Mystic Times

The Fifth Annual Animal Rescue Kayak: Fun in the Sun, Paddling and Pedaling for a Cause

2008-07-02T16:36:34Z

“It’s fantastic. This is five years growing,” said Ken Carlson, co-chair of the Friends of the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (FOMA) as he looked around Bluff Point June 21. Each table of T-shirts and raffles was surrounded by visitors and supporters as FOMA held its fifth annual Animal Rescue Kayak (ARK) event in the sun.

“ARK is the event itself,” he explained. “It’s a benefit pedal and paddle to raise money to help the Mystic Aquarium with marine animals, marine mammals, and the sea turtle program.”

FOMA is an all-volunteer group that raises funds to benefit the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding program at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.

“We had the idea of making some type of event that ties the water directly to the fund raising so we figured kayaking is a natural choice,” Carlson said. “It’s been growing every year. There are a lot of people out in the water right now because all courses are out.”

Kayakers chose among four courses and were able to reserve free kayak rentals ahead of time.

“Another big thing is that we have a lot of people from the kayak community involved,” Carlson said. “There are certified instructors on each one of the courses…This year, we added two components: online sponsoring and the bike event.”

Cyclists were able to pick between two routes and non-paddlers had the option this year to Virtual Kayak through FOMA’s Web site.

Carlson said ARK event is one of the organization’s major fund-raisers of the year and since its inception, it has just about doubled its profits each year.

“The potential for this to grow is tremendous,” he added. When asked how much FOMA would like to raise, Carlson said as much as possible.
“It’s expensive to care for the seals, whales, dolphins, and sea turtles,” he said. “This year we hope to break $10,000 and that number can definitely grow in the future.”

Major sponsors were The New London Day, Zip06.com, Coca-Cola, Sunbeam Fleet, The Kayak Centre of Rhode Island, Eastern Mountain Sports, King Cove Outfitters-Marina, Kayak Waveology, and Mystic Cycle Center.

Paddlers and pedalers who brought in the most sponsors were awarded prizes and participants were given long-sleeved T-shirts with a picnic-style lunch. Carlson said participants still have the chance to win an invitation to an exclusive seal watch cruise on the Sunbeam Fleet if they raise more than $200.

For additional information, visit www.mysticaquarium.org.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit institution. The foundation’s mission is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research, and exploration.

Making a Difference Through Yoga: Local resident hosts event in Mystic

2008-07-02T16:34:09Z

To some, yoga reflects a vision of tights, leotards, and awkward positions. But to Elizabeth Johnstone, resident of Stonington and founder of the nonprofit service organization Recovery Yoga, Inc., yoga is more than different postures and focusing on one’s center. Johnstone believes that the use of yoga has the power to re-root negative behavior, regain self-esteem, create an opportunity to reach out to troubled teens, and teach resiliency.

“It’s about getting back up again,” she said.

Johnstone is volunteering her time at the York Correctional Institution in Niantic for six months, directing a pilot program for 24 teens. She and the students she teaches have grown with the experience, Johnstone said. Receiving thank-you notes and letters from her students within the correctional facility, she knows the impact of teaching yoga can fulfill a larger vision.

Recovery Yoga Inc., established in February, will host a special yoga event July 12 at the Dragon’s Egg in Mystic, responding to the “urgent and growing need in [the] area for rehabilitative programs for at-risk women.” The organization, Johnstone said in a recent release, is dedicated to healing and personal empowerment through yoga programs in southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island.

“Recovery Yoga’s mission is to establish, develop, and maintain yoga programs in residential, rehabilitative, and other facilities, primarily for women and teens working to recover from substance, physical, or other abuse, or who are at risk or otherwise in need,” she continued.

Johnstone, an instructor of yoga for two years, said the proceeds of the program are dedicated to bringing yoga to incarcerated girls and women in need. The program will be headed by yoga teacher Shaun English.

“He’s very experienced, enthusiastic, and excited,” Johnstone said.

She said many of their instructors helping the organization’s efforts are experienced independent contractors. Renowned yoga instructor Philip Urso of Rhode Island, she said, has donated 12 high-quality mats, about 40 books containing yoga positions and inspirational quotes and $1,000 toward the efforts of Recovery Yoga, Inc.

“It was just so nice of him,” Johnstone said. “The community has been so supportive…it’s really a grass-roots effort.”

