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Recipient of Service Dog Donated by the Essex Rotary Club to Speak May 22

May 18, 2012 By admin

Wendy Foster and her new service dog Tippy. Tippy was given to Foster by the Essex Rotary Club.

ESSEX –- Wendy Foster, the recipient of a service dog donated by the Essex Rotary Club, will speak at their weekly meeting on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 (6:00 p.m.) at the Essex Yacht Club on 13 Novelty Lane, Essex.

A 26 year veteran pre-school teacher, Essex resident Foster was forced to retire when she became weakened by an undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder. In a cruel twist of fate, Foster’s first service dog became blind. Learning about Foster’s need, the Essex Rotary Club stepped in and purchased Tippy, an 18 month old Labrador retriever trained through NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services) headquartered in Princeton, Massachusetts. Their mission is to provide canine assistance for people who are deaf or have a disability. The dogs become an extension of their handlers and bring them freedom and physical autonomy. Many of the dogs, including Tippy, are trained in prisons by inmates who fiercely compete for the privilege.

Foster will demonstrate how Tippy helps her in all aspects of daily living with an eye toward fall prevention. When the inevitable fall does occur, Tippy snaps to attention and provides a strong back to steady Foster as she lifts herself off the ground.

Accompanied by Tippy, Foster has testified in various legislatures on behalf of the U.S. Pain Foundation on the subject of chronic pain awareness and pharmaceutical discrimination of those in constant pain.

Filed Under: Events

Essex Memorial Day Parade May 28

May 18, 2012 By admin

Memorial Day offers an opportunity to reflect on our freedoms and the price of those freedoms. Without rhetoric or dissertation, men and women gave their lives to secure and protect those freedoms. In recognition of these fallen heroes, the Essex Memorial Day Parade will provide a reverent celebration winding through the streets of Essex.

The parade will commence on Monday May 28 at 9:00 a.m. All veterans are welcome; wear your uniform of choice or collared shirt/slacks and join your fellow military comrades. Assemble at the Foot of Main Street in downtown Essex at 8:45 a.m.

The parade will follow a three mile route as it makes the following stops to pay respects: Riverview Cemetery, First Baptist Church, Town Hall, Centerbrook Cemetery, and the Essex Veteran’s Memorial Hall. There will be a short ceremony at the Veteran’s Hall at the conclusion of the parade (approximately 11:00 a.m).

If weather precludes a parade, ceremonies will be held at Essex Town Hall at 9:30 a.m. and at the Essex Veteran’s Memorial Hall at 11:00 a.m. All interested parties may contact Phil Beckman at 860.767.9755 or philipbeckman@yahoo.com with questions. Please come out to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Filed Under: Essex, Events

Town-Wide Tag Sale Event to Attract Hundreds to Chester May 26

May 18, 2012 By admin

It’s time again for the Chester Town-Wide Tag Sale. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, Memorial Day Weekend, individual residences and businesses having tag sales will be up and running throughout town. Each year the event attracts hundreds of visitors to Chester. Maps are available showing the location of all sales at individual residences and businesses throughout town. Maps are distributed at the Town Center on the day of the event for $1.00. The event is “rain or shine.” Once again, the event is being organized by the Chester Republican Town Committee.

To be listed on the map, send $10 to the Chester RTC, 248 Middlesex Avenue, Chester, CT 06412, or visit the Century-21 office in Chester Center. You must be a Chester resident or business and your sale address must be in Chester to be listed on the map. Proceeds from listing fees, map sales, and advertising on the map are used to promote the event throughout Connecticut, to pay for extra police duty during the event, and to benefit the Chester Republican Town Committee’s general fund.

Last year, more than 80 individual residences and businesses were listed on the map and over 500 maps were distributed. We estimate that well over 1000 buyers come to town that day.

The first such event of its kind in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, the Chester Town-Wide Tag Sale was started by a group of Chester merchants in the mid-90’s and was run by the Merchants for several years. In 2003, the Chester Historical Society took over the event and ran it for the next seven years. This will be the Chester Republican Town Committee’s second year to organize the event and sign-ups are pouring in. Several other towns in the area now host similar events at other times of the year.

“The Chester Town-wide Tag Sale offers buyers a concentration of sales at one convenient destination, increasing the buyer’s chances of finding that special piece that they just have to have. It’s a great way to spend a day of fun and relaxation, and it affords professional dealers an efficient day of shopping to replenish their inventories,” said Glenn Reyer, the event’s prior organizer. “Chester residents and businesses who wish to have a sale get the benefit of traffic volume that is rarely seen in Chester. For less than the cost of a single classified ad, sellers see a flow of buyers that they could not hope to achieve on their own. And the town as a whole benefits by getting all the tag sales over with on one day.”

And when you’re done or if you just need a break, please stop by any one of our six downtown restaurants for a cup of coffee, snack or really nice lunch … or you can just continue shopping in the downtown shops.

For more information, contact Kris Seifert at (860) 526-8440 or kris.seifert@gmail.com.

Filed Under: Chester, Events

The Last of the Red Hot Lovers Opens at Ivoryton Playhouse June 6

May 16, 2012 By admin

Ivoryton: Pity the good guy. You know the one — the man who fell in love with his high school sweetheart and knew no other girl before he married. Now that a couple of decades have passed and he’s still with his wife, he’s convinced he’s missed a great deal.

