osn

Residents Ask For Compromise on Chester Ferry Fare Hike

May 23, 2013 by Charles Stannard

ferry 2 CHESTER— Residents called for compromise Wednesday at an informational meeting on a proposal to double fares for the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, urging state Department of Transportation officials to consider a smaller increase in the fare for crossing the Connecticut River on the historic ferry. About 40 residents, most of them from Chester and Lyme, turned out for the session at the Chester Meeting House.

Two years after a move to close the state’s two seasonal river ferries drew widespread public opposition, DOT has proposed a doubling of the fares for the Chester-Hadlyme and Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferries from $3 to $6 for vehicles and $1 to $2 for walk-on passengers. Monthly coupon books for frequent users would also double from $40 to $80. Informational meetings on the proposal were held this week in Chester and Rocky Hill.

DOT Commissioner James Redeker told the crowd that while ridership on the two ferries has remained steady since 2011, the operating deficit for the service has increased to about $650,000 per year, and would remain around $500,000 per year even with a doubling of the fares. Redeker said the state has spent $499,000 over the past two years to install new engines in three of the ferry boats. He said fares for the ferries have not increased since August 2003.

But the commissioner also stressed that a final decision to double the fares has not yet been made. “This was really just a stalking horse proposal that was put out to get some feedback,” Redeker said, adding that the department understands the value of the historic seasonal ferries for tourism in Connecticut. “We’re not insisting the ferries should make money,” he said.

At Redeker’s urging, several residents offered suggestions for a smaller increase. Curt Michael, president of the Hadlyme Public Hall Association, suggested starting with a fare of $4 or $4.50 for vehicles, and $2 for walk-on passengers. The Hadlyme Public Hall Association had circulated petitions against the fare increase that garnered more than 900 signatures.

Elected officials also objected to the amount of the increase, while also acknowledging that a smaller fare hike may be needed to sustain the service. Chester First Selectman Edmund Meehan and Lyme First Selectman Ralph Eno each said the boards of selectmen in the two towns has approved resolutions opposing the fare increase. Meehan also presented a statement from the 17-town Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments opposing the increase and calling for completion of a “cost benefit analysis” before any fare hikes are implemented.

Meehan said a doubling of the fare to $6 per vehicle “would be counterproductive,” and could lead to a decrease in ridership that would jeopardize the future of the ferries. Eno agreed, declaring “we want to build ridership, not chase them away.”

With the two informational hearings completed, DOT officials are expected to review options and public input before announcing a final decision later this year on any fare hikes for the two river ferries.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, ll, Newsletter, osn, Top Story

Bus Shelter Dedicated to Local Transit Pioneer

May 7, 2013 by admin

From the late 1800’s until the early 1900’s, shoreline residents could travel by trolley cars throughout the region. But automobiles soon caused the demise of the trolley companies, and regional public transportation became non-existent.

As the population grew in the 1970’s, Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency director Stan Greimann saw a growing need for public transportation. He envisioned a bus system that would not only enable commuting to New Haven, but would provide travel throughout the nine town region. He worked tirelessly to spread his vision, until in 1981, nine estuary region towns created the Estuary Transit District (ETD).

Thirty-two year later, the transit district Greimann created and led for over two decades has grown to provide nearly 100,000 passenger trips annually servicing the estuary region with thirteen buses connecting to four other regional transit systems under the name 9 Town Transit.

As a tribute to Greimann’s contribution to public transit in the region, the ETD board of directors dedicated the new Old Saybrook bus shelter in his memory. The dedication ceremony, held on April 25, 2013, was attended by local elected officials and members of his family.

Long time ETD board member Virginia Zawoy of Clinton said of Stan, “He spent countless hours looking for ways that would enhance public transportation in the estuary region.”

A plaque memorializing Greimann and his contributions to public transit was installed on the shelter located on the Boston Post Road across from Staples. State representative Marilyn Giuliano commented that “Stan’s contributions were many, commendable and deserving of this honor.”

The Estuary Transit District provides public transit service to Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook through its 9 Town Transit service. Connections are available to New Haven, Middletown, Hartford and New London/Norwich bus services as well as the Shoreline East Commuter Rail. All services are open to the general public with no age or disability restrictions.

Additional information, route maps and schedules are available online at www.9towntransit.com or by calling 9 Town Transit at 860-510-0429.

