challenging—experimental productions that merge jazz and early music styles. A multimedia production of Totentanz by Hugo Distler, which combined music, dance, narration, and projected animation, received international recognition when a film of the performance was shown at a conference in Florence, Italy in 2008. Composers such as the Norwegian-American Ola Gjeilo, the Chilean Javier Farías and the American Eric Whitacre have been featured in their programs.

Crescendo’s mission is to give listeners and performers experiences with classical music that are emotionally alive and personally meaningful. In part, this is achieved by cultivating a repertoire that is not usually heard in this region: musical gems of Early Music, as well as 20th century and contemporary works. As its name indicates, Crescendo serves the growth and intensification of the musical experience. Interactive performances, lectures and workshops and a historically informed approach to music make Crescendo into a unique organization, one in which instruction and inspiration go hand-in-hand. A non-profit organization, Crescendo brings fine sacred and secular choral and instrumental music to the Northwest corner communities of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

Crescendo places a high value on its close relationship to the local community. An essential part of its mission is to offer skilled amateur singers opportunities to participate in performances of professional quality and to perform music in a wide variety of musical genres, periods, and cultural origins. Crescendo also gives young professionals from our local region the chance to work with internationally-recognized artists and to perform as soloists, thus giving them career-building opportunities they would otherwise have only in Boston or New York.

Education is a core part of Crescendo’s mission and its programming. Rehearsals include detailed analysis of the works and their historical context. The Artistic Director and guest speakers give pre-concert talks on choral music and early music. The illustrated program books help place the music within the context of art and social history, and include the complete text of vocal music in both English and original language. The Artistic Director and members of Crescendo visit high schools to introduce them to new musical formats and traditions. Talented local teenagers have coached individually with the Artistic Director and have joined the Crescendo Chorus and Vocal Ensemble concerts.

With sell-out concerts and standing ovations, Crescendo continues to enrich our musical experiences with originality and quality performances that break boundaries. Check back with us as we post future concerts in our Goings On section.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, have just given birth, or are experiencing pain as you age, Danica Center’s Dr. Bente Dahl-Busby can help you feel and move better.    

Bente Dahl was born and raised in Denmark. As a young child, she studied ballet, modern gymnastics, and horseback riding. Her father wanted her to become a lawyer but when she envisioned a life of sitting at a desk, she decided it wasn’t for her. Bente trained in physical therapy and graduated in 1985.

She met Peter Busby (her future husband), an American sculptor who was studying at the Art Academy in Denmark, and later they moved to California. While on the west coast, she received a Certification in Acupressure at the American Acupressure Institute in Berkeley and studied Tai Chi. In 1992, Bente and Peter moved east to Cornwall, Connecticut, built a house and raised 3 children.

Bente worked as a physical therapist at Nordicare Physical Therapy in Sharon for 23 years. During that time, she graduated from the Polestar Pilates Institute in Miami as a Professional Polestar Pilates Rehab Teacher. Bente also earned her degree as Doctor of Physical Therapy at A.T. Still University in Arizona, and became a Certified Pilates Teacher.

Since 1984, Bente has been a student of the Master Kai Yin Tung Academy of Tai Chi Ch’uan, studying with Master Tung. She also  studied with Jane Golden of Jane Golden’s School of Tai Chi & Qigong for 4 years. She has used principles from Ta Chi in her work as a physical therapist for over three decades.

It had always been Bente’s dream to combine integrated work with her physical therapy skills. She finally had the opportunity to create a whole body movement and wellness center just over two years ago when she left Nordicare Physical Therapy and she opened Danica Center in 2015.

At Danica Center in Sharon, Dr. Bente Dahl-Busby teaches mind-body awareness using movement therapies to help people enhance their mobility, strengthen their core, and find balance as they age. When you walk through the front door, you are immediately aware that this is a sanctuary. The space is elegant, useful, and functional. The setting is simple and spare with small graphic bursts of color. Bente has decorated the walls with modern art posters from museums in her native homeland. The Danish aesthetic is everywhere, from the Hay chairs to the hanging mobiles by Flenstedt, to the yellow Muto coat hooks on the wall at the front entrance. Even the beautiful bowls on the shelves are by Norman Kähler. In the cathedral-like gym the spiraled ceiling lights are by Danish designer, Paul Henningsen.

With a lifelong background in gymnastics, movement therapies, mind/body awareness, and energy works, Dr. Dahl-Busby has concentrated her work in manual therapy, orthopedic and sports physical therapy, and she has a particular interest in Pelvic Floor and Women’s Health Physical Therapy.

