Stonington Times

Neighbors or Predators? A closer look at the controversial coyote

Interactive Desk — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:37:25 GMT

By Russ Morey
Times Staff Writer

Anyone who commonly wakes in the early morning or is outside late at night has certainly heard the telltale yips and sharp barks of the eastern coyote, perhaps Connecticut’s most controversial animal. In recent years there has been much attention given to the fact that this animal poses a threat to small pets, and some residents even worry about attacks on humans.

These concerns, along with a number of myths, have created a pervasively negative view of one of the most interesting and impressive animals in our ecosystem. To truly understand this elusive canine, one must understand how they came to be Connecticut’s top predator.

With the colonization of New England in the 1600s came the eradication of its two top predators: the red wolf and the mountain lion. In addition, much of the woodlands was cleared for farmland, leaving little habitat for a major predator. Yet sometime around the early 1900s the western coyote began expanding its range, eventually making its way to the eastern states. Paul Rego, wildlife biologist with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, explained.

“Documentation of the [western coyote’s] range expansion does exist,” Rego said, “and that has occurred over a lot of North America actually, not just in our area. It’s believed that their range expanded into Connecticut sometime around the 1950s. There are a couple theories that have some merit as to why the coyote has expanded its range into Connecticut and elsewhere; one is the elimination of the mountain lion throughout much of its historic range, allowing this new predator to proliferate. The other thought is that forest re-growth that occurred over a wide area, especially here in Connecticut, allowed prey animals to increase, such as deer, so it made this area a better habitat for a coyote.”

Put simply, the presence of the eastern coyote in Connecticut is largely, and perhaps completely, a result of the changes humans have made on the northeastern environment. Yet simply understanding why they are here does not answer the numerous questions relating to the dangers they pose and whether their numbers continue to grow given the increased number of sightings. Rego acknowledged that eastern coyotes are certainly a threat to small pets, but believes eastern coyote numbers to be relatively stable.

“I think from a human conflict perspective, they definitely do attack pets and livestock,” Rego said. “They’re one of the animals out there that always has that potential. Whether that occurs at a tolerable level or not is certainly a value judgment. Other than that, there are people out there who worry about them attacking humans…but the probability of that is quite low. For us to detect an increase [in population], it would have to be pretty dramatic at this point. I wouldn’t say that there has been a dramatic increase or decrease in reports of coyotes to suggest any change in their population. And also, they’ve been here for so long and they have such a high reproductive rate that I believe they had spread over the state quite a while ago and kind of filled the available habitat [then].”

Contrary to the concern that the eastern coyote population has or will eventually become out of hand, the data collected shows the opposite, with Rego estimating that the number of eastern coyotes living in Connecticut is somewhere in the low thousands—4,000 at most. And while this is a rough figure, eastern coyote expert Jonathan Way agreed.

“I’d say that estimate is very accurate,” Way said. “We know that as a general rule of thumb, there is never more than one coyote per square mile…What I’m most amazed by is their movement patterns. It’s just incredible how much and how far they move, to the effect that a family of three or four adults can really be seen in fairly dramatically different areas in a developed area. And those three or four animals in a typical family unit can honestly be seen by many people as multiple or even dozens of coyotes. Their movement patterns alone can be deceiving. You see tracks here and you see tracks three miles away—the average person doesn’t think it’s the same animals and my research has found repeatedly that very easily it can be the same animals.”

Way, who received his M.S. from the University of Connecticut at Storrs and his Ph.D. from Boston College, recently published the book Suburban Howls and is considered by many to be one of the leading researchers of the eastern coyote. He is the head researcher of the eastern coyote ecology project, Eastern Coyote Research (ECR) and once studied the coyotes for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe. Having researched the animal for many years, both in its natural habitat and in captivity, and having actually raised a group of eastern coyote pups himself, it is Way’s hope that people will eventually understand all the misconceptions and come to appreciate the eastern coyote for the remarkable animal that it is. And the first myth that Way has disproved is that the eastern coyote is not actually a coyote.

“What probably happened is around the turn of the century, late 1800s, early 1900s, western coyotes were migrating east and small, remnant numbers of wolves were either present in the northern states along the Canadian border, or in Canada itself where they still exist today,” Way explained. “It seems that those two animals hybridized and became a very good, viable species, bigger than western coyotes and obviously smaller than the wolves that were here before. And as this group started breeding true, they began colonizing from the north to the south. So this animal began just naturally colonizing back to where it used to be, except now it is more of a hybrid than a true wolf. This animal is literally a new species, partly because of our making. I’m working with a geneticist, Brad White, at Trent University, and the genetics tell us for sure that this animal is a coyote-wolf hybrid. In fact we’re in the process of changing their species name to call them coywolves as opposed to coyotes to properly reflect what they are.”

The coywolf, as Way calls it, is essentially Mother Nature’s way of providing a solution to an imbalance, in this case, interbreeding wolves and coyotes to reintroduce a top predator into an area in need of one. With the renowned adaptability of the coyote, the coywolf has done a remarkable job of reclaiming previously lost territories. Way explained that the reintroduction of a top predator into the Northeast has had positive effects on the overall ecosystem as well.

“I think what a lot of people—especially those who regulate the animals, like the fish and game department—haven’t done is really value these, as well as other predators, as part of the food chain and trophic dynamics,” Way said. “Quite a few studies have shown that without animals like coyotes or coywolves around, either here or out west, you have a dramatic change in ecosystem structure where all of the sudden you have lots of smaller predators, called meso-predators like skunks, foxes, and raccoons, and those meso-predators can have more of a collective influence on birds, certainly song birds, and maybe even shore birds, than coyotes and larger predators.”

In addition, Way pointed out that the coywolf also helps to keep deer populations down to some degree, and as time goes on, might even adapt to form somewhat larger family units capable of bringing down larger adult deer more proficiently. Way also acknowledged that small pets and livestock are at risk of attack in many areas where coywolves and people coincide, but he emphasized that there are a number of measures one can take to prevent such an occurrence. Cats and small dogs, for instance, should not be let out unattended late at night and should be fed indoors, and dogs should never be tied up in an unfenced yard. Way pointed out that coyotes are just one of many ways a small pet could be hurt or killed if left outside alone. And as far as being a danger to humans, Way compared the 4.7 million dog bites per year with the three or four documented coywolf bites in Massachusetts history.

