There hasn't been a store like this on Main Street in a long time

I had noticed the interesting signs on the storefront on Branford’s Main Street for several weeks: “ JCWYATT Chocolatier” and “Branford Trading Company.”

And then one day, I found that the store at 566 Main St. had opened, and being both curious and a chocolate lover, I ventured in — and met Jacey Wyatt, one of the most innovative, enterprising, multi-talented young ladies, I have ever encountered, and the many different products and businesses she has tucked into this one space reflect that.

Jacey was raised in Branford and delights in its history, so it is no coincidence that she knew that there was a trading company in Branford in 1812, probably very near her present location. In those days, horse-drawn carriages and carts delivered ice, eggs and vegetables.

Eventually, trading companies were replaced by grocery stores. Jacey’s idea is that you can trade items you no longer need for something useful. She charges the “traders” a small fee for the service, and you can receive credit on a gift card if you don’t see another item you desire when you bring in your “no longer needs.”

I was surprised to learn that Val’s old ties, which I already gave away, would have been a welcome item to trade, along with glassware, small items of furniture, dishes, toys, Christmas ornaments, handbags, stuffed animals, baskets, jewelry, scarves, hats and more.

Jacey, who has degrees in interior design and as a landscape architect, renovated the former space occupied by Kids Wishes spending very little money, but using her own talents and creativity to create the feel of a country store. She has used the old paneling boards in the building, recycled all the lumber material into furniture, exposed the old brick wall and the original tin ceiling and renovated the old wood floors.

Old-fashioned wooden pine barrels and a country store wood and glass candy case are just two of her nostalgic touches. The wide selection of various types of nuts are housed in clever simulated paint cans, gourmet popcorn and moose munch as well as dipped chocolate apples and other chocolates are all packaged in clever and colorful ways. There are coloring cards for kids, interesting jewelry, penny candy, hand-painted gift cards, and eventually she will also carry jams, syrups and hand-made products when she renovates the lower level.

Already in place, on one side of the store is a spacious art gallery in which she rents space so that talented local artists have a place to exhibit their work. She is especially interested in helping to display the work of the area’s seniors, inspired by her own mother whose paintings are on view.

Other plans include parties and special events, which will be posted in the store or at www.branfordtradingcomapany.com. Store hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays until 3. There is ample parking behind the building (turn on Monroe Street, and use the back entrance to the store), and the telephone is 203-481-0001.

I know I’ll be stopping by often to sample the delicious hazelnut chocolate bonbons and to admire the latest idea or product, a result of Jacey’s remarkable energy and creative talent.

I'm reading: There hasn't been a store like this on Main Street in a long time

Who couldn t use a little help with the checkbook

“The only way not to think about money is to have a great deal of it.” — Edith Wharton

Did you break into a sweat meeting the tax deadline last week or, like me, did you have to request a postponement? (Taxes were formerly Val’s area of responsibility).

Although for some time there have been volunteers available to help in preparing taxes, organizing finances and check-paying during the year has remained a problem for many seniors. A new money-management program from RSVP of South Central Connecticut, using the AARP Foundation Money Management Program, has come to the rescue and is available in many towns throughout the state.

The program recruits and trains volunteers to provide assistance to seniors and adults with disabilities who can make responsible decisions, but need some help. Working at the client’s home, the AARP Foundation provides the program materials and, very importantly, financial protection of the client’s funds.

Typically, a volunteer spends several hours, at least once a month, to assist in budgeting, organizing and sending out mail, check writing (but signing is done only by the client) and balancing the checkbook. Volunteers are at least 55 years old and undergo a thorough background check. They submit monthly financial reports and are supervised by Josephine Lifrieri, the program director.

Eligibility guidelines for the program are:

Income and asset limits (2012): single person, $45,500; two-person household, $52,000. Liquid assets: amount equal to the annual income limit.

For information, call Lifrieri at 203-752-3059. RSVP is a program of the South Central Connecticut Agency on Aging.

If you don’t qualify for volunteer help, there are private money managers to help get us organized so next year’s tax preparation and the monthly bill-paying will be greatly simplified.

Consumer Reports publishes its monthly Money Advisor magazine ($29 for a one-year subscription) that, like other CR publications, is chock-full of helpful advice on managing your financial affairs.  

Additionally, it can pay to review your monthly budget expenses to make sure you are getting the best deal; it is those recurring expenses that can make a big difference. For example:

-Insurance: Compare prices for auto, home, health and life insurance. Sometimes, consolidating at one company can lower costs. Make sure you are receiving all available discounts.

-Financial fees: Look for free checking and online statements and no charge for use of ATM machines.

-Phone and cable TV: Check out special cellphone rates, satellite television rates and “bundling” of services.

-Utility bills: You can sometimes get a better price on your energy needs, and make an effort to conserve electricity and water.