Johnstone’s goal is to raise about $10,000 to contribute to the organization’s larger vision such as establishing residential treatment centers for young women and creating teacher training programs for those who would like to teach yoga in the future. She thanked the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut for helping Recovery Yoga, Inc. to establish a donating fund for locals who feel compelled to contribute to the cause.

For more information, questions, or to make a donation, e-mail Elizjohnstone@sbcglobal.net or visit CFSECT.org.

Get Your Fresh Air Fix: Nature center gears up for summer camp sessions

2008-06-27T21:09:26Z

Local residents joined the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center on June 7 to participate in Trails Day, a program held in conjunction with the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and the American Hiking Society. Jennifer Johnson, director of marketing and communications, said in a recent release that more than 1,000 other organizations across the country issued an open invitation for people to get outside, connect with others in the community, and experience some of the many features that the great outdoors has to offer.

The nature center hosted two free hikes on the High Ledges Hike Trail in North Stonington and on the Stone Bridges Trail located throughout the nature center and Denison and Avalonia land conservancy properties in Mystic.

“Hiking is a wonderful activity for people of all ages and fitness levels,” said Maggie Jones, executive director of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. “Not only does hiking provide good exercise, but by participating in events such as Trails Day, people can connect with nature and learn to better appreciate and understand the importance of protecting habitats for plants and wildlife. In Connecticut, we have many beautiful nature preserves accessible by hiking trails. Spiritually and physically, wildness nurtures our well-being. Trees improve the air quality by providing more oxygen and removing greenhouse gases. They also filter soil and rainwater before they reach waterways and help to prevent erosion. Birds eat insects that would otherwise defoliate our forests. It’s all about connections.”

The nature center is currently seeking scholarship donations for its annual Summer Nature Camp, Johnson noted. She explained that children and young adults in southeastern Connecticut have come to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center’s summer camp programs for more than two decades to spend their time hiking, pond dipping, ocean seining, and meeting animals to learn about the natural world and their place in it.

“This year, interest in the camps remains strong as area families are eager to find ways for their children to connect with the natural world and the great outdoors,” Johnson said. “At the same time, however, scholarship requests for summer camp programs are reaching record highs.

“Between school schedules, extra-curricular activities, video games, and television, children and young adults end up spending much of the year indoors,” Jones stated. “As a society we suffer from ‘nature deficit disorder,’ but programs such as the nature center’s summer camp help youth discover the physical and emotional rewards of reconnecting with nature. This year we have received more camp scholarship applications than before from interested children, and we try our best to help families who are in need. We appeal to all of those in the area to consider donating to our Camp Scholarship Fund to help give area children a nature camp experience that they will never forget. One hundred percent of the money given for scholarships will enable children of need to attend camp, and no donation is too small.”

Donations can be made by calling the nature center at 860-536-1216 or sent directly to DPNC, P.O. Box 122, Mystic, CT 06355.

The nature center is a private, not-for-profit organization, funded entirely by admission fees, memberships, and contributions. With 10 miles of trails, live animals, and a natural history museum, the nature center provides many recreational and instructive opportunities. More information about the DPNC and its programs can be found at www.dpnc.org.

Input Prompts Programs: The Mystic YMCA responds to the community

2008-06-27T21:06:31Z

Membership Director Bambi Poppick recently announced the new summer classes to be offered at the Mystic branch of the Ocean Community YMCA. Poppick said there will be arts and crafts classes for children ages 8 to 12 covering several media.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for children who love to use their hands and imagination,” Poppick said. She added that Intro to Watercolors for children ages 9 to 12 will give participants the chance to get wet and wild while learning how to paint watercolors.

“Color studies, still-life, and landscape will all be covered,” she said. “In the Intro to Sculpture class for ages 9 to 12, children can get their hands dirty while creating a fun and rewarding project…The Painting Skills class for teens and adults will explore fun different approaches to painting by using various techniques guided by a local professional artist. This class is for all levels of artistic abilities,” she noted.

Poppick said many of the Y’s new programs have been developed by Enrichment Director Diana Yalen.

“When it was the Mystic Community Center, [there was] more of a focus on some of these kinds of classes, so we’re excited to have the artists willing to participate,” Poppick said. “We’ve run some other painting classes that were quite popular, so we’re excited. Sometimes it takes a session or two for people to realize we’re doing these types of classes, so we’re hoping with the press releases and the posters around the building, people will know.”

Kayaking for Beginners will start July 1 and run through July 22. It will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m.

