Business — Page 2

‘Greenhouse Beauty’ Opens in Old Lyme With Emphasis on Non-Toxic Skincare Products, Self-Love

July 30, 2018 by Katie Reid Leave a Comment

Rachel Postovoit

Rachel Postovoit, owner of the newly-opened Greenhouse Beauty store in Old Lyme, never pictured herself owning a business.

Having studied music at the University of Connecticut with the intention of pursuing music education, Postovoit was devastated when she was rejected from the education program and could no longer become a teacher. “It shattered my perception of myself,” she says with unabashed honesty, “But it shaped my life in a very different path because I was like, ‘Well, what am I going to do? What am I good at?’”

Soon thereafter, Postovoit began working for Reliance House, a non-profit mental health organization based out of Norwich, and took a part-time job at Lush, a cosmetics retailer. Having loved make-up her whole life, she decided to pursue a career in cosmetics becoming first the store manager for Bare Minerals at Mohegan Sun, then opening her own store in Trumbull, and ultimately becoming a “color specialist” for Sephora.

She explains her lifelong passion for make-up this way, “As a kid, every friend, my mom, my sister, every person I could get my hands on, I would do their make-up. But I didn’t really get into skin care until my own skin became more of a struggle.”

The area in the store where facials and make-up are given is low-stress and inviting by design.

As Postovoit pursued different options to improve her skin, she quickly realized that there were many ingredients in products that she did not recognize. She began to research home remedies and started to make her own skincare products to ensure that there were no toxins in them that could jeopardize her health.

Postovoit carefully examines the ingredients of the products she sells to ensure there are no toxins included.

Postovoit decided to open Greenhouse Beauty to give people an opportunity to try new products that are safe and all-natural. Tucked in a little corner next to The Hideaway in the Old Lyme Shopping Center, the store feels comfortable and welcoming to all. “All of this is foreign to me,” she laughs. “I did 10 years in the retail world, but I’ve never owned my own business. I’m hoping that the community views it as their store. If you want your space, you can have it. If you want me pamper you, you can have that, too.”

Greenhouse Beauty offers a comfortable, relaxed setting to discuss personal skincare and make-up.

Greenhouse Beauty offers a relaxed, carefree environment with products that range from natural face cleansers to sweetly scented candles. A photo gallery hangs on the wall above a pale, blue couch, and various plants adorn the space. Postovoit wants get a piano as well, with hopes that people will feel more at-home and comfortable.

Shelves of products line the walls and Postovoit will discuss each customer’s needs individually to help make the optimum choice..

She explains,“I want people to feel like you can really just relax and be yourself,” she says. “I hid under my make-up for years, and it’s not a good feeling. I hope people are able to find themselves and fall in love with themselves, even just a little bit. Everyone’s trying to change themselves, but there’s only one you. You are a gift, and I want people to know that when they come here.”

Greenhouse Beauty is located at 19 Halls Rd. in Old Lyme and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.greenhousebeautyct.com

Filed Under: Business, News, Top Story

New Driver Education School Opens in Old Lyme, ‘APC Driving’ Offers a “Boutique” Approach

July 23, 2018 by Olwen Logan 2 Comments

Brent and Suzanne Thompson stand outside the doors of the newly-opened APC Driving in the Old Lyme Marketplace. Brent co-founded the business with Chris Robson. Photo submitted.

APC Driving has opened its doors at 19 Halls Rd. in the Old Lyme Marketplace near The Hideaway, offering driver education programs for teens and adults, as well as advanced driver training. Co-founder Brent Thompson, who lives in Old Lyme, explains, “We didn’t want to be like any other driving school … we hope to develop more of a lifestyle approach [to driving.]”

This photo of the exterior of APC Driving in the lower left shows its prime location in the Old Lyme Marketplace next to the Hong Kong II restaurant.

Chris Robson is the other co-founder and he has over 25 years of experience as a professional race car driver and instructor. Both men share a lifelong passion for all things automotive or in Thompson’s own words, “We’re both ‘Gearheads.'”

A small selection of Chris Robson’s extensive racing trophies and memorabilia decorates the walls.

Thompson grew up in Texas and Colorado and graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. A sales and marketing executive with years of experience leading teams across the U.S., Canada and Australia, Thompson has had a life-long passion for cars. Working with the Franklin Mint and its die cast car models division in the 1990s, he created, negotiated and executed marketing programs with world-class partners in historic and collectible automotive fields. He moved on to executive management in the men’s clothing industry.

When Thompson’s employer was bought out by competitor in 2016, he decided to get off of corporate travel treadmill and see what he could create locally. He maintains his full competition license with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and is chief motorsports correspondence for the Auto Chat Show podcasts, which has a subscriber base of over 100,000 listeners.

APC Driving co-founders Brent Thompson (left) and Chris Robson stand together on a racetrack in Brazil after Robson had completed a race there. Photo submitted.

Robson, APC Driving’s chief driving instructor, grew up in a racing family in the quiet corner of Connecticut. A former chief driving instructor at Performance Motorsports Karting School in Columbus, Ohio, he has over 100 U.S. and international podium finishes in recognized racing organizations and over 25 years of professional racing and instructor experience. Thompson describes Robson affectionately as, “the real deal behind the wheel,” noting, “The kids love him!”

Chris Robson drives through rain in this race. Photo submitted.

Asked how the idea of opening a driving school was conceived, Thompson explains, ” Chris and I met at a business networking event in West Hartford in 2017. Small talk quickly turned to cars and racing, so we set about figuring out how to create a business.”

The spacious teaching area will never accommodate more than 10 students at any one time.