Neil Simon wrote one of his best plays about this husband. The Last of the Red Hot Lovers which opens in Ivoryton on June 6 and runs through June 24, introduces us to Barney Cashman, a 47-year-old restaurateur, who decides he needs to take a break from his 23-year-old marriage. On three different afternoons, he brings women to his mother’s apartment while she’s at the hospital volunteering. Behind plentiful laughs is a tender portrayal of a decent fellow who just can’t succeed in sinning.

R. Bruce Connelly* returns to Ivoryton to play the hopelessly faithful Barney Cashman. Bruce has performed at the Playhouse many times, most recently in the critically acclaimed production, THE PRODUCERS. Bruce will be joined by Playhouse veteran Beverley Taylor, Kate Hubbard* and Bonnie Black*

Longtime wives who attend The Last of the Red Hot Lovers are urged to bring their longtime husbands. Each guy may well see how smart he’s been to not humiliate himself the way Barney does!

Directed by Maggie McGlone Jennings, the set design is by Rachel Reynolds, lighting design by Marcus Abbott, and costumes by LisaMarie Harry.

The Last of the Red Hot Lovers opens on June 6th and runs through June 24th for 3 weeks. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org (Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

*member of Actors Equity

Filed Under: Events

The Side Doors Perform to Support Farm Aid

May 15, 2012 By admin

From left to right are Matt Gyorog accoustic guitar and vocals, Leif Nilsson banjo, Colleen Seymour guitar and vocals, Gary Parrington percussion, Mike Conklin bass and vocals, Todd Schrager electric guitar and vocals (photo courtesy of Caryn B. Davis Photography)

The Side Doors performed for FARM AID, a Benefit Concert for the farm at Bushy Hill Nature Center on Saturday, May 12 to hundreds of supporters and fans.

They play next at the Ivory Pub in Deep River on May 25.

Filed Under: News

Middlesex Chamber Announces 2012 “Distinguished Citizen” Award Recipients

May 15, 2012 By admin

The Middlesex Chamber proudly announces that the 2012 Distinguished Citizen Award winners are: Robert C. Fusari, Michael “Jay” Polke and John W. Rafal, JD.

About the recipients:

Robert C. Fusari

Robert Fusari is the President of Real Estate Service of CT (RESC), a company he co-founded in 1978. Over the last 57 years, Bob has developed and built custom homes, single family subdivisions, condominium communities and apartment developments ranging from 10 units to 3,500 units, and he is regarded as a national and regional authority on land use and residential construction.

As President, Bob has earned the respect of his peers, at local, state and national levels in the Home Builders Association. He has been chosen as Builder of the Year several times in the 90’s, and has served as president of both the State chapter and the Hartford County chapter and one of only seven members to receive its prestigious Charles C. LoDolce Award for outstanding leadership and service.

He currently serves as Chairman of the properties committee for HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), a non-profit organization currently building 16 units of affordable housing in Old Saybrook. He also serves as the Co-Chair of the Middlesex United Way Leadership Council administering the Middlesex County 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.

Bob is the past president and director of Martin House, a non-profit supportive housing organization; and past president of the Thames River Family Program, serving formerly homeless families of single mothers.

He is a director and past chairman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, and was a founder and co-chairman of the Environment, Energy and Land Use Committee and the Affordable Housing Committee. Both of these committees have been instrumental in making change in Middlesex County.

Bob is a life-long resident of Connecticut. Born and raised in Portland, Connecticut and moved to Old Saybrook in 1958 where he raised a family of two daughters and two sons who have blessed him with ten grandchildren. He is committed to increasing affordable housing in Connecticut.

Michael “Jay” Polke

Michael “Jay” Polke’s long and distinguished history in Middlesex County began in November of 1960 in Cromwell when he took a job at the third in what was a series of bowling alleys across the state, owned by Joe Cambareri. Cromwell Lanes opened in the fall of 1960 and joined the other bowling establishments in New Haven and Hamden, Conn. of the same ownership.

Jay developed his interest in this industry as a young boy as a patron in a hometown bowling alley in Port Chester, New York. From age 10, he took an interest with the automatic pin-setters at the lanes. Seeing this interest, the owner gave him a part-time job there and Jay advanced in the business’s ranks, becoming the bowling alley’s mechanic in the 1950’s.

From the age of 17, Jay worked at Mr. Cambareri’s establishments, agreeing to retain his position as a mechanic with the understanding that he would be afforded the opportunity to take continuing education courses in order to be certified in the field. After making his way to Cromwell, Jay found a unique component to the community and elected to remain a resident of the town—which he views as a quiet and beautiful one—as the mechanic at Cromwell Lanes.

Then, in 1964, after acquiring the Middletown Lanes business, Jay entered into service as a member of the United States Army Reserves. Here, he was on active duty for six months along with another six-and-a-half years of inactive duty. In the meantime, Cromwell Lanes was closed. After serving his country, Jay returned to the business community along with his friend, Mr. Cambareri, where the two were asked to manage a bar/restaurant establishment at the then-Edgewood Golf Club in Cromwell (presently the TPC River Highlands).

Jay spent the first year managing the business with Mr. Cambareri, then led it on his own until 1974. At this time, the opportunity to open a liquor store in Cromwell presented itself. Seeing a viable opportunity here, Jay and Mr. Cambareri opened Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe in December of 1975. The two took on several real estate investments along with the Willowbrook property, and the two remain as current owners of several highly-visible business properties in Cromwell.

