Archives for May 2011

Jack Pandolfe Marshview Gallery Reception May 13

May 4, 2011 by admin

Jack Pandolfe

A reception will be held for Jack Pandolfe at Marshview Gallery on Friday May 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Pandolfe is inspired by his mother, Helen, a gifted artist who is going strong at age 94. He attended the Paier School of Art in New Haven and has displayed at the Wethersfield Art League and the Nature Center in Fairfield. He enjoys painting boats and seascapes. When not painting, Jack can be found on a boat either for relaxation or sport fishing; he holds a 100 ton Captain’s license.

Please join the reception at 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook to meet Jack Pandolfe at the Marshview Gallery . All ages are welcome to join us for this free event. Refreshments are provided.

Filed Under: Arts, Old Events

Historic Neighborhood Cemetery to get Streetscape Enhancement

May 4, 2011 by admin

You may drive right by and not realize it’s there. It’s an important piece of Essex history set between two historic homes in the small Grove Street Neighborhood near Essex Town Hall and the Essex Library.

The Grove Street Cemetery is one of the oldest burying grounds in Essex. Members of the prominent Hayden Family, early settlers of Essex, used this small burying ground as their family’s final resting spot. Set on a small hill above street level, the cemetery was restored by descendents of the Hayden family several years ago and is overseen by River View Cemetery.

“… I consider this to be one of the most important artifacts (historically speaking) in the lower valley,” wrote Essex Town Historian, Don Malcarne, in the 1996 spring edition of Essex Events. “It is a fine representation of Essex (or Potapaug, as it was once called) during the heyday of wooden sailing ship building. Some of the people interred here are among the most prominent to ever live in town, and were highly influential in local ship construction and financing.”

Pratt House Herb Garden Before the Replanting

The Essex Historical Society (EHS), and other organization volunteers will be working together to do spring cleaning and add to the living landscape of this beautiful little cemetery on May 10 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This community project will aid in the continued preservation of the cemetery, improve the neighborhood streetscape and elevate awareness of this historic Essex gem.

On the same day, EHS volunteers plan to rejuvenate the Pratt House herb garden in keeping with what a family would have planted for their own use in the 18th century. Anyone interested in helping with planting and exploring local history is welcome to join in the effort to keep these areas beautifully blooming from now until fall.

For more information call Susan Malan 860.581.8095.

Filed Under: Arts, Essex, News

Town-Wide Event to Attract Hundreds to Chester

May 4, 2011 by admin

CHESTER — It’s time again for the Chester Town-Wide Tag Sale. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 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.” This year 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 70 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 first 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: Old Events

Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services Sponsor “Race to Nowhere” May 23

May 4, 2011 by admin

Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services will be sponsoring a presentation of the documentary “Race to Nowhere” on May 23 at 6.30 p.m. at the Old Saybrook High School.

Race to Nowhere is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.

Monday, May 23rd, 2011 – 6:30pm
Venue: Old Saybrook High School
Address: 1111 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Sponsor: Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services
Tickets: $10 in advance or $15 at the door

http://www.racetonowhere.com/epostcard/4948

Filed Under: Old Events

Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce to Host Luncheon with Governor Dannel P. Malloy

May 3, 2011 by admin

Governor Dannel P. Malloy

The Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a luncheon featuring guest speaker, Governor Malloy, on Friday May 20, 2011. The luncheon from 11:30am – 1:00pm will be held at Saybrook Point Inn, Two Bridge Street, Old Saybrook.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Chamber at 860-388-3266 or stopping in the office at One Main Street, Old Saybrook. Cost for Chamber Members is $25 and Non-Members: $35. This luncheon is generously sponsored by Comcast

Filed Under: News

The Merchants of Chester Present the 20th Annual May Daze Night Gallery and Shop Stroll

May 3, 2011 by admin

The Merchants of Chester proudly carry on their tradition celebrating the arrival of spring with the 20th Annual May Daze Night Weekend Art Gallery and Shop Opening Reception stroll on Friday, May 6, 2011. There will be Shop and Gallery opening receptions for new exhibits and previews in Chester Center from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“Every May we keep our doors open late on the Friday night closest to May Day to celebrate the arrival of Spring. We have receptions in our galleries, shops, studios and restaurants”, says Leif Nilsson, artist and owner of the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery. “It is a festive evening, where townspeople and visitors are invited to stroll the streets of an antique New England Village to see the latest paintings, photographs, sculptures, fashions and jewelry, to sample baked goods and fine food, and to discover handcrafted decorative accessories and furnishings.”

