I read somewhere that there is a fairly easy access to an outdoor deck/lanai between Terminals C and B for smoking.
A few years ago I saw such a deck but cannot remember which Terminal. I understand nowhere inside can there be smoking, but I'm wondering how far one has to go to light up.

Not sure about the exact location, but it's not distance or location that's the issue. It's that it's outside security, so if you're connecting, you'll need to reclear security, which may take a while.

That terrace is off the main lobby of Terminal C and does require re-clearing security. There used to be a couple bars in the secure area where smoking was permitted but I believe that has been changed. http://tinyurl.com/evud7

Thanks to all...I guess what I heard initially was that it is part of the 'cleared area' - that there was a connector of sorts from B to C at the secured point....meaning no further return to the main security area would be needed. As I look at the maps, C and B do seem to be close at the secured 'tips'. While I'm here though, how much time mid-day for security through C - and...do they offer curbside baggage?

Expect 15 minutes or so to clear security. Keep in mind that Terminal C has 3 sets of security entries. In the afternoon, the lefthand most ones (for Gate 120-136) usually have the longest lines as people arriving on Continental's flight from Europe tend to use that set. Use the other two sets (for gates 70-99 and 101-114) instead. The three concourses of Terminal C are connected once inside security.