Category Archives: Business

Lyme-Old Lyme HS Grad, GSB President Geelan, Named CT Bankers Association Board Chair

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GUILFORD — The Connecticut Bankers Association (CBA) has named GSB (formerly Guilford Savings Bank) President and CEO Timothy P. Geelan as its new chairman of the board of directors.

Geelan is a graduate of Lyme-Old Lyme High School and previously served as the CBA Board’s First Vice Chairman. He was selected for the CBA Chairman position in November of this year for a term expiring October 2023.

The CBA represents Connecticut’s financial institutions and serves as the voice of its members in matters of their common interest. Forty seven banks are members of the CBA, and another 88 banks are associate members. 

Geelan joined GSB in 1994, and served several roles throughout his nearly 30 years with the bank, including Chief Loan Officer and Chief Operating Officer. The GSB Board of Corporators voted unanimously to name Geelan as GSB’s 11th CEO in 2014.

“I am truly honored to have been selected as board chairman for the Connecticut Bankers Association,” said Geelan. “I plan to work tirelessly to demonstrate the CBA’s mission and values and ensure every member bank has a voice. By serving the collective needs of our member institutions, we can all enjoy the benefits of growth and stability.”

Geelan has served as an advisor for the CBA’s Connecticut School of Finance and Management for 10 years. He also serves as board secretary for the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, he is a member of the executive committee for the Connecticut Community Bankers Association and he is on the advisory council for HOPE Partnership.

Additionally, Geelan is a corporator for the Guilford Foundation and Middlesex Health, and serves as treasurer for the West Side Cemetery Association. 

Geelan earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Dayton and his Master of Business Administration degree from University of New Haven.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on press release issued by Guilford Savings Bank.

Breaking News: HRIC Application Postponed to Dec. Meeting: Old Lyme Zoning Commission Will Now Consider Only One Overlay Request Tonight

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HRIC Hopes for Strong Public Support for its Overlay Proposal at Meeting

OLD LYME — UPDATED Nov. 14, 5pm: The Halls Road Improvements Committee (HRIC) was planning to present its application to create a Halls Rd. Overlay District (HROD) to the Old Lyme (OL) Zoning Commission Monday evening, Nov. 14. The agenda included a presentation by the HRIC to support the application, which was being made officially by the Town of Old Lyme.

However, at 4:10 p.m. that day, Edie Twining, HRIC Chair sent an email saying, “Due to concerns from the new zoning enforcement officer (ZEO), Eric Knapp, HRIC has decided to postpone our presentation of the Halls Road Overlay District (HROD) until the next regular meeting of the Zoning Commission, December 12th 2022.”

She continued, “Unfortunately, we only learned this morning that the ZEO had concerns, and we think it is important to resolve these issues before proceeding. 

The second is a Public Hearing for a “Petition for Application [ to create the Halls Road Overlay District Proposal (HROC).”

After the hearings are either continued or closed, the Commission members will then consider both items in their regular meeting.

Commission during that segment of the meeting.

The HRIC Chair Edie Twining tells LymeLine by email that she is hoping for, “… strong public support for its proposal at the meeting.”

In its most recent update to the community, the HRIC reported that in July 2022, it was awarded funding for the formal survey and design work required for the bridge and trails, through the Community Initiatives Grant, a part of the town-administered American Rescue Plan. 

Requests for Proposals have been posted to design firms to produce design documentation for the pedestrian bridge and associated trails. Once these drawings are created they will be used for grant applications for the implementation of the design.

The HRIC will be working with two experienced grant-writer volunteers to seek grants and create the proposals to fund this project. The design documentation will also show the location of the pedestrian bridge and identify any easements needed for the town to secure.

The BSC Group has put together the town’s application for the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) grant, which was submitted in September 2022. This state-run grant is the first opportunity for the town to present its planned roadway improvements to the CT DOT for their formal approval.

The application covers the planned improvements to sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping, lighting, and crosswalks along Halls Road. The LOTCIP grant could provide a substantial part of the construction costs of these right-of-way improvements. It is not expected to cover the costs of the new pedestrian- and cyclist-bridge across the Lieutenant River, or the trails leading to and from it.

New zoning for a mixed-use overlay district was submitted to the OL Zoning Commission and recognized as received at the commissions Oct. 11, meeting.

The Halls Rd. Overlay District will allow property owners the option to create mixed-use (commercial and residential) development and bring retail up to Halls Rd. The overlay district provides an incentive for owners to create the walkable, browse-able new town center envisioned in the Master Plan, while leaving the legacy C30-S zoning unchanged.  

The HRIC welcomes comments by email at: Hallsroadcommittee@oldlyme-ct.gov 

For further information about the HRIC project, visit https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/halls-road-improvements-committee

Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden Starts Second Annual ‘Sponsor a Row’ Campaign

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These are the signs acknowledging the individuals, organizations and businesses, which ‘Sponsored a Row’ last year. We are proud to say that there is a sign for LymeLine.com there!

OLD LYME — The second annual Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) Sponsor a Row campaign kicked off Oct. 1.

The LOLFSG is immensely grateful to individuals, families, organizations, and businesses, who sponsored the garden this season.

Volunteers donated more than 700 hours and more than 2500 pounds of food to local food pantries.

Jim Ward, Food Share Garden President, noted that the LOLFSG board is, “Already planning for the 2023 season and is confident that they can double the output of the garden.”

The annual cost to maintain a garden bed from seed through delivery is approximately $250.  All money will go directly towards the operating expenses of the garden, including seeds/transplants, fertilizer, weed barrier fabric. irrigation tape, electricity, and tools.

In appreciation, each $250 donation from Oct. 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023, will be recognized with a sign at the garden and on the LOLFSG website.

Donations in any amount are also welcome.  Donations can be made at lolfoodsharegarden.org or mailed to:
LOL Food Share Garden Inc., PO Box 395, South Lyme, CT 06376.

‘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.