Category Archives: Old Saybrook

Death Announced of Kristen Jude (Gerthoffer) Woodmansee, 54, President of Old Lyme-based OHS Sleep Center Partners Since 2007

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OLD SAYBROOK/OLD LYME — Kristen Jude (Gerthoffer) Woodmansee, 54, of Old Saybrook, passed away on August 16th after a 3 year battle with cancer. Kristen was born September 11, 1965 in Syracuse, NY, the youngest child of Bernard and Suzanne Gerthoffer. Kristen graduated from Bishop Grimes High School in Syracuse in 1983 …

Kristen worked as the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Old Lyme-based OHS Companies, including serving as President of OHS Sleep Center Partners LLC since 2007 …

Following her cancer diagnosis, her friend and employer Jack Spratt endowed a scholarship in Kristen’s honor in association with the oldest sailing educational program in the country (through the Mystic Seaport and aboard the schooner Brilliant). Fittingly, it was named “KRIS” for Kristen’s traits of Kindness, Respect, Integrity and Sincerity …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published Aug. 20 on Courant.com.

 

‘Black Lives Matter’ Peaceful Protest, March to be Held This Afternoon in Old Saybrook

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OLD SAYBROOK — A peaceful protest and march for Black Lives Matter is will be held Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Town Green at 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook.

Those intending to participate in the event are asked to wear a mask as the community continues to be vigilant about protecting citizens from the spread of COVID-19.

A press release from Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Jr. and published on the Town of Old Saybrook website states: “This much is clear: Discrimination of any sort, racism in any fashion and/or police brutality have no place in the Old Saybrook Community, or anywhere else. I, for one, will always do my best to promote a culture of equality and justice for all in our town.”

Peaceful Protest Held in Old Saybrook Showed Solidarity Against Police Brutality on African-Americans

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Gathered in front the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, several hundred people listened to several speakers.  All photos by Alex Kratzert.

OLD SAYBROOK — Several hundred people of all ages from the local area, including Lyme and Old Lyme, turned out yesterday evening in Old Saybrook to hold a vigil.

State Senator Norman Needleman (D-33rd) addresses the crowd from the steps of ‘the Kate.’

According to a press release from the Town of Old Saybrook, the focus of the vigil was, “To standing for justice and show solidarity with citizens from all over the country as they protest police brutality on our fellow African-American citizens.”

One man’s powerful message.

Speakers at the event included State Senator Norman Needleman (D-33rd), Paul Formica (R-20th), State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., Maryam Elahi, President of the Community Foundation of Southeast Connecticut, and the Rev. Dr. Steve Jungkeit of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

Reverend Dr. Steve Jungkeit (top right, wearing hat)) of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme speaks to participants at the event.

The group marched up and down Main Street and also gathered for remarks outside the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Center for the Arts, known as “the Kate.”

Marching for a cause.

Almost all participants wore masks and social distancing was encouraged.

Signs were held high as the protesters crossed Main Street in Old Saybrook.

A second event is planned this coming Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Town Green at 302 Main Street when a peaceful protest and march for Black Lives Matter is planned.

The words on the placards spelled out the intent of the event.

State Rep. Devin Carney Endorsed for Another Term in 23rd District

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State Rep. Devin Carney has been endorsed by local Republicans for another term in the 23rd District, which includes both Lyme and Old Lyme.

LYME/OLD LYME — (press release from Devin Carney) On Tuesday, May 19, Republican delegates from Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook unanimously endorsed State Representative Devin Carney for a fourth term as representative for the 23rd District.

The delegates held a convention by web conference to endorse Carney, making his campaign for another two-year term as State Representative official. Delegates gave remarks on State Representative Carney’s dedicated and effective record of public service as well as being a knowledgeable and accessible legislator for the four communities.

“Representing the 23rd District – the place where my family lives, where I was raised, where I went to school, where I work and volunteer – has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” said Carney.  “I am proud to be your voice in Hartford to advocate for fiscal responsibility, small business growth, our wonderful public schools, and our precious shoreline coast. We are facing an uncertain future and need experienced leaders who put people over politics – something I have always done.”

Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education Member, Dr. Mary Powell-St. Louis, nominated Carney.“Devin has done a wonderful job representing people here in the 23rd District. He listens, cares, and is a real voice of reason”, said Powell-St. Louis. “As a Region 18 parent and Board of Education member, I was particularly pleased with how hard he worked against state forced expanded school regionalization last year.”

Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna seconded Carney’s nomination.

“It has been a pleasure working with Devin over the past several years. He has been a strong advocate for small towns and small businesses and has worked diligently to ensure our needs are met,” Fortuna said. “His knowledge of state and local issues, active community outreach, and his legislative experience are exactly what we need as the state works through the COVID-19 crisis and its aftermath.”

Judy Tooker, Old Lyme’s Tax Collector, added, “Devin understands the unique needs of our community members, from healthcare and transportation to employment and jobs, and he will focus on the district – not partisan politics. We need his strong voice in Hartford now more than ever.”

In addition to receiving the Republican nomination on Tuesday, Carney reported that he had raised the necessary contributions to qualify for the state’s Citizens’ Clean Election Program.

Carney, who works in finance and real estate, was first elected to the legislature in 2014. He was born and raised in Old Saybrook and lives in Old Lyme with his significant other, Lisa. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee and serves on the legislative committees overseeing Transportation, Planning & Development, and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding. He was named a 2019 Environmental Champion by the League of Conservation Voters for his work supporting renewable energy and received the Legislative Service Award from the Connecticut Counseling Association for his work on mental health issues and opioid addiction.

In district, he serves on the Boards of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Saye Brook Senior Housing. He is also an active member of the Old Saybrook Rotary Club, both the Lyme-Old Lyme and Old Saybrook Chambers of Commerce, and with Grace Church in Old Saybrook. In addition to his duties as State Representative, he serves as an alternate to the Old Lyme Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

Human Rights Attorney Dave Rubino Nominated to Challenge Carney for 23rd House District Seat

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Dave Rubin is the endorsed candidate nominated by local Democrats to contest the 23rd District seat.

OLD LYME — (Press release from Rubino 2020) On Monday night, the 23rd House District Democratic Convention in the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook nominated Dave Rubino to challenge State Representative Devin Carney for the 23rd District House Seat. Rubino has spent most of his career promoting American democratic values abroad, and his campaign says his skill set will be invaluable in these difficult times.

“Rebuilding and preserving our economy and regional treasures will require real leadership, creative ideas and an understanding of what the stakes are,” said Old Lyme Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal. “Dave is a successful small-business owner and lawyer. His wife is a teacher. He is navigating the distance-learning of two young children. He has decades of practical, real-world experience overcoming adversity, with positive outcomes that bring people together.”

Rubino’s campaign will focus on addressing the repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis while planning a future that keeps the area attractive to businesses and supports working families. He advocates for a minimum wage that can provide for a family, an overhaul of our toxic student debt system, a functioning and affordable public healthcare system, and environmental policies that reflect a realistic understanding of the risks and challenges we face.

But these solutions, he says, will require true collaboration across the aisle.

“We can’t function with this level of polarization,” said Rubino.  “Although I am a progressive Democrat, all of my international work has been bipartisan in nature – supported by funding from the Bush administration, then the Obama administration, and finally by the Trump administration. I have helped draft laws for various countries on issues of national and international import. I know how to bring people to the table when it counts.”

According to campaign manager Anna Reiter, “Dave believes in an inclusive democracy and an equitable economy. But first and foremost he’s a professional who knows how to get things done with integrity and leadership. He will stand up for our values. That’s what we need right now.”

“I’m proud to stand with someone whose values I believe in,” said former Secretary of the State Miles Rapoport. “I have known Dave for years, and I’ve watched his work with great admiration.  Dave has litigated national voting rights cases, fought against government corruption, supported the rights of women, and been effective on every issue he has worked on. He is just the kind of person we need in the Connecticut legislature in these challenging times.”

Rubino will be funding his campaign via public financing through Connecticut’s Clean Elections Program. People wishing to support his campaign can  donate or volunteer at www.rubino2020.com.