Joining the Chamber in 1978, Jay has always been the first person to take the lead not only for the business community, but also the community as a whole. He is an energetic and dedicated member of Cromwell’s Economic Development Commission and keeps a close watch on all zoning issues. As the owner of a liquor store, Jay has always known his duty to the community to help with the fight against substance abuse. As a result of this ongoing commitment, the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC) presented Jay with its annual Business Recognition Award in 2004. In the effort to battle underage drinking, Jay also has collaborated with Cromwell’s Prevention and Awareness Council with many initiatives.

An effective businessman, Jay also led Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe to a Business of the Year accolade from the Middlesex Chamber. He is also a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Seton church in Rocky Hill.

Jay has been married to his wife, Linda, for 47 years, whom he met at the Cromwell Lanes in 1961. The couple has two children: Jennifer and Jeff, and also five grandchildren that range from 8 to 17 years old. The family maintains its strong Cromwell roots as Jay and his son and daughter, along with their respective families, all live in the same subdivision in town—a subdivision that Mr. Cambareri and Jay developed in the 1980’s.

John W. Rafal, JD

John Rafal is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Essex Financial Services, a Connecticut financial services firm with more than $3.4 billion in assets under management.

John has more than 30 years of experience in financial advisory services and has received numerous industry awards in the field of investment management. Mr. Rafal was named the #1 Independent Financial Advisor in the country by Barron’s Magazine for 2007 and 2008. John was named as on the “The Best 100 Financial Advisors” in the United States by Barron’s magazine in 2004-2011. He is a member of the Connecticut and American Bar Associations, the Financial Planning Association and is a Registered Securities Principal.

John received a B.A. in political science from the University of Connecticut in 1971 and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law in 1975. He serves as a Board member of the Essex Savings Bank, Middlesex Hospital, The UConn Foundation and The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Inc. He is a past member of the Board of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and The Cove.

John is a 28 year resident of Old Lyme, Connecticut and is married to Dyanne. He has a son Matthew who is a cum laude graduate of Northeastern University and a daughter Alysia who is a cum laude graduate of Princeton University.

For more information on Chamber events and activities, please contact Jeff Pugliese at jpugliese@middlesexchamber.com.

Filed Under: News, Newsletter

Letter: VRHS Class of ’87 Reunion June 29, 30

May 15, 2012 By admin

To The Editor:

The Valley Regional High School Class of ’87 is planning their 25 year reunion weekend for June 29 and 30. Activities will include a Steam train/Riverboat cruise, a morning at the High School and an afternoon at the Stone House.

For more information or to purchase event tickets, please email VRHS87@gmail.com. Please share this information with anyone who may not be aware of the event.

Sincerely,

Beth Simkins

Filed Under: Events, Letters

Howard Fishman Returns to CBSRZ with Tales From the Road May 20

May 14, 2012 By admin

When the Howard Fishman Quartet appears at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (CBSRZ) on Sunday,May 20 at 5 pm, the singer-guitarist-composer will not reprise his highly acclaimed performance in Chester last year. He will present an entirely new and different program, “Tales From The Road.” Fishman says the concert will be will be “focused on songs and stories from my own travels inward and out.”

Fishman’s audience will be transported by a collection of music and stories inspired by his far-flung travels from New Orleans, where he spent his formative musical years, to rural Romania, Ukraine and Hungary and influenced by the exciting new music generated in Brooklyn, NY,where he is currently based. His travel experiences engender/give birth to his songs. Fishman says, “I never sit down to write a song. The melody just comes unbidden.”

Fishman’s musical style is difficult to characterize. He has been compared to artists as diverse as Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Cash, but he improvises his own personal take on various musical forms—New Orleans jazz, Brooklyn soul, folk, country,blues, gospel, pop, classical and experimental—creating a sound entirely his own. Backstage wrote that he creates “an irresistible synthesis,” while Downbeat called it“something entirely new.” The New York Times has said that Howard Fishman’s music “transcends time and idiom.”According to The Los Angeles Times, “At a time when performers in virtually every genre are trying to stretch their stylistic boundaries, Fishman refuses to acknowledge that boundaries exist.”

One of the pioneers of the current Brooklyn music scene, Fishman moved to Williams burgin the late 90s and began playing on subway platforms for spare change until he and his band were “discovered” by music insiders. This landed them a two-week engagement at the Algonquin Oak Room, one of NYC’s toniest concert venues. Since then he has headlined in major venues and garnered a devoted following, both here and abroad. Fishman has headlined at the Lincoln Center American Songbook series, The Steppenwolf Theatre, The Pasadena Playhouse, Joe’s Pub, NJPAC, and Le Petit Journal in Paris. In April he played with his New Orleans-style Biting Fish Brass Band at the Garde Arts Theater in New London.

A frequent National Public Radio guest, Fishman has appeared on “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, “World Cafe,” “The Leonard Lopate Show,” “Word of Mouth”and “Sound check” among others. Fishman has performed on bills with such diverse artists as Odetta, Yo Yo Ma, Maceo Parker, Robyn Hitchcock,Madeleine Peyroux and Allen Holdsworth. He has recently released a trilogy of new albums—The World Will Be Different, No Further Instructions and Better Get Right.

The concert is open to the public. Admission is$25 for adults, $20 for CBSRZ members and $10 for children under 16. For reservations and further information, call 860-526-8920 or visit www.cbsrz.org.

Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek is located at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester.

Filed Under: Chester, Events

Wells Fargo Advisors Brings A Piece of American History to Essex

May 14, 2012 By admin

See the legendary Wells Fargo Stagecoach at the Essex Memorial Day Parade, May 28

Essex — Essex will get a very special delivery on May 28 when the Wells Fargo Stagecoach rolls into town. This American icon will arrive at the Essex Memorial Day Parade and will be available for photos from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. The public is welcome to come and experience this American icon and take pictures.

