Lyme DTC To Publicize, Encourage Kristina White’s Election to Board of Selectmen as a Petitioning Candidate
Pictured above are candidates endorsed by the Lyme Democratic Town Committee for November’s municipal election. Pictured from left to right are Steve Mattson, Gavin Lodge, Kristina White, Adam McEwen, Mary Stone, and John Kiker. Missing from photo are Anna James and Jim Miller.
LYME, CT – The Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) announced Wednesday, July 26, that, at a local Democratic caucus held Monday night, a slate of nine Democratic candidates was nominated and endorsed by the committee to run in the Nov. 7 municipal elections.
The committee also announced that it would be actively encouraging Kristina White’s election to the Lyme Board of Selectmen as a petitioning candidate.
In announcing the candidate slate, Lyme DTC Nominating Committee Chairperson Liz Frankel explained, “Under state election law, a town committee may only nominate one candidate for first selectman and one candidate for selectman when the board of selectmen is composed of a first selectman and two selectmen.”
She continued, “The Lyme DTC is not nominating a candidate for first selectman this year, but would like to see John Kiker and Kristina White, who are both currently on the board of selectmen, elected as selectpersons. As a result, we nominated and endorsed John as our selectman candidate and will be actively publicizing and urging Kristina’s election as a petitioning candidate.”
Running for election this year in Lyme on the Democratic Party slate will be:
• John Kiker for Board of Selectmen
• Steve Mattson for Board of Finance
• Jim Miller for Board of Finance
• Adam McEwen for Board of Finance Alternate
• Kristina White for Planning & Zoning Commission
• Mary Stone for Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate
• Anna James for Zoning Board of Appeals
• John Kiker for Lyme Library Board of Directors
• Gavin Lodge for Region 18 Board of Education
Kristina White will appear on the ballot as a petitioning candidate.
Frankel said, “We’ve recruited a talented slate of individuals this year who are not only highly qualified, but extremely interested in serving the town we all love and cherish.”
The Lyme DTC’s stated mission is to support and strengthen the Democratic Party in the Town of Lyme and the State of Connecticut.
Editor’s Note: The article above is based on a press release issued July 26 by the Lyme Democratic Town Committee.
Some of the candidates endorsed by the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee for the November 2023 municipal election gather for a photo. From left to right are Stephanie Mickle, Kathleen Tracy, Sheila Riffle, Anna Reiter, Bennet “BJ” Bernblum, Jim Lampos, Paul Orzel (U), Martha Shoemaker, Candace Fuchs, W. Scott Brown, Marisa Calvi-Rogers, Howard Margules, and Susan Fogliano.
Same Team Running for First Selectman, Selectman Positions as in 2021; Shoemaker Contests Top Spot Again Supported by Lampos
OLD LYME, CT – The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (OLDTC) has announced its field of candidates, who were endorsed for the 2023 municipal election at their Town Committee meeting held July 19.
“The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee enthusiastically endorsed this strong team. Each candidate is qualified and will bring a wealth of experience to their respective office, along with a commitment to the values and ideals we treasure in Old Lyme. Many currently hold or have held elected office so they are ready to lead on Day 1,” said Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee Chair,” Mary Jo Nosal.
She continued, “The OLDTC thanks these residents for stepping up to support our town and we look forward to working with them to build a better and more inclusive community,”
The slate of candidates is led by incumbent Old Lyme Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, who is again running for First Selectwoman, as she did in 2021 when she lost by 104 votes to Timothy Griswold. Jim Lampos joins Shoemaker to run again for Old Lyme Selectman, meaning this segment of the Democratic ticket is identical to that of 2021.
For more information about the candidates endorsed by the OLDTC and the upcoming election, visit the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee website at http://www.oldlymedtc.com.
The OLDTC endorsed the following candidates for the municipal election of Nov. 7, 2023:
Martha H. Shoemaker for First Selectwoman 2 yr. term
Jim Lampos for Board of Selectman 2 yr. term
Michael Reiter for Treasurer 4 yr. term
Bennett J. Bernblum for Board of Finance Full 6 yr. term
Anna S. Reiter for Board of Finance Full 6 yr. term
Sheila A. Riffle for Board of Finance Alternate 2 yr. term
Diane Linderman for Board of Finance Alternate 2 yr. term
Candace A. Fuchs for Board of Finance Alternate 2 yr. term
Peter Hunt for Board of Assessment Appeals 4 yr. term
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder for Tax Collector 4 yr. term
Marisa Calvi-Rogers, Ed.D. for Board of Education 4 yr. term
Susan P. Fogliano for Board of Education 4 yr. term
W. Scott Brown, Ph.D. for Board of Education 4 yr. term
Stephanie Mickle for Zoning Board of Appeals 2023 Seat 5 yr. term
Kathleen Tracy for Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate 2 yr. term.
Michaelle Pearson for Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate 2 yr. term.
Paul J. Orzel (U) for Zoning Commission 2023 Seat 5 yr. term
Denise Savageau for Zoning Commission 2024 Seat 5 yr. term
Michael Aurelia for Planning Commission 2023 Seat 5 yr. term
Howard J. Margules for Planning Commission 2024 Seat 5 yr. term
Editor’s Note: The article above is based on a press release issued Thursday morning by the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee.