“This course covers all of the basics needed to safely and comfortably maneuver on quiet water including: safety, balance, entering and exiting the kayak, forward, reverse, and turning strokes, and self-assisted rescues,” Poppick said in a recent release. “No experience is necessary for this class. Kayaking is a fun, relaxing, low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by all.”

She later added, “We’ve had a kayaking component to our beach camp but never offered a kayaking class. We’re hoping that will go well, too.” The class will take place on Williams Beach behind the center.

In August, the YMCA will begin its College Bound/Back to School Self-Defense Class, which Poppick said is designed for college-bound students.
“Important safety information and a few simple self-defense concepts will be taught,” Poppick stated in a press release. “Learn how to walk on campus with confidence [and] drive safely in a strange city. Learn what an attacker is looking for in a victim and learn the best targets to strike an attacker, and more.”

“It’s going to incorporate martial arts but, again, going over safety information and how to be aware of what’s around you,” Poppick later explained.

Many other new and annual programs are being offered, Poppick said, and the YMCA continues to respond to what activities the community would like try.

“We’re trying to expand our program offerings,” Poppick said. “Some come from suggestion cards or just discussions from members.”

For more information and details, call the Mystic branch of the Ocean Community YMCA at 860-536-3575.

Art in the Evening: Mystic art galleries band together for special series

2008-06-20T17:02:34Z

Local art lovers parked their vehicles downtown June 5 and walked a route connecting six Mystic galleries. It was all part of the Mystic Art in the Evening stroll.

According to Brandy Kolmer, director of development and public relations of the Mystic Arts Center, strolls will be held the first Thursday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. Mystic Art in the Evening is free and open to the public.
Cathie S. Gibson, one of the owners of The Hollow, described Mystic Art in the Evening as a unique shopping experience. With its abundance of artwork by local artists and interesting antiques, Gibson said the stroll was fabulous.

“We had quite a few people in,” she said, adding that her gallery store provided chocolate and beverages. “It was really good and a lot of fun—it was a nice evening and people seemed to manage to get from one store to the other,” she said, noting the participants’ use of their printed maps for the event.

“It went really well,” said Cindy Cobb, manager of the Emporium Gallery. “There was a definite increase in traffic, people really liked it, and we’ve gotten a lot of feedback since...People are already making plans around it for the next one. It was a big hit.”

Frances Harkins Grunwald, owner of Courtyard Gallery, agreed.
“It was really thrilling to go out on the street and see so many people,” she said. “The street was just filled, and as I visited gallery to gallery, every gallery was packed.”

Kolmer said on a night that the MAC is usually closed, Mystic Art in the Evening stroll brought in more than 100 visitors. She is hopeful that traffic will only increase as the summer progresses.

For further information, call 860-536-7601 or visit www.artsinmystic.com.

Stroll Over Here

Courtyard Gallery: Open daily at Factory Square, 12 Water Street (inner courtyard); 860-536-5059 or www.courtyardgallerymystic.com

The Hollow: Open daily at 12 Water Street; 860-572-9704

Mystic Arts Center: Open daily at 9 Water Street; www.mysticarts.org

Emporium Gallery: Open daily at 15 Water Street; 860-536-3891

The Finer Line Gallery: Open daily at 48 W. Main Street; 860-536-8339 or www.finerlinegallery.com

Trade Winds Gallery: Open daily at 42 West Main Street; 860-536-0119 or www.tradewindsgallery.net

Books and their Brethren: Bank Square Books hosts talks with authors

2008-06-20T17:00:34Z

Not only does Bank Square Books in downtown Mystic provide books for bibliophiles, now it will provide authors as well.

Some of the book store’s guest authors of late have included George C. Daughan, author of If By Sea: The Forging of the American Navy-From the Revolution to the War of 1812; Nancy Clark, author of July and August; and Todd McLeish, author of Golden Wings and Hairy Toes, who spoke at the Mystic & Noank Library.

Bank Square Books owner Annie Philbrick announced that Lincoln Chafee, the former Republican U.S. senator, will visit the book store on Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. to talk about his recent memoir, Against the Tide: How a Compliant Congress Empowered a Reckless President.

