Waterford Times

Serving up Survival: Waterford restaurants revise business plans, menus

2009-07-02T19:00:03Z

By Stephen Chupaska, Staff Writer:

Last month Shaheed Toppin, the owner and head chef at Filomena’s Café, won an Iron Chef competition held at Twin River casino in Rhode Island.

He and his business partner, Bruno Trumbino, served up red snapper with artichoke hearts to glowing gastronomic reviews from the three judges.

“I’ve never done anything like it,” Toppin, a Johnson and Wales graduate, said last week. “I’ve entered a few chowder cook-offs.”

“It’s hectic and fast, competing against your peers,” he added.

While cooking shows like “Iron Chef” and “Top Chef” are fine entertainment, Toppin said a show such as “Kitchen Nightmares” offer more verisimilitude in the daily life of a restaurant.

For restaurants around the region, the latest nightmare is the economy, which has proven to be a more difficult challenge than racing to make a veal dish in 30 minutes.

“You get two chances, at most, with customers,” Toppin said. “They don’t have to spend money on eating out—it’s disposable income.”

Maria Longinidis, owner of Café NV, said they had their worst winter in nine years.

“We’ve been hit both ways,” she said. “People don’t have the money to go out, and expenses have gone up.”

Toppin opened Filomena’s, one the few non-chain dinner spots in Waterford, in 2006. The restaurant, located in the Utopia Centre on Boston Post Road, originally featured a small Italian market and a large dining room.

Toppin said the restaurant quickly became popular with the 30-something crowd and many young professionals, who would come for happy hour, then come back for dinner.

After a while, Toppin realized that the market was not working and massive dining room was rarely full.

“It was challenging,” he said. “So we had to make some changes.”

First, Toppin closed the Italian market, as it wasn’t providing quite the niche he hoped it would.

“Most people just did their shopping at supermarkets,” he noted.

Then Toppin walled off about a third of the dining area, at once creating a function room and a more intimate dining space.

“We can now host more private parties,” Toppin said, “and if it’s really busy we seat people there.”

Toppin also began to make seasonal changes to the menu, adding more hearty, comfort foods in the winter, and lightening things up with more salads and seafood in the summertime.

Also, Toppin added a special during the weekdays, a dinner for two topping out at $40, with wine included.

“It’s made a difference,” he said.

But Café NV has decided to stay the course, rather than make changes.

“We thought about it,” Longinidis said, “but we decided not to.”

Toppin also said that as a chef he often has to make dishes that, admittedly, he’s not in love with, like eggplant.

“But customers like it,” he said.

Toppin, whose father was the head chef for 30 years at the Griswold Inn in Essex, also learned to make the most of every vegetable and cut of meat.

“You think, ‘Can I use part of that in a stew or make stock?’” he said.

Toppin has been fortunate enough to not have to lay off any staff, and remains pleased with his location.

“We’re very fortunate to be in Waterford,” he said. “I’ve worked in a lot of towns, and people here are loyal.”

But, considering the economy and the grind of running a restaurant, Toppin is taking nothing for granted.

“You’re only as good as your last plate,” he said.

Win-Win Situation For Sutman, Peruzzotti Split: Former associates win state titles at Waterford, Fitch

2009-07-02T18:57:56Z

By Larry Kelley, Special to the Times:

When Kate Peruzzotti stepped down as Waterford High assistant softball coach last fall to assume the Fitch head coaching position, both she and WHS head coach Elizabeth Sutman realized their friendship would take on a new dimension—as competitive rivals.

Both battled for local regular season bragging rights. Fitch won the Eastern Connecticut Conference Large Division, beating Waterford twice, and Waterford won the ECC Tournament, knocking off Fitch in the semis. But once the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference state tournaments started, both regained their disposition as each other’s fans.

And both Peruzzotti and Sutman ended their seasons on a happy note—as state champions. Waterford won the Class L title, its first since 1983 and second overall. Fitch won Class LL—its first state crown ever.

Sutman could not have been happier for Peruzzotti, her recent assistant who took over as Waterford head coach in 2007 when Sutman was on maternity leave. Peruzzotti led the Lancers to the 2007 Class L title game, while Sutman returned and took WHS to the 2008 Class L title game. Both were thrilled that one another could experience the other side of emotion this year.

“Kate and I were rooting for each other’s team because we are the same conference and it makes each of our losses to each other more palatable,” Sutman said. “She was one of the first text messages I received after the game, as she followed closely, and I can say the same for me with her.”

Waterford beat Darien, 4-1, in the L final in West Haven June 13. Hours later, Fitch upended No. 1 ranked Masuk, 1-0, in Stratford. Fitch (24-3) finished ranked No. 1 in the Hartford Courant state poll. Waterford (24-4) was a consensus No. 4 pick in the final poll behind Fitch, Seymour, the undefeated Class M champ, and Masuk.

Waterford was unranked in the last regular season poll. The Lancers’ emergence under freshman pitcher Kelly Connors late in the season built momentum for the team heading into post-season.

The 1983 team under former coach Joe Carey featured All-State infielders in Marlene Morth, who played at the University of Rhode Island, and Vicky Bartolucci, who went on to become one of UConn’s best players ever.

“We were thrilled to win the first state championship at Waterford since 1983,” Sutman said. “That team was filled with amazing athletes who paved the way for girls’ sports at Waterford and the success they have had in recent years. This year, the best part was that we were off everyone’s radar this year. The team to beat was Fitch in this part of Connecticut, and we beat them. After that, we were ready to take on the rest of the state.”

The success of this year’s Waterford squad was its blend of senior and underclassman talent. The depth of quality players might have cost Waterford in post-season All-State balloting. There was no single standout. The Connecticut High School Coaches Association bypassed selecting any Waterford player. Outfielder Amy Ogden was a New Haven Register All-State pick. Just one Fitch player, Stacey Pouliot, made Class LL All-State.

Seniors Ogden and utility player Kate Flanagan were All-Area and All-ECC players along with junior second baseman Mattie Brett and Connors. Utility player Bailey Frankewicz made All-ECC, and pitcher-first baseman Sara Weller was Academic All-State.

Sutman can’t understand why Fitch and Waterford were snubbed in All-State voting, but the trophies and plaques will still sparkle just the same.

“This year’s team was the deepest and probably most talented teams I have had,” Sutman said. “I have been blessed with many talented players, but this year’s team was a solid team. This is clearly represented by the fact that we did not have a single player selected to the CIAC All State team! At first this seems ridiculous, considering some of the statistics of my players and the great seasons they had, but looking at it closer, you could say that this can be justified by the fact that we did not have a Jen Ward or a Christie Lotti this year. We had lots of great athletes who can play some serious softball.”

