Bill Hurtle, pictured with his wife Jennifer, has recently earned accreditation for his business ‘Lyme Home Watch’ from the National Home Watch Association.
The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada. Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence. All principals of NHWA Accredited Member companies are background-checked, insured, and bonded.
Hurtle has lived in Lyme since 2013. Over the years, he has observed friends and family head south for the winter, leaving their home unoccupied or having a non-professional “home watcher” monitor their property. They usually spend much of their time away wondering if their home is being adequately watched. Hurtle works to take the worry out while his clients are away by providing a consistent, dependable service that one may not receive from a relative or neighbor, who is busy with other things.
Lyme Home Watch serves Lyme, Old Lyme, Niantic, Old Saybrook, Essex, and Westbrook.
Home Watch services for the exterior and interior of a home are Lyme Home Watch’s primary mission. They also provide pre- and post-storm checks, facilitate contractor and vendor meetings, and offer keyholder services to their Home Watch clients.
Hurtle is a graduate of the NHWA’s Home Watch Boot Camp and has earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professional (CHWP), which places him among the élite Home Watch providers in the industry. The CHWP designation and Boot Camp training exemplify Hurtle’s commitment to Home Watch excellence.
Hurtle is a federal civil servant nearing retirement. For the last 18 years, Hurtle worked as a microbiologist for the Department of Homeland Security. Prior to that, he was employed by the Department of the Army and at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases in Frederick, Md.
He has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in biomedical science from Hood College.
HARTFORD – State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), whose district includes both Lyme and Old Lyme, has again achieved a perfect score for votes taken on the floor of the House of Representatives during the 2023 legislative session. He previously recorded 100 percent voting attendance in the years 2015 through 2020, only missing votes in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19.
Each year, the House Clerk’s Office releases data on members’ votes during the Regular Session and Rep. Carney was present for all 368 votes taken during that time, one of 68 lawmakers to receive a perfect score.
“It’s been my honor to represent the people of the 23rd District for the past several years,” commented Rep. Carney, adding, “I was proud to make every vote in person in 2023 and ensure that my constituents had a voice on the 368 votes that were taken.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Public Affairs, House Republican Office.
On Saturday, July 15, celebrity chef Jacques Pepin, standing at right, cut the ribbon for the official opening of ‘The Curry Queen’ restaurant in Old Saybrook. The restaurant is owned by Lyme resident Nalini Srinivasan, pictured left. Photo by H. Margules.
LYME/OLD SAYBROOK — A new restaurant, owned and managed by Lyme resident Nalini Srinivasan, has opened in Old Saybrook. Describing itself as focused on homestyle, authentic Indian cuisine,The Curry Queen, located at 93 Elm St., offers both dine-in and take-out options.
Asked to describe her menu, Srinivasan responded by email saying, “The menu is, at present, a simple one with everyday offerings such as curries, [both] vegetarian and non-vegetarian, specialities from the Tandoor, and small plates of street food samples.”
She added that exciting new additions are planned to the menu shortly but they are still under wraps at this time.
Srinivasan explains, “The intent is to expose our clientele to different regional Indian Food, including Anglo Indian Cuisine.” She also notes that an application for a liquor permit is “in the works.”
Opening a restaurant is a high-risk business. We inquired why Srinivasan felt drawn to do so after enjoying a successful career in finance. She said, “I saw a niche market opportunity. I wanted to reach out to the local community to spread the word [and have] a small business experience. I enjoy the creativity of it and anticipate good things for the future.”
When we asked whather hopes were for the restaurant, her business acumen shone through in her reply. Shrivasan stated her objectives are, “To achieve targeted Business Plan Goals and to assimilate into the economic environment of the area.”
A particularly interesting and endearing aspect of her business is Srinivasan’s decision to employ the Afghan refugee father of five, who is currently living in Old Lyme. The Afghani family is being supported by the Lyme-Old Lyme Refugee and Resettlement Committee.
A Hindu prayer service was held at ‘The Curry Queen’ to celebrate the opening of the restaurant. Photo by H. Margules.
Why had she chosen to take on this gentleman, who clearly did not have the usual references to apply for a chef’s job due to the extremely challenging conditions surrounding his evacuation from Afghanistan?
