Author Archives: Jean Wilczynski

Letter to the Editor: BOE Members Should be ‘Smart, Empathetic, Focused’: Democratic Slate Meets That Need

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To the Editor:

Reflecting back on my nearly eight years of service on the Region 18 Board of Education, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished with the support and encouragement of the broader Old Lyme and Lyme community.

As I approach my final month on the Board, I am optimistic and excited to support four candidates with exactly the backgrounds needed as the Board engages in strategic planning and a review of potential facility upgrades to four schools that were last substantially updated nearly two decades ago:  educational credentials and a focus on children.  Life-long educators Martha Shoemaker (retired teacher), Marisa Calvi-Rogers (doctorate in education, retired principal) and Alexander Lowry (current teacher), along with Jason Kemp (family relations counselor, CT Judicial Branch), will bring over 90 years of collective public service in support of children to the Board.  Alexander and Jason are also the parents of current R18 students.

We need smart, empathetic, and focused leaders who view challenges as opportunities and can widen the realm of possible solutions through creative problem-solving.  Our small town needs Board of Education members who understand public education and the needs of children and families, as well as the importance of incorporating into their decisions the wide variety of viewpoints held by our community members.

I strongly encourage you to elect these four Democratic candidates to represent our Old Lyme community on the Region 18 Board of Education.

Sincerely,

Jean Wilczynski, CFP®,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author currently serves as treasurer of the Regional School District 18 Board of Education.

Letter to the Editor: Reemsnyder, Nosal Comprise a Hardworking, Experienced Team

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To the Editor:

As we approach our municipal elections and prepare to decide who will run our local communities for the next two years, we should all reflect on those qualities that we want our leaders to exhibit.

Old Lyme has been fortunate to have had Bonnie Reemsnyder and Mary Jo Nosal focus their seemingly boundless energy on improving our community for the past six years.

Bonnie and Mary Jo have devoted countless hours meeting residents in order to get to know them and understand their concerns.  They have made great strides in involving more members of our community in our governance, believing that working together is critical to addressing the many issues facing our small coastal town and the broader regional community.  Our Boards and Commissions reflect the very real work they have put into supporting and encouraging more participation from all residents of our town.  Their collaborative natures, strong leadership and get-it-done attitudes have proven to be exactly what Old Lyme needed.

I urge Old Lyme residents to join me in voting for the experienced and hardworking Reemsnyder & Nosal team on November 7th.  Keep Old Lyme moving forward toward a future we can all be part of and proud of.

Sincerely,

Jean Wilczynski,
Old Lyme.