Times All-Area Softball Team: All-State Teams Overlook Area’s Finest

2009-07-02T18:56:25Z

By Larry Kelley, Special to the Times:

Heading the “You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me” news flashes during the June scholastic sports scene in Connecticut, what’s up with the voting for the All-State softball teams?

Fitch placed just one player (catcher Stacy Pouliot) on the Class LL All-State team, and Waterford was shut out in Class L. Didn’t Fitch win the Class LL state title and Waterford cop Class L’s crown? What ever happened to the theory that to the victors go the spoils? Both the Falcons and the Lancers deserved at least two, if not three, All-State picks apiece, but the local absence is another example of Eastern Connecticut getting overlooked by the rest of the state. And you wonder how that can still happen, especially in female sports.

Norwich Free Academy topped Fitch in the Class LL girls volleyball final. NFA, Bacon Academy, and Old Lyme won girls’ basketball state titles. Fitch-Waterford won the state and New England gymnastics crown. Fitch and Waterford won softball championships. That’s domination. Forget about getting a fair shake. When it comes to polls and All-State teams in girls sports, the ECC should be receive VIP, not equal, treatment.

This typist had a vote in the Connecticut Sportswriters’ Alliance state softball poll and selected Fitch No. 2 in preseason behind Masuk. I was stunned the Falcons rose no higher than No. 4 thoughout the bulk of an undefeated season. Though they deservedly fell a bit after some late-season losses, Fitch ripped though Class LL and stunned Masuk in the “mythical state championship.” With apologies to undefeated Seymour, I gave Fitch a No. 1 final vote. If you beat the best, you are the best. The Courant poll agreed.

A number of deserving Falcons and Lancers were snubbed in All-State voting. They won’t be here, as we reveal the 2009 Times Community Newspapers All-Area Softball Team.

Pitchers

Sarah Emery - Stonington: This senior enjoyed a dominant year on the mound (16-6, 1.14 ERA, 175 strikeouts) and the plate (.414 average, 26 RBI, 17 extra base hits) to lead the Bears to an ECC Medium co-championship and ECC Tournament final berth. Hurled perfect game against Plainfield .

Kelli Connors - Waterford: Connors, a freshman, gets a slight nod over Fitch tandem of Cayla Sampson and Aubrey Latham because she carried the Lancers pitching load herself during the heart of the season to finish 16-1.

Catcher

Stacy Pouliot - Fitch: This two-time All-State pick batted .400 and delivered a game-winning RBI single in 1-0 state title victory over Masuk.

Infield

Brianna Turgeon - Fitch: The Most Outstanding Player in the Class LL title game singled and scored the only run. Turgeon, just a sophomore, added a second straight productive season at the plate and played stellar second base defense.

Mattie Brett - Waterford: Junior Brett was one of Lancers’ top hitters all season. Second baseman was selected to State Junior Select All-Star game.

Brittany Duclos - Fitch: All-State as a junior, the UConn-bound shortstop was steady all year and at her best during state tournament, hitting for the cycle in a first-round win and going 3-for-3 in LL semifinal win over Mercy.

Arielle Cooper - Fitch: Batted nearly .400 and made just two errors all season at third base.

Macy Stefanski - Montville: A Division I recruit (Central Connecticut), Stefanski batted close to .500 and made acrobatic plays at shortstop. Repeated as Class M All-State pick.

Outfield

Cashel Gaffey - East Lyme: Though the Seton Hall-bound slugger produced a relatively quiet year on rebuilding East Lyme, Class L All-State pick still batted close to .400

Amy Ogden - Waterford: A leadoff batter and catalyst, Ogden was one of the state’s clutchest hitters. The senior singled home the only run in Lancers’ 1-0 win over Stonington in ECC Tourney final. Ogden added a two-run homer in 5-4 Class L semifinal win over Naugatuck. Earned Most Outstanding Player honors in L title win over Darien.

Kelsey Barlow - Montville: This power hitter repeated as Class M All-State pick.

Courtney Weber - Fitch: Most underrated of Fitch’s superb senior class, Weber provided consistent hitting and base-running from the leadoff spot. Center fielder singled and scored the winning run in the bottom of seventh in 1-0 Class LL quarterfinal win over Newtown.

Utility

Kate Flanagan - Waterford: Infielder-outfielder punctuated a fine senior season with dramatic two-out, two-run walkoff homer to give Lancers their 5-4 win over Naugatuck in Class L semifinals.

Players of the Year

Fitch seniors: The Falcons featured such a depth of talent with no one player standing above the rest—a stark contrast to Rachel Fico-dominated Masuk. Fitch played on the nine versus one theme as a motivating factor. Duclos, Pouliot, Cooper, Weber, Chelsea Fogarty, Katie Stack, Sampson, and Latham share team honor.

Coaches of the Year

Kate Peruzzotti (Fitch) and Liz Sutman (Waterford): As it should be, former associates share award. Peruzzotti inherited loaded team after serving as Sutman’s assistant at Waterford, overcame a mini-slide in late season and directed Falcons to landmark Class LL title win (Fitch’s first ever) over a Masuk team shooting for a state-record winning streak of 78 games. Walker won ECC Tourney title and her first state crown after two straight final losses.

This is the opinion of Larry Kelley.

AT THE CAPITOL ~ End-of-Session Notes

2009-07-02T18:54:49Z

By State Sen. Andrea L. Stillman:

At this writing there is ongoing uncertainty about the status of the state budget. Legislative leaders and the governor have worked to identify common ground, but regrettably significant differences remain, so a budget agreement has been elusive.

It is little but some consolation that the vast majority of states face this predicament. Perhaps the most stark example is in California, where the governor has suggested cutting costs by releasing thousands of convicts from state prisons. We certainly hope to avoid that here in Connecticut.

As the extended budget process plays out, I will continue with updates about other policy successes; this time to highlight one new law enacted to the benefit of constituents and a couple from the Public Safety and Security Committee, for which I have responsibility.

On the second-to-last night of the legislative session, legislation was approved to allow the Boy Scouts of Troop 24 in East Lyme to once again operate a safety coffee stop at the Waterford weigh station on I-95 on Labor Day weekends. That unanimous vote ensured a 25-year tradition, that had inexplicably fallen out of favor and was suspended last summer, will resume in 2009.

I worked to restore this tradition because it helps keep drivers on a major thoroughfare—on one of the busiest weekends of the year—alert and alive while traveling through our state. A longstanding cliché for the good deeds of Boy Scouts is helping people cross busy streets and this safety stop along I-95 is simply a modern version of that.

I know how eager the Scouts are to provide this community service and I know how grateful local charities are to receive any contributions collected. In 25 years there were never any accidents, injuries, or other incidents related to this project
to cause concern, protest, or
cancellation, so it’s gratifying to know the tradition will be revived.

