From the late 1800’s until the early 1900’s, shoreline residents could travel by trolley cars throughout the region.  But automobiles soon caused the demise of the trolley companies, and regional public transportation became non-existent.

As the population grew in the 1970s, Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency director Stan Greimann saw a growing need for public transportation.  He envisioned a bus system that would not only enable commuting to New Haven, but would provide travel throughout the nine town region.  He worked tirelessly to spread his vision, until in 1981, nine estuary region towns created the Estuary Transit District (ETD).

Thirty-two years later, the transit district Greimann created and led for over two decades has grown to provide nearly 100,000 passenger trips annually servicing the estuary region with 13 buses connecting to four other regional transit systems under the name 9 Town Transit.

As a tribute to Greimann’s contribution to public transit in the region, the ETD board of directors dedicated the new Old Saybrook bus shelter in his memory.  The dedication ceremony, held on April 25, 2013, was attended by local elected officials and members of his family.

Long time ETD board member Virginia Zawoy of Clinton said of Stan, “He spent countless hours looking for ways that would enhance public transportation in the estuary region.”

A plaque memorializing Greimann and his contributions to public transit was installed on the shelter located on the Boston Post Road across from Staples.  State representative Marilyn Giuliano commented that “Stan’s contributions were many, commendable and deserving of this honor.”

The Estuary Transit District provides public transit service to Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook through its 9 Town Transit service.  Connections are available to New Haven, Middletown, Hartford and New London/Norwich bus services as well as the Shoreline East Commuter Rail.  All services are open to the general public with no age or disability restrictions.

Additional information, route maps and schedules are available online at www.9towntransit.com or by calling 9 Town Transit at 860-510-0429.

Old Lyme resident Donna Scott, owner of IFoundFitness, poses with River Valley SlimDown participant Santa Claus aka Dave Puffer.

Dave Puffer, the Crystal Mall’s resident Santa Claus, is one of 27 challengers competing for a cash jackpot of over $2,200 in the River Valley Slim Down (RVSD), a  ‘biggest loser-style’ competition currently in progress at IFoundFitness in Deep River.  Other competitors include three seniors from Lyme-Old Lyme High School, who are pursuing a more healthy lifestyle as their senior project (and, of course, the jackpot would come in very handy for college books!) and also teams comprising two mother-daughters, a husband and wife and a mother and son.

The RVSD is a 12-week challenge, which runs three times a year, and combines the incentives of cash prizes and donations to good causes with an exercise, nutrition and support program to help participants lose weight, shape up and get back to a healthy lifestyle.

Participants pay a small registration and refundable drop-out fee to ensure that they stick with the challenge.  Then they take a minimum of two to three exercise classes (or personal training sessions) per week and agree to a weekly weigh-in.  Mini ‘Inspirational Workshop’s on subjects such as ‘Eating More to Weigh Less’ and ‘Sugar, Sugar!  Do you constantly crave sweets?’ are presented by Penny Smith, CHHP, ADDP of New Beginnings Health Coaching.

And the best part about the challenge?  If you talk to IFoundFitness owner Donna Scott’s clients, the words ‘accountability’, ‘support’, ‘motivation’ and ‘fun’ are the ones that you will hear most often.

For Scott, who resides in Old Lyme, it is seeing her clients succeed from a wide range of age, shape and fitness levels.  Classes include Gentle and Vigorous Yoga, Zumba, Spin, High Intensity Interval Training, CRI/Tabata Bootcamp and even a Balance and Tone class, which is conducted sitting down.  Early birds can start at 5.30 a.m. and Night Owls can complete their exercise at 9 p.m. with everything in between.

“Since its inception, our challengers have shed over 500 lbs between them and won over $6,000 in prize money,” said Scott.  As well as the cash prizes, participants received other prizes such as makeovers from Essence Center for Wellness & Beauty in Old Saybrook along with massages and facials from Vitality Spa of Old Lyme.

“One incentive that our participants love is the donations they make to local good causes through their hard work and sweat.”  Four local charities have benefited, namely, Shoreline Soup Kitchen, Tri-Town Food Bank, Tri-Town Youth Services and Homeless to Helpful of New London.  Adams Hometown Market has partnered with the RVSD to stretch the donations to local food banks even further by providing canned and non-perishable goods at cost.

The next RVSD will run from April 20 to June 29 and IFoundFitness is offering a free five Class Taster Pass for challengers who sign up before April 1.

For more information, contact Donna Scott at 860.961.4507 or visit rivervalleyslimdown.com

So will Santa win the Challenge?  “It’s an open field at the moment” said Scott, continuing, “Each week we see someone succeed … someone make a break-through, we never know the winner until the last week … that’s part of the fun for everyone involved.”