Filed Under: ll, News, osn

Senator Linares Lunches with Seniors, and Discusses His “No” Vote on Gun Control

April 26, 2013 by Jerome Wilson

Senator Linares extends a greeting at lunch for seniors in Old Saybrook

State Senator Art Linares joined a well attended lunch on Thursday at the Estuary Council of Seniors at 200 Main Street in Old Saybrook. The Senator, whose district includes parts of Old Saybrook, and all of Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Westbrook, as well as six other Connecticut towns, did not deliver a formal address at the lunch.

Rather, the 24 year old state legislator sat at a table with an ordinary group of seniors for his lunch, and after a brief greeting to all he circulated around the dining hall shaking hands, and engaging in small talk with diners. In all there were close to a hundred seniors attending the lunch. The cost per person for an Estuary lunch is $3.00.

Senator Linares’s “No” Vote on the New Gun Control Law

After the lunch the Senator consented to a discussion of his views on the state’s new gun control law. The law was recently passed by the state legislature and signed into law by the Governor. Senator Linares cast his “no” vote on the gun control bill in the State Senate.

Asked to give his reasons for voting against gun control bill, the Senator said, “The legislation outlaws 100 kinds of guns.” He continued, “Most guns are used for self-defense,” and citizens should have, “the freedom to defend themselves.”

Continuing, he said, the new law by imposing so many restrictions on the ownership of guns “could create a black market” in the sale of guns. He also opined that taking away guns from common citizens could have the effect of being “dangerous to law enforcement officers.” “My concern it the police officers,” he said.

In addition, the Senator stressed that the new, gun law bill was moving so fast through the state legislature, “I did not have a chance to read the bill.” Summing up his position, the first term Senator said that the state’s new gun control law “went too far and was too extreme.” He also said that he had heard that, “they are confiscating guns” from private citizens, although he gave no specifics.

Representative Giuliano Voted “No” on New Gun Law

In discussing his “no” vote on gun control legislation, the Senator said that a number of other local legislators had voted against the bill. He mentioned, specifically, State Representative Marilyn Giuliano, who voted “no” on the gun control bill in the House of Representatives. Giuliano represents the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook, and she is the Assistant Republican Leader of the lower House of the legislature.

Filed Under: Jerome Wilson, ll, News, osn, Politics

A Message from the Chester Resident Trooper

April 23, 2013 by admin

Subsequent to the Boston Marathon bombing, more than 100 websites were created to make people believe the site could have a legitimate charitable purpose to help those affected by the bombing.

It is believed many of the sites will instead, be used to solicit money fraudulently. Those wishing to help should channel their gifts through reputable organizations, and verify new charities that claim to be set up to help victims of the Boston bombings.

As always, I can be contacted at (860) 526-3605 if anyone needs further assistance.

Regards,

TFC Matt Ewing
Chester Resident Trooper

Filed Under: Chester, ll, News, osn

Frame Finished at New Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook; April 2014 Opening

April 22, 2013 by Jerome Wilson

Hoisting the final steel girders for the frame of the Westbrook medical center

In an informal “Topping Off” ceremony last Thursday morning, the steel-girded frame of the new Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook was declared complete. Or, as one observer put it, “The steel skeleton is now finished.”

Huge crane that put in place the steel girders for the new Westbrook medical center

There now remains the task of covering the frame, completely, with new surface materials, as well as constructing the entire interior of the new medical center building.

Workers precariously perched on narrow steel girders at construction site

Also, according to an official of Middlesex Hospital, which is building the new Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook, the project is still on track to open its doors for new patients in April 2014.

New Westbrook Center Will Be Off Exit 65 of I-95

The new Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook will be located on Flat Rock Road at Exit 65 off I-95. The new 40,000 square, emergency medical facility will be twice as large as the present Shoreline Medical Center in Essex, which it will replace.

A Middlesex Hospital spokesperson said that there are still no plans as what to do with the Essex Shoreline Medical Center, once the Westbrook center takes its place. Further dwarfing the size of the present Essex Shoreline center, the new Westbrook Shoreline Medical Center can be expanded from 40,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet, if necessity demands it.