Srinivasan replied pragmatically, “Because I thought he would have a natural flair for using the Tandoor, which is a common feature in our (Afghan and Indian) cooking methods; … I thought I could use his help while he helps himself to settle in and because I thought we could contribute to the [overarching] cause of resettling a [refugee] family.”
Lymes Creative Arts students focus on their designs, which will ultimately be seen on artisan tiles. All photos submitted.
OLD LYME — “Tremendously successful!” That’s how Lilywork Artisan Tile founders and owners Paul and Esther Halferty sum up their participation in this year’s Lymes Creative Arts program. Their custom-built tile studio is located in the center of Old Lyme at 56 Lyme St. and is the creative endeavor of the husband and wife duo.
The summer program, supported by mini-grants and materials provided by Lymes Creative Arts, aimed to provide transformative and accessible hands-on arts experiences to teenagers in the Lyme and Old Lyme communities.
One of the summer program participants proudly displays her finished work.
The Halferty’s took on the role of instructors for this summer’s program. They guided a group of 11 enthusiastic students through the process of creating tile mosaics from start to finish.
Over the course of several weeks, these talented teens immersed themselves in the world of artisan tile making, acquiring invaluable skills and hopefully forming lasting friendships with their fellow classmates.
Summer students transfer their designs to clay.
Under the guidance of instructors Paul and Esther, the students embarked on an inspiring artistic journey. From shaping clay and designing unique templates to mastering the art of mosaic cutting and glazing techniques, the students gained some insight into a day in the life of a tile artisan.
As the program drew to a close, students were eagerly anticipating the final stage of setting and grouting their colorful creations.
Happily displaying her eye-catching tile created during the summer program.
Beyond the acquisition of artistic skills, this Lymes Creative Arts summer program fostered an environment of camaraderie and friendship. The students collaborated closely with their peers, forging new connections and cherishing the opportunity to share their artistic pursuits.
The emphasis on celebrating individual artistic expression allowed each student to gain confidence in their unique artistic journey, regardless of their skill level.
Students hard at work under the watchful eye of Esther Halferty.
Paul Halferty commented, “As artisan tile makers and instructors, it has been an absolute joy to be a part of the Lymes Creative Arts summer program.”
He continued, “We have witnessed the incredible impact of art in the lives of these talented teenagers, as they not only honed their skills but also discovered new ways to express themselves creatively. The program has been a win-win for both student and teacher and we are grateful to have been a part of their artistic journey.”
The resounding success of the Lymes Creative Arts program can be attributed to their unwavering commitment and dedication to its core objectives. By offering affordable or free programming, Lymes Creative Arts ensured that aspiring artists from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds had access to these transformative experiences.
Painting a piece of clay during the summer program.
The hands-on arts opportunities provided an outlet for the students to manage stress and find fulfillment through artistic expression. The comprehensive range of art forms, including visual arts, craft making, literary arts, and performing arts, catered to a variety of interests, allowing each student to explore their passion fully.
Esther Halferty said, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Lymes Creative Arts for entrusting us with this remarkable opportunity to nurture the artistic talents of local teenagers.”
She added, “We also extend our appreciation to the Old Lyme community for their unwavering support throughout the program.”
Esther Halferty gives advice to a student during the Lymes Creative Arts summer program.
The couple acknowledges the invaluable funding provided by the American Rescue Plan, which made these transformative experiences possible for aspiring young artists in the area.
The story of Lilywork begins at Moravian Pottery and Tile Work, a living history museum in Bucks County, Pa.
Recently back from a year in Turkey, Esther started an apprenticeship at the Tile Works in the Fall of 2005. Esther came to learn the Tile Work’s traditional tile-making techniques, as well as, to create work inspired by her love of printmaking, architecture, and tile patterns seen during her time abroad.
Creativity shines through in this striking tile.
Paul, meanwhile, was working at the Tile Works as mold-maker, ceramist, and teacher.
One year later they were married … and Lilywork Artisan Tile was born.
Beautiful tiles created by Lilywork Artisan Tile. Each tile is unique.
Today, every tile is pressed by hand in Old Lyme. Because every Lilywork backsplash and custom fireplace is made by hand, no two are exactly alike. Every tile carries a story that lends meaning and authenticity to every surface on which they are placed.
Lilywork tiles are inspired by the Halferty’s love of travel and traditional design. Lilywork designs are not cutting-edge statements of current fashion, but rather a blending of what has been handed down by craftsmen and designers of the past. Paul and Esther strive to create designs and colors that have relevance across cultures and centuries.