For more than 150 years, the Wells Fargo Stagecoach provided an important link for communication and business by land between eastern and western states. Today, the Wells Fargo Stagecoach is a recognized, appreciated and enduring corporate symbol.

“The Wells Fargo’s Stagecoach is a unique expression of the company’s rich heritage,” said Philip Reynolds, Branch Manager, “The stagecoach symbolizes how we continue to come through for our customers and the diverse communities in which we serve.”

For more information about the Wells Fargo Stagecoach coming to Essex, contact the local Essex office of Wells Fargo Advisors at 860-767-2681.

About Wells Fargo Advisors

With $1.2 trillion in client assets as of March 31, 2012, Wells Fargo’s brokerage businesses are comprised of 15,134 full-service financial advisors and 3,352 licensed bankers. This vast network of advisors, one of the nation’s largest, serves clients through offices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (members SIPC). Statistics include other broker-dealers of Wells Fargo & Company. www.wellsfargoadvisors.com Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With more than 270,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 23 on Fortune’s 2011 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.

Filed Under: Newsletter, Top Story

No Matter How Big or How Small – We Will Wash Them All May 19

May 14, 2012 By admin

Help 35 committed, caring teenage tri-town volunteers help others by stopping by the Deep River Town Hall on Saturday, May 19 between the hours of 9 a.m. -3 p.m. and get your car washed! Goodwill donations for a spruced up, shining car will be accepted. As a way of giving back to our senior and veteran community members, stop by between 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. for a free car wash.

Funds raised from the car wash will help the teens during their week-long humanitarian relief efforts in July 2012. In Appalachia (Pipestem), West Virginia youth will work alongside experienced building professionals to restore dilapidated housing, tutor and mentor children, prepare/serve/deliver meals to the homeless and home-bound, and assist with an urban agriculture program and its greenhouse project. In Las Delicias, El Salvador youth will focus on building homes &community buildings, provide prenatal and child well-check medical visits, complete water supply checks, provide vaccinations and immunizations to dogs and cats, and deliver food/clothing/hygiene items to families and the elderly.

Please come and support this dedicated group of teens. If you can’t attend our event, please consider a donation to help the teens purchase supplies needed for their humanitarian. Donations can be mailed to DRCC, P.O. Box 246, Deep River, CT 06417. Checks should be made payable to DRCC; please indicate “2012 YM” on the memo line. DRCC is a 501(C) 3 organization and your donation is tax deductible.

Filed Under: Events

CMS Presents 2012 Prince and Princess Ball May 19

May 12, 2012 By admin

CENTERBROOK – Community Music School presents an enchanted afternoon for the entire family at the 2012 Prince and Princess Ball to be held on Saturday, May 19^th from 3 to 6 pm at Essex Town Hall, West Avenue, Essex. Tickets for the event are $10 per person and proceeds will benefit music therapy programs at the Music School.

Children are encouraged to don their finest princess dresses and jackets and ties. Special guests include Miss Connecticut 2011 Morgan Amarone who will visit from 3 to 4 pm, and Cinderella who will lead a sing-along beginning at 4 pm. Children and their parents can also learn to ballroom dance, take part in arts & crafts activities, and enjoy refreshments.

To purchase tickets or for additional information, please contact Community Music School at (860) 767-0026 or visit www.community-music-school.org

Filed Under: Events

Chester Land Trust Gardener Round Table May 20

May 12, 2012 By admin

The Chester Land Trust will be holding their 2012 Gardner’s Round Table on Sunday May 20, 4 p.m. at the Chester Meeting House on Liberty Street, Chester.

Please join our panel of Master Gardeners for an informative and lively discussion on cultivating raspberries, nutrient dense gardening, growing vegetables, shade plants and much more. Come ask questions of Margot Caldor, Lois Nadel, Janet Nelson and Helene Ferrari. Wine and Cheese will be served. Most Chester Land Trust education and awareness programs are free, please consider joining us!membership@chesterlandtrust.org. For more information on the Gardener’s event, please contact Deb Dembo: heydebs@gmail.com or phone 860.304.7560

Filed Under: Chester, Events

Connecticut Valley Camera Club Photography Exhibit and Reception May 18

May 12, 2012 By admin

Tel Aviv Beach by Dianne Roberts

The Connecticut Valley Camera Club (CVCC) is having a photography exhibit at the Synagogue in Chester (55 East Kings Highway). The subject is “open” with 45 member prints for viewing and for sale at very reasonable prices.

The public is invited to attend the opening reception from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Friday, May 18, 2012. The exhibit is open to the public from 10-3pm M-F from May 21st through July 31st ,2012.

The CVCC meets the last Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Community Room (lower level) of the Deep River, CT Library (photographers at all levels are welcome).

Filed Under: Events

Essex Library Spring Book Sale May 19, 20

May 12, 2012 By admin

The Essex Library’s Spring Book Sale, to be held at the Library on May 19 and 20, will feature items signed by actress Katharine Hepburn in a special silent auction to be held Saturday. Pictured with the items are Jean Caron (l) and Dora Grover (r).

The Friends of the Essex Library are holding their Spring Book Sale at the Library, located at 33 West Avenue, on Saturday May 19 and Sunday May 20. Money raised by the sale goes to provide numerous special library programs and activities. Outstanding features at this event are two silent auction items signed by Katharine Hepburn. Lot 1 is a signed copy of the book “The Private World of Katharine Hepburn”. Lot 2 consists of a signed note to a fan on Miss Hepburn’s personal stationery plus a copy of Sotheby’s 2004 Auction Catalogue, “Property from the Estate of Katharine Hepburn”. The silent auction will be held on Saturday only.