Chester, Connecticut is a unique town that holds the past, present, and future in delightful balance. A storybook New England village, Chester is located on the beautiful Connecticut River, about 10 miles north of Long Island Sound on the left (port) bank. The town is renowned for its quaint shops, artist galleries, award winning Theatre, and a variety of fantastic restaurants for everyone in the family to enjoy. Easy to reach by car, rail, air, or boat, Chester is conveniently located just a two-hour drive from both New York City and Boston, Massachusetts on Route 9 off of I95 or I91 at exit 6. Free parking is available at the Maple Street and the Water Street lots as well as two-hour limited on-street parking.

The following Chester Merchants will participate in the May Daze Night Receptions on May 6, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

CENTURY 21 Heritage Company
16 Main Street.
Please join us to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening at our home. A post Cinco De Mayo fest will be
served Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m.

C & G Apparel and C&G Posters & Prints
3 North Main Street 860 526 3284
We’ll be open late for May Daze. Come find what you didn’t even know you were looking for! Seasonal apparel on the first floor, timeless art upstairs. Regular hours: 12-5 Wednesday-Sunday and 10-5 Chester Market Sundays http://www.cgchester.com

Maple and Main Gallery of Fine Art, 1 Maple Street, Chester, CT
www.mapleandmaingallery.com 860-526-6065. Visit the gallery for a fresh, original spring exhibit sure to inspire you. In our Spring Exhibit you’ll find work by over 30 Connecticut artists in a wide variety of mediums and styles. Maple and Main is proud to welcome new artists Chris Dixon, Bernie McTigue and sculptor Susan Russo. Join us for light refreshments and meet and mingle with our artists.

Connecticut River Artisans Cooperative and The Art Gallery at The Mill House
5 West Main Street, Chester (860) 526-5575 www.ctriverartisans.com. New Hours: April thru December: Tuesday thru Sunday: 11 – 5:30pm. The Connecticut River Artisans presents Featured Artist Barbara Long of Pot Luck Pottery. Her show runs May 1- 29. Pot Luck Pottery was established in 1995 after retirement from the work force. Barbara’s focus is on functional pottery. She works mainly in stoneware using a small palette of colors. Barbara will be sharing a Reception, on Saturday May 7: 2-5pm, with the May exhibiting artist in The Art Gallery at The Mill House. Christine Ivers is a Master Pastelist with The International Association of Pastel Societies and a Signature Member of Pastel Society of America. Chris brings to life images, of the night, that are caught in time and space. Her love of texture and vibrant pigment captures the imagination and brings to life a world that is many times missed. Christine’s May 1-29 Show is titled “Between The Shadows: Nightscapes”. The Public is always welcome anytime.

Peekabooquet n. cupcake
4 Water Street 860 526 2225. Spring into summer with our precious, unique outfits from Isobella & Chloe. Our new line of outrageously precious, durable thick cotton sweaters is a summer must for cool nights – lobsters, dogs, whales, shamrocks and more. Our original, unique clothing bouquets are now filled with an entire outfit for your new arrival – still made in USA. Stop by and register for a $25 gift certificate on May Daze May 6, 2011 starting 10a-8p. Always evolving, always new – You’ll love our stuff. http://www.peekabooquet.com

The Al Malpa Photo Gallery
4 Spring Street will be open from 5:00 on. Stop in to enjoy Al’s photos, food, and wine. www.almalpa.com

Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery
One Spring Street (P O Box 261), (860) 526-2077. Opening of the Spring exhibit of oil paintings and drawings of the Lower Connecticut River Valley, the village of Chester, CT, the Artist’s garden, interiors, friends, world travels and Elephants by Leif Nilsson with a reception on Friday May 6, 2011 from 5 – 8 pm. Gallery hours: Saturday & Sunday Noon – 6 pm. Other times by chance or appointment. Visit anytime on the internet at http://www.nilssonstudio.com

