Category Archives: Old Saybrook

Brett Elliott Appointed New Executive Director at ‘The Kate’

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Brett Elliott

Brett Elliott

On Thursday, the Board of Directors of the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (“The Kate”) announced the appointment of Brett Elliott as Executive Director.

Elliott served as ‘The Kate’s’ Interim Director since founding Executive Director Chuck Still announced his departure in December.

Sonny Whelen, President of the Board of Trustees, stated, “We couldn’t be happier having Brett join us as our next Executive Director.  In his position as interim director, Brett has shown us that he has all of the skills and leadership qualities to bring the Kate forward as we continue to expand our role in the community.  This is a very exciting time for all of us”.

Starting in 2012, Elliott spent two years in Chicago where he received his MFA in Arts Leadership from DePaul University, a joint program with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.  Elliott produced several projects for Chicago Shakespeare including the world premiere of “Since I Suppose”, a technology driven, live interactive performance developed by Australia’s one step at a time like this. Elliott also spent a brief period in the finance and operations department at Broadway in Chicago.

Elliott is no stranger to Eastern Connecticut or the Kate.  He worked at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center from 2009-2012.   He then found his way to ‘The Kate’ through lighting and production work.

Holding a BA in Theater from Saginaw Valley State University, Elliott is a proud product of the Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival, an organization, which gave him his start.

“After six years, there is no doubt about the quality, quantity, and variety of entertainment at ‘The Kate’; it truly is a cultural gem on the shoreline,” Elliott stated.  “I am very proud to not only be back at ‘The Kate,’ but to lead this organization at such a vibrant and exciting time.  I look forward to getting to know those in the community, as well as the thousands of patrons that come to the Kate each year,” Elliott concluded.

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, ‘The Kate,’ is a non-profit performing arts organization located in the historic theatre/town hall on Main Street in Old Saybrook. Originally opened in 1911 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ‘The Kate’ has been renovated with public funds from the town of Old Saybrook and donations raised by the Trustees of the Center.

It includes a 250-seat theatre and a small museum honoring Katharine Hepburn, Old Saybrook’s most celebrated resident. As befits an organization born of such a public/private partnership, programming is eclectic, offering something for all ages and income levels on the Connecticut shore and in the lower river valley.

‘Buy A Wheel’ Campaign Celebrates Senior Nutrition Month

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MOW Wheel

March is Senior Nutrition Month. Meals On Wheels “Wheels” are on sale at local businesses throughout the nine-town Estuary region including: Adam’s Hometown Market, Apple Rehab, Bliss Gourmet, Cordial Shoppe, IGA-Colonial Market, Luigi’s Restaurant, Parthenon Diner, Penny Lane Pub, Seaside Wine & Spirits, Shore Discount Liquor, Stann’s Package Store, Walt’s Food Market, The Wine Cask.

Support the home delivery program of hot nutritious meals to homebound Seniors along the shoreline – buy a “wheel” for $1 and provide a meal.

The Estuary Council of Seniors is a regional non-profit senior center located in Old Saybrook. They are the sole provider of Meals-On-Wheels for the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Killingworth, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. Last year, the Estuary delivered over 50,000 nutritious meals to homebound seniors who could no longer prepare a meal for themselves.

The meals are partially funded by Senior Resources Agency on Aging through a Title IIIC grant from the Older Americans Act. The Estuary Council of Seniors asks for a $3 per meal donation from the recipients but the average donation is $1.28. Many seniors simply cannot afford to donate the full $3. The remainder is paid for by individual donations, other grants, annual donations from the municipalities they serve, and fund raising activities like the “Buy A Wheel” campaign.

If you, or anyone you know aged 60-years-old or better, needs Meals On Wheels, call Carol Adanti at 860-388-1611 for details.

Saint John School Hosts Open House, Jan 25

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school_pixOLD SAYBROOK – Saint John School will host an Open House for students in Pre-K (ages 3-5) through Grade 8 on Sunday, Jan. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 42 Maynard Road in Old Saybrook. The school principal, teachers, parents, and students will be available to provide tours and answer questions about preschool, elementary, and middle school.

The Open House follows the opening Mass of the annual Catholic Schools Week at 9:15 a.m. the same day at Saint John Church, 161 Main Street. Catholic Schools Week celebrates the tradition of “Faith, Knowledge and Service” of students, families, teachers and staff, parishioners and alumni. Special events and recognitions continue through Jan. 31.