In another new law, we sought to protect first responders from the highly contagious and very serious complications from tuberculosis. To their credit, emergency medical personnel often put their patient’s interests ahead of their own, sometimes at great personal risk. Public Act 09-76 requires hospitals to notify these first responders if a patient they treated and transported has infectious pulmonary tuberculosis, an airborne, extremely contagious, and very serious infectious disease.

Recent enhancements in patient confidentiality protections have unintentionally neglected some common-sense requirements regarding potential risks assumed by those who treat anonymous patients. This new law restores timely notification to state statute to better protect those whose service in the name of public safety inadvertently exposes them to hazardous conditions.

Yet another recently enacted law requires mandatory school crisis drills. This legislation, recently signed by the governor, requires local boards of education to conduct a crisis response drill once every three months in lieu of the required monthly fire drills. Furthermore, the bill requires the first fire drill to be held within the first 30 days of each school year.

Sadly, several shocking tragedies in recent years prompted this initiative to have all Connecticut schools well-versed in their response to a crisis situation. Routine and repeated drills provide local law enforcement agencies with the opportunity to collaborate on the planning for and response to circumstances that are both unthinkable and yet quite possible.

Andrea Stillman represents the 20th Senatorial District, which includes New London, Waterford, East Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Salem, and Montville.

Market on the Move: Farmer’s market moves to Fiddleheads lot

2009-07-02T18:52:50Z

By Kathleen Edgecomb, Staff Writer:

The familiar white and blue tarps that cover a plethora of locally grown produce are moving this summer from a parking lot on Eugene O’Neill Drive to one on Broad Street.

The New London Farmer’s Market will open July 3 outside Fiddleheads Food Co-op.

“We’re happy to be working with another New London organization,” said market master Susan Lemke.

She said customers who shop at the farmer’s market also shop at Fiddleheads, so it was natural for the two venues to be near each other. The new location is less than a quarter mile from the old one at the municipal parking lot on Eugene O’Neill Drive.

The New London Farmer’s Market offers native fruits and vegetables from six different vendors. Some also sell their goods inside Fiddleheads.

The market, which has been operating in the summer months in the city for 24 years—18 of them Eugene O’Neill lot—will be open at its new location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.

This year’s vendors include Lemke Valley Farms of South Glastonbury with vegetables, fruit, jams, honey, and baked goods; Urban Eden Soap Co. of New London, handmade soaps and body care products; Valchris Farm of Oakdale with organic vegetables; and Beckett Farm of South Glastonbury and Smith Acres Farm of Niantic offering fruits and vegetables.

RANDOM RAMBLINGS ~ The Governors’ Club: An exclusive new low in politics

2009-07-02T17:41:20Z

By Thomas S. Perkins:

With South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford’s announcement that he traveled all the way to Buenos Aires for a rendez-vous with his mistress, we have an additional member of the exclusive Governors’ Club, comprised of the sleaziest characters in American politics.

Sanford joins Governor McCready of New Jersey, Eliot Spitzer of New York, and the chairman of the board, former Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, all renowned for their infidelities. There has been some talk of opening membership to other politicians, which would mean they could welcome John Edwards, Nevada Senator John Ensign, former Idaho Senator Larry Craig, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Florida Representative Mark Foley, Louisiana Senator David Vitter, and the list goes on.

I guess it’s not such an exclusive club anymore. All you need to qualify is election to state or federal office, an overactive libido, an ego the size of your state, and an eagerness to humiliate your family and betray your constituents.

In this latest chapter of “As Your Stomach Turns,” this guy, after a five-day absence, began by telling the press that he was not hiking the Appalachian Trail, as his office had claimed; he was, indeed, in Argentina. The fact that he left his state without notifying the legislator or his lieutenant governor, just in the off chance that an emergency might spring up, is second only to the ordeal he put his family through. I don’t think there should be any question but that he should resign from his office immediately.

He was on the fast track in the Republican Party. Poor Rush Limbaugh, shaking his head in woe stated, “He could have been our JFK.” Some commentators are saying he should be given credit for owning up to his “mistake,” and he should be applauded for not having his wife standing next to him as have many of the past offenders. It sounds like she wouldn’t stand next to him even at gunpoint, and I don’t blame her. He is of the lowest character, and I wouldn’t want him in charge of making decisions for my state.

This seems to be a problem of a larger magnitude than a couple of wild and crazy guys going through their midlife crises. These politicians seem to be intoxicated with power and the belief that they can get away with anything. The rules are only for the “little people,” apparently. Sanford, for example, was one of the most vocally indignant spokesmen calling for Bill Clinton’s impeachment. He was morally outraged at the man’s impropriety. The hypocrisy is stupefying. Talk about throwing stones…he lives in a glass hacienda.

And let’s not forget he has offered to reimburse the people of South Carolina for the expenses of his trip to Argentina, which only seems fair since he was caught. But if his political career is over, he can probably get a job as a gaucho on the plains of Argentina.

And if he gets thrown from his horse, he can always break out the old hiking boots.

This is the opinion of Thomas S. Perkins, retired advertising executive and a Waterford resident. He may be reached at tngperk@sbcglobal.net.

A LA CARTE ~ Cooking for One

2009-07-02T17:40:14Z

By Lee White:

Two Saturdays ago, I made chicken biryani for three—Nancy and Andy and me. I knew it would be time for me to cook just for myself, but I was still chicken (sorry for the pun) to do it. I made it a few months ago; Doug didn’t think it was as good as I did, but I knew Nancy and Andy would.

This time I had some very good saffron, which I rarely do, and adding it to the few ounces of heavy cream really made the dish. The dinner was a hit. (If you would like that recipe, e-mail me and ask for 10-15-08.)

Two days later, I came upon two recipes from “Real Simple” and I knew the time had come to shop and cook for myself. Each of the recipes called for four servings, so I dropped the ingredients to about two. This way I wouldn’t be cooking for two, unless it was so good I ate the two portions
myself.

As it turned out, I could have eaten the two portions, but I saved each for a quick lunch the next day. Leftovers are still a bit of a problem for me because we would often nuke the leftovers and we’d share what was left.

I’m sure Doug would have enjoyed both of these recipes. I think you will, too.

Chicken with Grilled Peaches and Arugula

Adapted from “Real Simple,” June 2009

Serves 4

4, 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil

Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper

2 medium red onions, sliced into 1-inch-thick rounds

3 peaches cut into wedges

1 bunch arugula, thick stems removed (about 4 cups)

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 ounces blue cheese, broken into pieces

Heat grill to medium-high. Brush chicken with 1 teaspoon of the oil, and season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, toss onions, peaches, 1 tablespoon oil, and about ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.