In Against the Tide, Chafee discusses his role as the lone Republican in the Senate to have voted against the authorization of the use of force in Iraq. He was also the only Republican to vote for the Levin amendment, calling for a non-binding timetable for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

Philbrick noted, “In Against the Tide, Chafee discusses his political roots in Rhode Island, serving first on the city council in Warwick and then as the city’s mayor. When his father, John H. Chafee, passed away in 1999, while finishing up his final term as senator, Chafee was appointed by Governor Lincoln Almond to finish his father’s term. In 2000, he ran for re-election and won a full six-year term of his own to the Senate.”

Other upcoming visiting authors include Padma Venkatraman, author of Climbing the Stairs on June 28 at 3 p.m. and Linda Greenlaw, who penned the mystery Fisherman’s Bend. Greenlaw will speak July 19 at noon.

Copies of Chafee’s book will be available for autographing and sale.

For more information, call the store at 860-536-3795 or visit www.banksquarebooks.com.

A Taste of the Big City: Magnet school students rock the house

2008-06-12T19:06:41Z

Family, friends, and faculty watched as the fourth and fifth grade chorus of the Catherine Kolnaski School performed School House Rock Live! Jr. May 28 and May 29 in the auditorium.

School House Rock Live! Jr. is a part of The Broadway Junior Collection, and all the materials and the special arrangements for kids were authorized and supplied by Musical Theatre International of New York. Between the enthusiastic faces, detailed choreography, and songs, the audience couldn’t stop clapping throughout the performances. Also taking in the shows were students from Kolnaski school’s sister school, Pleasant Valley Elementary School, and about 50 elderly residents from different nursing homes.

Director and producer of the performance and Arts Integration teacher at Catherine Kolnaski Robin Crandall stood proudly near the back of the room among the crowd as she watched the finished product on stage.

“We were really pleased with how the performances went,” she said referring to herself and other teachers that have helped her throughout the process of putting the production together. “For us, this was a bigger performance than usually found at the elementary school level, and there was more rehearsal time invested.”

Casting and rehearsals for the show began in early February. Crandall said the teachers taught the selected fourth- and fifth-grade chorus program students the words, notes, and steps they needed to know for the performance to come together.

“It was interesting, having everything going on at the same time,” she said laughing. “I looked for a show that would allow me to work with a small group of leads and have a dance team that could work separate from the leads. [Schoolhouse Rock Live! Junior] actually fit that bill nicely...The other reason why I chose the show obviously was because it integrates so well with what we do in this building, which is to try to teach regular curriculum through the arts. It was just the perfect mix for us in a number of different ways.”

$250,000 for Amistad Repairs: Governor Rell announces approval

2008-06-12T19:05:16Z

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced recently that $250,000 to make repairs to the Amistad gained approval when the state Bond Commission met May 30.

“Amistad is the largest vessel ever constructed at Mystic Seaport,” Governor Rell said in a recent release. “The ship reminds us of the hardships endured and the sacrifices made by her ancestors, many of whom were captured and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s. The presence of the Amistad in Connecticut is a reminder of one victorious moment for slaves in this country. This is the state where these captives fought for their freedom—and won.”

The Amistad, launched on March 25, 2000, is a replica of the original ship that was commandeered by its African captives in 1839.

“The Amistad is 10 feet longer than the original La Amistad of 1839,” Rell noted in a statement. “The extra length was built into the ship to accommodate an engine room. The new Amistad is a reproduction of a Spanish-owned cargo schooner that became the battleground of the first successful slave revolt in the New World. That incident led to an 1841 Supreme Court decision that not only set those slaves free but also set the stage for the abolition of slavery in the U.S. 22 years later.”

“These funds will help the Mystic Seaport Museum to continue to create a broad, public understanding of the relationship of America and the sea,” state Sen. Andrew Maynard said in a press release. “Mystic Seaport’s shipyard staff coordinated the Amistad’s construction with area volunteers and with students from vocational schools in Connecticut. The state’s help in making these necessary repairs is most welcome.”

Spokesperson of the Mystic Seaport Michael O’Farrell said visitors still, to some level, equate Mystic Seaport and Amistad because the vessel was originally built there.

“We get questions quite a bit,” he admitted.

He said the additional repairs on the Amistad will benefit the Seaport because they apply anytime the vessel is at Mystic Seaport.
“We built it, we’re connected to it, but more importantly, it has an amazing story to tell,” he added. “It adds to the overall offering of Mystic Seaport.”

The repairs will take place in a specialized dock in Mystic Seaport’s Preservation Shipyard that is used to overhaul and retrofit historic wooden sailing ships.

