Julia Deane of Culinary Works Demonstrates Cooking to STAR Individuals Who Have Developmental Disabilities

May 17, 2016: Julia Deane of Culinary Works in New Canaan and Stamford hosted a cooking class to a group of individuals with developmental disabilities from STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way. The interactive cooking class and meal took place at Kitchens by Deane, Inc., 1267 E. Main Street in Stamford and was the first of a four-class series.

Julia Deane is the resident chef and business owner of Culinary Works, whose love for cooking and entertaining has been a staple throughout her life. She provides professional cooking instruction in the kitchen design showrooms at DEANE, Inc. in Stamford and New Canaan, CT, Culinary Works. Classes are intimate and interactive with seasonal menus and educational and entertaining themes to choose from, and are also available for in-home customized private parties for entertaining, corporate teambuilding, friends’ night out, and celebrations of every kind.

The cooking classes fulfill STAR’s mission and initiatives to encourage adults with developmental disabilities to become more independent, self-motivated, active and involved in their communities. Julia showed STAR participants how to prepare steak, cheesy garlic bread, broccoli and chocolate cake and also proper techniques for chopping, measuring, using blenders and appliances and preparing cookware for oven use. The experience strengthened the students’ skills in team-building and following directions, plus provided an enjoyable social activity that encourages service-oriented behavior, as well as a diverse and positive food-oriented experience. The group then enjoyed sharing the meal together.

Class participants from STAR were Bjorn Swartings of New Canaan, Neil Reilly of Wilton, Paul Pramer of Darien, Nick Evarts of New Canaan, Robin Cichocki of Westport, Will Buckenheimer of New Canaan and Josh Williams of Norwalk. STAR Café Chef Matthew Fazackerley also attended. Peter Deane, co-owner of DEANE, Inc., and the Deane family also participated in the class and day, sharing their friendship and time with STAR students.

Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director of STAR said, “This was a very special day for our clients. Julia Deane’s expertise, generosity and willingness to share her talents and delicious food with STAR clients and supporters was so very meaningful to all of us and greatly appreciated. ”

Peter Saverine, Director of Philanthropy of STAR concurred. “Julia Deane and the whole Deane family were sensitive, respectful, and engaging to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The lessons they shared went well beyond the palate and there was no doubt that every one of the participants enjoyed a very, very special day at Kitchens by Deane.”

STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization serving individuals of all ages who have developmental disabilities, as well as providing support services to their families. STAR creates opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy while informing and encouraging the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals.

Photo 1: Julia Deane with STAR cooking class students Robin Cichocki of Westport, Will Buckenheimer of New Canaan, Paul Pramer of Darien, Neil Reilly of Wilton, Nick Evarts of New Canaan, Julie and Josh Williams of Norwalk.

Photo 2- Paul Pramer with Julia Deane

Photo 3- Nick Evarts learns to sautee.

Photo 4- Julia Deane with Robin Cichocki, Josh Williams and Paul Pramer

Photo 5- Julia Deane with Josh Williams, Nick Evarts and Will Buckenheimer.

Photo 6 – Peter Deane with Josh Williams.