Overall, it seems the story of the coywolf is that of so many other species of animal trying to exist in a world of constant human encroachment. While occasionally crossing paths seems inevitable, the bottom line is that not only does the coywolf have every right to exist in Connecticut, but it also fills a vital role in the ecosystem that was missing for many years.

“I think that overall ecological perspective now leads us into where research needs to go…trophic dynamics, because not only are these animals here to stay, but it’s also completely natural to have them here,” Way said. “Even though we didn’t have a large predator around here for quite some time, they are very similar to the red wolves that used to live in New England. Research is finally showing the importance of predators throughout ecosystems. I don’t think society has caught on because we only look at our small world of losing our cats, which is unfortunate, but these animals have many positive roles that we are beginning to uncover, whether it’s keeping meso-predators down or preying on deer, they are here to stay and are an important part of our ecosystem.

“To me it’s sad that many states’ fish and game industries cater so much to hunters and also don’t appreciate the full value of this animal,” Way continued. “Most states, in one way or another, allow basically an unlimited slaughter of these animals which is just appalling when you consider that what we’ve found in our work is that they are amazingly social, family-oriented animals. And to me it’s really pretty much a wildlife crime for how they’re treated.”

For further information or to support Eastern Coyote Research, please visit www.easterncoyoteresearch.com.

No Lazy Summer: Stonington Harbor Yacht Club hosts variety of programs

Russ Morey — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:58:25 GMT

With thousands of tourists coming to stroll along its quaint streets every year, the Stonington Borough is always a busy place during the summer months. Whether there to visit the historic houses and buildings, admire the boats that make up the last operating fishing fleet in Connecticut, or just browse through the shops and restaurants along Water Street, the constant influx of visitors gives the village a tangible buzz.

Yet even compared with the most visited locations, perhaps the busiest spot in town is the ever-expanding Stonington Harbor Yacht Club (SHYC). The club hasn’t built a huge addition, but it has continued to increase the already impressive list of programs and events it offers, and the summer of 2008 has been its busiest yet.

Beginning in mid-June, SHYC kicked off its sixth year of sailing instruction led by SHYC Sailing Foundation President Bob Fountain and Vice President of Operations Tucker Bragdon. The foundation, with a mission to “provide the highest quality sailing instruction and educational programs to all ages of our members and the community—around key themes of Seamanship, Sportsmanship, Safety, and Fun,” is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and offers a variety of programs for adults and children.

Adult classes are offered Monday through Saturday throughout June, July, and August, and are split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced/racing levels. Perhaps their most successful adult program, however, is “Sailing on Demand.”

Fountain said, “People can set their own time to come down and get out on the water. We have six instructors, so while each day is different they’re always able to split the classes according to skill level. We’ve gotten excellent feedback about the program because people really like the fact that it truly caters to everyone’s individual schedule.”

While the adult program is one of the best offered in the area, the junior program has perhaps met with even more success. Run by head instructor Bill Furgueson, the junior program offers standard sailing instruction in the mornings Monday through Friday, as well as advanced and racing instruction in the afternoons. And as Bragdon pointed out, participants don’t simply learn to sail, they learn every aspect there is to sailing: the art of rigging, sailing, docking, and taking care of a sailboat—something Fountain said has given many kids a passion for the sport.

“We’ve found a lot of the kids are really taking off and badgering their parents to catch up,” Fountain said, chuckling. “You know we always say it’s never too late to learn to sail.”

The program also sponsors a junior racing team that participates in the Stonington Dinghy Club’s Wednesday night racing series, ECSA Team Racing events, and ECSA junior sailing regattas at local yacht clubs. And, unlike many other yacht-club-affiliated sailing foundations, participants don’t have to be actual members of SHYC; in fact 40 percent of the parents with currently enrolled children aren’t members. And because of its nonprofit status, the foundation has been able to offer assistance to many families who might not have been able to take part in the program without it. Due to this and the program’s growing reputation, enrollment in 2008 is the highest it’s ever been with more than 160 children and teens involved in a 25-percent increase over last year.

“We’re overwhelmed with the response we got this year,” Fountain explained. “This is truly a community program as evidenced by the fact that we maxed our junior programs out; we had to go out and buy more boats just to accommodate the number of kids who signed up. But we’ve never turned a kid away, and we never will. We had to hire more staff and we’re still looking for more chaperones, but it’s all worth it. The program has just become immensely successful.”

Due to the growing numbers of participants, Fountain and Bragdon decided to form a Junior Yacht Club complete with a Junior Board of Governors, leasing the nearby “Mohegan-Garbo” building (with plans to purchase) where renovations are scheduled to be finished by Aug. 15, including the installation of a new floating dock. Holding a number of meetings with the Junior Board of Governors to assess what they felt the club house should include, Bragdon was impressed with the response.

“They were responsible for making many of the decisions which shaped what this building would look like and provide,” Bragdon explained. “We were pretty impressed when it came back that they opted for no TV. They wanted a foosball table and table tennis and things like that, but no TV. They really wanted this to be an active place.”

In addition to all the programs already offered and all the growth and success they’ve had, the sailing foundation also decided for the first time to offer a junior marine biology program. Taking advantage of two marine biologists on the SHYC staff, Mike Smith and Mistral Dodson, the program was scheduled to run at staggering times with the junior sailing programs, allowing children to do both. Offering eight week-long sessions beginning at the end of June, the program was met with such enthusiasm that all sessions were filled within a week and a lengthy waiting list created.

While clearly offering much-appreciated programs that teach local children to respect and enjoy our coastal waters, Bragdon also sees another benefit coming from the junior programs.

“Between the sailing program and the marine biology program, I think we’re really helping people get an appreciation for what a special area we have,” Bragdon said. “I feel sorry for people who grow up here and don’t realize what we have and move away looking for something better. This really is an amazing place.”

Aside from their sailing and marine biology programs, SHYC is also the site of the La Grua community center, which is currently under construction. Once finished, the center will be available free of charge for meetings and events for nonprofit groups and will be available for a fee for all other groups.

Organizations like the Stonington Historical Society, Stonington Village Improvement Association, and Stonington Garden Club have already expressed interest. And while the center was originally scheduled to open in October, the date has been voluntarily pushed up to early September by the hired contractors because of another important event SHYC is hosting—the Special Olympics Fall Sailing Festival.

Home to this event for the second straight year, SHYC will host hundreds of Special Olympics athletes and partners on Sept. 13 and 14. The two-day affair will see participants leave from the SHYC docks and make their way through a course laid out in the Stonington Harbor. And while the event is only a little over a month away, SHYC member and media adviser Mike Leahy said partners and volunteers are still needed.