John Mesham and Judith Read lead the Old Lyme 2023 Republican slate of endorsed candidates. Photo submitted by the Old Lyme RTC.
Incumbents Tim Griswold (First Selectman), Matt Ward (Selectman) Not Seeking Re-election; Griswold Absent From Slate; Ward Running for Town Treasurer; Suzanne Thompson Endorsed for Tax Collector and Region 18 Board of Education
OLD LYME— On Tuesday (July 18) evening, at their Caucus, the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee (RTC) voted-in their slate of candidates for the upcoming 2023 municipal elections.
“Our candidates are all people with extensive and relevant experience for the offices for which they are running. Our committee is proud to endorse them. These candidates were selected because they each have proven track records of public service and community involvement,” said RTC Chairman, Randy Nixon.
Leading the slate of candidates for the position of First Selectman is retired State Trooper John Mesham, a 30-year resident of Old Lyme.
“I am thrilled by the enthusiastic support of my fellow Republicans,” said Mesham. “I have received many calls of encouragement from unaffiliated voters since announcing my intention to run, so I look forward to a wide base of support in the campaign and election.”
Selectman Candidate Judith Read said, “I thank the Old Lyme RTC for endorsing my candidacy for Selectman! It is humbling to receive such ardent support from my friends, family, and community. I look forward to representing and serving all people of Old Lyme as we help to lead our small town to a positive and exciting future.”
After deciding not to run for a 10th term, longtime Republican First Selectman Timothy Griswold declared, “We have a great slate of candidates and I feel confident I will be leaving Old Lyme in good hands with the Mesham and Read team at the helm. I know they are committed to fiscal responsibility, excellence in education, and protecting the natural beauty of our town.”
Selectman Matthew Ward, an unaffiliated but Republican-endorsed candidate, decided to not seek re-election after taking a new job opportunity in his trained profession of accounting.
Ward is, however, running for the position of Town Treasurer. “I wanted to stay involved with the town and Treasurer gives me that opportunity while exercising my accounting education,” said Ward, also a retired State Trooper. He added, “I worked with John Mesham for many years and I know his leadership and management will be a great benefit to Old Lyme.”
The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee meets Wednesday, July 19, at 6 p.m. in Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall to caucus and determine their endorsements for the upcoming November election.
The full slate of 2023 endorsed Republican candidates is as follows, with (U) indicating Unaffiliated candidates. All other candidates are registered Republicans.
First Selectman: John Mesham
Selectman: Judith Read
Town Treasurer: Matthew Ward (U)
Tax Collector:Suzanne Thompson
Board of Finance: H. Perry Garvin III
Board of Finance Alternates: Maria Corrao Marchant & Matthew F. Olson
Board of Assessment Appeals:David W. Evers, Jr.
Planning Commission (Term Begins 2023): Barbara Gaudio
Planning Commission (Term Begins 2024): Donald Willis
Zoning Commission (Term Begins 2023): Paul Orzel (U)
OLD LYME – Former Marine, law enforcement officer, and community advocate John Mesham has formally announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for First Selectman.
Mesham, father of three, recently retired from a distinguished 29-year career in law enforcement in which he oversaw the daily operations at two of the largest state police barracks, managed police personnel in Old Lyme, developed community programs with municipal governments, and negotiated collective bargaining agreements.
Prior to his career in law enforcement, Mesham was deployed as a Marine infantryman on the USS Iwo Jima and served at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. He holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Charter Oak State College.
In addition to managing police personnel in Old Lyme, Mesham, father of Owen, Anna, and Emily, served as a Scoutmaster for 10 years for Troop 26 Lyme & Old Lyme Boy Scouts. He has been married to his wife Nancy for 29 years. Mesham currently serves on the Inland Wetland and Watercourse Commission and was instrumental in the 36-1 Buttonball Committee recommendations to the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen.
In conjunction with Mesham’s announcement, Judith Read, a dedicated public servant, has also announced her intention to seek the Republican nomination for Second Selectman. Read, a small business owner, has nearly two decades of experience serving on the Old Lyme Board of Finance. She also served one term on the Region 18 Board of Education.
Mother of Megan Overdurff Read and Will (Sloan) Danenhower, Read has lived in Old Lyme for over 40 years, volunteering as a Girl Scout leader and as the Treasurer for the MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation. She currently is a business management consultant, with a specialization in business organization.
Read attended Central Connecticut State College where she studied Business Administration. She has been married to Sloan Danenhower for 40 years.
The prospective Mesham-Read team is focused on continuing fiscal responsibility, supporting Old Lyme senior citizens, maintaining excellence in Region 18 school system, and protecting the natural beauty of Old Lyme.
The Old Lyme Republican Town Committee will caucus on Tuesday, July 18, at 6 p.m. At that meeting, members will select the candidates they wish to endorse for the November 2023 election.
Editor’s Note: The article above is based on a press release issued this morning by the Mesham & Read 2023 campaign.