Grill chicken and onions until chicken is cooked through and the onions are tender, 5 to 6 minutes per side.

Grill peaches until charred, 2 minutes per side.

Toss arugula with onions, peaches, vinegar, and remaining oil.

Top with cheese; serve with
chicken.

Grilled Pork Chops with Maple Syrup Sweet Potatoes

Adapted from “Real Simple,” June 2009

Serves 4

4, 1-inch, bone-in pork chops (about 2 pounds each)

Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper

4 small sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds), cut into wedges

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon maple syrup

2 scallions, chopped

Heat grill to medium-high. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Grill, turning often, until tender and slightly charred, 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve the bowl.

To the reserved bowl, add syrup, scallions, remaining oil, and ¼ each salt and pepper. Add sweet potatoes and toss to coat. Serve with pork.

Nibbles: A Recommendation from Lee

How could I be so out of the loop that I didn’t know Jack Flaws was opening yet another food venue? I have been a fan and friend of Jack since his first Connecticut foray as Three Fish. Okay, it was in Westerly, R.I., but even Elise Maclay, restaurant reviewer for Connecticut magazine, considered that restaurant important enough to set foot out of Connecticut.

Since then, his culinary artistry included Richard Rosenthal’s Max Downtown, his first very own Jack’s in Old Saybrook, the seasonal Jack’s Harborside, near Saybrook Point Inn, and now Jack Rabbit’s. Here the food is down home rather than white cloth dining, and this one I could visit daily, both because the food is great and the prices are also down home. All his Harborside hot dogs are served here ($2.75 to $4), and they are terrific. His incredible entrée-sized salads are available, too, as are wings, spring rolls crab cakes, and portabella mushroom quesadillas. But it’s the burgers that almost made me cry.

Sliders (of which I can only eat two) are $2, served simple, or you can order original shack sliders (caramelized onions, bacon, American cheese, and “magic” sauce), plus chili, jalapeño, ‘shrooms, and goat cheese, and Philly sliders. Regular burgers are $7 or less (most are in the $4 to $5 range). Add sides like fries or onion rings for another $2. I am in heaven.

Jack Rabbit’s

254 Main Street

Old Saybrook

860-510-0048

CT OUTDOORS ~ Even in the Garden, Patience is a Virtue

2009-07-02T17:38:49Z

By Suzanne Thompson:

For those of us who feel like gardening failures this year because our tomatoes, peppers, and squash have been looking anemic, heed this advice from UConn’s Home and Garden Education Center: It’s not you, and it’s probably not your soil or the plants. It’s the weather.

Carol Quish, one of the friendly voices at the center’s toll-free number, has been providing this answer a lot so far this year.

“People are calling, wondering if their peppers and tomatoes need more fertilizer,” she said on a recent wet Tuesday in June—which could have been every Tuesday in the month. “What they need is more sunshine and warmer temperatures.”

Warm-season crops include beans, cucurbits, watermelon, and sweet potatoes, plus cilantro and basil, popular summer herbs. Just remember that many of these, such as okra, originated in equatorial climes.

Not only will they perish in a late season frost; their roots just don’t do well in cool soils. Once it does warm up, most of these plants, which are deep rooted and generally more drought-tolerant than their cool-season leafy friends, should perk right up and make up for lost time.

Ever the optimist, Quish, who has been gardening for years herself, says to just keep enjoying the cool-season veggies: lettuces, spinach, and cole crops of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage that have been thriving in our Seattle-like weather. Most summers, these plants would be bolting by now, triggered by the heat to produce flowers and seed pods, which turns their leaves bitter.

The trick is to just keep planting a few more of everything each week or so, according to Dawn Pettinelli, who manages and coordinates the UConn Home and Garden Education Center. In addition to the horticulturalists who are available Monday through Friday, the center has a soil testing lab that tests for nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) and soil pH or acidity. For a small fee the plant diagnostics lab will examine diseased plants, weeds, insects, and other pathogens and provide chemical and alternative remedies.

Fall is the best time of the time of the year to get garden soil tested, Pettinelli notes. Not only does this give the gardener more time to apply composted manure to add nitrogen and extra lime to acidic soils, it provides for these organic compounds to break down in the soil and do their magic for next year’s crops.

For help, go to www.ladybug.uconn/edu, email ladybug@uconn.edu, or call the UConn center toll-free at 1-877-486-6271.

The Veggie Girls, those helpful women in their purple shirts at Smith’s Acres in Niantic, are reporting more plant disease questions this year, too. They encourage customers to bring in funny-looking leaves and plant parts for diagnosis and solutions, including organic plant food and fertilizers. Meanwhile, Farmer Joe’s fields have been yielding an abundance of lettuce, spinach, and other greens.

If you’d like to see what Connecticut gardeners would be normally doing this time of year, check out the perpetual garden calendar co-developed by the Colchester and Redding garden clubs. It is one of three fundraising activities for the Colchester club to support its community talks, “Learn and Do” activities, and beautification projects.

The club also has teamed up with the CT Audubon Society’s Glastonbury center to sell the society’s “For the Birds Cookbook.” The calendar and book are each $5, and group orders from other garden clubs and organizations are welcomed.

“We are a young club, started six years ago. We’ve grown from 15 to 41 members, including four husbands,” said Katherine Kosiba, club president and co-chair of Community Wildlife Habitat of Colchester, in an e-mail message. Town volunteers are working hard to get Colchester certified as the first Connecticut community to achieve the environmental and habitat milestones set by the National Wildlife Federation.

The NWF describes a community wildlife habitat as one that provides habitat for wildlife throughout, in individual backyards, on school grounds, and in public areas such as parks, community gardens, places of worship, and businesses. For more information, go to www.nwf.org/community.

There also are a few weeks left in the club’s sale of yellow daylilies, dug from Bacon Academy in Colchester. The school’s environmental studies class has helped with the digging. Contact Kosiba at mkk178@att.net for pricing and availability of the daylilies, as well as the calendar and cook book.

Catch “CT Outdoors” with Suzanne Thompson on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 7 to 7:30 a.m. on WLIS 1420 AM, Old Saybrook, or WMRD 1150 AM, Middletown. When she’s not writing or talking, Suzanne can be found puttering around her gardens in Old Lyme. She can be reached at sthompson@wliswmrd.net.

Sailing Through Summer: Stonington Harbor Yacht Club Sailing Foundation expands

2009-07-02T17:37:43Z

By Joe Wojtas, Staff Writer:

The docks behind the former Garbo Lobster/Mohegan aquaculture property in the borough are bustling this summer as the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club Sailing Foundation has dramatically expanded its sailing instruction and marine biology programs.