“We’re still looking to recruit more partners for the Special Olympics Sailing Competition,” Leahy said. “Anyone who is in their teens or older and wants to volunteer will certainly be welcomed.”

The two-day event, which culminates in an after-party, will mark the end of one of the busiest summers SHYC has ever experienced. Yet with expanded adult and junior sailing programs, a racing team, a marine biology program, two newly renovated buildings, and the solidified host of Connecticut’s Special Olympics sailing, the summer of 2009 could be every bit as busy.

For more information or to volunteer for the Special Olympics, call SHYC at 535-0112.

Fancy Fish: Local artist shows his fish prints at Artists Cooperative Gallery

Russ Morey — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:55:07 GMT

Anyone visiting the Artists Cooperative Gallery in Westerly, R.I., during the month of August might come away with an increased appetite now that the walls are lined with dozens of prints of all kinds of fresh and saltwater fish.

Formally called gyotaku (ghee-oh-tah-koo), the prints are the work of North Stonington artist and fisherman Jack Brown, whose exhibition officially opened Aug. 6.

Gyotaku, which originated in Japan and translates as “fish rubbing,” is the 200-year-old art of making prints of fish. Commonly practiced among Japanese fishermen to document the “trophy fish” they catch, the prints are made by carefully applying sumi-e ink to a cleaned and prepared fish. With the fish ready, rice paper is then cut to size. Using a rubbing tool and their hands, the artist very slowly and deliberately presses the fish against the entire inked surface, creating an amazingly life-like image of the fish.

“The action is careful and deliberate, paying close attention to the fish’s contour, fins, and most importantly the details of the head,” Brown explained. “It’s very, very trying. First of all we are happy to even get one rubbing that looks nice. After that we try for a second and third and try to get our way up to six pretty good rubbings.”

Brown continued, “Every one of the fins has to be propped up, every one of the fins has to be held open, it has to be blotted and the mouth has to be open. Every fish goes to the inking table for each rubbing attempt and then over to the rubbing table, and you have to secure paper and make sure it doesn’t get smudged...It really is a time-consuming process.”

Brown first learned this art form while he was living in Japan and he has continued to perfect his techniques over the past 25 years. He estimates that he has made rubbings and prints of more than 50 species of fresh and saltwater fish. Yet even given his experience and avid fishing skills, Brown said there are still plenty of fish he’s never printed that he’d love to—two he’s currently seeking are the ladyfish and the triggerfish.

Brown also explained that while he has caught many of his specimens, he isn’t shy about asking for help from the local fishermen down at the Stonington docks, where he goes to acquire most of his saltwater and offshore fish.

Brown’s collection, known as the “Kecheneny Fish Print Collection,” has been shown in many fishing shows and competitions in New England, and even hangs on the walls of local restaurants such as Jamms and Go Fish in Mystic.

For anyone wondering what happens to all these fish, Brown promises that none of them ever go to waste and usually find their way into his frying pan after they’ve been printed. In fact, even the small inedible fish find a purpose.

“A lot of times I will get fish that are not edible like shad, and fish like that, but all those fish I don’t throw out,” Brown said. “I put them in the freezer and I give them to a friend of mine who has some lobster pots and he goes out and he uses them for lobster bait; every now and then I come home and there’s a cooler sitting there in front of my garage and there are lobsters in it.”

For more information or to order prints, visit Brown’s Web site at www.kechenenyfishprints.com or visit the Artists Cooperative Gallery in Westerly Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shakespeare in the Summer: Outdoor theater ‘As You Like It’

Russ Morey — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:31:49 GMT

In mid-July, crowds numbering in the hundreds started gathering in Westerly’s historic Wilcox Park to witness The Colonial Theater’s 2008 Shakespeare Festival offering of As You Like It, which runs until Aug. 3.

The play, which was thought to have been written by William Shakespeare in 1599 or 1600, is one of the playwright’s lightest comedies, if not a bit melancholy—both reasons why Colonial Theater founder and Producing Artistic Director Harland Meltzer selected the play for this year’s festival.

“I felt it was time for a comedy,” Meltzer said. “We’ve done the tragedies before, and I thought it would be good to put on something funny for the audience.”

Starting off on a tumultuous note, As You Like It takes place in France right after Duke Senior is overthrown and banished from his duchy by his younger brother, Duke Frederick. Both dukes are played by longtime Colonial Theater performer Ed Franklin, who is reprising the roles he played in 1993.

Duke Senior flees to the nearby Forest of Arden, where he and a small but loyal group of his noble court reside in a tiny and secluded rural village.
Meanwhile, Rosalind (Alysia Reiner), Duke Senior’s daughter, has been allowed to remain at court because she is the cousin, and, more important, the best friend of Duke Frederick’s daughter, Celia (Purva Bedi). Reiner’s credits include various off-Broadway productions as well as television spots, including The Sopranos, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: CI, The Drew Carey Show, and The Practice. She won a SAG award for her role as Christine in the Oscar-award-winning 2004 movie Sideways.

Bedi has been seen on stage in the Merchant of Venice, East is East, and Rise of Dorothy Hale, and on television shows including House, Boston Legal, Alias, and West Wing. She had a starring role in the acclaimed 2001 movie, American Desi.

Back at court, Rosalind becomes smitten with Orlando (Enrique Bravo, whose credits include roles in Romeo in Romeo and Juliet; Captain Walker in Tommy; and Lee in True West), the youngest brother of the De Boys family, after he wins a wrestling contest in which he was the clear-cut underdog. Orlando, upon seeing Rosalind, is stricken with love but is forced to flee into hiding to escape the wrath of his eldest brother, Oliver (played by Charles Anthony whose credits include theatrical performances of Romeo and Juliet, The Three Musketeers, and Philadelphia, as well as film and TV roles in Friends, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, The Sopranos, Dante’s Peak, The Wedding Singer, and Blade).

Orlando, along with his loyal servant, Adam—played by 10-time Colonial Theater Shakespeare Festival performer Bucky Walsh—escape to the Forest of Arden where, after wandering, happen upon Duke Senior and his men, who gladly take them in, as Orlando’s father was a close friend of the Duke’s.

Duke Ferdinand, annoyed with the public’s sympathy for Rosalind, banishes her as well, not knowing that such an action will also cause his daughter to flee. Together, Rosalind and Celia concoct a comical scheme to escape into the forest, with Rosalind dressing as a man and calling herself Ganymede, and Celia dressing down to look the part of a country girl. The two, along with the court clown, Touchstone (played by Bob Colonn), venture into the forest and soon come into contact with Duke Senior, Orlando, and the others while maintaining their disguises.

