Category Archives: Old Saybrook

Lyme Resident Opens ‘The Curry Queen’ Indian Restaurant in Old Saybrook, Celebrity Chef Jacques Pepin Joins Celebrations

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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.

A delicious dish from the current menu. Photo from The Curry Queen website.

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 what her 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.”

Editor’s Notes: i) For further information about The Curry Queen, visit their website, call 860-510-9803 or email info@thecurryqueen-os.com

ii) Visit this link to read a related article published by the Connecticut Small Business Development Center titled, ‘Curry Queen Success Story.‘

Kinship, Respite Grants Available to Help Guardians Pay for Rent, Summer Camp and Other Expenses

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LYME/OLD SAYBROOK — With so many Connecticut families feeling the financial pain of inflation, Saybrook District Probate Judge Jeannine Lewis reminds guardians caring for children that they may be eligible for thousands of dollars in grants to help with housing, food and transportation, as well as summer camp and other enrichment activities.  

The Saybrook District Probate Court serves the town of Lyme along with the eight additional towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.

A guardianship case typically comes before the Saybrook District Probate Court when parents are unable to care for their children due to addiction, mental illness, incarceration or other circumstances. In most cases, Probate Courts appoint a grandparent or other relative to care for the children. In some cases, courts will appoint a close family friend who has a long-standing relationship with the child, as children tend to experience the most benefits when they are placed with adults they already know and trust. 

Appointing kinship guardians also saves Connecticut an estimated $72 million a year by keeping thousands of children out of foster care. However, unlike foster parents, Probate Court-appointed guardians receive no financial support for taking on this incredibly important – and often unexpected – responsibility. 

For more than a decade, local Probate Courts have annually awarded $2 million in grants from the state Kinship Fund and Respite Fund to guardians of children who meet low-income guidelines. 

The Kinship Fund awards grants of up to $550 a child — or up to $2,200 a family – a year to help pay for necessities such as eyeglasses and clothing, or for enrichment activities such as summer camp, art supplies or creative books. 

The second available fund, the Respite Fund, helps guardians with the cost of child care, rent, transportation and food. Respite Fund grants are capped at $2,200 a year.

“Many families are struggling,” said Judge Lewis, “with an increasing number of news stories talking about how some families are choosing between rent and food. These two grants can help guardians in meeting essential needs, as well as helping to ensure that extras like summer camp aren’t impossible. We’re so pleased this money exists to help guardians and the children in their care.”

Guardians can apply for both funds, though a separate application for each is required. Amounts awarded to local residents are determined by the Saybrook District Probate Court.  

Applications can be found at ctprobate.gov under the Children’s Matters tab, or by contacting the Saybrook District Probate Court at (860) 510-5028. 

Death Announced of Clare M. Rayder, Wife of Lyme-Old Lyme HS Teacher Bill Rayder

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OLD SAYBROOK — Clare M. Rayder, 61, of Oyster Point Rd., died Tuesday June 27, 2023 with her family by her side.

Mrs. Rayder is survived by her husband William and daughters Julia, Meghan and Brigid Rayder.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 10:00am in St. John Church in Old Saybrook.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023 from 4:00 until 6:00pm in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Ln., Old Lyme, CT …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published by Hartford Courant on Jun. 30, 2023.

Lyme-Old Lyme, Old Saybrook Chambers Celebrate Successful Merger at ‘Bridging Businesses’ Event

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Around 50 people turned out to celebrate the merger of the Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce with the Old Saybrook Chamber. All photos by S.uzanneThompson.

OLD LYME — On Wednesday evening, a well-attended ‘Bridging Businesses’ reception was held at Essex Savings Bank & Sotheby’s International Realty on Halls Rd. in Old Lyme to celebrate the official merger of the Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce (LOLCC) with the Old Saybrook Chamber.

Transition Team member Jean Wilczynski (left) welcomed guests to the event, Tammi Flynn and Emily Clark from the Florence Griswold Museum stand at right.