Although Middlesex Hospital’s publicity materials stress that the new Shoreline center in Westbrook is only three miles away from the present Shoreline center in Essex, in the minds of many Essex residents, it feels like their emergency center is gone forever, regardless of the new improvements in care promised at the new Westbrook facility.

Artist rendering of finished Shoreline Emergency Medical Center in Westbrook

Read related article by Jerome Wilson:

New Emergency Medical Center to Replace Essex’s Medical Center in April 2014

Filed Under: Jerome Wilson, ll, News, osn, Towns

Letter: Senator Linares’s Vote Against Gun Control, Contrary to Majority of Constituent’s Wishes, Requires Explanation

April 19, 2013 by admin

To The Editor:

I write to thank ValleyNewsNow for its coverage of Senator Linares’s recent vote against the gun control law enacted by the Connecticut Legislature with broad bipartisan support following the Newtown massacre.

Mr. Linares’s constituents have a right to know the reasons for his opposition, given the undeniable support in his district for child safety, the strong endorsement of the bill across party lines, and the uncertainty as to what credible alternative Mr. Linares is offering.

However, while the ValleyNewsNow coverage of Senator Linares’s “no” vote is helpful, it was not altogether satisfying. The article reports that Mr. Linares issued a statement which “concluded the bill does not address the most important problems”. But it does not tell us how Mr. Linares reached that conclusion or what measures he would advocate instead.

Senator Linares reportedly said that he decided to vote against the gun law “after talking to many residents of the 33^rd district”. If Mr. Linares means to suggest that his vote reflects the majority of his constituents’ views, I would guess that claim is almost certainly preposterous. To my knowledge, Mr. Linares never conducted a hearing on the issue in his district, and the extensive testimony he heard as a member of the Newtown Task Force led other legislators to broad bipartisan support for the measure. The true basis of Mr. Linares’s position remains a mystery.

Mr. Linares’s official website sheds no light on the matter either. As of today, April 19 – over two weeks after the bill’s enactment – Mr. Linares’s web site does not even mention his vote, let alone carry the statement described by the Valley News. Instead, when one consults the web site’s “in the news” section, one learns that in the aftermath of the legislation, Mr. Linares spent his time commending kindergartners for helping others, extolling the Haddam Shad Museum, and “high fiving” intermediate school students on tour of the State capitol.

One need not begrudge Senator Linares his “feel good” press releases or his energetic attempts to have them covered in the local press, no matter how modest the content. (See, for example, the 10 or so articles appearing in the Valley News since mid January extensively covering among other things Mr. Linares participation in various meetings, his tours of local factories, and even his attendance at someone else’s press conference) But they are not a substitute for keeping his district informed of what he is actually doing in Hartford and why.

The public’s right to know our representatives positions is not a partisan issue. It applies left, right and center. Again, the Newtown legislation is being cited as a model of bipartisan cooperation worthy of emulation at the national level. Residents of the 33rd District, whether they be Republican, Democrats, or Independents, deserve to understand why Mr. Linares took an outlier position on this historic legislation

Sincerely,

David Harfst,
Essex

Filed Under: Letters, ll, osn

Essex Savings Bank Announces Community Investment Program Results

April 18, 2013 by admin

Essex– Results of the recent voting by Essex Savings Bank customers who participated in the Bank’s Community Investment Program were announced at a meeting of employees, directors and trustees at the Bank’s Plains Road Office on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. The Top Ten Winners in attendance received special recognition.

The customer balloting portion of Essex Savings Bank’s 2013 Community Investment Program, began on February 1 and concluded on March 15. During the first phase of the program, the Bank’s customers were asked to select from a list of 71 qualified non-profit organizations that made application to the bank.

Gregory R. Shook, President and Chief Executive Officer of Essex Savings Bank stated, “Our Community Investment Program is designed to provide vital financial support and visibility to these dedicated organizations and their people who enhance the quality of life in our communities.”

Each year the bank donates 10% of its after tax net income to non-profit organizations within the immediate market area consisting of Chester, Deep River, Essex, Lyme, Madison, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook. According to Thomas Lindner, Vice President and Community Relations Officer for Essex Savings Bank, 7,180 votes were cast this year. Mr. Lindner stated that $77,400 is to be disbursed during the month of April based on ballot results. The remaining $180,591 will be distributed over the year by the Director’s, Senior Management and Branch Managers. By year end 2013, $257,991 will have been allocated to over 200 organizations bringing the total distribution since the inception of the program in 1996 to $3,673,544.