Caryn B. Davis Photography will showcase photographs from Italy, the CT River Valley, Mexico, Martha’a Vineyard, Portugal and Old San Juan. The photographs will be on display at the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio &
Gallery. For more information contact Caryn B Davis at 860-526-5936, via email caryn@cbdphotography.com, or visit her website at http://www.cbdphotography.com

eo art lab
69 Main St, 860.526.4833
Synesthesia. See the buzz. Hear the vision. Smell the talent. Taste the passion. Feel the intellect. A group show featuring eo’s renown slate of artists Seth Anderson, Thaddeus Beal, Charles Birnbaum, Heather Mae Erickson, George Fellner, Charlie Goodwin, Elizabeth Gourlay, Julie Gross, Sarah Gustafson, Vaune Hatch, Janet Lage, Mitch Lyons, Pamela Marks, Clarence Morgan, Kelly Jean Ohl, Dana Oldfather, Meg Brown Payson, Marc Petrovic, Carol Prusa, Ross Racine, Thomas Stavovy, and Malcolm Wright. Through May 29, 2011. Mon.-Sat. 10a.m.-6p.m., Sun, noon-6p.m., or by appointment. http://www.eoartlab.com

Lori Warner Studio/Gallery
21 Main Street
We’re especially excited to welcome the new Spring season…with many new arrivals…babies included! Please visit the gallery to see new work our artists and designers have created during the long winter. Including, a new collection from our featured jewelrly designer, Beatrice Lissague. Check our weekly updated website for details. http://www.loriwarner.com

Chester Gallery will be opening its Spring Season Friday May 6th. from 5 – 7, keeping up with its tradition of showcasing artists who live in Chester. Stop by and see some works by Chester’s newest artist, Gail Mally-Mack. Also a few signed and numbered LeWitt prints, including The Shul Star and of course Richard Ziemann’s engravings. 76 Main St. Chester Tues. thru Sat. 10 to 5 for more information 860-526-9822 or chestergallery@att.net

Grand opening of the Local Beet Co-op, a natural food cooperative in the heart of Chester with colorful author, Jay Weinstein, signing his book, The Ethical Gourmet; a book celebrating sustainable eating and cooking! Come in and toast our expansion at 1 Main Street and our exciting conversion to CO-OP, a business rooted in the community and owned by its members! Find us at www.thelocalbeetcoop.com

Hammered Edge Studio & Gallery
4 Water Steet, Chester CT. 860-526-1654. www.hammered edge.com. We have relocated to 4 Water Street(Deja-vous!) Celebrate positive change and renewel with us from 5-8 pm on Friday May 6th! We have many surprises in store for you… Please contact Kathryne Wright at the Gallery for more information.

Filed Under: Chester, Old Events

$17.32 Million Region 4 Education Budget Approved 438-261 in Referendum

May 3, 2011 by Charles Stannard

REGION 4— A $17,324,933 Region 4 education budget won approval on a 438-261 vote in the referendum Tuesday. The budget carried in all three district towns, Chester, Deep River, and Essex.

The budget won approval in Essex on a 222-111 vote. Deep River supported the spending plan on a 121-86 vote. The vote was closer in Chester, with the budget winning approval on a 93-64 vote.

Voter turnout in the eight-hour referendum was extremely low. In Essex, 335 of the town’s 4,540 registered voters cast ballots. In Deep River, 207 of the town’s 3,110 registered voters cast ballots. The total vote in Chester was 157 of the town’s 2,477 registered voters.

Linda Hall, chairwoman of the Region 4 Board of Education, expressed satisfaction with the result. “We are pleased that people came out and voted for the budget, we wish more people had voted but the fact that it passed in all three towns is an indication it is a responsible budget,” she said.

The budget that funds the operations of Valley Regional High School and John Winthrop Middle School is reduced by anticipated income to a net budget of $17,109,832 that is assessed on the taxpayers of Chester, Deep River, and Essex based on the number of students from each town attending the two secondary schools. The net budget total represents a 1.98 percent increase over the current net budget. Tuesday’s result means the local shares of the Region 4 budget are now locked in as voters in the three towns prepare to act on total spending plans, including town government budgets and appropriations for the three elementary schools, later this month.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, News, Region 4

Silent Auction New Feature of Essex May Market

May 3, 2011 by admin

Some of the Silent Auction Items at the Essex May Market on May 7

Lots of exciting items will be included in the Silent Auction to be held as part of the Essex May Market , May 7 on the Essex Town Green. Bidding starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to visit, look and bid. There are no admission fees. Items, all donated by 25 of our generous local merchants, include many individual gift certificates, antique silver servers, a poppy-decorated glass bowl, gorgeous pillows, and a fine decorative sailboat. Among the many individual gift certificates will be an overnight reservation at an inn, a dozen roses per month for a year, a personalized home/garden photo album of your home, theatre tickets and lots of other desireable goodies.

