What's Bruen

Stephanie Schultz, one of my closest friends, took a volunteer trip to Haiti at the end of July. The news of the earthquake hit close to home for her, because the area with the most destruction was where she had been. She said the region was extremely impoverished and the people had barely anything before, how will they will be able to recover from this?   

This is what she said about her trip:

When I went on the mission trip to Haiti with twelve other members of Immanuel Lutheran Church (in Danbury), I did so with certain ideas about our purpose and what we would accomplish. For the most part, I was focused on sharing from our abundance and making a difference in the lives of some very poor, misfortunate children. I was not prepared for the tremendous spiritual ministering and life lessons that I received in return.

 The Haitians are indeed very poor when compared with the blessings we enjoy. The moment you leave the airport you begin to realize how many things we take for granted in this country. Haitian roads are terrible, the streets are over-crowded and many Haitians live in shacks that barely protect from outside elements. As an American with so much, it’s easy to pity these people for the materialistic things they lack.

Downtown Haiti in July, prior to the earthquake.

On the other hand, as we met the children from the orphanage, I learned how true the phrase “it’s all relative” really is. One of the primary observations that I made about Haitian children in the pension (they call orphanages pensions because an orphanage can have negative connotations) is that they don’t complain. They race barefoot around the hundred-plus degree cement of their courtyard with no signs of discomfort.

Haitian playground

To be sure, the medical supplies and food we brought would help these people greatly. And our mission was important to give some of the people of Haiti real hope for a healthier future. But as much as we gave, much more was returned by the loving people we encountered.  They taught me a healthy perspective on what matters and that making connections with others through the love of Christ really does surpass all material blessings. 

 What surprised me most about the scene, beside the officers there maintaining very calm dispositions, was the calm demeanor of patrons and people walking by the bank.

Union Savings Bank on Main Street was robbed Monday, Jan. 11.

As I got to the scene, I told a man was who approaching  the side door of the bank that it was closed. He said ‘not the ATM’ and proceeded to go in, despite seeing 8 or 9 cruisers at the scene and officers at every entrance.

Some people walked right by the officers with a plan to go into the bank, regardless of the commotion. Most expressed displeasure, if not outright anger, that the bank dare be closed at 3:30, when its hours are listed as open until 4 p.m.

No one seemed to reflect my surprise that a Main Street bank was robbed. I mean, if you are unfortunate enough to hit the red lights, it can take as long as 8 to 10 mins to drive from one end to the other.

One woman on the phone, walked by myself and John Pirro, who was also on the scene, and we alerted her to their being a robbery. Her eyebrows raised and into the phone she nonchalantly said “I told you it was a robbery.” We asked if she was surprised and she said no, why else would a police cruiser be parked in the drive through.

It is only fair to wine enthusiasts that I mention a wine tasting going on this Saturday. I could be selfish and keep this information to myself, but I wrote about the scotch one, so it’s only right.

Hawleyville Wine and Liquors is celebrating its grand opening all day, but from 2 to 5 p.m. there will be wine to try.

And let me tell you, I was excited to see that Carlos (the owner) has stacked the shelves and racks with a variety of wine (something smaller stores don’t always do).

When I first got into wine, I limited myself to White Zinfandel, unless I went out to a nice dinner of course. I know by now you are probably shaking your head and saying White Zin? But it is sweet and cheap, and as I always saw my mother drinking it, I figured it couldn’t be that bad.

Needless to say, as I have grown more mature (I’d like to think so anyways), different kinds of wine have grown on me. Particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. When I was in Australia a few summers ago, I absolutely loved a bottle I split with some friends at a quaint restaurant downtown on the waterfront in Sydney.

I think it is important to keep an open mind when it comes to wine, after all if you remain a White Zin person, there is so much you are missing. If you want to try something new but are nervous to spend a lot on a bottle, I recommend you visit Carlos, or any other wine tasting or local vineyard to try out a few kinds and purchase some for the holiday. After all, this is less risky than shopping by the labels, which I admit I did and sometimes still do. It’s a fun way to surprise your taste buds, but tastings are a much safer way.

I personally love when a friend stops by my place and happens to bring a bottle of wine, especially if it is one I haven’t had. So be that friend this holiday season! Christmas is 9 days away and we are in the midst of Hannukah! A gracious host will never turn one away. 

Oh and an important note, Carlos keeps his doors open ’til 9 p.m. (if you are like me and work late, or have trouble making up your mind until later in the evening it’s perfect — as far as Connecticut packies go anyway. And it’s a hop, skip and a jump away — right off exit 9 on 84 — at 23 Barnabas Road.)

When it comes to last minute Christmas present ideas I have resorted to buying a friend a nice bottle of red wine. Usually package stores offer wine tastings on Fridays or Saturday nights, especially this time of year.

But I have never heard of a scotch tasting … until now. I mean it’s a great idea, if the scotch is good. Not to stereotype but I would go on a limb saying most men would prefer a nice bottle of scotch to a bottle of wine.

Lagavulin Distillers Edition

Anyways, if you are a scotch lover, or looking for a present for someone who is, check out Stop and Save Liquors of Newtown on 228 South Main St. this Friday  from 3 to 8 p.m. or Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Michael Parducci, a Master of Whiskey, will be there Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. to share his knowledge of single malts. Featured scotches include:

• Lagavulin Distillers Edition
• Talisker 175th Anniversity
• Oban Distillers Edition
• Cragganmore 12 year

From 5 to 8 p.m. the featured scotch will be:

• Glenlivit Nadurra Triumph 1991 vintage

According to Jacob Schwartz, the store’s owner, this is a rare single malt scotch because it uses a specific barley variety that doesn’t exist any more.

More Glenlivit will be available for tasting Saturday.

For more information, call Schwartz at (203) 270-6500.

I realize, I was so excited to share the news about the contest, that I forgot to introduce myself.

I’ve been working for The News-Times for about a year and a half — and living Danbury the same.

For a while I thought the places worth going were at least an hours drive away. I had gone to a few shows, bars and resturants, but it wasn’t until recently that I began discovering more hidden, well at least not as popular, places to enjoy a decent meal and escape the chaos of the working world.

I enjoy good music and am always looking for something fun to do, whether it be after work during the week or late at night.

Don’t forget to vote on best and worst tattoos by midnight Friday.

The winners get a $100 gift certificate, although where it’s to has yet to be announced.  You can vote once per day.  There are 117 to choose from and from what I’ve seen some are extremely impressive.

dancing Ganesh, Hindu God, Destroyer of Evils and Obstacles, Lord of Success

A few weeks back we published a package on tattoos. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in local Danbury parlors — Hat City on North Street, Peter Tat-2 on White Street and Iron Butterfly on Tamarack Avenue – speaking with local artists, meeting interesting people and seeing the creation of works of art.

I personally think tattoos should have a special meaning to the person getting  them and not just look cool. But, you know what they say about opinions – everyone has one. I  have two tattoos –  both of which have significant meaning to me, but they are pretty small. I don’t regret my tattoos for a minute, but I think it takes a lot of confidence and high tolerance for pain, to get a massive tattoo that consumes your entire arm, back or ribcage.

So give these folks some props and check them out!