Approximately 150 children, teens, and some adults are expected to take part in programs for all levels of sailors while another 175 will take part in the marine biology program taught by two instructors from Australia.

And now the non-profit sailing foundation, which is a separate entity from the yacht club, has even bigger plans as it hopes to buy the three buildings at 70-72 Water Street that it partially leases now from the Mohegan tribe and create a classroom, clubhouse, office, and storage space. The purchase of the prime real estate along Stonington Harbor is estimated to cost about $3.5 million.

“The net result of all of this is that kids are getting an experience they might never had a chance to get,” said Spike Lobdell, the president of the foundation.

The foundation was created in 2004 and last year began running the operation out of the Mohegan site. It has turned the former lobster pond building along the harbor into a clubhouse and classroom space and uses the ground floor of 70 Water Street, to store some of the 50 sailboats and windsurfers in its fleet.

Lobdell pointed out that while the program grew out of the yacht club, more than half of the participants in the program are not club members.

The foundation also offers scholarships to those who cannot afford the fees, which are $100 a week for the marine biology programs and $660 for the four-week sailing programs. There are three-hour morning and afternoon sessions each weekday.

“This is a community program and we want it to be accessible to all,” he said.

There are 11 sailing instructors and while most of the students are children and teens, Lobdell said “there is a huge untapped market for adults, especially women.”

Lobdell said the combination of sailing and marine biology instruction teaches cooperation, teamwork, and communication along with an appreciation and responsibility for the environment.

The foundation also has a champions fund in which it sponsors elite competitive sailors such as world champions Erin Maxwell, a Stonington native, and Isabelle Kinsolving along with Clay Burkhalter of Stonington, who recently competed in the Bermuda 1-2 race and was a top finisher in the 2007 MiniTransat, a 4,200-mile solo trans-Atlantic race from France to Brazil.

This September, the foundation will host the Connecticut Special Olympic sailing competition for the third time, and teams will train at the site all summer.

If the foundation can raise the money to buy the property from the Mohegans, Lobdell said plans are to tear down the lobster pound along the harbor, which now serves as a clubhouse and classroom, to create more space for boats. The second floor of the large building at 70 Water St., which was the scene of the restaurant in the movie “Mystic Pizza,” will be renovated for use for sailing instruction along with classroom and laboratory space with tanks for the marine biology program and offices.

The foundation’s option to buy the property expires in December of 2010.

Lobdell said he would like to see the program continue to grow and serve kids from across the region.

“Nothing would please me more than to have 500 kids here, one-third of which would be on a scholarship,” he said.

PARENT'S EYE VIEW ~ ‘Boyology’ Gives Girls a Roadmap to Opposite Sex

2009-07-02T15:30:34Z

By Amy J. Barry:

If you’re a ‘tween or teen girl looking for a definitive guide to the male species—or if you’re a parent that wants to get up to speed on girl-boy relationships in this new age of technology, “Boyology: a teen girl’s crash course in all things boy” by Sarah O’Leary Burningham fits the bill.

Author of “How to Raise Your Parents,” Burningham’s new book covers everything from first dates to break ups and all the important in-between stuff like understanding the various “breeds” (classifications) of boys, techniques for asking a boy out, setting boundaries, introducing boyfriends to parents, and more.

Burningham lives in New York City with her husband Grant, a contributor to the book, who adds his perspective on a variety of topics from shopping to love.

The author gave a talk to teens and parents on June 24 at R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison and plans to visit area schools in the fall.

The following is an interview with Burningham about her new book.

Q. What was your impetus for writing
“Boyology”?

A. I realized that even with all the technology and media out there, girls still have a lot of questions—still don’t have great examples of healthy relationships—and I wanted this to be a guide. I believe the [relationship] patterns you start setting as a teenager are the patterns that stay with you.

Q. How did you do your research?

A. I interviewed 2,000 teenagers, both girls and boys—a lot online and cell phone calls—from all over the country and Canada. I have really active MySpace and Facebook profiles. Once I started to talk to teenagers, other teenagers found me.

Q. How are you able to relate so well to teenage girls? Obviously, they wouldn’t read the book if it came off like an out-of-touch adult had written it.

A. I’m 29 and I remember what it was like to be a teenager and to have those feelings—I’m also far enough away [in age] to have experience and perspective. Teenagers treat me like an older sister.

Q. What are some ways dating is very different for this generation?

A. Technology is the biggest change. Even when I was dating, we had landlines, and my parents knew who was on the phone. Cell phones are a great tool [for everyone], but parents may not know who’s calling and have to make extra effort. Kids aren’t [verbally] communicating, they’re just texting. We still have to find a way to show healthy interpersonal skills. Besides technology, teenagers are going through the same things [as previous generations] like that first heartbreak.

Q. What are the most important points you’d like to get across to girls in this book?

A. A message of self-respect, which I [address] in the “You Wear the Pants: Setting Your Boundaries” chapter. “You wear the pants,” meaning knowing what you want and defining that, and making sure people you’re with respect you as much as you deserve and that you respect yourself. Teenage years are full of the unknown and insecurities. To be grounded and have a good sense of self is the most important thing.

Q. How did you come up with the different Boy Breeds?

A. I got them from interviewing boys and girls. For example, for “The Athleticus Greatius,” I asked boys in sports who they would want to be and almost every one said LeBron James.

Q. Besides defining good and bad flirting, the “Get your Flirt on” section even discusses text flirting!

A. Text flirting is great, but at some point you’ve got to pick up the phone—or see him and have real conversation or it’s not a real relationship. These are good skills to learn as a teenager—how to talk to someone and say what you’re thinking.

Q. You made choices in the book to talk about kissing, setting boundaries, what to do if you’re violated, but you avoid the safe sex/using contraception discussion. Why?

A. I think every teenager is different, is raised differently with a different set of rules and values. The most important thing is to know what you want and where your line is so that you know where you stand before you get into an uncomfortable situation—so you don’t freeze up in the moment. It’s important that teenagers make those decisions for themselves because they’re the ones that ultimately deal with the consequences.

Q. Is there anything you’d like to add?

A. If our future lies in the hands of this generation, I think we’re in good hands. They’re much smarter and more thoughtful than they’re given credit for sometimes. Even though they’re not perfect, they’re good kids.

“Boyology” by Sarah O’Leary Burningham (Chronicle Books) is $12.99, softcover, and is available in local bookstores and at Amazon.com.

E-mail Amy Barry at aimwrite@snet.net.

The Waterford High School Class of 2009 Celebrates Commencement

2009-06-25T17:49:41Z

244 seniors graduated from Waterford High School June 19. Click on the photo to view the Times album.

