Category Archives: Old Saybrook

‘The Estuary’ Invites Holiday Shoppers to Buy Local at Holiday Craft Fair, Nov. 22

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The Estuary’s Holiday Craft Sale promises to be a festive introduction to the season much like last year’s event, pictured here.

OLD SAYBROOK–The Estuary invites shoppers to get a jump start on the gift-giving season at its Annual Holiday Craft Fair, Nov. 22.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Estuary, 200 Main St., Old Saybrook.

The craft fair promises over 30 artisans and vendors displaying their hand-crafted items – plus a visit from Santa Claus.

The group in a press release advised shoppers to have a camera on hand when Santa and one of his elves makes an appearance from 11 a.m. to noon “to visit with young and old.”

Baked goods as well as breakfast sandwiches, home fries, coffee and tea will be available for purchase.

The Estuary provides programs and services for adults 50 and older from Lyme and Old Lyme, as well as Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.

‘No Kings’ Demonstrations Planned Across Region, Nation Saturday—Including Old Saybrook, Niantic

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OLD SAYBROOK–More nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations will be held locally on Saturday, including one in Old Saybrook.

The Old Saybrook event will take place at the Town Hall from 10 to 11 a.m. 

A Niantic ‘pop-up’ event was added late yesterday. It will be held on the Town Green from 3 to 5 p.m.

The “No Kings” theme was organized by the 50501 Movement, according to the Associated Press. The grassroots national group has spearheaded numerous protests this year against what they describe as the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

“No Kings” organizers across the country have said nonviolent action is a core principle of the movement since the first “Nationwide Day of Defiance” in June to counter a military parade scheduled the same day by President Donald J. Trump’s birthday.

“Now, President Trump has doubled down,” organizers said on their website. “His administration is sending masked agents into our streets, terrorizing our communities. They are targeting immigrant families, profiling, arresting and detaining people without warrants. Threatening to overtake elections. Gutting healthcare, environmental protections, and education when families need them most. Rigging maps to silence voters. Ignoring mass shootings at our schools and in our communities. Driving up the cost of living while handing out massive giveaways to billionaire allies, as families struggle.” 

Several other rallies are planned nearby, including:

New London: Parade Plaza, State Street and S. Water Street, 10 a.m. to noon. 

Norwich: City Hall, 11 a.m. to noon; Norwichtown Green, 2 to 4 p.m.

More information, including additional locations for Saturday’s protest, can be found at www.nokings.org.

‘Delivering Hope’ Fundraiser Raises $35,000 for Meals on Wheels

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OLD SAYBROOK–The Estuary’s Delivering Hope fundraiser earlier this month raised $35,000 in support of Meals on Wheels and its mission to nourish and connect homebound seniors.

The organization in a press release said a highlight of the Sept. 6 event was a live auction led by professional auctioneer Mike Nuzzo that generated over $17,000. Attendees not only bid on auction items, but also raised their paddles to pledge money for specific needs within the organization. 

Guests also had the opportunity to hear testimonials from local Meals on Wheels recipients and their families highlighting the importance of this program.

The Estuary credited event sponsors including platinum sponsors Essex Savings Bank and Gladeview Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. 

Heather Milardo, Director of Development for The Estuary, expressed gratitude for the “outpouring of support” from the community. 

“From our sponsors and auction donors to each guest who bought a ticket, raised their paddle, or placed a bid—thank you for helping us deliver more than just meals. You’re delivering hope,” she said. 

Proceeds from Delivering Hope will directly support the delivery of meals, wellness checks, and caring connections to older adults across the region.

For more information or to support Meals on Wheels, visit www.yourestuary.org.

LYSB Helps Bring Suicide Prevention to Baldwin Bridge; Launch Event Planned on Old Lyme Side of Bridge, Sept. 19

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OLD LYME–Two local groups with a focus on children and families have partnered to help save lives on the Baldwin Bridge. 

The Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) and Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services (OSYFS) in a press release this week announced the installation of suicide prevention and mental health resource signs on both sides of the bridge. 

Organizers said the project was motivated by the actions of Connecticut State Police Sgt. Ashley Harkins and Sgt. Matthew Belz in December 2023. That’s when the troopers responded to the bridge to help a woman who had climbed from the pedestrian sidewalk over the metal safety fencing and was precariously seated on a 5-inch ledge, according to state police. 

Harkins and Belz were successful in convincing the individual to come back over the railing to safety.

The signs offer resources to those who need support, including a QR code to take people directly to a website that can help them in the moment. 

OSYFS Director Heather McNeil, who is a mental health professional, said it’s important to have support within reach when people feel the most distressed and vulnerable. 

“The thought of taking one’s life can sometimes be an impulsive decision, and if we can interrupt that thought process with information about how to get help, it may save a life,” McNeil said. 

The project was introduced to LYSB Director Mary Seidner, who was instrumental in moving this forward. 

“We reached out to OSYFS, met with SERAC (Southeastern Regional Action Council), learned the steps of how to receive permission to install signage through the DOT, and things began to fall into place,” she said. “Our goal is simple but vital: to create a prevention resource where people can clearly follow steps to seek help.” 

The campaign includes community events, training programs, support networks, and partnerships with mental health professionals to ensure no one faces their struggles alone.

McNeil identified connection as the primary prevention tool.  

“Suicide is preventable, and with the right tools, education, and compassion, we can make a meaningful difference,” she said. 

A public launch event will be held Friday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. on the Old Lyme side of the Baldwin Bridge sidewalk approach, featuring guest speakers and mental health resource booths. The public is encouraged to attend.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text “HELLO” to 741741 for free, confidential support at any time.

The Estuary Hosts ‘Delivering Hope’ Event Sept.6, Benefits ‘Meals on Wheels’

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OLD SAYBROOK–On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Estuary will host ‘Delivering Hope: a Party with Purpose‘—an evening of dinner, drinks and dancing to benefit its Meals on Wheels program.

The fundraiser will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Estuary, 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook. Tickets are available at this link..

The organization in a press release said the ‘Delivering Hope’ event aims to bring the community together to tackle food insecurity among seniors and ensure access to nutritious meals. 

Funds raised through ticket sales, a silent auction, and donations will directly support meal preparation and delivery services. 

The Estuary provides nutrition, transportation, social services, activities, and fitness programs to residents in Chester, Clinton, Essex, Deep River, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.

For more information about the Estuary, visit this link.