The sale will run from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday May 19, and from 1 to 5 PM on Sunday May 20, when everything remaining will be half price. There will be a special table of books signed by their authors. Other offerings will include clean, well-sorted books on cooking, gardening, history, literature, art, travel, philosophy, science, nature, nautical subjects, sports, self-help, foreign languages, and more. There will be tables of fiction, children’s books, paperbacks, book sets, and audio-visual materials.

Specific information about titles offered in various categories and the signed books available will be on the Essex Library website, at www.essexlib.org.

On book-sale Saturday library materials can be checked in and out from 10 AM to 2 PM, but computers in the adult section will not be available for use. There will be no library services available on Sunday.

Filed Under: Essex, Events

Free Train Rides this weekend, May 12, 13

May 11, 2012 By admin

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is delighted to kick off its season with Neighbor Appreciation Weekend, May 12 & 13, 2012.

Neighbor Appreciation weekend includes free TRAIN and BOAT rides for residents in 5 towns along the Valley Railroad’s operating line – - Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, and Old Saybrook.

Passengers may elect a 1-hour train ride or 2 1/2-hour train and boat ride at 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, or a 1-hour train ride at 3:30pm.

Hop aboard this springtime adventure bursting with flora and fauna! The magnificent Connecticut River Valley that’s our own backyard, will be on full display from the multiple decks of the Becky Thatcher riverboat. Enjoy close up views of the wildlife’s natural habitat as the train traverses the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek. Treasure the historic sites including East Haddam Swing Bridge, Goodspeed Opera House, and Gillette Castle.

Filed Under: Old Events Tagged With: osn

A Day in the Wild at Bushy Hill Open House May 19

May 11, 2012 By admin

Ivoryton, CT- Bushy Hill will be hosting “A Day in the Wild” on Saturday, May 19 from 10am-3pm. This event is free and open to the public! Join us to learn more about the Bushy Hill Summer Day Camp. Stop by to meet the directors and tour the camp. We have a variety of activities to participate in, such as primitive fire making, dream catcher crafts, hikes through the Cedar Swamp, and much more!

Bushy Hill at Incarnation Center is located at 253 Bushy Hill Road, Ivoryton, CT. Please meet at the Activity Center field. If you have any questions call (860)767-0848. Visit our website at www.bushyhill.org for more information.

Filed Under: Essex, Events

Caring for your Treasures – Fallon & Wilkinson Furniture at Gather, May 17

May 11, 2012 By admin

Furniture Conservators Fallon & Wilkinson will give a lecture, Caring for your Treasures and answer questions on Thursday, May 17 at Gather, 104 Main Street, Ivoryton, CT, noon-1 p.m.

Fallon & Wilkinson, brings a combined 45 years of training and experience to the care and conservation of furniture, wooden artifacts, and interior woodwork, blending old world craftsmanship with modern conservation practices. The firm also provides museum quality reproduction furniture for institutions and private clients. Since its founding in 2000, Fallon & Wilkinson, has built a worldwide reputation for its knowledge of antique furniture and the delicate art and science of conserving it.

Tad D. Fallon and Randy S. Wilkinson both trained at the Smithsonian Institution’s prestigious Furniture Conservation Training Program. Tad completed a conservation fellowship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and holds a Master’s Degree in Conservation from Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Randy completed fellowships at the Preservation Society of Newport County in Rhode Island and the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut and holds a Master’s Degree in Conservation from Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

To register call Essex Books at 860-767-1707 or call Gather at 860-767-7816.

*Bring one of your own treasures to ask the experts about conservation.

Filed Under: Essex, Old Events

Connecticut Valley Camera Club Exhibit at CBSRZ Gallery Opens May 18

May 10, 2012 By admin

Canal du Midi by Deborah Rutty

Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek will be exhibiting 45 photographs by 22 members of the Connecticut Valley Camera Club in the Main Street Gallery of the synagogue. The show will run from May 18 to July 27, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. The photos represent a juried selection, covering a wide variety of subjects, including very old Connecticut cemeteries, classic European synagogues, brilliant nature studies and contemplative landscapes and waterscapes.

Danny Street Synagogue Interior by Vincent Pipit

The Connecticut Valley Camera Club is an organization whose purpose is to help its members hone their technical and creative skills through presentations, interactive workshops and critiques. CVCC members Sheila Wertheimer and Elin Dolle organized the show with Linda Pinn, curator of the Main Street Gallery at CBSRZ.

Elegance by Edward McCaffrey

The exhibit is free and open to the public. All photos are for sale. For further information, call 860-526-8920. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek is located at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester.

Filed Under: Events

Chester Elementary School Joins Screen-Free Week

May 9, 2012 By admin

Body murals created at the Chester Elementary School Family Night

CHESTER — For the fifth year in a row, Chester Elementary School joined thousands of schools, libraries and community groups nationwide in a coordinated effort to encourage millions of Americans to turn off televisions, computers and video games for seven days and turn on the world around them. Screen-Free Week is a chance for children to read, play, think, create, be more physically active and to spend more time with friends and family.

“Screen-Free Week is a much needed respite from the screen media dominating the lives of so many children,” said Wendy Fiore. “Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that we help children discover the joys of life beyond screens.” On average, preschool children spend over four and a half hours a day consuming screen media, while older children spend over seven hours a day including multitasking. Excessive screen time is linked to a number of problems for children, including childhood obesity, poor school performance, and problems with attention span.