GRADUATES:

Blaze L. Adamson, Veronica Alexandra Agers, Austin Howard Alexander, Carlton Anthony Monteiro Alexander, Jeremy Allen, Nicholas Alexander Anderson, Benjamin Paul Andrews, John William Angelopoulos, Bruno M. Aparicio, Andrew Thomas Apicelli, Samantha Abdel Arbuckle, Harrison William Arnold, Aaron Roberts Attwater, Courtney A. Barlow, Christopher Thomas Baude, Taylor Mei Baude, Lauren Ashley Baxter, Nathan James Baxter, Tiffany Ann Marie Beach, Gabriel David Benjamin, Mason Robert Benoit, Craig Avery Bentley, Emily Cathryn Berry, Donald M. Bickford, Shane Andrew Bidwell, Adam J. Bienkowski, Jonathon Paul Blair, Holly Ashley Blatchford, Kelsey Nicole Boch, Erika I. Bodin, Eric Robert Boiselle, Peter Salvatore Bonanno, Jaclyn Marion Bono, Lisa Doreen Bono, Corey James Bottinelli, Ahmani Michaen Alain Bradford, Nolan Amos Brown, Sara Catherine Buccheri, Leslie Bueno, William Burhans, Peter James Castagna, Anna Elizabeth Cavalieri, Allison Marie Cavasino, Kelsey Marie Champlin, Jason H. Chan,Victor Edward Chiburis, Nathan Andrew Cline, Samuel Cooke, Heather Marie Cote, Ashley Nicole Crompton, David Nathan Dargie, Charles Royce DeBiasi, Michael W. Denison, Carolyn Ann DeNoia, Rocco Vincenzo Devona, Iris Dipollina, Shane P. Duplice, Abigail F. Dyson, Maria Teresa Echavarria, Joshua L. Elkin, Mazen Mohamed Elmaghrabi, Ashlee Victoria Elms, Stephen Sarah Emblidge, Kaitlyn Lynnae Ericson, Carl A. Esposito, Erica Anne Fazio, Aaron Jay Feinberg, Devon Leigh Felker, Jennifer L. Finnegan, Shawn Patrick Finnigan, Katelyn J. Flanagan, Robert Vincent Forshaw, Chelsea Pollrhee Fouts, William T. Francisco, Meika N. Freeman, Abraham Jacob Friedman, Oaty Anthony Frye, Brandon James Fulton,Taylor Marguerite Gelinas, Alexis T. Glenn, Stephen V. Gonzalez, Melissa Arlene Goss, Shannon Elizabeth Grace, Victoria Katherin Greco, Jeralyn Lee Grills, Brittney Glen Grohocki, Sarah Elizabeth Grout, Conrad Dittman Guthrie, Mitchell Jay Hadfield, Eric M. Haff, Cassidy Raven Hall, Nathan F. Harris, Santana K. Harrison, Ty-Christopher Graham Hedden, Gabrielle Ha Yun Hedge, Nicole Marie Henri, Cameron Vernon Hinebaugh, Rafael F. Holder Jr., Youngbin Hong, Chelsea Lynne Huntington, Davide Alessio Illiano, Corey S. Ingelsby, Paul Nikeli Irizarry, Tyler Jacobs, Kaitlin Rose Jalbert, Zachery William Jerome, Erin Rose Johnson, Holly Marie Johnson, Scott C. Johnson, Jared Tyler Jones, Ishita Kala, Catherine Marie Kane, Jonathan E. Keating, Muhammad Mustaqeem Khatri, Chanhoon Kim, Samantha Marie Kirchoff, Danielle Marie Kruszewski, Brian Joseph Labrecque, Joelle Jaqueline Landry, Precilla Jean Lanteri, Renee Ann Lanza, Matthew William Lawrence, Brittany Lynn Lee,
Jason Lee, Austin Robert Levine, Steven Hou Qing Lin, Stephanie Lyn Lincoln, Timothy J. Lineburgh, Cali Nicole Links, Megan Elizabeth Lowney, Nicole Paige Lute, Sarah F. Mader, Cameron Paul Magee, Victoria Catherine Maginess, Michelle Mahmood, Kelsie Lucinda Mahoney, Ashly L. Mann, Sydney C. Marcks, Charles A. Maryeski, Colleen Ellen Mason, Haley Nicole Massari, Kirsten Elizabeth May, Hilary Aileen McGarry, Erin Paige McKinzie, Rachel Michelle McLaughlin, Kathryn Louise McTeague, Alexis Jade Mears, Spencer Medbery, Brogan Ann Mei, Lezley Xarah Miller, Dillon Thomas Moltz, Constance Justine Moyer, Hannah Bronwyn Muller, Jordan Beardsley Munsell, Mary Evangeline Murphy, Lizbeth Faye Myers-Meadows, Laura Kay Neff, Joel Alexander Nielsen, Laura E. Norris, Christine Sarah Nykyforchyn, Amy Rose Ogden, Tyler Zee Olbrys, Anthony Christian Pagan, Natalie Ann Palmer, Bethany Celeste Paul, Amanda DeAnne Peed, Tara Lynn Penman, William O. Perkins, Michelle Anne Perry, Arianna Elaine Peterson, Frank L. Picardi, Jeremy t. Picazio, James H. Pilliod, Aaron Anthony Pittman, Melissa Ann Punzalan, Michelle Beth Punzalan, Kevin Michael Rathbun, Daniel S. Ray Jr., Margaret Carol Ray, Shruthi Krishnaveni Reddy, Michael Alexander Reisfeld, Ashley Elizabeth Robbins, Elizabeth M. Robbins, Christopher Michael Roberto, Jessica Lee Roessler, Lauren Ashley Rogers, Nathan Lee Rouisse, Chelsey Nicole Rubin, David Salvatore Sabilia, Casey Ann Saunders, Shelby Lee Scanlon, Desmond William Server, Ryan R. Sgandurra, Michael Anthony Shelburn, Attallah Chenelle Sheppard, Geoffrey Nelson Sheppo, Alexandra Rae Shine, Miken Shumway, Jonathon P. Silvestri, Mary K. Sirpenski, Shannon Marie Slocum, Amanda Paige Smith, Joshua William Smith, Deena B. Snoke, Alysha Michelle Sotiropoulos, Philip John Spencer, Kayla M. Stasiowski, Benjamin Mitchell Steinman, Brianna Michelle Strecker, Michael Charles Stroneski, Nicholas M. Strout, Shane Irvin Sullivan, Kathleen Sarah Summers, James Louis Surdo, Raymond S. Swain, Erik M. Swanson, Krista Ann Swanson, Megan Janine Sylvestre, Albert Taveras, Devon R. Taylor, Joshua Brandon Tewksbury, Jennifer Moore Thomas, Ali Elizabeth Thornton, Katherine Tian Tian, Illiana Nicole Tidd, Russell Hartman Title, Sarah Elizabeth Title, Mallory Kaitlyn Tober, Dwight David Tracy, Amanda Elizabeth Trehern, Alicia Anne Tryon, Samuel Ray Tucker, Kelly Amber Vitale, Zafeiria Vitsas, Patrick Caldwell Voelker, Whitney Anderson Wadecki, Sara Elisabeth Weller, Lauren Frances Willard, Sheila Z. Xu, Julia Yue, Theresa Marie Yuhas, Carrie Stephanie Zamora

Graduate list courtesy of Waterford High School.