After 90 years operating as an independent Chamber, the LOLCC is joining forces with the Old Saybrook Chamber. to create new, regional networking opportunities for local businesses.

Old Saybrook Chamber Executive Director Judy Sullivan (second from left) stands with Essex Savings Bank & Sotheby’s International Realty hosts (from left to right) Tammy Tinnerello, Heather Gagnon and Laurie Walker.

Although the all-volunteer Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber is officially disbanding, its longstanding college scholarship program for Lyme-Old Lyme residents will continue with funds transferred to the professionally-staffed Old Saybrook Chamber.

State Rep Devin Carney (R-23rd — center) was one of the many politicians to address the guests.

The Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce Transition Committee, comprised Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold, outgoing President of the LOL Chamber Richard Shriver, and LOL Chamber Board members Suzanne Thompson, Laurie Walker and Jean Wilczynski.

The chairs of the ‘Bridging Businesses’ event were OL Economic Development Commission Chair Cheryl Poirier and LOL Chamber Board member Laurie Walker.

The event was supported by numerous local restaurants and eateries including Hadlyme Country Market, The Hangry Goose, the Old Lyme Inn, Papi’s (Mexican), Long Table Local, The Hideaway, Teddy’s Old Lyme Pizza, The Chocolate Shell, Kokomo’s, the Old Lyme Country Club, The Stumble Inne, Coffee’s Country Market and Subway. Both Chambers are indebted to these businesses for their generosity.

State Senator Norm Needleman (right) offered words of support to the new, expanded organization.
From left to right, Old Lyme EDC member John Stratton, David Kelsey, Lyme First Selectman David Lahm and Frank Pappalardo listened as State Senator Martha Marx (right) addressed the audience.
Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold drew applause during his remarks.
It was clearly a cheerful occasion with much to celebrate.
Joining the festivities were (from left to right) Rich Shriver, Russ Gomes, George Ryan and Charlie DeLinks.

State Rep. Carney Takes Oath, Named to New Leadership Role

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State Rep. Devin Carney was sworn in Jan. 4 to serve his fifth term representing the 23rd General Assembly District, which includes the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme .

HARTFORD/LYME/OLD LYME – On Wednesday, Jan. 4, State Representative Devin Carney (R) took the oath-of-office for his fifth full term representing the 23rd General Assembly District, which includes the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme along with Old Saybrook and Westbrook.

For the 2023-2024 legislative session, Rep. Carney has been named to a new leadership role as one of two House Republican Policy Chairman by House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora.

“It is truly an honor to be named the House Republican Policy Co-Chair alongside my colleague State Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-61),” said Rep. Carney. 

He continued, “As policy co-chair, I will be able to lead the development of our caucus proposals for the current legislative session. My main priorities will be transportation, tax policy, education, mental health treatment, addiction services, and improving our criminal justice system.”

Additionally, Rep. Carney will remain on the Transportation Committee, having served as a member for the past eight years including four as the Ranking Member.

He will also continue to serve on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee as the Ranking Member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee. Rep. Carney will also serve a second term on the Education Committee and on the House Republican Screening Committee.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the Transportation, Education, Finance, and Screening Committees and as the Ranking Member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee,” said Rep. Carney. “With all the federal dollars coming for our infrastructure, I look forward to ensuring we are prioritizing our highways and bridges that are most in need.”

Wednesday’s ceremony kicked off the start of the legislature’s “long session” which runs from Jan. 4 through June 7. Connecticut’s legislature is part-time, with regular sessions held from January to June in odd-numbered years, and from February to May in even-numbered years.

The “long session” is used to establish a state budget and introduce bills of a general nature. In the even-year “short session” the legislature can only consider bills directly related to the state budget, revenue, and financial matters, as well as committee bills or resolutions, and those matters certified to be of an emergency nature.

Representative Carney can be reached at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov, or by calling (860) 240-8700.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Rep. Carney’s office.