Samples of work by Lilywork Artisan Tile grace the walls of the studio.
Over the years, the Halferty’s worked closely with homeowners, designers, and builders to bring their dreams and visions to life. Their clients come to them seeking something different and unique.
As the Halferty’s reflect on the success of the Lymes Creative Arts summer program, they remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering accessible and enriching artistic opportunities for the youth in their community. With their artisan expertise and unwavering passion, the couple eagerly anticipates future endeavors and the positive impact they will continue to have on the lives of aspiring young artists.
Learning the skills of an ancient art.
For more information about Lilywork Artisan Tile and their involvement in the Lymes Creative Arts program, visit www.lilyworktile.com or contact Paul Halferty at 860-865-5933 or lilyworktile@gmail.com.
Editor’s Note: This article is based in part on a press release issued by ‘Lilywork Artisan Tile.‘
NEW LONDON – The Lyman Allyn Art Museum has a great, no-cost way to entertain friends and family during these final weeks of summer.
The Museum is offering free admission to all visitors through Sept. 3, generously funded by Dominion Energy. The grant is connected to the Museum’s current exhibition, Barkley L. Hendricks in New London, which runs through Sept. 3.
“We want to thank Dominion Energy and invite everyone into our galleries throughout the month of August,” Museum Director Sam Quigley said. “The Barkley Hendricks show features the art and photography of one of New London’s own, and we’re hoping free admission will bring in even more visitors during the final weeks of the show.”
The Museum will also present a panel symposium, “Looking at Legacy: Reflecting on Barkley L. Hendricks with Connecticut Arts Leaders” on Aug. 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Museum. Regional arts leaders will discuss Hendricks’ artistic legacy and issues related to teaching in the arts and humanities today.
Panelists include Kalia Brooks, Director of Programs and Exhibitions at NXTHVN; Kate Rushin, Distinguished Visiting Poet at Connecticut College; Alexis Boylan, Director of Academic Affairs at UCONN Humanities Institute; and Marvin Espy, a distinguished artist, who lives and works in New London.
The program, in-person and virtual, is free, but attendees need to register in advance. Visit lymanallyn.org to register for the program.
The exhibition, Barkley L. Henricks in New London, presents the work of the internationally-celebrated Hendricks, who is best known for his expressive, large-scale portraits, many from the 1970s, which present a powerful vision of modern Black identity.
Inspired by Old Master portraits and the desire for racial diversity in the artistic canon, the long-time Connecticut College art professor painted portraits of himself and the people around him, including his neighbors, students, family, and strangers he encountered on the street.
Hendricks’ vision and his groundbreaking portraits shifted the course of contemporary art and helped blaze a path for the creative richness of Black portraiture produced today.
“The exhibition considers Hendricks’ work from a regional standpoint, exploring the role of place, community, and teaching over the span of his career in Connecticut,” said Tanya Pohrt, Curator. With 34 works of art in different media, including numerous photographs, our show explores the range and breadth of Hendricks’ artistic production.”
Originally from Philadelphia, Hendricks studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before attending Yale University, where he received a BA / MFA in 1972.
Hendricks then taught studio art at Connecticut College from 1972 until his retirement in 2010, living in New London for the remainder of his life.
“Our goal is to help visitors better understand the artist’s work and legacy by considering how Hendricks’ oeuvre was shaped by geography and community,” said Quigley, who noted that Hendricks was a brilliant and prolific photographer as well as an exceptional painter.
“We are excited that our show includes 10 never-before-seen photographs taken here in New London, which were uncovered and printed since Hendricks’ passing in 2017.”
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum welcomes visitors from New London, southeastern Connecticut and all over the world. Established in 1926 with a gift from Harriet Allyn in memory of her seafaring father, the Museum opened the doors of its beautiful neoclassical building surrounded by 12 acres of green space in 1932.
Today it presents several changing exhibitions each year and houses a fascinating collection of over 18,000 objects from ancient times to the present, including art from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe, with particularly strong collections of American paintings, decorative arts and Victorian toys and doll houses.
The Museum is located at 625 Williams Street, New London, Connecticut, exit 83 off I-95. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays and major holidays.
For more information, call 860.443.2545, ext. 2129 or visit www.lymanallyn.org.
