Monthly Archives: June 2016

Essex Shad Bake on Saturday Serves up Connecticut History

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Connecticut River shad baking in front of fire on oak planks.

Connecticut River shad baking in front of fire on oak planks.

Fifty-eight years ago, the Rotary Club of Essex introduced the quintessential New England shoreline tradition; a dining experience Yankee Magazine has called one of the “Top 20 Summer Events” – the Essex Annual Shad Bake.

The Shad Bake returns on Saturday, June 4, to the Connecticut River Museum (CRM), from 3 to 6:30 p.m. It is made possible by the support of lead sponsors The Gowrie Group, Guilford Savings Bank and AJ Shea Construction.

CRM’s executive director, Christopher Dobbs, said “We are once again pleased to partner with the Rotary Club of Essex on this iconic event that celebrates the river’s heritage and supports the many worthwhile projects of the Rotary.” This volunteer-run event has been organized by the Rotary Club of Essex and is now coordinated by Bake Master Joseph Shea. Shea said, “We offer a unique New England culinary tradition; at one of the most historic sites along the river. . . It is a winning combination!” Visitors might find a local doctor or lawyer at the de-nailing table where they take the shad off the oak planks or a local banker shucking fresh clams.

For shad lovers, the lure is the secret ingredients and the authentic method of preparation and cooking handed down from Connecticut natives. Done in front of the fire, the fish picks up the smoky flavor of the fire with the seasoned oak boards that it is cooked on. Add homemade potato salad, tossed green salad and scrumptious pies from Lyman Orchards and you have yourself a gourmet meal! Don’t care for shad? The event offers BBQ chicken and hot dogs.

In addition to the food, participants will enjoy live music and touring the museum, which will be open until 6 p.m. The atmosphere is vibrant with picnickers, music by the Corinthian Jazz Band and the delicious smell of shad roasting around the open fire.

This year marks an important milestone for Connecticut shad. Back in 1866, the Connecticut State Legislature created the Fisheries Commission as a way to restore, manage and conserve the State’s natural resources. One of the key concerns at the time was the shad fishery and the need to protect the species from unsustainable practices. Since the Commission’s founding, it has developed into the DEEP Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. To commemorate the 150th anniversary, the DEEP will be present with a display. The Shad Museum in Haddam, the Connecticut River Museum and the Connecticut Watershed Council will also offer programs during the day on the history and traditions of the shad fishery.

Buy your tickets today to the Shad Bake. The $30 adult and $10 child (10 and under) ticket includes the full meal and admission to the museum. A five dollar fee will be added to walk-ins. Beverages (soda, water, beer and wine) will be available at an additional price. No carry-in alcohol will be permitted. To purchase tickets go to www.ctrivermuseum.org or buy them in person at the Centerbrook Package Store or the Connecticut River Museum.

Onsite and street parking at the Connecticut River Museum is limited. On the day of the event, an Essex Meadows shuttle will be running between the museum and several key parking locations that include the Essex Town Hall parking lot and Pratt House field (29 West Ave.). The free shuttle service will start at 3 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m., with pick-ups and drop-offs every 15 minutes.

The Connecticut River Museum is located on the Essex waterfront at 67 Main Street. For more information about the Shad Bake and Rotary Club visit www.rotaryclubofessex.com.

Manfredi Appointed Assistant Principal of Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Dean Takes Top Job at LOL Middle School

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Jeanne Manfredi is the new Assistant Principal of Lyme-Old Lyme High School.

Jeanne Manfredi has been appointed the new Assistant Principal of Lyme-Old Lyme High School. Photo from LinkedIn.com

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools have announced the appointment of Jeanne Manfredi to the position of Assistant Principal at Lyme-Old Lyme High School. Manfredi, who currently serves as the World Language Department Chairperson at the school, was unanimously approved by the Board of Education at their June 2 meeting.

Manfredi holds a B.A. and an M.A. from the University of Connecticut and earned her sixth year certificate from Sacred Heart University. She replaces Michelle Dean, who left the position to serve as Interim Principal of Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School (LOLMS) and has now been appointed LOLMS Principal.

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser commented, “Ms. Manfredi brings a wealth of experience and many years of outstanding service to the position,” adding, “As a highly decorated teacher, she has earned the respect of the students, staff, and the community. We look forward to her joining the administrative team.”

Manfredi begins her position on July 1.

Coast Guard to Offer Safe Boating Class in Essex, June 18

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As part of its effort to educate the public about safe boating practices, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a four-hour course on Navigation and Chart Reading at Essex Public Library in Essex on Saturday, June 18.
The course will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the registration fee will be $40 per person. This course is a practical hands-on course on chart reading and navigation, essential skills for any boater. Space is limited and all navigation and chart reading materials will be provided.
For more information or to register, contact Auxiliarist Frank Connolly at fbconnolly@sbcglobal.net or (860) 342-1084. Preregistration is required.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard for over 75 years. The 30,000 volunteer members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary donate millions of hours in support of Coast Guard missions, such as search & rescue, public education and maritime domain awareness. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.

Theater Along the River Returns with “Edward III,” June 18

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King_Edward_III_from_NPG 1

King Edward III

 

On Saturday, June 18, the Connecticut River Museum’s Theater Along the River kicks off with the Flock Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s Edward III. This year’s summertime series is once again made possible through the generous support of the Essex Wellness Center.

The Raigne of King Edward the Third (typically abbreviated as Edward III) centers on the life of the eponymous English monarch as he faces the threat of a rebellious Scotland while simultaneously laying claim to the French throne, starting the Hundred Years War in the process. Originally printed anonymously in 1596, the author’s identity has been a subject of some debate, though scholars now generally agree that the play is the work of William Shakespeare collaborating with fellow playwright Thomas Kyd.

According to director Derron Wood, “We are pleased to return for a third year to the Connecticut River Museum. It offers a spellbinding backdrop for outdoor theater and allows us to reach a new audience.”

The Connecticut River Museum’s executive director, Christopher Dobbs, said, “Flock Theatre is a master of Shakespeare. We feel fortunate to offer this level of entertainment at the museum and hope that the audience enjoys the production and its backdrop – the river.” Dobbs was quick to note that the museum is only able to host this event and keep the ticket prices reasonable for all ages to enjoy through the “generosity of lead sponsor, the Essex Wellness Center.” Essex Wellness Center offers a range of holistic-minded health services, including Fitness on the Water, a beautiful, private workout studio.

The museum’s grounds will open at 6 p.m. for picnickers to lay out blankets and chairs. Museum staff encourage the audience to make the picnic part of the experience. In fact, there will be a special prize awarded to the “best” picnic arrangement.

Tickets are $18 for the general public and $10 for children (12 and under) and $12 for Connecticut River Museum members. A cash bar serving beer and wine will be available for theatergoers. No carry-in alcohol is permitted. Tickets may be bought at www.ctrivermuseum.org or at the door starting at 6 p.m. the night of the performance. Curtain opens at 7 p.m., with a raindate of June 19.

A second evening of Theater Along the River will be held on Friday, Aug. 5, when Flock Theatre will be performing Shakespeare’s popular comedy, Taming of the Shrew.

Flock Theatre is a professional, not-for-profit theater company founded in 1989. The company is dedicated to creating original, collaborative and educational theater. Perhaps best known for the long-standing summer Shakespeare in the Arboretum, Flock Theatre performs year-round in a variety of venues, including their winter “nest” at the First Congregational Church, on the New London Pier, at the historic Shaw Mansion Museum and throughout New England.

For more information on the programs, please contact the Connecticut River Museum at 860-767-8269 or visit the website, ctrivermuseum.org. The museum is located at 67 Main St., Essex.

Community Music School Opens Satellite Location in East Lyme

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ESSEX – Community Music School (CMS) has expanded their programming to a satellite location in East Lyme, beginning with their summer session on June 27, 2016. The new site will offer private lessons in a variety of instruments for students of all ages, as well as several beginner group classes, chamber music ensembles, music therapy, and the popular Kindermusic program for babies and toddlers. The satellite is located in a beautiful new building with easy access and ample parking at 179 Flanders Road in East Lyme.

With strong public school music programming in the area, but very little in the way of private instruction or instrumental ensembles, CMS will be a much needed addition to the local arts community. With need-based financial aid available, as well as music therapy services administered by a certified clinician, CMS will provide accessible music education for local residents.

“We are thrilled to launch our satellite location in East Lyme this summer,” says Executive Director Abigail Nickell. “The board and faculty see this as a great opportunity to serve a new community with our well-established music programming.” Community Music School’s eight-week summer session runs from June 27 through August 19, followed by the fall session beginning on September 7. To register for classes, visit www.community-music-school.org or call (860)767-0026.

Community Music School offers innovative music programming for infants through adults, building on a 30 year tradition of providing quality music instruction to residents of shoreline communities. CMS programs cultivate musical ability and creativity and provide students with a thorough understanding of music so they can enjoy playing and listening for their entire lives. Learn more at visit www.community-music-school.org or call (860)767-0026.