Celebrating ‘The Salty Monkey’ ribbon-cutting are, from left to right Wendy Russell (EDC), Frank Pappalardo (Sound View Commission), Mona Colwell (EDC), Teri Lewis (EDC), State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), OL Selectman Matthew Ward, EDC Chair Cheryl Poirier, Brandyn Garcia, Kristin Garcia, Manager Joe Day, Jordyn Garcia, behind Jordyn is Scott Smith (EDC), OL First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Jonathan Rotolo (Shoreline Gateway Committee), Paul Orzel (Shoreline Gateway Committee), and Jean Wilcynzski (EDC.) Several Salty Monkey staff are also standing in the rear. All photos by Katie Balocca.
OLD LYME — UPDATED 1pm with name corrections. The Salty Monkey in the Sound View Beach community is the latest new business to be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting by the Town of Old Lyme.
Yesterday morning, The Salty Monkey owner Kristin Garcia and her staff were joined by members of the Old Lyme Economic Development Commission (EDC) and Board of Selectmen, Sound View Beach Commission, and Shoreline Gateway Committee at the event held on site at the eatery on Hartford Ave.
Garcia has enjoyed summers in the Sound View community since 1996 when she worked at Cherrystone’s on Shore Road. She explained, “I worked there for two summers before going to school in Newport, Rhode Island. In Newport, I continued to work in restaurants and catering including at the Ocean Cliff Hotel.”
Garcia has combined her education in human resources and education with her work experience to build several businesses in the food industry. In addition to The Salty Monkey, which opened at the beginning of the summer season at Sound View, Garcia operates The Grill at Copper Hill in East Granby; “K & Co” which meets the catering needs of weddings, celebrations of life, showers, and other gatherings; and Rhode Island Pizza Company, a pizza bus business at Misquamiquat Beach in Westerly, R.I.
Garcia partners with others in several of her businesses and gives the credit for making her businesses successful to the high quality of her staff.
She also relies on family for giving her businesses longevity, “Without them I wouldn’t be successful,” she said, adding, “My focus is family, and I love including my children and my stepchildren, giving them the opportunity to learn how to be successful businesspeople. I especially love showing the young women in my family how to be a successful businesswoman.”
Family includes Garcia’s son Brandyn and daughter Jordyn, who both play a role in building her businesses. The Salty Monkey is managed on-site by Kristen’s friend Joe Day. Garcia’s stepson Xavier Gonzalez is the cook and his girlfriend Ashley Papapietro both cooks and works at the front window with a smile.
Having built friendships with neighbors while spending the summers in Sound View, Garcia looked at several possible locations to open a business. She landed on 83 Hartford Ave., noting, “I really wanted the beach vibe, somewhere you could bring the whole family and enjoy some food after the beach.”
“I focus on bringing my customers a total experience,” she continued. “At The Grill at Copper Hill, I focus on how to bring the golfers the golf experience, and at The Salty Monkey, I want to make it the best beach experience someone can have.”
‘The Salty Monkey’ owner Kristin Garcia holds the certificate presented to her by Old Lyme Economic Development Commission Chairperson Cheryl Poirier (right.) Garcia is joined by ‘The Carousel Shop’ owners Jerry and Dee Vowles.
She listens to customers as to what they want. “Customers were asking for fried dough, so we decided to do a twist on that and have fried dough bites. Customers were asking for ice cream, but there’s great ice cream three doors down (at The Carousel Shop) and gelato across the street (at Vecchitto’s), so I decided to offer Del’s Frozen Lemonade, which is different. My customers can come to the window for something cool and refreshing for the whole experience. And if they want ice cream, I let them know the Carousel has ice cream down a few doors.”
A special breakfast offering is the popular Deke’s Bagels of Niantic. “I reached out to Deke and he was more than happy to have their bagels here. We offer breakfast sandwiches and bagels with butter or cream cheese.”
During the Sunday morning ribbon cutting, EDC Chairperson Cheryl Poirier shared with attendees “We love it when someone, who loves an area like Sound View and the beach community, decides they want to be a part of it as a business owner — we can’t do better than that.”
Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold continued, “We certainly want to welcome you, the place looks great. This is a wonderful spot so when people come back from the beach and they’re hungry, they’ll be ready to patronize your business. Thank you very much for being here and doing what you’re doing.”
State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) wished Garcia good luck and offered her congratulations on the opening. He said enthusiastically, “Everything looks wonderful. I love that you’re partnering with Deke’s Bagels, another local business. Hopefully a lot of people will come down in the morning, get their breakfast sandwiches and then come and enjoy the Sound View area.”
There were plenty of customers joining the line on Sunday morning to order food and more from ‘The Salty Monkey.’
Garcia then thanked the many friends and neighbors, who had joined the celebration, adding, “I’d like to thank my family because without them and Joe (friend and on-site manager) I wouldn’t be able to do this, they’re the backbone to everything, they’re the faces you’ll see.”
In addition to its breakfast menu, the restaurant offers tacos, wraps, hamburgers, hotdogs, and more. Window orders can be prepared for takeaway or for the outdoor seating that is available.
The outdoor seating area for ‘The Salty Monkey’ is proving to be a popular area.
The Salty Monkey is located at 83 Hartford Ave. and open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