Students practicing yoga at the Family Night

A Family Night was hosted with a poetry slam, yoga, as well as creating body murals with Lori Lenz and Wendy Fiore.

Filed Under: Chester, News

Governor Malloy to Commemorate Burning of the Ships Day on May 12 in Essex

May 9, 2012 By admin

PHOTO 1: Community rowboat races will be one of the many free Burning of the Ships Day events happening in Essex Village on Saturday, May 12. Pictured here is the 2011 team fielded by the Sailing Masters of 1812. PHOTO 2: Free Men of the Sea will be on hand for colonial weaponry demonstrations and maritime games at the Connecticut River Museum’s Burning of the Ships Day on Saturday, May 12.

Essex, CT – On Saturday, May 12, Governor Dannel Malloy will arrive in Essex Village to help commemorate the historic 1814 British raid on Essex. The festivities begin at 2:00 pm with the annual Burning of the Ships Commemoration Parade presented by the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drums Corps. Along with 14 other regional fife and drums corps, they will march down Main Street to the Essex waterfront to perform a small “muster” and ceremony remembering the fateful night when British troops rowed upriver and destroyed 27 ships during the War of 1812. Joined by Connecticut River Museum Executive Director Jerry Roberts, Essex First Selectman Norman Needleman and State Representative Philip Miller, the Governor will recognize the Sailing Masters for nearly 50 years of service in keeping Connecticut’s heritage alive and then officially proclaim Essex as a War of 1812 battle site with a presentation to the Connecticut River Museum for their efforts in researching and telling the story.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Connecticut River Museum will present re-enactors, colonial weaponry demonstrations, and maritime games on its lawn while hosting community rowboat races off of its docks. At 5:00 pm, the public is then invited to join museum staff in the Burning of the Fleet exhibit gallery for a special evening of grog, rum and tales of the British raid. The program will end in time for the 8:00 pm start of the 3rd Annual Regency Ball hosted by the Sailing Masters of 1812 at Essex Town Hall.

For more information on the Sailing Masters of 1812, go to www.sailingmasters.org. For more information on the Connecticut River Museum, go to www.ctrivermuseum.org or call (860)767-8269.

Burning of the Ships Day Itinerary

Governor Arrival

1:45 pm │Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main Street: Governor Malloy arrives at the Connecticut River Museum prior to the 2:00 pm parade (before the street is closed) for a quick tour at the 1814 British Raid on Essex exhibit.

Sailing Masters of 1812 Commemoration Parade

2:00 pm │Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue: The Sailing Masters of 1812 along with approximately 14 visiting fife and drum corps assemble at Town Hall and proceed on foot down Main Street to the Essex waterfront.

Waterfront Commemoration Ceremony

2:15 pm (approx.) │Foot of Main Street, adjacent to Connecticut River Museum

Sailing Masters Captain Ted Nelson begins commemoration ceremony by welcoming those gathered, introducing the corps and saying a few words. He then introduces Connecticut River Museum Executive Director Jerry Roberts.

Jerry Roberts provides a brief history of the 1814 British raid on Essex and introduces Essex First Selectmen Norman Needleman.

First Selectman Needleman says a few words and introduces State Representative Phil Miller.

Representative Miller says a few words and then introduces Governor Malloy.

Governor Malloy speaks to the following three themes of the day:

Kick off of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 in CT
Recognition of the Sailing Masters for keeping our heritage alive for nearly 50 years
Official declaration of Essex as a War of 1812 battle site (see attachment from SHPO)

If possible, the Governor could present an official proclamation to the Sailing Masters for their years of public service in addition to presenting a proclamation recognizing Essex as a War of 1812 battle site to the Connecticut River Museum for display in the Museum’s exhibit.

Ted Nelson thanks the Governor, Phil Miller, Norm Needleman and Jerry Roberts. He then cues the start of the fife and drum corps muster while the Governor stands in review. Fife and drum corps disperse back up Main Street to Town Hall. Connecticut River Museum commences community row boat races and lawn activities. Governor departs Museum grounds.

Filed Under: Old Events

30 Artists Answer Chester Historical Society Square Challenge

May 9, 2012 By admin

Sophy Johnston and Max Hotkowski, both of Chester, are combining their resourceful and creative talents to enter the Chester Historical Society's Square Roots challenge. Above, they preview the early stages of their indoor/outdoor hanging sculpture, utilizing square aluminum knitting gauges made by the Bates Company in 1950 in Chester (photo courtesy of Skip Hubbard).

In 1950 the C.J. Bates & Son manufacturing company in Chester produced 2-inch-square aluminum pink and green knitting gauges. This spring the Chester Historical Society has challenged area artists, sculptors, photographers, engineers, jewelers, and all others with a creative mind to create finished pieces of art with a few of those squares.

More than 30 people accepted the challenge. All of their creations will be on display and sold through silent auction when the Historical Society hosts a Square Roots Champagne Reception on Saturday, May 19, at the Chester Meetinghouse.

Skip Hubbard, president of the Chester Historical Society, said, “In 2004 we staged a similar challenge, the very popular Brooks for Hooks event, using hooks and screw eyes manufactured by M.S. Brooks & Sons. It was fascinating to see the variety of work created from those hooks and screw eyes.”

“Eight years later, we still hear comments about the Brooks for Hooks challenge,” said Sosse Baker, co-chairman of the event. “This challenge has the same potential and should be equally exciting for everyone, from the creators to those attending the reception.”