Rosalind, still swooning for Orlando, promises to “cure” him of his love sickness by allowing him to “pour out” his love for her to Ganymede, all the while hedging over whether she wants to find out if Orlando is truly in love.

Meanwhile, Oliver, having met on hard times, is also cast out by Duke Ferdinand. While resting under a tree in the forest, he is nearly killed by a lioness, only to be saved by Orlando, the brother he tormented.

Other characters in the Forest of Arden, such as the obsessively melancholy Jacques (played by David Birney, whose credits include starring Broadway roles in Amadeus, Man and Superman, and Benefactors, as well as television roles in St. Elsewhere, Bridget Loves Bernie, and Serpico), constantly attest to the confusing nature of love. Now reconciled with his brother, Oliver soon falls for Celia, while Rosalind—as Ganymede—has attracted the admiration of a village girl.

The twisting plot comes to a merry conclusion with a four-couple wedding, and Duke Frederick returning the duchy to Duke Senior after he decides to lead a monastic life.

Meltzer, who has directed Shakespeare in the Park since its inception in Westerly in 1991, said the challenges of directing such a twisting plot, along with Shakespearean language, are many. Perhaps most critical is keeping the intention of the play intact while allowing the play to be accessible to the audience.

“It’s always a challenge to tell the story clearly but still put your own stamp on it,” Meltzer explained. “That’s part of the challenge, but another challenging aspect to As You Like It in particular, is that it’s a play with intricate language…A lot of the jokes and topics of reference were much funnier 400 years ago. So being able to evoke the humor from events or people that the audience may or may not be aware of can certainly be a challenge.”

For Reiner, who is making her debut with the Colonial Theater, working with Meltzer has been a rewarding experience.

“Harland kept on saying to us that this is a comedy,” Reiner explained. “He kept saying, ‘This is one of Shakespeare’s comedies, not one of his tragedies,’ and he’s kept it very, very light, instead of going into the drama of all the relationships and the much darker aspects of the play. I didn’t know how he would approach this until I got here, and I love that he’s chosen to really go for the fun of it and the comedy of it and the accessibility of it, the joy of love and the confusion of love and really focusing on that.”

Playing the central role in the play—who not only keeps all the characters tied together but also who makes the quadruple wedding happen at the end—Reiner said she has reveled in the opportunity to play such a fun, yet diverse and unique character.

“What’s delicious about playing Rosalind is that you get to be a guy,” Reiner said, laughing. “What I really love about her is that she makes her guy so smart and such a clown at the same time. He’s incredibly charming and incredibly funny...when you think about the time in which the play was written, it’s a fascinating feminist statement because she’s able to express herself in ways she probably always dreamed of and now has the freedom to do. So it’s incredibly liberating for the character to be able to do that, and as an actress I try and reflect that with an almost clown-like nature…I think we all have a part of ourselves that wish we could be somebody else and go play. And I think that’s really appealing to the crowd to watch someone be able to play that fantasy out on-stage.”

Aside from her own role, Reiner expressed how impressed she was, not only with the level of talent gathered for the performance, but also how professionally and thoroughly everything came together in such a relatively short period of time.

“I think everyone is so spectacular. I’m flabbergasted by how professional everyone is,” Reiner said. “It is a two-week rehearsal period, which is totally insane for Shakespeare, but everyone totally stepped up and it’s such a joy to play with everyone on stage…and I’m blessed because a dear friend of mine is playing Celia, which is always such a joy.”

Exposure to Shakespeare is truly at the heart of why Meltzer started this free production and continues to stage it year after year. And, while more critical than most, Meltzer admitted that thus far, judging from the audience’s reaction, As You Like It has been another success.

“The audience seems to be reacting very positively,” Meltzer said. “There’s a thing about theater that it’s only happening that once. Every night, every performance is different so the audience really gets to share something with the performers that you don’t get with TV or at the movies. This play tells a wonderful and fun story, and I believe it’s a real edifying way to spend an evening.”

Reiner agreed.

“I think truly, it’s entertainment for the whole family,” she said. “It’s incredibly fun and truly the most accessible Shakespeare I’ve ever been involved with or seen. I think Harland has done a great job with making it all understandable and enjoyable.”

Performances of As You Like It continue at Wilcox Park in Westerly until Aug. 3,Tuesday through Sunday, at 8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 401-596-7909 or visit www.thecolonialtheater.org,

CUSH Begins Water Testing Program in July

Russ Morey — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:27:28 GMT

Since its inception just over a year and a half ago, Clean Up Stonington Harbor (CUSH), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has continually set its sights on the most pressing environmental issues facing our area. Whether it be improving boaters’ environmental awareness, working with town governments to achieve improved water quality, or alerting landowners to the benefits of “harbor friendly” lawns, CUSH has certainly accomplished much in its short existence.

Now a mere five months from its second birthday, CUSH and its supporters have begun their much anticipated water testing program, one of the most critical steps in accomplishing their ultimate goal of restoring Stonington Harbor to pristine condition.

Leading the effort is Claire Gavin, a retired toxicologist who began plans for the testing this past January. After organizing a Water Testing Advisory Committee and analyzing data on what was already being tested for and where, Gavin then helped determine what additionally needed to be tested and the areas of concern.

In addition, Gavin pored over town reports concerning septic fields along the coastline, catch basins, harbor-edge lawns, storm drain outfalls and drainage areas, and other possible sources of pollution to compile as accurate a picture of Stonington Harbor pollution as possible. And as CUSH founder and President Gracelyn Guyol will attest, Gavin didn’t miss a thing.
“Oh yes, she kayaked around the harbor looking at pipes spewing liquids, just to be sure she hadn’t missed something,” Guyol said.

Gavin then began to enlist volunteers including Ann, Charlie, Mallie and Jane Buffum, Don Charbonnier, Steven and Spencer Dodd, Jeffrey and Rose Dolph, Stephanie Hayes-Houlihan, Neil Mackillop, Charles Miller and Cynthia Lichtenstein, Jon Mitchell, Anthony Morales, Sue Palmer, and Tom Sanford to be trained by the University of Rhode Island Watershed Watch to gather samples and complete lab analysis. Testing began in early July and will continue through October. It will help to compile reliable scientific data to help better understand exactly what is going into our coastal waters and how it is affecting the ecosystem.