Dr. Bente’s clientele ranges from local residents to weekenders; from high school students to middle-age adults and older. “The majority of the people I see in my clinic/studio are 40 and up. We need to feel well as we age so we can live longer,” says Bente. A large number of her clients are recovering from an injury. “The ‘orthopedic’ patient has been the back bone of my 32-year-career and I help with the pain, injury, and surgery to-and-of the neuro/musculo/skeletal system,” says Bente. Some clients suffer from painful joints and a lack of mobility—continual, ongoing issues. There are people who weren’t able to resolve their issues in the mainstream medical system. Others are concerned with maintaining a quality of life, and some come to enhance their lives. “We welcome anybody who wants to learn how to move better as they age.”

“People tend to arrive at the center with an understanding of their problems and goals.” Bente explains, “With my help, they acquire an in-depth learning—it’s not just a short stop—followed by knowing what they can do at home, and what to expect in a class situation. They leave with suggestions on changes they can make. Mindfulness drives your movements.”

Dr. Bente Dahl-Busby provides personalized attention to each of her clients. Many of them have rotator cuff injuries. Yoga instructures come to her to improve their energy. Whether it is rehab for an injury or to simply enhance their life, all of Bente’s clients get her thoughtful approach to treatment. Usually, patients begin with 2 to 4 visits, then call in and check in on a monthly basis. It’s important to have continuity with the same person, and it saves time and energy, no need to go over the original problem and concerns each time.

With women’s health, there are issues with pelvic floor dysfunction, which can cause a range of conditions from urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, to organ prolapse (a common and very uncomfortable condition for a number of women). The pelvic floor is muscular and supports the inner organs, and affects the core of the body. After giving birth, some women need help staying well. Bente addresses concerns and issues pre- and post- partum. She has a deep understanding of the difficulties that women face throughout their lives. (Mothers can even bring their babies to her classes.) “It’s all about finding a balance in your body.”

For those who are dealing with osteoporosis, Bente offers a group class in addition to her private individualized sessions. The osteoporosis class at the center helps strengthen your core to help increase bone density. “Tai Chi is very good for balance for those with osteoporosis,” explains Bente. Tai Chi reflects through all levels of life, keeping energy lines and pathways open. Tai Chi is about balancing your body and expanding your energy using little amounts. She guides her patients as they achieve fluidity and sees the changes in her patients’ bodies.

Tai Chi is also beneficial for those in rehab from an injury. She helps her clients to relearn the patterns of movement using the Feldenkrais Method (a type of exercise therapy devised to reorganize connections between the brain and body and to improve body movement and psychological state). This creates an awareness of where you are in space as you move. Having an injury, being hurt, is usually the beginning of learning how to move better and smarter. In a small group class of 6 to 8 people, imagery is a huge piece of the process. Move like this… feel like this… her guidance is positive and supportive. The key to healing is allowing your body to invite you in. “We are the result of our experiences in our life, or our injuries.

Bente leads workshops on specialized interest areas including the pelvic floor, osteoporosis and tennis. Other workshops that are  being planned for this year include golf, running and bicycling, as well as the weekend warrior.

At her practice, Bente does manual therapies such as myofacial release, cranio-sacral and visceral mobilization, joint and soft tissue mobilization/manipulation, and many more that are mentioned on her web site. She also offers Dry Needling—a new and very effective technique to reduce pain and trigger point activity performed by physical therapists that have received special training in DN (DryNeedling).

Danica Center does not participate in health insurance programs because the insurance companies are too limiting on visits, deductibles, demanding shorter visits, etc. “The decision not to be involved with insurance companies is right for the patient and right for me,” says Bente. “We have created a situation here where there is no wait time, sessions are a full hour, which gives the patients time to express their concerns, and time for me to really evaluate, determine  the causes and decide what the person can do and what I can do.” They offer all the diagnosis information and use the accepted codes so their clients can submit their invoices to their insurance companies. Danica Center also takes HSA cards as payment.

Dr. Bente has plans for the future of the center. She would like to continue to see it grow. The next step would be to bring in other instructors, people who enhance and compliment what she does—perhaps a Pilates instructor. Other goals are to expand the workshops being offered. If you are interested in scheduling an Educational Workshop for your group with Dr. Bente Dahl-Busby, contact her at the email address below.

In today’s world of quick medical appointments and impersonal connections with healthcare providers, it is refreshing to meet Dr. Bente Dahl-Busby, who is passionate about her work and has devoted her life to helping people move through their lives with a graceful fluidity. As she puts it, “My clients are people who really value their health. Each time they leave the center they should be feeling different. I want them to leave with something they could use in their daily life.”

Danica Center for Physical Therapy
& Movement Integration
101 Gay Street
Sharon

860-397-5363
danicacenter@gmail.com
danicacenter.com