-Refinance or move: Current interest rates are really low; if you plan to stay put, it might make sense to refinance. If the family has left and you are still in a big house, but hardly use most of the space, it’s time to simplify and look for smaller, more suitable and less expensive housing.

I'm reading: Who couldn t use a little help with the checkbook

Two major, but very different anniversaries, get our attention

This past week marked two very divergent anniversaries — the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and the 100th year marking the gift of more than 3,000 cherry trees to our nation’s capital from Japan.

In light of the number of many more major disasters since that fateful April day in 1912 when the Titanic went down, it is remarkable that our fascination with this event has never waned. In fact, a 3-D version of the film “Titanic” was just released, although my favorite movie of the event is still the superb black-and-white British version “A Night to Remember.”

Perhaps the reason for our endless interest in this long-ago disaster, is that the lesson it clearly teaches is that even the very wealthy and powerful can never presume to be completely safe.

On the opposite side of what fascinates us, this year Washington has gone all out to celebrate one of the most lasting gifts, appreciated every year by so many, the fabulous cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington, D.C. Originally, 3,020 were sent, most of which were planted around the Tidal Basin, and 4,000 more were accepted by Lady Bird Johnson in 1965.

I just returned from Washington, where I enjoyed a few days of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Daughter Marianne met me there, and although many of the blossoms had already peaked due to our unusually warm weather, there were still enough remaining to delight and lift the heart.

We visited the new Martin Luther King Memorial, where I felt the many quotations of his remarks on the walls behind the memorial, were more inspiring than the rather stern-looking statue itself.

By mistake, we went to the National Portrait Gallery while looking for the National Gallery of Art, but, in addition to portraits of all the past presidents, enjoyed the exhibit, “The Black List”; up-ending the usual meaning of “a list of persons who are disapproved of” into a roll call of distinction with remarkable life-like photographs of 50 highly accomplished African-Americans.

The following day, we finally did find the National Gallery of Art. The exhibit here, which runs only until April 29, offers a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to view 30 of the most breathtakingly beautiful silk scrolls imaginable. These Japanese “Bird and Flower Paintings” by the 18th-century master Ito Jakuchu are one of Japan’s most renowned cultural treasures.

Originally painted for a Kyoto temple, they have resided for many years in the Imperial household, shown only once in Japan and never before outside the country. These paintings of nature teem withlife and indeed seem lit from within, each delicate leaf and feather almost glowing and the flowers and fish seem three-dimensional.

The next day was a business day for Marianne, so after a leisurely breakfast, I went to the Sackler, where the wood-block series, “36 Views of Mt. Fuji” was displayed. I had previously seen many of these at the Fine Arts in Boston, but it was still wonderful.

There was much more I had hoped to see, but my bad ankle was misbehaving, and I also wanted to visit old-time friends, Em and Ernie Sigety who live in nearby Alexandria, Va.

Alexandria resembles some of our beautiful shoreline towns with its historic plaqued houses, cobblestone streets and picturesque waterfront. It was delightful to have a chance to see this lovely town, but even more, to enjoy the special company of friends of almost 60 years.

We are so fortunate here in Connecticut to live within easy visiting distance to several culturally rich and interesting cities — New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington. We should all try to take advantage of what they offer. Plan a trip soon.You’ll be glad you did.

I'm reading: Two major, but very different anniversaries, get our attention

We have a number of reasons to celebrate today

Even though it has been a wonderfully mild winter, it is still uplifting to watch the flowers starting to bloom and know it’s Easter and spring has really arrived. We see colorful Easter eggs and signs of the Easter bunny, a symbol that originated with the goddess Eastre, who was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons.

The date of Easter is determined by the moon, and ever since 325 AD, it has been celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after March 21. Even in Greek mythology, Demeter and Persephone, convey the idea of a goddess returning seasonally from the nether regions to the light of day in conjunction with the vernal equinox, March 21.

The English name, Easter was used by the early English Christians who, hoping others would accept Christianity, decided to use the name Easter so it would match the old “Eastre” celebration, making it more comfortable for others to adopt the new religion.

Some point out that the Easter festival is related with the Hebrew tradition, the Jewish Passover, which commemorates Israel’s deliverance from about 300 years of bondage in Egypt. Easter holidays in different countries are celebrated at different times of the year. In New Zealand, people attend church over the weekend to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ and to mark the end of Lent.

In the Czech Republic, Easter is no longer considered a great religious holiday, but is observed as a celebration of the vibrant spring season and a chance for a family gathering,

Of course, everywhere women and children love to dress in their most colorful and newest clothes. Visit New York City today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and watch the gorgeous outfits, complete with extravagant Easter hats, paraded down Fifth Avenue. Others opt for the famous egg hunt on the great lawn of the White House.

Whatever you decide to do, it is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends.

The sleepy colors of winter

Fade fast in the dawn of Spring

The joy of Easter’s promise Continued...

Delivers sweet reason to sing.

— Author Unknown

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford, 06405.

I'm reading: We have a number of reasons to celebrate today