It’s Lobster Days: Seaport hosts annual feast

2008-06-05T18:56:53Z

Local residents and visiting tourists had a taste of fresh seafood Saturday, Sunday, and Monday over the Memorial Day Weekend at the New England Lobster Days picnic-style event along the Mystic River.

Spokesperson for the Mystic Seaport Michael O’Farrell said lobsters were served by Rotary Club members of Mystic as musical entertainment was provided by Finest Kind. Together, the Mystic Seaport and the Rotary Club created a weekend of great-tasting food, entertaining entertainment, and family-fun activities.

O’Farrell said the event was a resounding success.

“Overall our attendance was up about 10 percent over last year…It was our best Memorial Day weekend since 2002 and in terms of lobsters, the Rotary Club sold 50 percent more lobsters this year than they did last year,” O’Farrell noted.

Lobster Days is one of the Rotary Club’s annual fund-raisers, which help the club support non-profit organizations including the Mystic & Noank Library, the Mystic Little League, and the Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut. Cabot Creamery and People’s United Bank sponsored Lobster Days.

“It was a smashing success for them, and, again, all of that revenue goes back into the community…We’re thrilled that we had a good weekend and we’re thrilled that they had a good weekend,” O’Farrell said.

The Devil You Know: Mystic resident writes a book of suspense

2008-05-29T20:28:38Z

“Whoever this killer was, he was smart and kept his emotions in check, no matter how anger boiled underneath. Nick wondered if the killer’s only release was in the grotesque nature of Allun’s murder. But deep down, he was certain that there was more to it than that. The killer positioned the body to send a message to someone; perhaps even to strike back at someone. That led Nick to believe that this may not be an isolated incident. This may not be the last he heard of this killer.”

Mystic resident Timothy Lassiter’s most recently published book, The Devil You Know, continues the story of his first published book, Three Degrees of Separation. In this sequel, Lassiter’s main character, Detective Nicholas Grenier, is back in a new position as lead detective for the New London Police Department, piecing together clues as he faces a new killer.

“After closing his previous case, Grenier is forced to face the fact that both police officer and killer run in his veins,” according to a press release from Lassiter’s publisher AuthorHouse. “He is called upon to help another police department investigate the brutal murder of a local priest. However, when he finds himself investigating another gruesome murder just days later with numerous similarities, he begins to believe the same killer is responsible for both cases. As he follows a path from one dead body to the next, he discovers that to solve this case, he must first put himself in the shoes of the victim and the mind of the killer.”

“The Devil You Know is the sequel in this continuous story about this detective,” Lassiter said. “It takes place here in Connecticut. The police department I use is the New London Police Department and a lot of people like that and I like that.”

Lassiter added that most mystery novels take place in Los Angeles or New York and he wanted to create something a little more local.

“This is just a continuing series about the growth of this detective, as a detective and as a person, as he moves through life.”

Born in Tennessee with a father in the Navy, Lassiter said he moved frequently during his earlier years. He said he likes to say he grew up in Norwich, where his father settled and retired; Lassiter has lived in Mystic for about three years.

“I’ve always liked writing,” he said. “I won this poetry contest in third grade and I won five bucks…I’ve kind of enjoyed writing and reading ever since.”
It was when he was in the Navy for about five years, working in medicine, that he found his niche in writing mysteries.

“When I was in the Navy, a lot of times, the only thing you have time to do is read...so I did a lot of reading, a lot of mystery reading,” Lassiter explained.

When injured and honorably discharged, he told himself he would try writing a novel. Though his first manuscript didn’t go anywhere, Lassiter said he knew the experience would help prepare him for future manuscripts he would write and get published.

He describes The Devil You Know as suspenseful, full of action, and mysterious. Though he enjoyed writing Three Degrees of Separation, giving the character and the story an introduction, he admitted that it was in The Devil You Know where he wanted to start.

“It’s in his career,” Lassiter explained, referring to Grenier. “It kind of shows his struggles as a detective and a human being…I’m currently writing the third ‘Grenier’ book. Then I’m going to move on…There’s a person in the first book and another person in the second book who will then branch off and have their own series.”

Still in the field of medicine as a nurse and in school to become a physician’s assistant, Lassiter hopes to make writing his second job.

“I’m definitely going to stay in the medical field, but I would love for [writing] to be my second job…It’s sort of a hobby because it’s very cathartic for me,” he continued. “I can just come home and write...It completes everything for me.”