Essex Savings Bank is a FDIC insured, state chartered, mutual savings bank established in 1851. The Bank serves the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline with six offices in Essex (2), Chester, Madison, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook. Financial, estate, insurance and retirement planning are offered throughout the state by the Bank’s Trust Department and subsidiary Essex Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and annuities are not FDIC insured, may lose value, are not a deposit, have no Bank guarantee and are not insured by any Federal Government Agency.

RESULTS OF ESSEX SAVINGS BANK CUSTOMER BALLOTING COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM 2013

	Organization	# Votes	$ Amount
1	The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries	708	$7,632
2	Valley Shore Animal Welfare League	391	$4,215
3	Forgotten Felines, Inc.	328	$3,536
4	Old Saybrook Fire Company Number One, Inc.	287	$3,094
5	Estuary Council of Seniors, Inc. – Meals on Wheels	275	$2,964
6	Tait’s Every Animal Matters (TEAM)	263	$2,835
7	Pet Connections, Inc.	215	$2,318
8	Essex Library Association	212	$2,285
9	Bikes For Kids, Inc.	184	$1,983
10	The Lyme Fire Company, Inc.	171	$1,843
11	Camp Hazen YMCA	170	$1,833
12	Old Lyme Fire Department, Inc.	155	$1,671
13	Bushy Hill Nature Center	154	$1,660
14	Lyme Ambulance Association, Inc.	151	$1,628
15	Ivoryton Library Association	139	$1,498
16	Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, Inc.	138	$1,488
17	Ivoryton Playhouse Foundation, Inc.	136	$1,466
18	Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau, Inc.	115	$1,240
19	Essex Community Fund, Inc.	114	$1,229
20	Friends of the Acton Public Library	112	$1,207
21	Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Inc.	111	$1,197
22	Deep River Ambulance Association, Inc.	110	$1,186
23	Graduation Night, Inc. – Old Saybrook	108	$1,164
24	Old Saybrook Education Foundation	108	$1,164
25	Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Association	102	$1,100
26	The Connecticut River Museum at Steamboat Dock	91	$981
27	Chester Historical Society	85	$916
28	Old Lyme Land Trust, Inc.	84	$905
29	Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association, Inc.	82	$884
30	Literacy Volunteers – Valley Shore, CT, Inc.	74	$798
31	Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau	73	$787
32	Community Music School	72	$776
33	Westbrook Youth and Family Services, Inc.	72	$776
34	Lyme Public Library, Inc.	68	$733
35	Deep River Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps, Inc.	67	$722
36	Friends of the Chester Public Library, Inc.	66	$711
37	Essex Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, Inc.	64	$690
38	Essex Historical Society, Inc.	62	$668
39	Old Saybrook Historical Society	59	$636
40	Essex Garden Club, Inc.	58	$625
41	Florence Griswold Museum	57	$614
42	Friends of Hammonasset, Inc.	57	$614
43	Common Good Gardens, Inc.	56	$604
44	Maritime Education Network, Inc.	52	$561
45	Old Lyme South End Volunteer Association, Inc.	51	$550
46	Friends of the Deep River Public Library, Inc.	50	$539
47	Lyme Art Association, Inc.	48	$517

	Organization	# Votes	$ Amount
48	Lyme Public Hall Association, Inc.	47	$507
49	Scranton Library, Madison (E.C. Scranton Memorial Library)	47	$507
50	Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center, Inc.	47	$507
51	Westbrook Project Graduation, Inc.	47	$507
52	Madison Ambulance Association, Inc.	44	$474
53	Friends In Service Here (F.I.S.H.)	43	$464
54	Lyme-Old Lyme Education Foundation	41	$442
55	Hope Partnership, Inc.	39	$420
56	Cappella Cantorum	38	$410
57	Camp Claire, Inc.	35	$377
58	Con Brio Choral Society, Inc.	34	$367
59	Lyme Consolidated School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)	34	$367
60	Ruth Ann Heller Music Foundation	32	$345
61	Old Lyme Historical Society, Inc.	31	$334
62	Friends of the Valley Railroad, Inc.	29	$313
63	The Country School, Inc.	28	$302
64	Friends of Madison Youth, Inc.	27	$291
65	Old Saybrook Community Foundation, Inc.	27	$291
66	Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts	25	$269
67	Act II Thrift Shop, Inc.	20	$216
68	Madison Historical Society, Inc.	17	$183
69	Lyme-Old Lyme Junior Women’s Club (LOLJWC)	15	$162
70	Tracy Art Center, Inc.	15	$162
71	Connecticut Audubon Society Eco Travel	13	$140

