Valley Shore Animal Welfare League Seeks New Members, Supporters; has Dogs, Cats Available for Adoption

Charlie. is looking for his forever home. Can you help?

WESTBROOK—Located on Horse Hill Road in Westbrook, Valley Shore Animal Welfare League (VSAWL) is a haven for four-legged friends and those looking to adopt them. At VSAWL both cats and dogs are sheltered and provided with necessary veterinary care and companionship.

A dedicated group of staff and volunteers care for the animals’ daily needs as well as maintain the building and grounds. The VSAWL cares for local animals as well as animals from other locations—particularly animals transported from the south.

The VSAWL is a no-kill shelter and a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

Founded in 1972 by a group of concerned animal lovers, VSAWL and its all-woman crew sought to fill a gap and care for animals, who had no place else to go. These women dedicated themselves to the animals and the mission and have been helping animals at VSAWL ever since.

The VSAWL is currently undertaking an effort to refocus its energies so that services for its animals, volunteers and the community can be improved. 

Several new board members have been elected and the search is on to find more interested and energetic individuals, who can help to carry out the organization’s mission to provide refuge, care, companionship and adoption services. If you are interested in volunteering or joining the VSAWL board, contact the organization at 860-399-7561 or valleyshoreawl@gmail.com

The VSAWL is currently housing four adorable dogs, which are all looking for forever homes.

Willow.

Willow, the coonhound, is a one-year-old wild child—she enjoys walks, play-dates with other dogs and playing fetch. She is a good girl with lots to say and is interested in everything. Looking for an active friend, who has as much energy as she does. Willow is a little anxious, but that is hardly surprising considering her previous life. She would benefit from some training and is very quick to learn new tricks like “Sit” and “Leave.” She loves stuffed toys and would make a faithful forever friend.

Alice is a funny two-year-old terrier/Frenchie mix. She is about 50 lbs and absolutely adores new toys and blankets. She gets so excited and can hardly contain herself. She is so happy to see you and wants nothing more than pets and kisses. She is very active and gets the zoomies often. She loves walks, running, car-rides and sitting by your side. She is a special girl and a cozy friend.

Zoe.

Zoe is everyone’s best friend (except other pets – she wants to be your one and only .) She is a nine-year-old lab/pit mix. She is sweet and loving and wants nothing more than to play and get pets and love. Zoe is very excited to meet you but settles with reminders and pets. She is very friendly and most polite on a leash. She will make a steady friend, a sweet companion and a loving snuggle buddy for anyone who likes to snuggle back!

Charlie, a nine-year-old boxer, has been with us for a year and a half. He came to us in terrible shape – horrible ear infections and feet that were so swollen it was hard for him to walk. But he is doing much better now and is looking for a family to share his life with. Charlie is the definition of a big baby. He is shy at first but warms up quickly. He is a sweet and loving little couch-potato, who likes walks and warm beds. He is a staff/volunteer/vet favorite.

The VSAWL also has several cats and kittens that would love to make your acquaintance.

Cinder.

Among them is Cinder, who is 16-years-old. She is a sweet and bossy cat, who wants to be queen of the castle. She is interested in everything and will greet you at the door and follow you around until you give her attention. She likes to play in her water bowl and sample from every food bowl. She is a sweetie-pie and looking for a doting family with whom to share the rest of her life.  

If you would like to share your home with any of our pets, contact the VSAWL to set up an appointment to meet your potential new best friend.  

The VSAWL is always in need of supplies. If you are considering making a donation of specific items, access the VSAWL Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1AOCDWKOX0F4K/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1.

The organization is completely funded by donors and always grateful for financial donations to help cover the cost of food, services and veterinary care for our animals. If you would like to make a monetary donation, Venmo VSAWL at @VSAWL1972 or visit their website at valleyshoreaninalwelfareleague.org to make a donation through PayPal. We also accept cash or checks at VSAWL, 64 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook, CT 06498.

To be added to the VSAWL mailing list, email Dottie Wells at drw214@gmail.com.

The VSAWL is grateful for all of the community members who are part of the VSAWL family as adopters, donors or volunteers.

Death Announced of Thomas “Tom” Grasselli Fowler of Old Lyme, Husband of Elizabeth Traynor Fowler

OLD LYME—Thomas “Tom” Grasselli Fowler was born on April 25, 1958, in Houston, Texas. He died peacefully on July 22, 2024 at his home in Old Lyme, Connecticut with his beloved wife Liz and daughter Mary at his side.