In reference to both books—which took about a year to write and six months to edit—Lassiter said he’s the first to tell people that he’s not looking to write the next great American novel and continues to encourage people to pick up a book to create their own world.

“You don’t need to watch a screen to tell it’s a certain actor who plays the part,” he said. “You make your own person in your head and you can read and get days’ worth of good, imaginative carefree fun.”

Lassiter hopes people find the book “a good read,” and the first advice he would give to any writer would be not to quit.

“Don’t do that,” he stated. “Just do it because you never know who’s going to like it, and even the public doesn’t know if they’re going to like it…Everyone has a story to tell, at least one, if not more. I love hearing people saying they want to write….give it a try…write about what you know.”

The Devil You Know is now available online at about every major book store, such as Bordersstores.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com, and at local stores like Bank Square Books.

For more information, contact Timothy Lassiter via e-mail at timlass@comcast.net or visit www.lassiterbooks.com.

A New Truck in Town: Noank Volunteer Fire Company purchases new fire truck

2008-05-29T20:26:12Z

After taking bids from several different manufacturers, Chief Engineer Eric Knobloch announced in April the Noank Volunteer Fire Company’s decision to purchase a shiny, red fire engine pumper from Pierce Manufacturing Inc., located in Appleton, Wis.

“They’re one of the oldest fire truck manufacturers around,” he said. He added that the fire truck replaced their previous fire truck that was more than 25 years old, now sporting a “For Sale” sign.

“They become hard to get parts for after 25 years,” he commented.
With a price tag of $439,000, Knobloch said the new fire truck is phenomenal.

“It has a lot of innovations for reduced manpower,” he said. “A lot of volunteer fire departments are having a problem getting enough staffing and we tried to build that into the new fire engine.”

What’s been really useful, he said, is the new fire truck’s ladder rack. He said normally firemen would have to get the ladder off the top of the fire truck, which can be a major operation. With the new truck, firemen need only to unlock the ladder and press a button for the ladder to come down to regular height.

“You don’t need three or four firemen to get a ladder off,” he explained. “Hydraulically it comes right down to the same height so two guys can take the ladder away.”

The truck, he continued, also has a Master Stream built on top of the fire engine.

“Once we hook up to a fire hydrant….a guy will actually have a remote control and he can control where the water goes, up or down, side to side,” Knobloch said. “For safety reasons, you don’t have to put a person on top of [the fire truck] and second of all, the same person can walk around and actually control where the water goes with the remote control.” He said they’re still waiting for the remote control nozzle to be shipped in but they use the laddering device all the time.

Knobloch said the truck also features a unique heavy-duty suspension that provides efficient braking and makes the truck stop faster than most. He added that if the truck were to hit something or get in an accident, it has a frontal airbag system that would deploy, the driver’s seat would lower to a safe position, and the seat belt tightens.

With many other new and useful innovations, Fire Chief David Steel and Knobloch agreed that the truck was a positive addition to the volunteer fire department.

“He loves to drive it,” Knobloch said laughing as he looked over to firefighter and driver James Dole.

Taking Your Look to the Next Level: Mystic resident launches trunk show

2008-05-22T16:31:13Z

A great outfit complementing your best features tends to make the day go a bit better—but as the fashion trends change with the weather, it can be difficult to find ‘your look.’ Who couldn’t benefit from some advice?

Personal shopping consultant of her own business, Mary Treadway Traditions, and consultant for clothing line Carlisle Collection headquartered in New York, Mary Treadway of Mystic said she pays close attention to design, quality, and workmanship. Recently taking on the responsibility of producing a trunk show of Carlisle garments in Westerly, R.I., Treadway said she finds being a shopping consultant very satisfying.

“My job and my purpose and my commitment is to give one-on-one personal service,” she explained. “It’s very hard to find in a department store these days.”

Priding herself on really caring, listening, and helping fulfill the needs of her clients, she said she works together with her customers to find the right colors, fabrics, and style.

“If they want my opinion on style, I’ll steer them in the direction that I think is most flattering to them.”

Treadway said she’s always been in the retail business. She didn’t work with the Carlisle Collection in the past but was familiar with the line and knew what it was about. Treadway moved to the area about five years ago and said several people talked to her about becoming involved with the Carlisle Collection. This year is her first to help launch the line for the new season.