The school is now accepting admissions registrations for the 2015-2016 school year. Personal tours, registration, and classroom visits are also available by appointment. For more information, call 860-388-0849, email principal@saintjohnschoolos.org or visit our website www.saintjohnschoolOS.org.

Saint John School is fully accredited with certified teachers, and is known for individual student growth, building self-discipline, and confidence. A comprehensive 6th to 8th grade Middle School program prepares students to excel in high school and beyond. Full day Pre-K (ages 3-5) and Kindergarten is offered, including structured academics and creative play.

The school environment includes a modern facility, close-knit family atmosphere, and adherence to Christian values, which promotes, “educating the whole child.”

Local Lawmakers Meet With Old Saybrook Chamber 

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Gathering for a photo at the legislative forum are, from left to right, Angus McDonald of Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe & Associates; Leigh-Bette Maynard of Liberty Bank; Kristen Roberts of Comcast; Leland McKenna of Middlesex Hospital Primary Care; Kenneth Gribbon of Saybrook Point Inn & Spa; Lori Woll of the Octagon @ Mystic Marriott; Judy Sullivan – Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Linda Brophy of Edward Jones and Suzie Beckman – Executive Director of the Old Saybrook Economic Development Commission.

Gathering for a photo at the legislative forum are, from left to right, Angus McDonald of Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe & Associates; Leigh-Bette Maynard of Liberty Bank; Kristen Roberts of Comcast; Leland McKenna of Middlesex Hospital Primary Care; Kenneth Gribbon of Saybrook Point Inn & Spa; Lori Woll of the Octagon @ Mystic Marriott; Judy Sullivan – Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Linda Brophy of Edward Jones and Suzie Beckman – Executive Director of the Old Saybrook Economic Development Commission.

State Sen. Art Linares (R-33) and State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23) on Jan. 15 met with the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues facing the state legislature and their efforts to improve the state’s business climate.

“This type of discussion and transparency amongst elected officials and constituents is essential,” Rep. Carney said. “We have to understand the concerns held by the people of our towns, along with the input from the business community, and be their voice in the Capitol.”

“We can make Connecticut a Top 20 state for business,” Sen. Linares said. “To get there, we must pass policies which reduce tax and regulatory burdens on businesses. We must pass pro-growth policies which unlock our potential as a state, address our weaknesses, and capitalize on our strengths. We need to listen to what Connecticut businesses here in Old Saybrook and across the state are telling us.”

Attendees at the legislative forum discussed a variety of issues, including state taxes, funding for transportation infrastructure, and the need to eliminate burdensome unfunded state mandates.

Connecticut River Gateway Commission Donates $5,000 To “The Preserve” Fund

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Connecticut River Gateway Commission Chairman Melvin Woody presents a $5,000 contribution to The Preserve Fund to Kate Brown (center), Trust for Public Land Project Manager for “The Preserve” acquisition. On the far left is Commission Vice Chair Nancy Fischbach, and on the right are Commission Secretary Madge Fish & Treasurer Margaret (“Peggy”) Wilson.

Connecticut River Gateway Commission Chairman Melvin Woody presents a $5,000 contribution to The Preserve Fund to Kate Brown (center), Trust for Public Land Project Manager for “The Preserve” acquisition. On the far left is Commission Vice Chair Nancy Fischbach, and on the right are Commission Secretary Madge Fish & Treasurer Margaret (“Peggy”) Wilson.

The Connecticut River Gateway Commission has contributed $5,000 to the Trust for Public Land Campaign to Preserve the 1,000 Acre Forest. 

The donation will help ensure that the parcel known as The Preserve in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and Essex will be permanently protected as forestland and wildlife habitat.

The Gateway Commission was established in 1973 to administer the Connecticut River Gateway Conservation Zone.  Eight towns in the lower Connecticut Valley including Lyme and Old Lyme along with Chester, Deep River, East Haddam, Essex, Haddam and Old Saybrook joined together in a compact to create the Conservation Zone in order to protect the scenic, historic and environmental resources of the lower Connecticut River.

Although not within the Conservation Zone, The Preserve lies within the lower Connecticut River watershed.  It is the last thousand–acre coastal forest between New York and Boston and includes the headwaters of streams that flow into the Connecticut.

The Commission believes that its protection is important to the ecological health of the watershed and the river.

According to Gateway Commission Chairman Melvin Woody “The Gateway Commission is gratified to join in this vital preservation project.”

For more information about the Connecticut River Gateway Commission, visit  www.ctrivergateway.org or contact J. H. Torrance Downes at (860) 581-8554, or email him at tdownes@rivercog.org.