July at the Waterford Public Library

2009-06-25T17:48:49Z

The Waterford Public Library is at 49 Rope Ferry Road in Waterford. Call 860-444-5805 for more information.

Children’s Storytime Programs

BabyTime: Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 (11:15 to noon). Featuring board book sharing, fingerplays, and songs. For children ages birth to 1 year, with an adult.

Mother Goose On The Loose: Tuesday, July 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10 to 10:30 or 10:30 to 11 a.m. and Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. An award-winning program that combines music, movement, books, and language development to help children get ready to read; age 1 to 3 years with an adult.

Fantastic Friends: Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. This story time features music, stories, and crafts. For independent listeners, age 3 and up.

PajamaTime: Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. An evening storytime for children age 2 and up with an adult. Come dressed for bed and join the fun on Wednesday evenings for 30 minutes of stories and songs.

Summer Reading Programs

“Be Creative @ Your Library” Summer Reading Program: Starts Wednesday, July 1, at 7 p.m. with mime Robert Rivest and the eighth annual Cookie Challenge. Special activities and programs are planned for all ages during July and August. The July programs are:

Storyteller Ms. Pansy: Tuesdays, July 7, 28, from 2 to 3 p.m. Ms. Pansy will present the story “Bony Legs” by Joanna Cole of the July 7 and another story on the July 28. For grades K to 3 with an adult.

Game Day: Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. Games provided or bring your own. Bring your friends or come alone and enjoy the competition.

Baseball Book Blast: With a visit from a Defenders player. Friday, July 10, 11 a.m. to noon. Enjoy stories about baseball with a CT Defenders player, who will be available for autographs and photos. All ages with an adult.

Tales to Tails: Mondays, July 13, 20, 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. Read aloud to Bentley, a therapy dog certified through the Delta Society. For independent readers in grade 1 and up.

Roger Christiansen: Tuesday, July 14, 4 to 5 p.m. Director of the Disney show “Hannah Montana” will talk about life on the set of a television show. For all ages with an adult.

Teen Card-Making Workshop: Tuesday, July 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. Learn basic card making techniques using “old world technology,” papers, and embellishments. For grade 6 and up.

Chalk It Up! July 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. Chalk-drawing at its best in front parking area of the library. The library provides the chalk, you provide the. All ages, with an adult. (There is no rain date.)

Bows & Girls Music Ensemble: Saturdays, July 18 and Aug. 8, 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. An opportunity for kids to learn about the string family of instruments while enjoying a mixture of traditional and contemporary quartet music. For all ages with an adult.

Musical Instrument Petting Zoo: Tuesday, July 21, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Get up close and personal with a variety of musical instruments presented by Tim Fioravanti from the Waterford High School and some of his students. Bring a camera and capture the fun! All ages with an adult.

Cartooning Workshop: Tuesday, July 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Graphic novel illustrator Jon Buller will teach techniques of cartooning. All materials will be supplied. For ages 8 to 16.

Eco Art: Friday, July 24, from 2 to 3 p.m. Create unique art projects from an assortment of recycled and natural items. All ages with an adult.

Fourth Annual Pet Show: Saturday, July 25, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Participate or even just watch the fourth annual pet show. All animals must be on a leash or in a pet carrier and have all required vaccinations.

Teen Book-Making Workshop: Tuesday, July 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Try your hand at bookbinding and journal making. All materials supplied. For grade 6 and up.

Lego Tournament: Friday, July 31, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Join a competition for the most creative use of legos. Judging begins at 3 p.m. For all ages with an adult.

Adult Programs

Join in the One Book, One Region program. This year’s book is “City of Thieves” by David Benioff.

One Book, One Region encourages residents of eastern Connecticut to read the same book during the spring and summer months and then come together to discuss what they’ve read.

“City of Thieves” chronicles the ***’ siege of Leningrad, during which Lev Beniov is arrested for looting and thrown into the same cell as a handsome deserter named Kolya. Instead of being executed, Lev and Kolya are given a shot at saving their own lives by complying with an outrageous directive: secure a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel to use in his daughter’s wedding cake. In a city cut off from all supplies and suffering unbelievable deprivation, Lev and Kolya embark on a hunt through Leningrad and behind enemy lines to find the impossible.

Waterford Notebook: BOE Puts Stimulus Funds to Work

2009-06-25T17:47:59Z

By Stephen Chupaska, Staff Writer:

The Board of Education last week approved the allocation of federal stimulus funds for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.

Known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA, the law provided the school with $136,180 in Title I funds and $562,625 in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA funds. The school district must adhere to guidelines in applying the money.

Assistant Superintendent Craig Powers said the act will “provide Waterford with some needed services.”

With the IDEA funds the district will hire two full-time paraprofessionals; a transition coordinator and job coach at the high school; part-time tutors for each school; and a school psychologist intern.

Waterford will also purchase new reading and math materials, new software, and additional professional development opportunities.

With the extra Title I funds, the district will create an academic support center at the high school that will provide extra tutoring.

Also, the district will create a basic skills coordinator at the high school that will teach two remedial courses and serve as a data analyst.

Title I also will fund the creation of a teacher-in-residence program at the middle school and high school.

The district will also provide extra money to Waterford Country Day School.

Changes to Consumer Science Classes at WHS

The school board also approved changes to the Family and Consumer Science curriculum in the secondary schools.

According to department chair Connie Montanaro, the course will add three new classes—bake shop, multicultural cuisine, and hospitality.

The changes will be implemented in the coming school year.

Accreditation Visit in October

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges will be evaluating the high school from Oct. 18 to 21.

Principal Don Macrino said the high school has sent preliminary reports to NEASC. Staff has been preparing for the visit for the past school year.

“It will allow us to see things with a fresh eye,” he said.

The high school was last accredited in 1999.

Meet the Elite: Eastern CT Ballet dance team takes world championship

2009-06-25T17:44:15Z

By Amy Renczkowski, Staff Writer:

East Lyme — Most people don’t associate hip-hop dancing with this small town, but now they have a reason to.

Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s senior hip-hop team—Street Elite—are world champions. They recently competed in Orlando at the World Showcase at Disney World this spring and finished in first place.

