Monthly Archives: May 2014

Rafal Ranked 12th in Barron’s Special Report on Nation’s Top 100 Financial Advisors

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Essex Finacial Services founder John Rafal, who has been named a top independent financial advisor by Barrons.

Essex Finacial Services founder John Rafal, who has been named a top independent financial advisor by Barrons.

Barron’s, the financial and investment newsweekly, has published the 2014 list of America’s Top 100 Financial Advisors, and John W. Rafal of Old Lyme, Conn., is ranked number 12.  Very few independent advisors, such as Rafal, were included in the list, which is mostly composed of advisors from the major wire house firms.

Rafal is the Founder and current Vice Chair of Essex Financial Services, which is owned by Essex Savings Bank.  The ranking appears in the April 21 edition of Barron’s (www.barrons.com).

In the story accompanying the list, Barron’s noted that Rafal was among a small group of financial advisors who have appeared on the top 100 list every year since inception in 2004.

“I am gratified to Barron’s for the recognition and accept the honor on behalf of the entire team at Essex Financial Services,” said Rafal.  “I want to express my sincere thanks to our clients, many of whom we have represented for over 30 years.  It’s a privilege to earn and retain your trust.”

Doug Paul, Chairman of the Board of Essex Savings Bank, which also owns Essex Financial Services, stated, “The Barron’s ranking is a testament to John Rafal and the entire team at Essex Financial Services.  On behalf of the entire board and management team, I want to offer our congratulations to John Rafal.”

Essex Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Essex Savings Bank, is one of the leading independent financial advisory firms in the country

Old Lyme Historical Society Hosts Open House at Grange Hall, Memorial Day

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Outside_Grange_HallThe Old Lyme Historical Society will host an open house on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their new home (the former Grange Hall) at 55 Lyme Street.

A temporary display of selected photographs and memorabilia will be on display and refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

The Historical Society purchased the Grange Hall earlier this year, and continues to conduct a capital campaign to pay for improvements to the building and installation of climate-controlled archival storage. Donations may be sent to PO Box 352 Old Lyme.

South Lyme Scoop Shop Opens for Season with New Hours, Expanded Space

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The South Lyme Scoop Shop has a striking new storefront.

The South Lyme Scoop Shop has a striking new storefront.

South Lyme Scoop Shop, located at 389 Shore Road, Old Lyme, has re-opened for the season with a fresh, new look and expanded offerings and hours.

After extensive renovations, the shop has doubled in size after moving into the space formerly occupied by the South Point Convenience Store.   In addition to its famous Salem Valley Farms and Guida’s ice cream, the new shop now offers fresh coffee, pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, newspapers, cold drinks, ice, candy and snacks and for every palette (including health-conscious ones).  A small selection of groceries is also available.

The South Lyme Scoop Shop has doubled in size.

The South Lyme Scoop Shop has doubled in size.

South Lyme Scoop Shop is currently open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Summer hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) will begin Thursday, June 26.

Carney Cruises to Victory in 23rd District Republican Convention

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Devin Carney

Devin Carney, Republican candidate for State Representative, won the 23rd District Convention by a vote of 10-4.  His campaign was able to earn unanimous support from Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.  This included votes from the Lyme First Selectman, Ralph Eno, the Old Saybrook First Selectman, Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., and the current State Representative for the 23rd District, Marilyn Giuliano, who also gave Carney his nominating speech and has endorsed him.

In a statement, Giuliano said, “I believe Devin will work for all of us with energy and integrity, and with an interest not in politics, but public service.”  Giuliano lost her convention in 2002 by onlytwo votes on a second ballot vote after the first vote failed to determine a winner by majority, but defeated her opponent in a primary due to her showing in her hometown of Old Saybrook.

In addition to the support at convention, Carney has received support from each town – which can be seen through his strong fundraising effort.  He collected 95 donations from Old Saybrook, 57 from Old Lyme, 35 from Westbrook, and 18 from Lyme.

Carney stated, “The results at convention were a testament to the hard work I’ve put in these past few months and to the confidence the delegates have in me to win in November.  I bring new, fresh ideas to the table and can’t wait to get up to Hartford to offer some much-needed common sense.  I am not your typical politician, but rather a regular person just trying to fix our economy, get jobs back in Connecticut, and help rejuvenate the Republican Party in this state.”

He continued, “Most importantly, I believe the people of the 23rd District deserve a representative who understands the unique issues in each of the four towns.  While I live in Old Saybrook, my family is from Westbrook, my mother lives in Lyme, and my longtime girlfriend lives in Old Lyme with her children.  I have a personal stake in each town and will be a representative for all; the people of the 23rd deserve nothing less.”

For more information about Carney’s campaign, contact Melissa Bonner at carneyfor23pr@gmail.com.