Filed Under: ll, News, osn

Deep River Man Identifed and Charges in April 8 Police Chase and Shooting

April 15, 2013 by Charles Stannard

AREAWIDE— State police have announced the arrest of the second suspect in the April 8 chase and shootout on Route 153 in Westbrook, Sebastian P. Award, 24, of 257 West Elm St. in Deep River. Another suspect, 24-year-old Jonathan Alvarado of Deep River was shot to death in an exchange of gunfire with police that left Detective Scott Wisner with a shoulder wound.

Award and Alvarado were fleeing the scene of an armed robbery at the Days Inn motel on Route One in Old Saybrook, with police in pursuit, when their vehicle crashed into a vehicle operated by Wisner on Route 153 near Doc’s Hill Road in Westbrook. Award was injured in the crash and shooting, and has been under treatment and police guard at Hartford Hospital for the past week. Wisner is a former resident state trooper for Essex.

Award has been arrested and charged with two counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, two counts of first degree kidnapping, two counts of first degree robbery, three counts of second degree larceny, and assault on a police officer. He was expected to be arraigned Monday at Middlesex Superior Court in Middletown.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Deep River, ll, News, osn

Senate Republican Staff Attorney Prepares Summary of Provisions of New Gun Law

April 15, 2013 by Jerome Wilson

A summary of the provisions of Connecticut’s new “Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety” law has been prepared by Mike Cronin, Esq., a Staff Attorney of the Senate Republicans. The summary, dated April 5, 2013, is available on the Connecticut Senate Republican’s website.

Using a question and answer format, the summary is a guide as how to obey the new gun control law. Typical questions posed in the summary include:

Do I have to give up any of my presently owned guns? How does the new law affect the sale of assault style rifles? Hand guns? Shot guns? What are the new registration requirements for assault style guns, and what are the new limits on ammunition purchases?

Private Guns Sales Covered by New Law

Also, the summary notes that the new gun control law requires a background check for firearm sales, including private transactions.

Here is one of the twenty-four questions asked and answered in Attorney Cronin’s guide:

Q. If I already own a large capacity magazine, can I still use it?

A. Yes. If you legally possess large capacity magazines prior to the passage of this bill you can still use it in your gun. If you are at home or at a target range or shooting clubs, you can load as many bullets as the magazine can hold. Anywhere else, you can only load 10 bullets in the magazine.

Filed Under: Jerome Wilson, ll, News, osn

Local Men, Former Essex State Trooper Involved in Monday’s Crash and Shootout

April 11, 2013 by Charles Stannard

One of the gunmen involved is air-lifted from Middlesex Hospital, Essex to Hartford Hospital (photo by Jerome Wilson).

One of the gunmen involved is air-lifted to Hartford Hospital (photo by Jerome Wilson).

AREAWIDE— A Deep River man and a former Essex resident state trooper have been identified as participants in Monday’s police chase, crash, and shooting on Route 153 in Westbrook. The crash and shootout, which occurred Monday around 3:15 prm., followed an armed robbery of a resident at the Day Inn motel on Route One in Old Saybrook.

State police have identified the suspect who was shot and killed in the incident as Jonathan Alvarado, 24, whose last known addresss was in Deep River. Alvarado and another man were fleeing the scene of the Old Saybrook robbery, with police in pursuit, when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into a cruiser operated by Detective Scott Wisner. The crash occurred on Route 153 in Westbrook, near the intersection with Doc’s Hill Road.

In an exchange of gunfire that followed the crash, Wisner suffered a shoulder wound, while Alvarado received fatal gunshot wounds. Also firing his weapon during the exchange was Sgt. Keith Graham, a shift supervisor at the nearby Troop F barracks in Westbrook. The second suspect was injured in the crash and exchange of gunfire, and was transported by LifeStar helicopter from the Shoreline Clinic in Essex to Hartford Hospital.