“For example, a single storm water pipe emptying into Stonington Harbor under Dodson’s Boatyard collects ‘stuff’ from multiple sources, the vast majority of them outside the boatyard itself,” Gavin explained. “Most of the water flowing through this pipe comes from the tidal wetland adjacent to the Stonington Community Center, which in turn receives storm water runoff from 55 acres including steep lawns, parking lots, the public works garage, a gas station, the Alpha Avenue overpass, and the railroad. Other areas feeding runoff into this pipe include lawns and roofs of Main Street and Trumbull-Cutler Avenue neighborhoods, with a contribution from construction at the site of the old lumberyard, itself a likely source of arsenic, copper, and creosote from storage of pressure-treated lumber. Years of impeded flow in the underground drainage system that feeds this pipe, from causes only recently understood, have led to stagnation, sedimentation, and depleted oxygen, turning its contents into a noxious stew. After a year of getting necessary permits and budgeting funds, the town finished cleaning out all the sluggish drains within this system in June.”

With testing underway and plans to continue testing over the course of multiple seasons in order to build a reliable and consistent picture of the state of our coastal waters, CUSH has begun to lay the groundwork for the realization of their ultimate plan, something Guyol and CUSH’s supporters are very excited about.

“We are very pleased to be embarking on this important activity in our second year thanks to the efforts of Claire and these volunteers,” Guyol said emphatically.

For more information or to learn how to help, visit www.cushinc.org.

In Memory of Those Lost at Sea: Annual Blessing of the Fleet is a time for remembrance

Russ Morey — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:15:53 GMT

On Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 the Stonington Fishermen’s Dock will be home to the 54th annual Blessing of the Fleet. A celebration which has been a summertime hallmark of the town for decades, the “blessing,” as it is warmly referenced in Stonington, is well-known for its Saturday evening events, which include live music and dancing. But what many outside of the community don’t realize is that the blessing is so much more. Blessing of the Fleet Chairman Arthur Medeiros explained.

“For me it’s all about the memory of all the sea fishermen and asking for protection for the next year,” Medeiros said. “This is our 54th annual blessing; it started in 1954. Saturday night is really a celebration. We have food and music and dancing, and that’s all really to pay for Sunday; that’s why we have Saturday night, it’s like a reunion. Then Sunday is much more serious. It starts off with a 10:30 Mass and then we have the parade and the blessing. But it’s all in memory of all the sea fishermen—and we have 37 names on that plaque down there—who died at sea, and that’s 37 too many. That’s what the blessing is all about—it’s about Sunday.”

Originally inspired by similar festivals held for other eastern fishing fleets, the blessing is a celebration of the Stonington fishing fleet, the last fishing fleet in the state of Connecticut. For the fishermen and their families and friends, it is a time for remembrance, religion, rejoicing, and hope, with a memorial at the dock which honors those who were lost at sea. The fleet is blessed to ensure safe voyages and successful harvests, keeping alive the proud tradition of the Stonington fishermen. And as Medeiros attested, organizing and putting on such a festival takes more work than most realize.

“I usually start in January with a committee meeting, where we set a date and make sure we book the bands well ahead of time,” Medeiros explained. “We have to work with the town and the police, and we have to get permission to use the town properties, like the streets for the parade and such. We really make sure we do it right, and have everything set up well ahead of time.”

On Saturday the 26th, the blessing begins at 5 p.m. with a New England-style lobster bake, featuring a menu of lobster and other seafood, many traditional Portuguese favorites, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, soft drinks, and, of course, beer. Music by local DJ John Soares will accompany the lobster bake until 7 p.m., when popular band Special 20 will headline the night of “dancing on the dock,” which runs until 11 p.m. Admission is $5, with the price of food and beverages separate.

On Sunday the festival begins with a fishermen’s Mass at St. Mary Church at 10:30 a.m., followed by a parade down the streets of the borough at 1 p.m. The actual blessing takes place at 3 p.m. at the fishermen’s dock where the entire fleet of fishing draggers and lobster boats is blessed, culminating in a colorful and festive boat parade. The ceremonies end with the release of a wreath made in the shape of a broken anchor to honor the memory of the fishermen who lost their lives at sea.

For more information, visit www.stoningtonblessing.com.
Schedule of Events

Saturday, July 26 at
Stonington Fishermen’s Dock
5 to 11 p.m. - New England Lobster Bake
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Music by DJ John Soares
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Dancing on the Dock, featuring
Special 20; admission is $5

Sunday, July 27
10:30 a.m. - Mass at St. Mary Church
1 p.m. - Street parade through Stonington Borough
3 p.m. - Blessing of the Fleet and boat parade
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Lobster, seafood, and refreshments at
Stonington Fishermen’s Dock.

Pumped Up and Out: Nonprofit group to provide free pump-out services

Russ Morey — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:12:31 GMT

Anyone boating in the Stonington/Mystic area during the summer knows just how congested the waters can become. And while the traffic isn’t a major concern per se, where the waste many of these boats produce goes is a huge concern. That’s where Coastal Environmental Services Inc. (CES) comes into play.

CES, a nonprofit public charity, was established in November 2007 by local resident Constantine Macris, along with his brother, Harrison, father, Athos, and friend, Mike Aretakis, with the express purpose of providing better and more consistent free pump-out services to the Stonington, Mystic, Groton, and New London areas.

“We’ve actually been getting a lot of interest as of late on the whole program and how it’s running, and it’s really taken off more than I ever imagined,” Macris said. “There’s more interest in it now than there ever has been before, which is great because on the fund-raising side of things it’s very easy for us just to say we’re a community program, a public charity...But it’s good that there is interest and we’re able to grow much more quickly than before, which means the water is a lot cleaner than before, which is good for everyone from the Stonington Borough to Groton Long Point and out to Fishers Island.”

Macris explained that until this year, he had run the town of Groton’s pump-out boat, which solely covered the Mystic River for the last six or seven years. But Macris, realizing the need to expand, met with Groton town and state officials and decided it would be in the best interest of everyone to form a nonprofit organization to take control of the free pump-out program. From there, CES was born.

Working off a state grant and fund-raising efforts, CES now commands three boats, which cover a much larger area and provide service to more boats than before—something Macris said is crucial, as he estimated CES averages around 2,500 gallons of pump-out per weekend in the Mystic River alone. The three boats now run in the Stonington Borough Harbor Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in the Mystic River on Thursdays through Tuesdays between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and in the Thames River Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., June through November.