Besides the silent auction, the champagne reception will feature hors oeuvres from local restaurants and kitchens. It will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets for the evening are $25 and can be purchased at Chester Gallery and Ceramica in Chester Center.

All the proceeds from the event will benefit the Chester Historical Society and its programs, including Chester Museum at The Mill. More information is available on the Historical Society website, www.chesterhistoricalsociety.org.

Using a knitted piece as a foundation, Anna Sweeney created a framed series of 25 squares and rectangles (can you count them?) as her entry in the Square Roots Artist Exhibit and Silent Auction hosted by the Chester Historical Society (photo courtesy of Skip Hubbard).

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Chester Elementary Students Compete in Regional Debate Tournament

May 4, 2012 By admin

Jared Dompier (left) and Rocket Otte (right) represented Chester Elementary School in a recent regional debate tournament run by CivicsFirstCT

On Wednesday, April 25, John Winthrop Middle School hosted a regional debate tournament run by CivicsFirstCT. There were 37 teams in attendance and Chester Elementary School entered one team: Jared Dompier and Rocket Otte.

This year’s topic was abolishing the double jeopardy clause in the 5th amendment. Students researched the topic and had to debate both the affirmative (which argues abolishing the clause) as well as the negative (which argues the status quo).

Filed Under: Chester, News

Essex May Market Celebrates 60 Years of the Essex Garden Club

May 4, 2012 By admin

The 2012 Essex Garden Club May Market, a true harbinger of spring, will open on Saturday May 12 from 9 to 2 in the Town Park, to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the Garden Club. This year, the market will also be open on Friday afternoon from 3 to 5 (with the exception of Members’ plants sold only on Saturday). This fundraising event which began as a small plant sale across from the Griswold Inn has become an eagerly awaited garden extravaganza. It features annual plants, herbs, garlic salt, gently used home and garden treasures, special gifts for the garden, worms for composting, members’ plants, a Café for lunch and a Silent Auction.

Waiting for the opening bell

The Annuals Tent will be filled with beautiful plants and hanging baskets for purchase at good prices. Also, available will be those plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds as well as plants that like sunny or shady areas. Potted herbs can be sold separately or arranged in baskets by the Club members to make charming hostess or Mother’s Day gifts.

Gifts for the Garden tent will feature gems for the garden including trellises, frames, handmade items from recycled plastic, shrubs, specimen trees, containers and more.

The Treasures Gazebo will offer slightly used household and garden items and include the favorite Jewelry Booth.

The Club’s famous and beloved garlic salt, has been an essential fundraiser since it was developed in 1953 from a closely guarded recipe brought to the Club by Mrs. Malcolm Pitt. As in demand today as it was in 1953, it will add zest to any meal.

On Saturday May 12, the Members’ Plant sale, Garden Café and Silent Auction will open with the ringing of the bell. Refreshments will be available bright and early with fresh donuts and coffee. Lunch offerings will include clam chowder, sandwiches, bowls of chili and chili dogs. Top off your lunch with a luscious homemade dessert.

The Silent Auction will feature an array of items donated by local merchants, such as a freshwater pearl necklace from De Paula Jewelers, a weekender bag by Vera Bradley from The Saybrook Country Barn, and an English silver-plate wine bottle holder from English Accents Antiques. Other prizes include tickets to plays and concerts, specimen trees and shrubs, gift certificates to area merchants, and a private tour with refreshments in a Club member’s garden.

Finally, the sale of healthy plants, dug, potted and nurtured by members from their own gardens will include perennials, ground covers, evergreens, flowering shrubs, grasses and even some native trees. Different varieties of young tomato plants, seeded and cultivated by local Girl Scouts, supervised by Junior Activities members, will be ready for planting in our own gardens.

May Market is the Essex Garden Club’s only fundraising event. The proceeds are used to support the Club’s educational and civic improvement projects, new and ongoing in the villages of Essex, Centerbrook and Ivoryton. May Market also provides camperships for young students and scholarships for high school and college students.

Come join us to find that special something for your garden!

Filed Under: News

Essex Winter Series Awarded Grant from the State

May 3, 2012 By admin

The Essex Winter Series has received a 2012 non-matching grant in the amount of $654 from the State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts. The award is funded by the Arts Endowment Fund, which was established 25 years ago in order to stimulate the development of private sector resources and to support the long-term stabilization of Connecticut’s arts organizations.

Each year, arts organizations may apply for a share of the interest earnings on the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund if they have reported an increase in the amount of private sector contributions received in the last twelve months. Awards are unrestricted, and may be applied toward capital expenses, administrative costs, programming or the the organization’s endowment.

This is the first time Essex Winter Series has applied for the grant.

Filed Under: Essex, News

Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening of Bloom Art School, Centerbrook

May 2, 2012 By admin

Linda Bronson and Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman at the grand opening of Bloom Art School

Kelly Smith, Chairwoman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce announced that the Chamber held a grand-opening event for the Bloom Art School on Wednesday, April 11th at its location at 85 Main Street in Centerbrook, directly across the street from Essex Elementary School.

Under the expert guidance of illustrator and founder of the Bloom Art School, Linda Bronson, and Bloom’s instructors, students learn how to incorporate materials, techniques, and styles into their own work. They have countless opportunities to explore their creativity, use their imaginations to the fullest, and most importantly, have fun!

Linda Bronson with student artists of Bloom Art School

Bloom is a neighborhood art school that offers exceptional art enrichment for children. In every lesson, Bloom makes it a priority to expose the children to works by great masters, experienced practicing artists, and local craftspeople. They explore art that has been created through different techniques and with different materials in order to broaden their students’ understanding of art and the world around them.