“[Representatives of the Carlisle Collection] certainly are very professional and the company is very solid so I decided it was something I wanted to be involved with,” she added. “I’m having a very good response…and the reason I wanted to open with the spring/summer collection is because it’s exciting after a long winter. Everybody is ready for that new, brighter, happier look.”

The trunk show was open May 8 through 15, allowing area residents to try on the different samples by appointment.

“They can touch it, they can see what the fabric is about, they can see the workmanship which happens to be outstanding and have one-on-one personal service in a quiet atmosphere,” she explained.

Treadway said she’s able to tell the customer the estimated time of arrival right when an order is placed. The clothing is shipped to Treadway first for inspection.

“I call [the customer] on the phone and set a time when I can actually hand-deliver the items to them,” she continued. “One step further is if they need an alteration and they don’t know where to go to, I can go with them to get the alterations done.”

Another service offered is advice on accessorizing. A great fitting outfit with the additional accents of the right accessories can escalate a look to another level.

“We have some accessories, some jewelry, and some belts,” Treadway said, referring to the Carlisle clothing line. “But if they need shoes or something, I’m happy to go shopping with them and steer them in that direction as well. It’s more like having a personal shopper.”

Treadway added the Carlisle Collection offers a large variety of complementary silk scarves and a diverse collection of jackets.

“Whether it is a crop jacket or a longer jacket, there’s a jacket for every body type and for ages 18 up to 90…They have quite a variety designed and they are all flattering,” she said.

Transcending through age and styles of life, the Carlisle Collection, Treadway said can complement any woman in need of a new look.

“I get a lot of satisfaction helping a woman who’s not quite sure what direction to go,” Treadway added. “Maybe she’s feeling insecure. Maybe she lost some weight, maybe she gained some weight or maybe she hasn’t been well…Women want to feel good about themselves. So there’s a bigger picture. It’s about really helping them along to feel good and it’s very satisfying to me in that aspect of it. Plus, it’s the personal service. They really appreciate it.”

For further information, visit www.carlislecollection.com or contact Mary Treadway at 860-536-9502 or via e-mail at MVTread@sbcglobal.net

A New Face: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center hires new marketing director

2008-05-22T16:28:27Z

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center has hired Jennifer Johnson of Mystic as its new director of marketing and communications. Moving to Connecticut from Michigan last June due to her husband’s job transfer, she said her family has really enjoyed the area.

“We think southeastern Connecticut has a lot to offer, and we think that it’s absolutely beautiful here,” Johnson said. “I’m very excited to be here. My family and I enjoy spending a lot of time outside. We love going for walks and we love hiking. I am an avid runner and my husband is a big kayaker so we like spending time outside and it fits in nicely with the values that we hold in terms of what we like doing with our spare time. Being residents of Mystic and living here has been a very nice fit overall and for many aspects in our lives.”

Johnson began her new position at the nature center May 5. She will be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of all marketing strategies and communications to further the mission of the DPNC, which is to inspire and nurture appreciation of the natural world and foster a personal environmental ethic.

She added that she’s a seasoned marketing professional with nearly 15 years of marketing, communications, business development, and public relations experience, working for private and public companies as well as for nonprofit organizations.

Johnson laughed when asked if the snakes, birds, and other animals found in the nature center were going to make her uneasy. She noted that she feels perfectly fine within the center’s environment.

After a week at the job, she said she’s looking at everything that has been done at the center within her position to see where there might be room for future growth and opportunities.

“Within any organization, there’s always room for growth and there’s always opportunities,” she said.

She added that the center has a very strong history, a broad base of community support, and has been doing a fantastic job in the area.

The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is located in Mystic and was established in 1946. Through natural history exhibits, educational classes, and outreach programs, the DPNC seeks to educate visitors of all ages about the unique interrelationships of animals, plants, and non-renewable resources. DPNC and its adjacent properties comprise more than 300 acres of preserved woodlands, wetland, and hiking trails.

More information about the DPNC and its programs can be found at www.dpnc.org. For further information, call 860-536-1216.

Donate Your Bike or Take a Ride: Mystic biking group searches for donations

2008-05-14T16:30:41Z

The wind is blowing through your hair, and you’re not sure how fast you’re really going—and some tricksters might try it without any hands! Riding a bike down a hill can be pretty exciting, but when it comes to riding around town, for some of us, it can be a challenge.