Macris explained that it is only through local support that CES has been able to grow, as 25 percent of the operating costs of the three boats is not covered by the state grant, and thus must be made up through fund-raising and donations. That means that every year around $70,000 needs to be raised; $20,000 has been raised thus far this year.

“We’re always hoping that people will become more involved,” Macris said. “We’re starting up a boater’s council, and we want a couple people from each marina to sit on it, probably quarterly, and give us input on how the service is, help us decide on coverage areas, hours, direction, [and]…to help us decide what’s working and what’s not working. We also have some openings on the board of directors, so people who are very interested in the program and want to help it succeed are welcome to apply. We also accept any sort of donation of time, gifts of kind, or monetary donations. So there are a lot of ways people can help.”

For more information or to learn how to help, visit www.cespumpout.org or contact CES at 860-514-7664.

Annual Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous: Mystic Seaport showcases the past

Kristal Spence — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:22:58 GMT

Look out for traffic at the end of the month as visitors and local residents fill the streets of downtown Mystic to catch sight of about 50 classic and antique boats floating down the Mystic River for Mystic Seaport’s 33rd annual Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous.

Rain or shine, spokesperson Mike O’Farrell said antique vessels built before 1965, including cruisers, sailboats, runabouts and launches, will be on display at Mystic Seaport Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as the following Sunday morning.

While the boats sit near the dock, O’Farrell said, visitors will have the chance to talk to the owners, learn about the different boats, how they were restored, and their history.

During the weekend, an award competition will recognize excellence in restoration, authenticity, and workmanship.

“Sunday at 12:45 p.m., the vessels leave the museum for a three-mile parade down the historic Mystic River,” O’Farrell said in a prepared statement.

The most traditional element of the event is on Sunday when 2,000 to 3,000 people line the streets by the river. Boat crews in the past, he said, have arrived in costume to fit the period of when their antique boats were made.

“It’s a pretty cool visual thing, and I think it’s probably the one time when people don’t mind the bridge being up for a while,” O’Farrell said, laughing.

“It becomes very much a community event because people line both sides of the river to watch this. It’s a Mystic Seaport thing and a community thing wrapped into one.”

As boats float by, a narrator stationed at the Mystic River Park will announce the boats’ names and other tidbits of information, such as their owners, their history, and their age.

“Leading the parade will be the [Maritime] Museum’s own steamboat Sabino, this year’s featured vessel who is celebrating her centennial anniversary,” O’Farrell said in a release. “Built in East Boothbay, Maine, in 1908, Sabino entered service for the Damariscotta Steamboat Company and spent her days delivering passengers to the numerous hotels along the Damariscotta River. In 1975, the steamer arrived at Mystic Seaport and began a new era of passenger service. The significant restoration and meticulous care she received at the museum was recognized in 1992 when Congress designated Sabino a National Historic Landmark. As one of the last wooden, coal-fired steamboats still in operation, Sabino continues to offer Mystic Seaport visitors half-hour and 90-minute cruises mid-May through Columbus Day.”

“The story of the boat is fascinating,” O’Farrell later said, “including the fact that this 100-year-old boat was built in Maine and its original engine was built in Noank. To celebrate some of the history, we’re also doing special down-river cruises. We are doing three programs two times each,” he continued, mentioning dates that are scheduled throughout July and August.

For more information about the Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous, visit www.mysticseaport.org.

Additional Programs at Mystic Seaport
Every Monday in July, kids age 17 and younger, with a limit of four kids per paying adult, can visit Mystic Seaport for free during their “Kids Free Admission Day” program.

“Mystic Seaport is an unparalleled family destination,” said President and Director of the Maritime Museum Doug Teeson in a recent press release. “In light of rising gas prices and continued economic uncertainty, it is our goal to ensure that all families have the opportunity to experience the richness of Mystic Seaport this season.”

“Mystic Seaport offers numerous family-friendly activities throughout the summer,” O’Farrell added. “In addition to the museum’s historic tall ships and diverse exhibits, kids enjoy playing in the Children’s Museum, discovering stars in the Planetarium, getting out on the water, or enjoying a horse and carriage ride. Additionally, kids can take part in a participatory play about whaling, create their own maritime masterpiece in the Art Spot activity center, and even make their own toy boat as part of the new Hands-On History Program. Other elements of the Hands-On History Program provide opportunities for kids and parents to work together while dipping candles, pressing flowers, or even working over the forge in the Shipsmith Shop.”

“Kids Free Admission Day” is not transferable and is subject to change without notice.

Later this month, the seaport’s annual Moby-Dick Marathon will begin Thursday, July 31 at noon, when participants will read all 135 chapters of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick in 24 hours at Mystic Seaport aboard the Charles W. Morgan.

“A role-player portraying Melville begins the marathon by reciting the novel’s first chapter on the performance stage next to the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whale ship in the world,” O’Farrell stated. “The reading then moves aboard the vessel and visitors can sign up to read a chapter as the marathon continues until its conclusion August 1. The marathon ends with the arrival of a birthday cake at noon on August 1, celebrating Melville’s birthday.”

Several copies of the novel will be available for visitors to peruse. The marathon is free with admission and a limited number of spots are available for those interested in spending the night aboard the Morgan. Advanced registration is required by calling 860-572-5331.

The Mystic Seaport is located one mile south of Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18.50 for adults and $13 for children ages 6 to 17. Children age 5 and younger are admitted for free. For more information, call 888-973-2767 or visit www.mysticseaport.org.

Estabrooks Named Deputy Harbor Masterby Gov. Rell

Russ Morey — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:18:34 GMT

Gov. M. Jodi Rell recently announced the appointment of Pawcatuck resident Charles Estabrooks to the position of deputy harbor master of Stonington. The position will see Estabrooks policing the local waterways, assisting the harbor master in collecting fees, and citing violations, both guidelines of the Stonington Harbor Management Plan adopted in 2000.

A Mystic native, Estabrooks attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he studied and earned degrees in building science and information technology. Upon graduating, Estabrooks launched a business venture with a few of his fellow classmates where he developed various types of software for architects and engineers.

Eventually his lifelong passion for photography won out and, after shooting for fellow classmates who had gone on to become engineers, Estabrooks spent two years studying under renowned photographer Tracy Woodward, while he held a position as a staff photographer for Blass Communications.

