Monthly Archives: October 2022

‘Homeward Collective’ Opens on Lyme Street

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Proudly displaying their Certificate of Appreciation from the Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission (EDC) are Homeward Collective owners Rachel Rinoski (left) and Kate Bartlett (right). Others attending the ceremony are OL Selectman Matt Ward (at rear), OL EDC Chairwoman Cheryl Poirier (left) and OL Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker (right). All photos by John Stratton.

OLD LYME—Homeward Collective opened its doors on Lyme Street Saturday morning accompanied by a ribbon cutting with the Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen on hand. 

The home and gift boutique is the second location that partners Rachel Rinoski and Kate Bartlett have brought to fruition following their Madison shop.

“Kate and I both live in the Lymes,” Rinoski said on Friday. “And opening a store here has been on our list for some time.” She continued, “When we saw this space become available, we jumped on the opportunity.”

The counter displays inside Homeward Collective are carefully arranged to be pleasing to the eye.

The space in question is 24 Lyme Street, known to many as the home of EF Watermelon for many years. Rinoski and Bartlett have transformed the beloved “box of jewels” to a well-appointed boutique with homewares, gifts, and women’s clothing.

“Our Old Lyme store is influenced by its surroundings and has a classic New England feel,” Rinoski shared, noting the country roads and historic New England nature of the town. The first store in Madison leans more toward a beach-oriented, coastal-inspired aesthetic.

 

Rinoski and Bartlett met eight years ago and brought together their complementary talents and vision to the first Homeward Collective in Madison, which opened in 2021. The partnership provides the two women the opportunity to balance their family lives with their creative aspirations.

Opening in Old Lyme brings the two entrepreneurs closer to home. “Our kids go to the schools here, we both love living here,” Rinoski said.

‘Homeward Collective’ co-owners Rachel Rinoski (left, with scissors) and Kate Bartlett (right, holding scissors) cut the ribbon provided by the Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission (EDC) to celebrate the Grand Opening of their store on Lyme Street. Assisting with the celebrations are, from left to right, EDC member MJ DeRisio, EDC Chairwoman Cheryl Poirier, OL First Selectman Timothy Griswold, OL Selectman Matt Ward, OL Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, and OL EDC members Wendy Russell and Jean Wilzcynski.

“We are delighted to have Homeward Collective open here in Old Lyme,” EDC Chairwoman Cheryl Poirier said. “The store adds wonderful value to the mix of curated shopping experiences sought out by both our residents and those visiting the village area for our arts and culture.”

Homeward Collective is located at 24 Lyme Street in Old Lyme. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Follow the store on Instagram for updates at @HomewardCollective.

Old Lyme EDC Welcomes Chocolate Shell New Owner to Lyme Street with Ribbon-Cutting, Former Longtime Owner Barbara Crowley Recognized for Service to Business Community

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The new owner of ‘The Chocolate Shell’ Lizzy McCarthy (holding scissors) cuts the celebratory ribbon provided by the Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission (EDC). Joining the event were (from left to right) EDC member Jean Wilczynski, State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd), EDC Chairwoman Cheryl Poirier, OL Selectman Matt Ward, OL First Selectman Timothy Griswold, OL Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, and EDC member Wendy Russell. All photos by John Stratton.

OLD LYME — A ribbon-cutting on Saturday morning welcomed the newest owner of The Chocolate Shell while the retiring owner was honored by the local community.

Lizzy McCarthy Takes the Helm at The Chocolate Shell

New owner Elizabeth “Lizzy” McCarthy is a longtime fan of The Chocolate Shell, having been a customer for 11 years and worked for former owner Barbara Crowley for one and a half years. “Owning a candy store is really a dream come true,” McCarthy shared, continuing, “It is so in line with being the candy lover that I am.”

McCarthy attended Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools and has been known by many for always having candy at the ready to share. “In high school, I would keep Laffy Taffy in my backpack’s water bottle holder.” When Crowley was considering retiring from owning the store after 11 years, the opportunity was perfect for McCarthy.

Lizzie McCarthy stands at the counter of her new candy store.

The store is a family affair for McCarthy, whose grandmother and mother can often be seen at the confection shop helping out. A photograph of a gumball machine, taken by McCarthy’s mother while she was a student in a photography class over 20 years ago, is proudly hung above the candies on display.

“We are so happy The Chocolate Shell can continue on Lyme Street,” said Cheryl Poirier, chair of the Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission (EDC). 

She added, “So many businesses have trouble continuing when an owner is ready to step aside. We are thrilled that the traditions of this shop and the small business community fabric it’s part of will continue on – whether it’s afterschool candy-shopping by local school children or residents who stop in to purchase the perfect gift.”

Barbara Crowley Recognized for Her Contributions

State Rep. Devin Carney (left) presents the now retired owner of ‘The Chocolate Shell’ Barbara Crowley with a Citation from the Connecticut General Assembly honoring her commitment to the local business community. Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold stands to the right.