At Bloom, it is their mission and privilege to celebrate your budding artist with you!

To learn more about Bloom Art School and its offerings, please go to www.bloomartschool.com or call them at 860.581.3737.

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce has over 2,350 members who employ more than 50,000 people.

Filed Under: News

Barbara Nidzgorski Wins TTYS 2012 Generativity Award

May 2, 2012 By admin

Barbara Nidzgorski, winner of 2012 Generativity Award

Tri-Town Youth Services recently presented its 2012 Generativity Award to Barbara Nidzgorski, Regional School District 4’s Young Scholars Coordinator. Ms. Nidzgorski is better known locally as Bobbi Nidz. A Niantic resident, Nidz has been actively building youth developmental assets in the tri-town area for over ten years.

There are currently about 200 students in Nidz’ programs. These programs include: Math Counts, Mock Trial, Debate Team, American Legion Oratory, Parliamentary Debate, Model United Nations, Lego Robotics, Forensic Tournament and others. Students who participate are self-initiated. Many of the teams compete and participants earn and accumulate points.

Ms. Nidz’ degrees include a Bachelor’s in Education, a Master’s in Gifted and Talented from UCONN, and an M.F.A. from Connecticut College in Theater. Outside of school, Ms. Nidz owns her own Solo Theatre Company, has served for 21 years as General Manager of O’Neill Theatre Puppetry Conference, makes jewelry and plays several instruments.

Filed Under: News

Diabetes Care Program Available on the Shoreline

May 1, 2012 By admin

Essex, Ct. — Local shoreline residents can take advantage of diabetes care services offered by Middlesex Hospital, at a new location at the Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center, 260 Westbrook Road, Route 153, in Essex.

The Middlesex Hospital Diabetes Care Program is designed to help all people with diabetes better manage their disease. Services include individual counseling by a registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator about healthy eating for weight management and blood sugar control; insulin administration; taking medications; being active and managing risks and problem-solving related to diabetes.

The program is based on the national standards for diabetes self-management education programs and is recognized by the American Diabetes Association and is accredited by the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA). There is a fee for the services, but Medicare and most insurances cover services for diabetes education with the customary copay.

For more information about the Middlesex Hospital Diabetes Care Program in Essex, call (860) 358-3003.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: osn

CMS Presents Saxophone Master Class at Community Music School May 6

May 1, 2012 By admin

CENTERBROOK – Robbie Collomore Concert Series presents renowned classical saxophonist Ashu in a special Master Class at the Community Music School on Sunday, May 6th at 10:30 am. The event is free and open to the public and takes place at the School at 90 Main Street in Centerbrook.

Concert saxophonist Ashu, age 26, has continually defied conventions winning major international and national competitions traditionally won by pianists and violinists. He made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall in New York and, at age 16, made his concerto debut at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Since then, concerto and recital performances have taken him throughout the USA and Europe

Students from the studio of CMS faculty member Russ Becker will perform at the Master Class.

Ashu will perform a concert as part of the Collomore series later that day at 5 pm at the Chester Meeting House. For ticket information, visit www.collomoreconcerts.org or call 860-526-5162.

For more information about the Master Class, please contact Community Music School at 860-767-0026.

Filed Under: Essex, Old Events

TTYS Family Scavenger Hunt May 5

May 1, 2012 By admin

Tri-Town Youth Services will be hosting a fun family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, May 5.

All families are welcome to participate in a treasure hunt around Deep River. All you will need is a digital camera (or phone camera) and a sense of fun.

Meet at Tri-Town Youth Services, 56 High Street, Deep River at 1 p.m. This program is free. Call Tri-Town at 526-3600 to register.

Filed Under: Old Events, Towns

Red Rocket Acquires Tees Plus; Growth and Expansion Continues

May 1, 2012 By admin

Tee's Plus Production Team

Multi-channel and E-commerce giant Red Rocket Merchandising Corporation closed a deal last week to acquire Tee’s Plus. The purchase enhances Red Rocket’s custom printing division and saves jobs for former Tee’s Plus employees.

“Tee’s Plus is open for business,” said Ed Cook, CEO of Red Rocket. “We will continue to serve regional & national clients with premium branded merchandise and promotional products.”

Acquiring Tee’s Plus enhances the capabilities of Westbrook-based Red Rocket’s existing custom printing services. “Folding our existing operations into Tee’s Plus will be seamless,” said Mr. Cook. “We have the ability to continue providing the exceptional design and print services clients have come to expect from Tee’s Plus,” continued Mr. Cook.

Red Rocket has already re-hired some Tee’s Plus employees and is interviewing others. The company anticipates significant growth by the end of the year. “The number of employees will likely double by the end of 2012,” said Mr. Cook.

The acquisition of Tee’s Plus comes less than a year after Red Rocket purchased four other on-line merchandising businesses in southern Connecticut which has already contributed to its growth.

Red Rocket is a privately held company serving clients with music, sports and entertainment apparel and merchandise through multiple marketing channels. Red Rocket affiliates include Rolling Stone, Disney, Premier Guitar, Live Nation and Marvel among others. Our custom printing division, Tee’s Plus, provides businesses and organizations with the best quality design and printing for apparel and promotional products whether you need 10 pieces or 110,000.

View their sites at Red Rocket Corp. at http://www.redrocketcorp.com Tee’s Plus at http://www.teesplus.com/.

Filed Under: News