In 1996, Estabrooks, an avid sailor, finally returned home, and much closer to the ocean, settling in Pawcatuck and opening up Above Elite Studios in Westerly, where he works in photography, digital imaging, Web design, and information technology consulting. With his love for photography rivaled only by his love for the ocean, Estabrooks has, over the years, become very familiar with a large area of the local waters and is excited to take on his new position.

In a recent statement, Gov. Rell explained why Estabrooks made a perfect candidate for the position.

“Charles brings a thorough knowledge of one of our busiest recreational waterways as both a longtime resident and businessman in the Stonington area,” Rell said. “He will help provide very capable oversight of the navigable waterways so popular with boaters from all over the northeast. I am pleased that he is taking on this very important public service role.”

Estabrooks will serve as deputy harbor master of Stonington until June 11, 2011, or until a qualified successor is appointed.

Dancing in the Garden: Stonington Historical Society gala a huge success

Russ Morey — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:01:34 GMT

On June 28, the Stonington Historical Society hosted its 10th annual dinner dance and auction with well over 300 guests in attendance. Departing from its previous location at the Old Lighthouse Museum, the event was held at the Captain Nathaniel Palmer House, where guests were greeted by an extravagant array of flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs, all arranged by local nurseries into elegant displays. The garden/landscaping theme and new location were not the only changes, however; a new 10-piece band, Souled Out, provided the music, while those in attendance dined from the new menu provided by A Thyme To Cook.

Reflecting this year’s garden theme, silent and live auctions were held featuring plantings, design and landscape services, and party and entertainment packages. Some of the items up for auction were a potting shed designed by architect Robert Mercer and built by Robert Woods; a weekend in Manhattan with Broadway tickets; a week in a Nantucket cottage; and a cocktail party for 40 at Merry Meeting Farm.

All proceeds from the event will go to the new Captain Nathaniel Palmer Grounds and Gardens Fund, which was created to restore the proper gardening and landscaping to the somewhat barren grounds. Event co-chair Rebecca Lynch explained why the success of the gala was crucial to the Captain Nathaniel Palmer Grounds and Gardens Fund.

“The Palmer House is this absolutely beautiful Victorian house that sits up on a hill that has virtually no landscaping or planting of any sort,” Lynch said. “And the reason why I really became interested in this and came on board and to help out with this event was that I felt that the Palmer House just needed help. If it’s surrounded by beautiful plantings and trees and shrubs, more people will come and either go through it and tour or rent it out for parties and weddings and events. When you come to the Palmer House it will be the Palmer House and gardens.”

‘Feed Your Neighbor’: Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center food pantry in need of support

Russ Morey — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:58:23 GMT

We’re all feeling the financial crunch these days, but for those truly in need, the down-sloping economy can be downright dangerous. For years, institutions like the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center (PNC) have helped to support those less fortunate, but now even the largest food pantry in southeastern Connecticut is struggling. PNC Executive Director Vicki Anderson explained.

“It is a slow time of year for us as far as donations are concerned,” Anderson said. “People think of it primarily around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but there are other times that we are in need. And I think it’s also just the cost of everything going up, too, so some people might not be able to give as much or at all.”

Anderson noted that due to the state of the economy and the ever-
increasing cost of living, more and more families are in need, putting pressure on the pantry to supply more food. The PNC’s food pantry supports hundreds of families in the area, with the number increasing, and Anderson estimated that the pantry gives away at least 30 bags of groceries every day.

Items the PNC most needs are peanut butter, jelly, spam, canned ham and canned chicken, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pasta, baby cereal, and jarred baby food. Besides the PNC, there are various locations around town that food can be dropped off to help replenish the pantry, including Majestic Jewelers on Route 1 in Stonington, the Watermark Café in North Stonington, Bank Square Books in Mystic, Puritan and Genesta in Mystic, the Pawcatuck Post Office, Stop & Shop in Pawcatuck, and McQuade’s in Mystic.

Anderson emphasized that those without want should be thinking of those in the community that aren’t as fortunate.

“I think the line that the hunger task force came up with, ‘Feed your neighbor,’ really says it all,” Anderson said. “If you didn’t feed yourself, if we all fed our neighbor instead, then in that great circle, we’d all be fed. And I think we just have to be aware of feeding our neighbors and taking care of our neighbors more than ever, and if we did, it would all come back in a good way to all of us. It’s a very difficult financial time, and we all have to take care of each other.”

For more information about the PNC, visit www.the-pnc.org

Paddling and Pedaling for a Cause: Friends of the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Fund-raiser a success

Kristal Spence — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:41:10 GMT

“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.

A Success for Gardens by the Sea: Stonington Garden Club’s triennial garden walking tour attracts thousands

Russ Morey — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:25:33 GMT

Over the course of any given summer, Stonington Borough residents will see thousands of tourists walk the streets of their historic seaside village. These visitors generally come to appreciate the quaint, historic charms, ocean views, and of course, the large, Greek Revival houses which date back to the 1800s.

One characteristic about these residences not often seen, however, is what lies behind their high fences. Those gates are opened to the public only once every three years as the Stonington Garden Club hosts a walking tour of 10 of the most impressive private gardens in the Stonington Borough. And so, on June 20 and June 21, Gardens by the Sea was held as nearly 3,000 visitors flocked to the small village to take part in the triennial event.

While all the gardens featured are worthy of note, this year’s tour did feature a few interesting stops, including three houses that were once part of one large property owned by Samuel Denison in the 18th century. The original house, built in 1789, features numerous terraced gardens complete with architectural features and a reflection pool with a “floating” stone walk.

The carriage house, which was converted into a home in the early 1900s, is next door and features an alley surrounded by large rock walls and lined with 10 tall, elegant hornbeam trees. On the terrace above sits a small teahouse complete with original wallpaper dating back to the 1840s.

And just down the hill, the third house, built as a wedding gift for a previous owner’s daughter in the early 1900s, is characterized by large rock ledges and a wide array of flowering plants. Another favorite stop on the tour was Salt Acres, an 11.25-acre ocean-side estate featuring large English gardens, 270-degree views of Long Island Sound, and a 60-foot salt water pool with bluestone surround. Stonington Garden Club member, and co-organizer of the event, Carole Barnard, said she was thrilled with the turnout.

“It was a very successful event,” Barnard commented. “The weather was wonderful and everyone who came was very complimentary of the gardens we chose to be highlighted. Our own committee worked extremely hard to organize and host the event and we’re all very pleased with how everything went.”

Barnard added that all the proceeds from the tour will be used to support local and community-based beautification projects.