… Tom led the charge to move back to New York and Connecticut in 2018 after two decades in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He delighted in his deep and long-lasting friendships. …

… Tom is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Traynor Fowler, and their daughter, Mary Williams Grasselli Fowler Lovejoy (Donald Lovejoy) of New York. Tom also leaves behind his siblings William H. Fowler II (Deborah Branciforte Fowler), Robert S. Fowler (Constance Pierce Fowler), and Marya Fowler Muehlegger (Marty Muehlegger), …

A celebration of his life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Old Lyme. The family will also gather for a private interment at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.

Visit this link to read the full obituary published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 22, 2024.

Record Results Registered at White Elephant Sale

White Elephant Sale Chairman Bob Davis (second from left) stands with some of the other volunteers, who helped to run the Sports Department at this year’s White Elephant Sale.

OLD LYME—We wondered how the rain had impacted this year’s White Elephant Sale (WES) and so we asked WES Chairman Bob Davis about the sale results.

He said via email, “The 86th White Elephant Sale was another huge success in spite of the torrential rains on Saturday. It was another record sale and the proceeds will go a long way to supporting various charities.”

He added, “Friday we were greeted by a large enthusiastic crowd waiting for the church bell to strike nine. We had  two hours of sun and clouds before the rains came, but that didn’t stop the shoppers on both days.” 

The rains may have come but they did not impact bargain-hunting enthusiasm!

Noting, “Channel 8 [WTNH] was there to film the event,” Davis then shared this delightful anecdote, “One shopper even asked the price for a certain tripod … then we realized it belonged to the cameraman, who was walking around filming!”

He concluded, “All in all, 2024 had lots of bargains, wet feet and memories as we look forward to next year’s sale on July 11 and 12”

Save those dates!

Essex Printing, Old Lyme Fire Department Receive Pinnacle Award in New England Print Contest

Shown accepting the award in photo above are, from left to right, Essex Printing’s President: William McMinn, Old Lyme Fire Department’President: Rob McCarthy, book designer: James Meehan, and author: Michaelle Pearson.

OLD LYME—The Print Industry of New England (PINE) announced on May 9, 2024 that Essex Printing and the Old Lyme Fire Department (OLFD) have received the Pinnacle Award in PINE’s New England Regional Awards of Excellence competition. 

Judged anonymously on its own merit in the soft cover book category with similar printed pieces, the award was for the Old Lyme Fire Department 100th Anniversary (1923-2023) book. 

The Pinnacle Award is given to the most outstanding entry in each category, and must be flawless to win.

Congratulations from all of us at LymeLine to you all!

Con Brio Founding Music Director Dr. Stephen Bruce Announces Retirement at End of Upcoming Season

Dr. Chris Shepard Appointed to Replace Bruce, Associate Music Director Susan Saltus Also Retiring

Dr. Stephen Bruce is retiring as Founding Music Director of Con Brio Choral Society in July 2025.

After 28 years as the Founding Music Director of Con Brio Choral Society, Dr. Stephen Bruce of Groton has announced his retirement, commencing in July 2025. 

Dr. Bruce has directed the group since the organization’s founding in 1997. Under his baton, Con Brio has grown to be one of the leading choruses in the region, regularly performing to packed houses.

Con Brio’s Associate Music Director Susan Saltus is also retiring.

Dr. Bruce has also led eight highly successful European Concert Tours. Following his retirement, he will not be leaving, but will join the bass section, and will hold the honorary title of Music Director Emeritus. 

Also retiring in July 2025 will be Con Brio’s Associate Music Director Susan Saltus of Essex. Saltus has served in that role since 2009 with great distinction and has played many key roles in Con Brio’s success.  

Con Brio wishes to thank Stephen Bruce and Susan Saltus for their extraordinary service and looks forward to the 2024-2025 concert season, which will celebrate their unique contribution, culminating in Gala Farewell Concerts on April 5 and 6, 2025.

Appointment of New Music Director

Con Brio’s Board has announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Shepard of Clinton as its new Music Director, commencing in August 2025. He is a renowned choral conductor, voice coach, arts ambassador, pianist, organist, and distinguished Bach scholar.

Dr. Chris Shepard of Clinton takes over as Con Brio’s new Music Director in August 2025.

In addition to this new position, Shepard continues—now in his 10th year—as Artistic Director of Connecticut Choral Artists (CONCORA), the state’s oldest professional choir and as Director of The Complete Bach, a project that will be America’s first presentation of all of Bach’s works. Based in Worcester, Mass. The project’s performances will occur over the next 11 years. 

Shepard is also in his 16th year as Music Director of the Worcester Chorus in Massachusetts.  

He holds degrees from the Hartt School, the Yale School of Music and the University of Sydney. He researched the performance history of Bach Mass in B Minor for his PhD—his dissertation won the American Choral Directors Association’s 2012 Julius Herford Prize for outstanding doctoral thesis in choral music.

For more information about Con Brio Choral Society, visit www.conbrio.org.