“We were so underestimated, a little town from Connecticut,” said Gina Ferigone, 18, a dancer from East Lyme.

“When they announced our name, we were like, ‘How is this possible?’” Sean Kinney, 18, a dancer from Montville added. “It was very validating.”

The senior hip-hop team consists of 14 people from around Connecticut and Rhode Island, ages 18 years old and younger. The open team that has 18 performers in the group, ages 14 years old and older, took third place at Worlds.

Coach and Niantic native Beth Newton-Girard said she choreographed a routine for the senior team that was creative but had traditional hip-hop moves and tricks, like team headstands, elbow stalls, swipes, and windmills.

“It took months, an extremely long time to put together. There were lots of formations, level changes, and different tricks,” Newton-Girard said. “I just tried to take it two eight-counts at a time.”

She said she got her inspiration from the dancers themselves.

“This year we had kids that we were so passionate. I couldn’t have done it without their influence. They’re so young and so fresh with ideas,” Newton-Girard said.

The team’s routine also won a number of choreography awards this season.

The routine opens with a piano playing strategically in the background with spoken word: “This is our ghetto ballet, this is how we represent ourselves. This is the only way we see fit of storytelling. This is the only way of making ourselves feel like we belong.”

The rest of the two-minute, 15-second routine is packed with sharp movements, eye-popping tricks, and high energy dance moves.

It ends with more spoken word that seems fitting for the team: “You can do anything you set your mind to, man.”

Newton-Girard said winning Worlds was overwhelming.

“I’m proud of how hard they worked all season and how passionate they are with what they do,” Newton-Girard said. “They’re a bunch that wouldn’t have gotten so far without hard work.”

The hip-hop teams practiced roughly twice a week for two and a half hours each practice. The senior and open team was in the studio practicing almost every day for a few weeks before the championship.

Despite coming from an undefeated season, many dancers from the senior team said they had trouble sleeping the night before the World Showcase.

“The whole week before Worlds I put everything aside. I could not sleep,” Julia Veronesi, 15, a dancer from Colchester said. “But winning was awesome. We worked hard and it paid off.”

The Street Elite team was founded in August of 2007 by Newton-Girard. Besides the senior and open team, there is a youth team that won the United States finals in Virginia this year. She said she hopes to have between five and seven teams next year.

Street Elite is looking for additional members to join their team. Tryouts are Sunday, June 28, and Tuesday, June 30. Newton-Girard will teach dancers two routines. People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Ryan Spanich is assistant coach of the team.

Street Elite dancers said they want to be the first hip-hop team to win the World Championships back to back.

“Street Elite sweep,” as Veronesi put it.

Watch Street Elite’s World Championship routine at www.youtube.com/watch?v=bspLZs74Pqs.

To learn more about tryouts for the Street Elite hip-hop teams, call 739-7899 or visit www.easternctballet.com.

Stonington Historical Society Launches Music at The Lighthouse

2009-06-25T17:14:34Z

By Amy J. Barry, Special to the Times:

Local history and local music meld in Music at The Lighthouse, a new series of outdoor concerts produced by the Stonington Historical Society (SHS). The concerts will take place at the Old Lighthouse Museum overlooking Fishers Island Sound in Stonington Borough.

This summer’s concerts will kick off on July 5 with “Broadway Favorites” by Salt Marsh Opera and continue on Aug. 9 with Ross Tucker’s Hot Cat Jazz Band performing as part of the town’s annual Battle of Stonington Celebration (commemorating the Battle of 1814).

“The mission of the historical society is to try and communicate something about the history of Stonington to residents and visitors,” says Meredith Brown, president of SHS. “We’re always excited to have a chance to work with other organizations in the community like Salt Marsh Opera and do music at the Old Lighthouse Museum.”

Brown says he hopes this will be the first of many such seasons and that the series grows to three concerts in subsequent summers.

“It should be fun for people attending in the neighborhood and will also attract people in Southern Rhode Island and New London County in the summertime,” says Brown. “How bad is it to sit outside at a historic lighthouse and look at three states and have something to eat and drink while hearing spectacular music?”

Salt Marsh Opera Sings Broadway

The July 5 performance will feature star singers chosen by audition and accompanied on piano by Simon Holt, Salt Marsh Opera’s artistic director.

The opera company will sing a variety of favorite Broadway show music, performed as arias, duets, and trios by soprano Sarah Callinan, tenor Brian Cheney, and baritone Douglas Jabara—all professional singers with opera companies throughout the U.S.

“I love the fact that two non-profits in the same town are doing this event,” says Holt. “It’s unusual for a historical society to have a performing arts group, and Salt Marsh Opera was the first organization to be approached to help SHS launch the series, which is great.”

Holt is enthusiastic about the singers who will perform in the concert.

He explains that Callinan is new to Salt Marsh Opera although she has sung quite a bit in the local area.

“She’s a wonderful singer,” Holt says. “We found her this spring in auditions in New York. She sang with Connecticut Opera and she’s been involved in Opera Express—educating students about opera.”

Cheney sang with Salt Marsh Opera in “Mikado,” “La Traviata,” and, more recently, “Lucia di Lammermoor” at Ivoryton Playhouse. Jabara, who has also sung with the company, has crossed over, Holt says, from classical music, including opera, to musical theater. He’s currently in “Les Miserables” on Broadway.

“One thing I’m pleased about,” Holt says, “is Salt Marsh ourselves is crossing over—showing our singers can do all genres, whether it’s classical or not.”

Hot Cat Jazz Sings Standards and More

The Aug. 9 concert stars Ross Tuckers’ Hot Cat Jazz Band of Wethersfield, which performs locally and all over Connecticut. The band’s repertoire includes swing standards of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington; big band hits of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey; popular songs from the 1920s; and New Orleans and Dixieland favorites. The band also performs classic rock and blues tunes from the 1950s to the present.

Tying in the Battle of Stonington Celebration, the event will include a viewing of items at the Old Lighthouse Museum, such as the coat worn by John Miner, a 19-year-old Stonington defender, and a Congreve rocket fired by the British attackers that was fished out of Stonington Harbor.

Tertius de Kay, a prolific writer of maritime history and a director of SHS, is slated to speak at the event.

Both concerts begin at 6 p.m. at the Old Lighthouse Museum on Water Street in Stonington Borough. Concertgoers are encouraged to come early and bring a blanket. Food and beverages by Coastal Gourmet will be for sale. Tickets are $12 at the Lighthouse gate. Advance tickets are $10 by calling 860-535-3456 or 860-535-8445, at the museum or at Tom’s News on Water Street. In event of rain, concerts will be held at Stonington Meadows, 769 Stonington Rd. (Route 1).