Let Your Lives Begin: Stonington High’s 2008 class sent off by a special friend

Russ Morey — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:21:40 GMT

On June 18, Stonington High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2008. The ceremony was heartfelt, as the class fittingly asked SHS alumna Kate Careb, the Special Olympics Connecticut Eastern Region Director of Development, to deliver the commencement speech. Careb became very involved with the class when she and more than 200 SHS student volunteers hosted the first ever Special Olympics event in Stonington. Careb’s speech follows:

“Good afternoon. I want to say thank you to the class of 2008 for the great honor you have given me today in asking me to be a part of your commencement. Last year I had the privilege to come back to SHS and work with a large part of this class when they were juniors; and I have to say that this class is an example of the best of the human spirit at work. You are as dedicated to contributing to this community as any group I have ever worked with and because of that I know you will go far.

“Before I address the class of 2008 I would like to give all of you in the audience a bit of history regarding my relationship with this outstanding group of individuals.

“My experience working with this class of 2008 was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had while working for Special Olympics Connecticut. The dedication and compassion that these students put forth in planning the first Special Olympics event ever held in the town of Stonington was nothing short of spectacular.

“When I came here and invited the Stonington High students to get involved with Special Olympics, they agreed and simply took my word for the fact that this would be a life-changing experience for them. Many of these students had never been around people with disabilities, never mind the added uncertainty of hosting a full-day event for 350 athletes, of all ages, with intellectual disabilities. These students accepted an enormous challenge, and I believe they are better prepared for life because of it.

“Over 200 students from this school volunteered for the Special Olympics track and field event in 2007 and in 2008. Many more students participated in other community-building events such as the Leslie Buck Walk, The Relay for Life, Stonington COMO Leadership, and many activities with Stonington Human Services, and I believe that as a class they have shown themselves to be good people with the grace and the power to make a difference.

“Margaret Mead is quoted as saying, ‘Don’t ever doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’

“I believe she was right. So today I get to address a small group of thoughtful people who have the power to change the world: the Stonington High School Class of 2008!

“As you all head off on your life’s journey I have a few lessons I’ve learned that I’d like to offer you to add to your backpack of life:

“Number one and most important:

“Be polite: Treat all people with dignity and respect and they will in turn treat you well. And if they don’t, well, at least you will know you walk on the high road and that is a good place to be.

“Be yourself: Sing, dance, be silly. Laugh. Even when you’re not supposed to…that’s always more fun anyway!

“Trust your instincts: Trust them as much as you trust your sense of sight and sound. If something doesn’t feel right to you, that’s because it usually isn’t.

“Remember there are no failures, just bad experiences that you learn your most important life lessons from.

“And finally, be grateful. I met a beautiful woman last month who lost everything she ever owned in the big fire in Norwich. And although she was wearing borrowed clothes and had no items to prove her existence of 64 years (and no insurance to replace them), she had a beautiful smile on her face. It was clear that she remembered to be grateful for the life that God gave her.

“So now it is time to begin your journey. I hope each of you knows that you have important work to do. Each of you has a purpose on this Earth and it is very important that you follow the road that you are meant to. Some of you have very specific goals lined up, others of you have no idea what comes next. The truth is, finding your way on this path in life will most likely be very complicated. Who will you be? What will you do? Who will you love? Where will you live? When will you be successful?

“If you take only one piece of advice from me today, please make it this one:

“Each and every one of you will find your true purpose in life through giving. Whether you are heading off to college, working in a trade or a local business, I ask you today to find the time to give.

“I believe you invited me here today because we shared a beautiful experience together while giving our time and talents to ensure that 350 Special Olympic athletes had an opportunity to experience joy. Did any of you notice that the real magic happened when you believed you were giving, but the real gift was the feeling you received? I did. Some of you felt joy, some felt accomplishment, maybe some of you felt grateful. Whatever the feeling was, it is certain that it caused you to grow and you are a better person because of it.

“I encourage every one of you to continue on this path of giving. You see, when you truly give from your heart you find out who you are and what you are supposed to do in this life…

“You may volunteer at a hospital and learn that you are supposed to be a nurse or a doctor.

“You may volunteer to run a marathon for breast cancer and learn that you are supposed to work on finding the cure.

“You may volunteer to spend time with our wise and wonderful elders at a nursing home and learn that you are supposed to be the person who will change our current health care system.

“You may volunteer to help save the rainforest and you just might learn that you are the one who is supposed to invent a new alternative energy.
“Take the time to give…

“You say you will have such a high-powered job making millions that you will not have time to volunteer? That’s OK. Then I say, integrate philanthropy into the fabric of your corporation. Be a powerful donor to worthy organizations and teach your employees to do the same. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy that can only be received through giving.

“Before I send you off today to start your life as caring, giving, productive members of society, I would like to invite a friend of mine up to the podium.

“Scott Martin is a Special Olympic athlete and Global Messenger for our great cause. Scott was here for our first ever Special Olympic Stonington High School track and field event in 2007. And he will have the opportunity to continue to compete at this world-class high school because of all of you and the road you paved for him and other special athletes like him.

“So today, I received special permission to have Scott lead all of you in the oath that we recite every time we bravely prepare to enter competition. Today, Scott will lead you as you bravely prepare to enter your new life:

“Please repeat after Scott:

“Let me win…But if I cannot win….let me be brave in the attempt!

“At this point we usually say ‘Let the games begin,’ but today we declare, ‘Let your new lives begin.’”

Senior Center Project on Firm Ground: Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center begins work on new senior center

Russ Morey — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:30:53 GMT

On June 13 the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new addition to its senior center. Several local leaders, including Stonington First Selectman Ed Haberek, attended the ceremony and witnessed the preliminary work on what is slated to be approximately a six-month project.

Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center Executive Director Vicki Anderson is one of many who are thrilled to see the senior center get a much-deserved upgrade.

“They have dug a big hole and knocked down the retaining wall, and initially there is a lot of progress being made,” Anderson said. “We really think that by Thanksgiving the building will be up and be ready for full use…When it’s done it’s just going to add greatly to the health and well-being of the community. And specifically for seniors it will be a place of health and of socialization. We really want to be on the forefront of all the latest technology, programs, and events that will keep seniors healthy and connected with one another.”

With the new addition, the senior center will include an extra 3,000 square feet, an elevator, and a new, larger kitchen to replace the current pantry kitchen. While construction is underway, the Westerly Senior Center and the Ocean Community YMCA in Mystic and Westerly have agreed to host many of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center events free of charge.