Tim Evers, president of the Mystic Community Bikes, Inc., encourages everyone to grab the handlebars of a bike as the organization tries to expand the availability of bikes throughout town. Evers calls Mystic Community Bikes a “bike sharing program” that could help reduce the traffic during the summer, encourage people to ride bikes, get people out in the sun and exercising, and thereby make Mystic a greener place. Organizers hope to collect as many bikes as possible for this summer, with a goal of 30 to start.

Evers said the organization would like to set up locations where people can pay a $10 deposit to be given a lock, helmet, and bike. The borrowers would then receive their deposit back once everything is returned.

Initiated in November 2007, Evers said the organization has a board of about 10 directors. At first, he said they wanted to hold meetings every three months, but after realizing the amount of work they had to do and the amount of decisions that needed to be made, they decided to meet monthly.

Aside from the need for bikes, Evers said monetary donations would also be helpful for converting the bikes into single-speeds, painting them, and refurbishing them to make them ride-ready.

“I think it’s important to know that these are adult bikes,” he added. “If youngsters under the age of 18 want to ride, they have to have it cleared by their parents.”

He said five locations are considering becoming distribution centers for them, naming the Mystic Depot Welcoming Center, the Noank Shipyard, the Seaport Marine, Parisian Pomme Fries Cafe, and the Mystic YMCA.

The biking organization, Evers said, has also teamed up with many representatives of local organizations, such as Tricia Cunningham from the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Tim Babcock of the Mystic YMCA, representatives from the Mystic Seaport, and Maggie Jones of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.

Evers said more people riding bikes is not just a Mystic issue but a national one. Aside from getting away from gas-guzzling cars, Evers said bike-riding is great exercise.

“I think it’s getting outside and getting to enjoy the outside air,” he said. “It all ties into cleaning the environment as well.”

Evers began biking when he was around 15 years old, and as he grew up he began to do long distance rides with a friend, developing a routine to ride two or three times a week because he found it enjoyable.

He said he loves to be outside, to exercise, and that it can be especially fun to talk to someone along the way.

Thus far, Evers has received a great deal of positive feedback in favor of Mystic Community Bikes. The Mystic biking organization plans on putting the bikes out in time for Memorial Day weekend.

“I would like to see the 30 bikes that we’ll have being used fully, not just on weekends but on week days as well,” Evers said. He added that he would like to see residents as well as tourists enjoy the bikes.

“But I think in the long run, I hope it’s not just this summer but we’re hoping to build up a clientele and an interest in riding and downtown Mystic will be safer,” Evers stated.

For more information, contact the Greater Mystic of Commerce at 860-536-9578.

Beavers Hereby ‘Baffled’: Securing the flow of water and saving local beavers

2008-05-14T16:26:01Z

As water began to overflow onto the trails in Pequot Woods Park in Mystic it became clear beavers were to blame.

The dam they had created clogged the flow of water, raised the water level, and eventually flooded the trails. The town’s first solution, according to Field Director of Urban Wildlife and Sanctuaries Program of the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) Laura Simons, was to trap and kill the beavers, which she explained doesn’t work. She called the dam in the park “gorgeous beaver habitat” and added if beavers were trapped, more beavers would come to take their place.

With the help of the Groton Parks and Recreation Department and the HSUS, the beavers were saved on Wednesday morning, May 7 as Urban Wildlife Program Coordinator Sean Guinan, beaver expert of about 25 years Skip Hilliker, and his grandson Jake Turner installed a “Beaver Impeder,” an innovative beaver-baffling device, in the dam.

As Guinan used a potato fork to make room for the device, Simon explained that the dam needed water-flow in order for it not to overflow.

“So now we’re working with the beavers,” she said, adding that pipes were being carefully installed through the dam and done on the sly while the beavers slept in the morning. She said with the pipe, the beavers won’t feel the suction of water or hear it, and after the installation is complete the beavers will “fix” the dam, which inevitably secures the pipes where they should be.

Eleven-year-old Turner watched intently and was the runner for the necessary tools and materials. He said he’s fully up to the task of saving all animals and was pleased that the beavers were being saved.

Simon said HSUS deals with any wildlife problem, whether it’s a skunk under the deck or a raccoon in the chimney.

Spokesperson Rodi Rosensweig stated that the HSUS Wild Neighbors Program promotes nonlethal means for resolving conflicts between people and wildlife and cultivates understanding and appreciation for wild animals commonly found in cities and towns.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, backed by 10.5 million Americans. For more than a half-century, the HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs.