Category Archives: Business

Rand Automotive Opens on Shore Rd., Celebratory Ribbon-Cutting Held

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Celebrating the opening of Rand Automotive are, from left to right, Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission (EDC) member Scott Smith, OL Selectwoman Jude Read, State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd), Steve Rand, Jessica Rand and children, OL EDC Chair Cheryl Poirier, OL Selectman Jim Lampos, Shoreline Gateway Committee Co-Chair Michaelle Pearson, OL EDC member Joe Camean, and Shoreline Gateway Committee member Scott Boulanger. Photo by John Stratton

OLD LYME — Friends, family, and town officials joined Steve and Jessica Rand in a ribbon-cutting celebrating the opening of Rand Automotive at 214 Shore Rd. in Old Lyme. The Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission hosted the event, which also included the OL Board of Selectmen and the Shoreline Gateway Committee. 

The ribbon-cutting took place after Rand Automotive’s soft opening the previous week, which had been followed by a full schedule of general automotive repairs for new customers of the business.

Proprietor Steve Rand has worked as a mechanic for 20 years and has considered opening his own business for about a decade. His wife Jessica shared that Steve, “Got the bug,” for the work when learning auto-mechanics in the Lyme-Old Lyme High School (LOLHS) shop class of technical education teacher Jon Goss. Steve was then given his start by the Graybill family when he worked at Tire Country and then All-Pro Automotive. 

Both Steve and Jessica graduated from LOLHS. The Rands are now Old Lyme residents and have two young children. Jessica Rand is also a Lieutenant in the Old Lyme Fire Department.

Rand Automotive is located at what has been known as the former Gulf Station on Shore Road, a property that has been vacant for a number of years. In the recent past, a new owner updated the building and the Rands saw it as a perfect location for the family business.

Jessica said, “We have been waiting for the right thing to come along and we really lucked out with the location.” The gas pumps have been removed by the property owners and the new business will only perform general automotive repair, and not sell gasoline or do body work.

During the ribbon-cutting, OL Selectwoman Jude Read represented the board of selectmen, saying, “It’s wonderful to have Steve and Jess open their business in this end of Old Lyme, but most importantly in Old Lyme. I have known several generations of their family and they’re a wonderful asset and make a wonderful contribution to our community.” 

Connecticut State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) presented Rand Automotive with a Connecticut General Assembly Official Citation that read in part, “The Connecticut General Assembly hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Rand Automotive in recognition of the grand opening of Rand Automotive …We welcome your commitment to local needs and thank you for investing in our community.”

Carney also added, “I’m excited to have Rand Automotive here investing in the community and helping clean up a spot that has been vacant for so long. It’s really fantastic for the community and brightens up the area.”

Steve thanked the attendees at the ribbon-cutting and, after moving to the grill to cook burgers and hot dogs for the crowd, added, “I just want to thank everyone for coming and supporting us. I am looking forward to being here in town and helping people out.”

For more information about Rand Automotive, visit their website.

Legal News You Can Use: Why Are Fatal Accidents Becoming More Common in the US?

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Fatal car accidents were steadily decreasing but that trend has been reversed in recent years. Photo by Matthew T Rader on Unsplash.

In most of the developed world, the death rate from car accidents is going down. This has also been true in the United States, at least over the last 90 years or so. Between 1920 and 2010, for instance, the death rate from car accidents dropped consistently every decade. 

But, in recent years, the death rate for Americans has been ticking back up. Fatal accidents are becoming more common, not less. Technology is just getting better, and increased safety is being seen around the world – but not in America. Why is this?

People drive everywhere

For one thing, the U.S. infrastructure is designed around the car. Many people drive everywhere – to work, to the store, to take children to school. In other countries, people can often walk for these daily tasks, but Americans usually have to drive. This just increases their exposure to risk.

Drivers use their phones

Another potential issue is that drivers use their smartphones more in the United States than they do in other countries – at least in the car. Some have even suggested that American drivers are addicted to their phones, and this could be why they cause distracted driving accidents.

Less focus on safe designs

Finally, there’s some evidence that the United States is less focused on safe road designs. For instance, in Europe, governments have worked to create safer sidewalk designs, preventing pedestrian accidents. Many parts of the United States do not even have sidewalks and pedestrians have to walk on the shoulder.

These are just a few potential reasons, but it’s clear that the roads are very risky.

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one, make sure you know what legal steps to take.

This is a sponsored post by Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.

Editor’s Notes: i) Suisman Shapiro is located at 75 State Street, New London, CT 06320. Their mailing address is 2 Union Plaza, P.O. Box 1591 New London, CT 06320. Visit their website or call 800-499-0145 — lines are open 24 hours a day.

ii) If you are involved in a vehicular accident, the attorneys at Suisman Shapiro can assist you. Reach an attorney specialized in the matter at the number above .

William Pitt Sotheby’s Names Beth Cote of Old Lyme as Brokerage Manager for its OL, Niantic Offices; Heather Gagnon of OL Takes Same Role for Mystic Office

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Beth Cote of Old Lyme has been named Brokerage Manager for the tWilliam Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Old Lyme and Niantic offices. Photo by Jamie Bannon.

OLD LYME/NEW LONDON COUNTY — William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that Beth Cote of Old Lyme, formerly a top-performing real estate agent with the firm’s Old Lyme brokerage, is now Brokerage Manager for the firm’s Old Lyme and Niantic offices.

In addition, Heather Gagnon, also an Old Lyme resident, who previously managed these two locations as well as the firm’s Mystic brokerage, will now have a dedicated role as Brokerage Manager for Mystic. This strategic realignment comes during a period of strong growth for the company in the Connecticut Shoreline region.

Heather Gagnon of Old Lyme has been named Brokerage Manager for the William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Mystic office. Photo by Jamie Bannon.

Cote brings nearly 30 years of residential real estate sales experience with in-depth knowledge of the Connecticut Shoreline market, and she has consistently ranked among the top producing associates at William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. She began her career as Rookie of the Year and continued to earn prestigious distinctions with small boutique firms as well as at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage before joining William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in 2021, where she received the Platinum Sales Award for production in 2021 and 2022.

Cote additionally possesses a marketing and Management Information Systems background and is well-versed in the technology side of real estate, with expertise in social media and digital platform advertising. In her new role, Cote is excited to bring her passion for real estate to benefit and support the firm.

“My goals are to help the company grow its position in the Old Lyme and Niantic markets and to collaborate closely with our agents to help them develop and excel in their businesses,” she said.

Heather Gagnon, also of Old Lyme, who has been instrumental in substantially growing and supporting all three offices, will now shift her management focus to overseeing the Mystic brokerage. She will also help to support growth in the Noank, Groton Long Point and Stonington markets, and in northern areas such as Woodstock and Pomfret as well as Rhode Island. 

“I’m looking forward to directing my energy to the Mystic office, which I opened in 2021, and further developing my incredible team of agents as we all work together to expand our presence in Connecticut and beyond,” Gagnon said.

“We are excited to welcome Beth as she embraces her new role, as well as to celebrate Heather’s achievements in propelling substantial growth within the territory,” said Paul Breunich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. “I am eager and optimistic about the promising opportunities ahead as we approach this market with even greater strength and capacity.”

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty.

State of CT Seeking Partners at Gillette Castle, Harkness, Other Parks; Opportunities for Restaurateurs, B & B Managers, More

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The concession building at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam is one of several opportunities for private sector involvement in a new initiative by the Office of Outdoor Industry and Experience.  The mission of the new organization, part of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), is to expand services and amenities at state parks.   Photograph courtesy of DEEP.

EAST HADDAM, CT –  Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont recently announced a new initiative, the mission of which is to expand services and amenities at state parks, such as Gillette Castle in East Haddam and Harkness Memorial Park in Waterford. The Office of Outdoor Industry and Experience is seeking to establish partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and other private sector entities to enhance the visitor experience.

For example, a restaurateur might be interested in an existing building near the visitor center of the highly popular Gillette Castle state park.  The building has an outdoor terrace with a clear view to the striking edifice designed by William Gillette.  Annual attendance at the park averages 350,000. 

“This is a premier location that attracts visitors from around the world” says Lynn Wilkinson, the president of the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.  “We think the location would also attract locals in late afternoon and evenings as a ‘bring your own beverage’ destination.” 

At Harkness Memorial Park, there are buildings that could be renovated to supplement the wedding venue or a bed and breakfast.  “There are a number of opportunities for collaborative projects here at Harkness and Gillette and at other Connecticut state parks,” said John Hine, the park supervisor at Harkness. “We already have a successful wedding venue at Harkness State Park and there are buildings, like the Carriage House, that have the potential to add value to the visitor experience.” He pointed out that the park attracts a quarter million visitors a year. 

The new office, which is under the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) and is seeking responses.  Information on the many partnership opportunities can be found on the DEEP website at www.portal.ct.gov/DEEP-parks-partnerships.  

DEEP welcomes ideas for how the private sector might help elevate outdoor recreation and visitors’ experiences, expand tourism destinations, and provide equitable and sustainable access to the outdoors.

The nonprofit Friends of Gillette Castle will be responding to the RFI as part of a coalition of organizations who are interested in creating a cultural and environmental education center in the former home of Yukitaka Osaki.  Yukitaka Osaki was a Japanese immigrant who worked for William Gillette for decades. The two became close friends and after Gillette’s death in 1937, Osaki lived in the cottage until he passed away in 1942. Japanese immigrants were barred from becoming American citizens until 1952.

“Yukitaka Osaki was one of the first Asian immigrants to the region, and like William Gillette, he had an avid appreciation of the beauty of the special location on the Connecticut river,” said Lynn Wilkinson, president of the Friends of Gillette Castle.  “We hope that DEEP values the way our proposal respects the unique history of the site, but it is an open and ultimately a competitive process, so anyone with an idea for how to use the building is invited to apply.”

Partnerships between the state and private entities are already in places such as the Essex Steam Train, kayak and canoe rentals, and various food and beverage concessions. Connecticut’s $4.6 billion outdoor recreation economy is the second largest in New England and has demonstrated robust growth each year since the pandemic—expanding by 20 percent in 2021 and by another 11 percent in 2022, according to the DEEP. Total park visitation in 2022 was estimated to be 17 million.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by The Friends of Gillette Castle.

Old Lyme EDC Hosts Ribbon-Cutting to Celebrate New Milestone for ‘A Behavioral Approach’

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Cutting the ceremonial ribbon at ‘A Behavioral Approach‘ (ABA) are, from left to right, Old Lyme (OL) Economic Development Commission (EDC) Member Jean Wilczynski, OL First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, EDC Chair Cheryl Poirier, ABA Director of Clinical Services Taylor Brinker, ABA Founder Monica Santos, ABA Services Coordinator Amanda King, OL Selectwoman Jude Read, State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), and Greyson Vandersloot.

OLD LYME — On Nov. 29, the Old Lyme Economic Development Commission celebrated a new milestone for A Behavioral Approach (ABA) with a ribbon-cutting.

The Old Lyme business, which provides a range of services to students with autism, is being recommended by the Connecticut Board of Education as an Approved Private Special Education Program (APSEP). The CT Commissioner of Education is expected to approve the recommendation in the coming days.

A Behavioral Approach develops and designs innovative and tailor-made Applied Behavior Analysis programs for implementation in a school setting or home, as well as in the community through vocational programs. Its clinical services are provided to children as young as three-years-old.

“Applied Behavior Analysis” is a set of principles that focus on positively changing behavior of children with autism through techniques including natural environment teaching, discrete trial instruction, and reinforcement.

Monica Santos, a certified special education teacher and administrator, founded ABA in 2017. Since that time, the business has continued to outgrow several locations across the region, including its prior location on Halls Rd. Santos purchased the commercial property at 4 Davis Rd. West in 2022 ,where it serves approximately 10 students, who each reside in about a 30-mile radius.

A Behavioral Approach employs 15 staff in Old Lyme.

Gathered to celebrate the certificate presentation by the OL EDC are, from left to right: ABA Director of Clinical Services Taylor Brinker, EDC member Jean Wilczynski, OL First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, EDC Chair Cheryl Poirier, ABA Founder Monica Santos, ABA Services Coordinator Amanda King, OL Selectwoman Jude Read, and State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd). Kneeling in front are Santos’s partner Peter Vandersloot holding Ellie, and Briar Vandersloot holding Luna.

The approval as an APSEP will allow ABA to operate as a special education provider adhering to standards set by the state and contracted by boards of education or other local education agencies to provide schooling. Santos expects to continue to serve about 10 students for the foreseeable future, managing growth of the school setting and eventually hiring an additional special education teacher.

The State of Connecticut lists 84 APSEPs in its directory. 

Santos sought approval as an APSEP primarily because she sees a shortage in the state of these private placement programs for students with autism. “There are many families on waiting lists throughout the State,” she noted.

Exacerbating the existing need for private programming, the 2020 pandemic affected the academic progress of many students, particularly special education students, whose programming was harder to adapt to an online forum; and who have since found it more challenging to progress. 

Family and friends of the ABA staff attended the ribbon-cutting, several of whom have helped with painting and landscaping the building over the past year.

Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, second from left, saddresses the assembled group prior to the ribbon-cutting at ‘A Behavioral Approach’ in Old Lyme.

Before Santos and her staff cut the ribbon, Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker commented, “As a former educator, I can tell you how important your services are, and I know the residents and students of Old Lyme plus the other various districts nearby will benefit greatly from your services. We are so thrilled to have you here.”

Connecticut State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) added in his welcome statement, “At the State level I’m sure you know there is a shortage of quality educators for special education, and there are a lot of kids that need this service. I thank you for all you do and for the children you help, because you are making their lives better and more manageable. I’m so glad you are in Old Lyme and helping local families.”

Following the ceremony, Santos and Old Lyme ABA Service Coordinator Amanda King provided a tour of the ABA building including classrooms, play areas, and office space.

Santos shared both her pride in her staff and also how the staff works to collaborate with the greater community. She explained, “We want to always collaborate with others in meeting the needs of our students. We like to share with others what we do, and you never know, the person you just met could have a connection to a new resource.”

In addition to working with a diverse set of businesses that provide vocational opportunities for older students, ABA collaborates with other small businesses including two that currently rent space at 4 Davis Rd., namely Building Skills for Life pediatric occupational therapy, and Elea, a digital care management platform for special needs families and providers.