Wisner, an area resident, was treated at the hospital and is now recovering at home. A 21-year veteran officer, Wisner served as resident state trooper in Essex for several years from the late 1990s until he was promoted to detective. Graham is a 14-year state police officer.

The second suspect had not yet been identified by state police as of Thursday, but he is believed to be an area resident. He remains under police guard at Hartford Hospital, but is expected to survive to face multiple criminal charges stemming from the incident.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, ll, News, osn

State Senator Art Linares Voted “No” on New “Gun Violence Prevention” Legislation

April 9, 2013 by Jerome Wilson

State Senator Art Linares

State Senator Art Linares voted “no” on the recently enacted, new Connecticut state law, entitled, “An Act Concerning Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety.” Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy signed the bill into law on April 4.

In explaining his “no” vote the Senator said in a written statement, “Having witnessed the emotional accounts of parents, teachers and citizens after the Newtown tragedy, I am more committed than ever to help create a safer Connecticut.”

He continued, “After much consideration and talking with many residents of the 33^rd district, I decided to vote no on the bill. While I support some of the individual elements such as criminal background checks and discontinuing the early release program for violent felons, I concluded that [the bill] did not correctly address the most important issues of safe neighborhoods, school security, and most importantly, mental health.”

Following three more paragraphs of explaining the reasons for his “no” vote, the Senator concluded, “Now that [the bill] has passed, I will continue moving forward, working with our school superintendents to address school safety issues, with our mental health experts to get access to needed resources, and with gun owners to help them understand the new regulations.”

Sen. Linares represents the 33rd Senate District, which includes Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Filed Under: ll, News, osn, Politics

New Emergency Medical Center to Replace Essex’s Medical Center in April 2014

April 9, 2013 by Jerome Wilson

Artist rendering of finished Shoreline Emergency Medical Center in Westbrook

A new $28 million Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center, which is presently under construction in Westbrook, is slated to replace the hospital’s present Shoreline Medical Center in Essex as early as next April. According to Middlesex Hospital’s Harry Evert, Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Operations, the new Westbrook Shoreline Medical Center, “will double the number of rooms and bring a higher level of efficiency,” than exists at the present Essex facility.

Billboards Promise New Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook next year

The hospital’s new Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook will be located on Flat Rock Place, just off Exit 65 of Interstate I-95. The Center will be just down the road from the Tanger Outlet shopping mall. The frame of the new two story medical center is in the process of construction at the Westbrook location.

Construction workers busy at Flat Rock Place site, near Exit 65 of I-95

Essex’s “Shoreline Clinic” Served Area for 40 Years

The existing Shoreline Medical Center in Essex will be closed down as soon as the new Westbrook center is ready to accept patients. The Essex Shoreline Medical Center has provided emergency medical services to shoreline residents for the past 40 years, according to Middlesex Hospital materials.

What will happen to the Essex shoreline center, once it is phased out, however, has yet to be decided, according to Evert.

Some Essex residents are deeply concerned about closing of the present Shoreline medical center in their town. At the same time they can look forward to using a new larger and better equipped medical facility, when it comes on line neighboring Westbrook.

Essex Shoreline Center Was First of Its Kind

According to a Middlesex Hospital sources, the shoreline facility in Essex was, “the first freestanding hospital-based emergency center in the country, and it became a model for other hospitals to follow.” In building a new medical center in Westbrook, the hospital notes, “We are moving three miles down the road from the current facility on Route 153 in Essex to Westbrook.” An advantage of the Westbrook location is that it “will provide easy access from I-95 as well as local roads.”

Middlesex Hospital’s Senior Vice President Evert also pointed out that the new Westbrook facility would be able to serve, more easily, the emergency medical needs of a number of towns along the I-95 corridor. For example, persons living in towns to the west of the new facility on I-95, such as Madison and Clinton, would have direct access to the new Westbrook center.

Also, towns to the east on the I-95 corridor, such as Old Saybrook, Old Lyme and Lyme, could be served by the new Westbrook center as well. The new Westbrook center could also serve the towns of Essex, Deep River and Chester, as well as Haddam and Killingworth without difficulty. In addition, accident victims on I-95 could be treated more easily from the Westbrook center.

Middlesex Hospital’s Evert estimated that the increase in the number of patients at the new Westbrook facility over those at the Essex facility would be in the ten to fifteen percent range. However, when pressed he said that this might be a “low ball” figure, and that he “just wanted to be conservative.”

New Westbrook Center Twice the Size of Essex’s

The new 40,000 square foot emergency and outpatient facility in Westbrook will be double the size of the present Essex medical center. Furthermore, according to Middlesex Hospital materials, “Should we need even more space we have the option to add a second level, which would increase the Shoreline Medical Center space to 60,000 square feet.”

Until the use of this additional 20,000 square feet becomes necessary, it will remain undeveloped on the second floor of the new medical center building.

A two story frame is in place for the new emergency medical center in Westbrook

The new 40,000 square foot facility, presently being built, on the first floor will have, “an expanded emergency center with an express care area for minor illnesses and injuries.” Also, the new 40,000 square feet facility will allow, “a separate ambulance entrance,” as well as a “covered drop-off area, and improved patient privacy.”

Outpatients at the new Westbrook emergency center will also have their own entrance, and at the center there will be, “a whole host of diagnostic and treatment services.” In addition at the new center, “Radiology services will expand to include a new MRI testing area, and designated women imaging area.” In addition, “Other offerings would include lab services, pre-surgical testing and chronic care management.”

In summary Middlesex Hospital released this summary of services at the new Westbrook emergency center:

Emergency: 24/7 care, Helipad, Paramedic service
Other Services: Pre-surgical testing, chronic care management programs.
Outpatient Diagnostics: X-ray, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Mammography, Laboratory services

As for the staff at the new Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook, it will consist of:

Physicians, board certified in Emergency Medicine, providing coverage 24/7,
Magnet nurses with a reputation for the highest quality care,
Laboratory and radiology clinicians credentialed in their areas of specialty.

Middlesex Hospital summarized by noting that, “Hospital emergency departments are the healthcare safety net for all in the community, any hour, day or night, seven days a week. All patients who come to the facility, regardless of their ability to pay receive care.”

The hospital also noted, “Each year, more than 23,000 people rely on the Shoreline Medical Center for emergency care.”

Filed Under: Essex, Jerome Wilson, ll, News, osn

Helicopter Air Lifts Wounded Gunman to Hartford Hospital After Gun Incident

April 8, 2013 by Jerome Wilson

A Life-Star helicopter is loaded with injured gunman at emergency medical center in Essex

A “Life Star” helicopter air lifted a wounded gunman at Middlesex Hospital’s Emergency Medical Center in Essex for a trip to Hartford Hospital around four o’clock Monday afternoon.

Reportedly, the gunman engaged in a gun battle with a state trooper after a car chase and car crash on Route 153 near the Westbrook Essex line. A state trooper was also wounded in the gun battle, but not seriously. In addition, a second gunman was killed in the exchange of gun fire.

After incident State Police troopers gather outside Middlesex Hospital’s medical center in Essex

Filed Under: Jerome Wilson, ll, News, osn

Linares Honors Shoreline Student Artists at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts

March 11, 2013 by admin

from left to right: Sen. Art Linares, Future Choices Co-Chair Kathleen Bidney-Singewald, Future Choices Co-Chair Ruth Baxter, student award winner Dai Yongzheng of Westbrook-based Oxford Academy, and Shoreline Arts Alliance Executive Director/CEO Eric Dillner.

Sen. Art Linares presented official State of Connecticut citations to outstanding high school art students from the shoreline region during the Shoreline Arts Alliance’s Future Choices awards reception March 10 at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts’ Sill House Gallery. The art exhibition offers students the experience of being juried by experts in the arts and exhibiting in a professional gallery setting.

Students who reside or attend school in the shoreline region were eligible to submit works for the competition. Towns include: Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Haven, East Lyme, Essex, Guilford, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Madison, Middlefield, North Branford, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Salem, Westbrook.

Shoreline Arts Alliance Executive Director/CEO Eric Dillner, Sen. Art Linares, and Lyme Academy of Fine Arts President Scott Colley chat prior to the awards ceremony.

“These young artists have tremendous talents, and it was my pleasure to help honor them,” Sen. Linares said. “The support and encouragement these students have received from our communities has allowed them to thrive.”

Sen. Art Linares (www.senatorlinares.com) represents Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook. He can be reached at Art.Linares@cga.ct.gov or at (800) 842 1421.

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