Don’t forget–Saturday, May 7 is the date. It’s the day before Mother’s Day and Essex May Market is the place to be to find a gift for Mom that she will always remember!

Filed Under: Essex, Old Events

Groton Shopping Plaza Steps Up to Provide Temporary Home for Child & Family Agency’s Giant 57th Annual Sale

May 2, 2011 by admin

Because Spring Break at Grasso Tech occured mid-April in the week before Easter, the Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut had to move the 57th edition of its Annual Sale into early May, and the agency was having trouble finding a temporary new location – just for 2011 – that its loyal bargain hunters could easily find.

The Agency had looked at a number of locations, but no single site met all of its requiements. It then approached Joyce Olson Resnikoff, secretay-treasurer of Mall, Inc. owner of the Groton Shopping Plaza at 740 Long Hill Road. “She generously offered us the use of the former Arrow Paper & Party store, which is temporarily unoccupied, for the dates we needed. We are so grateful. She saved the Sale,” said Judy Lovelace, Director of Resource Development and and Community Relations for Child & Family.

Ms. Resnikoff said she was pleased to help Child & Family. “They have done so much to support children and their families in our community. We are happy to provide them with a temporary space for their sale, so that they can raise funds to continue their good work,” she said.

So now with a home for 2011 on Groton’s commercial “Main Street” that offers easy highway access and good parking, Child & Family has announced the following schedule for the sale:

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday May 5, with a 25% additional premium mark-up for early birds
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 6, all goods sold at ticketed or posted price
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, with a 50 per cent discount off most items.

Under the banner “Buy A Treasure, Help a Child,” the sale offers art works, books, clothing, decorative items, furniture, household items, jewelry, linens, food magazines, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, sporting goods, tools, toys, vintage clothing and vintage accessories.Lovelace said she expects the Annual Sale to move back to Grasso Tech in Groton in 2012, when Easter will not overlap the school’s spring vacation.

Auxiliary members will be accepting donations for the sale during Intakes in Essex, Old Lyme, East Lyme/Niantic, Groton, New London and Mystic/Noank/Stonington.

For further information on the sale, including the dates and locations where boxes of good-quality donated items will be accepted, visit http://www.cfapress.org/.

About Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut

The Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut assists at-risk children and their families. Its programs deal with the prevention of child abuse, the treatment of family violence, teen pregnancy, children’s health care, childcare, parent education and children’s mental health. Last year over 15,600 children in the 79 towns across the state were assisted by a staff of 172 dedicated professionals.Child & Family Agency is the largest, private, non-profit children’s service provider in southeastern Connecticut. The agency has an annual operating budget of over $10 million and funds 28 service centers. With a heritage dating from 1809, its social service programs are funded by individuals, state departments, federal agencies, civic organizations, foundations and United Ways. Each year 600 auxiliary members generously volunteer their time and talent caring for children, supporting fundraising events and participating in education services. New auxiliary members and donors are always welcome. Its Annual Sale, started by volunteers in 1954, is a harbinger of Spring in Southeastern Connecticut.Child & Family Agency programs are available to all residents of New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. Fees for service reflect the agency’s costs. A sliding fee scale assures that no one will be excluded or refused assistance for financial reasons.

Filed Under: Community, Old Events

RiverFare 2011 To Kick Off Summer With Savory Bites And Spirits On The Essex Waterfront

May 2, 2011 by admin

Fromage Fine Foods will be one of the many featured food purveyors at RiverFare 2011 happening on Thursday, June 2 on the waterfront grounds of the Connecticut River Museum.