Before the ribbon cutting commenced, the Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the OL Board of Selectmen recognized the now retired owner Crowley for her years supporting the Old Lyme community since purchasing The Chocolate Shell in 2011.

State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd) presented Crowley with a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly which had been introduced by State Rep. Carney and State Senator Paul Formica (R-20th). 

The citation, which State Rep. Carney read aloud, commended Crowley for her years of service in supporting Old Lyme small businesses. Both OL First Selectman Timothy Griswold and OL EDC Chair Poirier also noted Crowley’s service to the community and presented her with a Certificate of Recognition for her local business support.

After presenting Barbara Crowley with the Citation, State Rep. Devin Carney gave her a celebratory hug. Old Lyme EDC Chairwoman Cheryl Poirier stands to the left and OL First Selectman Timothy Griswold to the right.

This support included everything from assisting nonprofits with auction item donations, and participating in LOL Chamber and OL Arts District marketing activities, to promoting other businesses along the south end of Lyme Street. 

Poirier added, “As the EDC discussed Barbara’s retirement, it was very clear that she has always championed the local small business community that she has been a part of for more than 10 years.”

Crowley shared her appreciation with the gathered guests, who then enjoyed an outdoor reception hosted by the new ownership of The Chocolate Shell.

Duck River Garden Club Presents Talk on Growing Herbs, Pairing Them With Vegetables, Oct. 26

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OLD LYME — On Wednesday, Oct. 26, Rosemary Ostfeld will be the guest presenter at the monthly Duck River Garden Club program held at Memorial Town Hall on Lyme Street in Old Lyme at 7 p.m.

Ostfeld is the founder and CEO of Healthy PlanEat, a sustainable food tech startup based in East Lyme which helps farmers using sustainable growing practices to sell their organic foods directly to local customers.

The program, Growing Culinary Herbs and Pairing with Fresh Vegetables for Year-Round Enjoyment, will feature information on how various cultures flavor their cuisines and herbs for growing a regional-specific herb garden.

Join the Duck River Garden Club for a 6:40 p.m. social followed by this program at 7 p.m.  Visitors are welcome and the program is free.

For more information, call Linda Clough at (860) 601-0446.

Expert Gives Zoom Presentation on ‘Internet Safety for Parents’ Tonight

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internetsafetysolutionsOLD LYME — Scott Driscoll of Internet Safety Concepts will give a presentation via Zoom on Internet Safety for Parents at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17.  This program is free of charge and presented by Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau. It is intended for all interested adult members of the community.

Register here for the Zoom link to attend the presentation.

For the majority of his law enforcement career, Driscoll has worked with the youth in his community to help them stay safe. Many years ago, Driscoll began teaching school children about the dangers of the Internet.

Seeing the growing need and concern for Internet safety, he developed programs for parents as well.

During the school day on Monday, Driscoll will meet with students in grades 4 through 12 to discuss topics such as cyberbullying, safe internet practices, and hidden dangers in their favorite apps .

The goal of the evening program for parents is to share information about good “digital citizenship” for youth, parental monitoring, highlighting information on all aspects of social media.

As a law enforcement officer, Driscoll has taken part in numerous Internet crime investigations. Some of the crimes were undercover on-line investigations, possession and distribution of child pornography, on-line bullying and harassment, identity theft, enticement of minors and more.

As a parent, Driscoll is also aware of the concerns that parents face every day. While speaking to parents, it became clear to him that they needed this education to help keep their children safe.

With firsthand knowledge of Internet crimes and the dangers of the world wide web, Driscoll started Internet Safety Concepts. Through presentations, Internet Safety Concepts teaches people of all ages how to stay safe while online.

For more information, contact Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau at 860-434-7208 or www.lysb.org.

Musical Masterworks Kicks Off 32nd Season With New Artistic Director Tessa Lark, Saturday; Tickets on Sale Now

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Violinist Tessa Lark takes over as Artistic Director of Musical Masterworks for its 32nd season.

OLD LYME — Musical Masterworks opens its 32nd season at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme with concerts on Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23. 

This will be violinist Tessa Lark’s inaugural season as Artistic Director and she has planned an exciting program for all the concerts.

“I have found there has always been a beautiful mixture of new faces amongst the Masterworks veterans, who graced the stage each season — and you’ll notice the same this year,” explains Lark.

She adds, “For our first three concert weekends, we’ll come straight out of the gate with artists that are brand new to the series, though they are already legends in their own right.”

Joining Lark for the open performances in October will be pianist Inon Barnatan, violist Ayane Kozasa, and cellist Gabriel Cabezas.

The concerts will feature Brahms, Strauss, Gershwin, Wiancko and an original composition by Lark.

Musical Masterworks 32nd season runs from October 2022 – April 2023 at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme at 4 Lyme Street. 

To purchase subscriptions ($175 each), mini-subscriptions ($115 each), individual tickets ($45 each), or student tickets ($5 each), visit Musical Masterworks at www.musicalmasterworks.org or email admin@musicalmasterworks.org.