Essex, CT – The 2011 summer season will officially kick off on the shoreline at the 18th annual RiverFare, the toast-of-the-town benefit event to be held on the waterfront grounds of the Connecticut River Museum on Thursday, June 2 from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Each year, over 400 people flock to this evening of gourmet food, spirits and silent auction under a tent overlooking scenic Essex Harbor. This year’s lineup of Connecticut’s leading restaurants and food purveyors includes Copper Beech Inn, Dagmar’s Desserts, Fromage Fine Foods, Gabrielle’s, Griswold Inn, Ibiza Tapas, L&E, Olive Oyl’s, Otter Cove, Seaflour Foods, Essex Coffee & Tea and others. Attendees can sample signature dishes and drinks while perusing and bidding on a diverse array of fine gifts, services, and entertainment experiences. WTIC-FM Radio personality and area resident Damon Scott will emcee the evening, promising a great time for all.

Event admission is $50 per person in advance and $60 on the day of the event. Patron tickets may be purchased for $150 and include a $100 tax deduction while event sponsorships are available for $500. Net proceeds will help support the Connecticut River Museum’s mission to increase public awareness and access to the heritage, culture, and natural beauty of New England’s Great River.

For more information or to make advance reservations, call 860-767-8269 or go to www.ctrivermuseum.org. The Connecticut River Museum is located at 67 Main Street in Essex.

Filed Under: Essex, Old Events

Tom Marsh, Dick Smith and Noel Bishop Support Mayors for Meals

May 2, 2011 by admin

Mayors for Meals is part of the Meals On Wheels Association of America’s national campaign to bring attention to the need for senior nutrition. The Estuary Council of Seniors, Inc. would like to thank First Selectmen Tom Marsh from Chester, Dick Smith from Deep River, and Noel Bishop of Westbrook for participating in the Mayors for Meals program by personally delivering Meals On Wheels to seniors in their towns.

The Estuary Council of Seniors is the sole provider of Meals On Wheels for the nine town Estuary Region and the Town of Madison. Nearly 66,000 meals were delivered to homebound seniors last year by dedicated volunteers. Meals on Wheels is a vital service that allows seniors to continue to live independently in their own homes. For more information on this service please contact Diane at 860-388-1611.

Filed Under: News, Town Hall

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Presents the Equus Project’s Dancing with Horses “Celebration” May 1

May 1, 2011 by admin

On Sunday, May 1, 2011 High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc is pleased to present THE EQUUS PROJECTS Dancing with Horses in “CELEBRATION” a benefit performance to support the programs and participants of High Hopes. The Equus Projects, under the Artistic Direction of JoAnna Mendl Shaw, is a company of dancers that have been creating works for dancers, horses and riders since 1998. The group is comprised of a small core group of seasoned professional dancers, all trained in natural horsemanship. They create work with both ridden and rider-less horses and their performance is the ultimate expression of the horse and human bond. The performance has been choreographed by Joanna Mendl Shaw in partnership with Equine Choreographer Patricia Norcia. The performance begins at 3pm with the doors opening at 2:30. General Admission Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. General Admission ticket holders are asked to bring a small folding chair to sit on during the performance. For Patron Level Ticket holders there will be a special reception with the performers at 1:30 and preferred seating will be provided. Patron Level tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets or for more information regarding the performance, please call High Hopes at 860-434-1974 or visit their web site at www.highhopestr.org.

High Hopes is one of the oldest and largest therapeutic riding centers in the United States, operating since 1974. High Hopes primarily serves the citizens of Southeastern Connecticut, delivering over 8,300 horsemanship lessons per year to children and adults sigh special needs. The staff of High Hopes is assisted by more than 550 volunteers who contribute over 34,400 hours of service each year, and a herd of 25 horses specifically trained for therapeutic riding. High Hopes is located at 36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT.

For more information call Sara Qua at 860-434-1974 ext 22 squa@highhopestr.org or visit http://www.highhopestr.org

Filed Under: Community

A Singles Club kicks off their Sailing Season

May 1, 2011 by admin

Shoreline Sailing Club is seeking single Skippers & Crew over age 35 for their new sailing season and upcoming cruises to Hamburg Cove and Block Island.

Visitors are welcome at their meetings held throughout the year on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Westbrook Elk’s Lodge. Learn how you can participate in sunset cruises, day sails, weekend trips and other activities including dances, hiking, lobster bash, skiing, golfing, and kayaking, dinners, brunches, “dockside” house parties and more throughout the year.

For more information visit their website at www.shorelinesailingclub.com or call Wayne 860-652-5000.

Filed Under: Old Events, Outdoors

Archives for May 2011

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