He continues, “We’re taking a boutique approach to teaching people how to drive, with small classes of never more than 10, personalized assessments of their skills, abilities and confidence levels, and providing the training they need,” said Thompson, adding, “Whether you’re first learning to drive, want to have a safer commute or simply like to drive, the skills that you can learn at APC Driving will help you achieve your goal.”

Both men take safe driving seriously. Robson seeks to teach young drivers precision and control at the wheel, not speed and thrills. Thompson’s academic approach to driver education focuses on building a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding what it takes to be safe and happy behind the wheel at any level. The business partners also both have daughters, so Thompson notes sanguinely, “We have a vested interest. We look at safe driving from the perspective of parents, too.”

The driving simulator is a real boon to the business.

The office that APC Driving occupies is spacious and comfortable. It is divided into a reception area and a teaching space while a driving simulator occupies one corner, retail sales another and advanced driving programs another. The walls are covered with automobile-associated artwork and maps, and a large display case houses a number of Robson’s trophies and a fascinating selection of his his racing paraphernalia. Thompson comments, “Everything is fluid,” meaning the artwork and memorabilia will change regularly and as retails sales of clothing, equipment and model cars expand, he anticipates increased inventory necessitating more space being given over to them.

Brent Thompson sometimes mans the reception desk when he’s not teaching.

Brent is married to local writer and radio personality Suzanne Thompson, who is assisting APC Driving with their publicity and promotional planning. Suzanne explains with a smile, “I’m more into kayaking and gardening than cars,” noting she hosts a weekly radio show about gardening and nature on WLIS 1420 AM/Old Saybrook and WMRD 1150 AM/Middletown and writes regularly for The Day and its weekly publications on environmental matters. Suzanne stepped back from corporate communications in 2005 to raise her family, and since then she has served on Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau board for six years and in June became a board member of Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce.

Suzanne describes herself and her husband as “a couple of misplaced Midwesterners, who enjoy Connecticut’s New England feel and coastal shoreline.” The Thompsons moved to Old Lyme in 2002 and have two daughters, who both attend Lyme-Old Lyme Schools.

Looking into the APC Driving area, one can see the teaching one on the left and the advanced skills program area at the rear.

APC Driving is licensed by the State of Connecticut to teach the eight-hour Teen Drug and Alcohol and 30-hour Full Course classroom sessions for 16-17 year-olds, including the mandatory two-hour Parent Class, as well as classes for 18-year-olds and adults seeking their Connecticut Driver’s License. These include behind-the-wheel training with a certified APC Driving instructor in an APC car.

The school also offers specialized training for new and licensed drivers to prepare them to drive on today’s roads. Students can master their parallel and other parking challenges in PARK IT, hone their big-city driving skills in RUSH HOUR, or sign up for additional Individual Driving Hours. APC Driving also offers PRIMETIME for mature or senior drivers and in-car training for anyone who needs help understanding all of the technologies in today’s cars. The AUTO SELECT program helps people choose and purchase their vehicle.

Courses and training are described on APC Driving’s website, www.apcdriving.com, where parents and students can see the class schedule and register online. Classes are held Monday through Friday and the school offers flexible hours for in-car instruction. APC Driving is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call for an appointment.

APC Driving is a subsidiary of Accelerated Performance Coaching, LLC.

Filed Under: Business, Old Lyme, Top Story

Attorney John A. Collins III of Old Lyme Appointed Judge of Mohegan Gaming Disputes Court

May 29, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Pictured from left to right are Suisman Shapiro Paralegal Christine Gravelin, Attorney John A. Collins, III, and Paralegal Joanna Lazarus.

On May 15, Attorney John A. Collins, III, was sworn in as a Judge of the Gaming Disputes Court for Mohegan Tribal Court.

In its constitution, the Mohegan Tribe has given exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute involving or arising out of ’Gaming’ to the Gaming Disputes Court which consists of a Trial Court and a Court of Appeals. As used in the Mohegan Constitution, ’Gaming’ includes the development, construction, operation, promotion, financing, regulation and licensing issues, and includes jurisdiction over any associated hotel, resort or entertainment facility on Tribal lands.

This jurisdiction extends to actions of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment and disputes involving its employees and customers. The Court may exercise jurisdiction over any person who transacts any business on or affecting the Mohegan Reservation.

Attorney John A. Collins, III, is a Director/Shareholder at Suisman Shapiro, who concentrates in the areas of Personal Injury Law and Civil Litigation. In addition to his role as Judge of the Gaming Disputes Court for Mohegan Tribal Court, Attorney Collins serves as the Managing Partner of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.

Filed Under: Business, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

New Interior Design, Home Décor & Antique Store Opens in Old Lyme

May 5, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Beautiful fabrics, cushions and interior furnishings fill the Artemisia store in Old Lyme.

Artemisia is a new destination shop on Lyme St. behind The Cooley Gallery in Old Lyme specializing in fine textiles, pillows, antiques and decor items for the home from the team of Rosemarie Padovano and Marcello Marvelli.

Padovano is an artist and interior designer, and Marvelli is an art dealer and art historian from Florence, Italy. Together, they share a mutual love of art and design. They started the Artemisia Inc. in New York City in 2012 and recently moved it to Old Lyme.

The shop will feature a selection of unique objects and furniture that reflect their design sensibilities as well as the sophisticated collection of pillows, placemats, and ottomans that are designed and produced by Artemisia. Featured in all of the most important décor magazines, they are a trusted resource for some of the finest interior designers worldwide.

The Artemisia shop will also feature a collection of antique fabrics (Ikat and Suzani, and European silk velvets) as well as unique antique furniture, lamps, and objects selected with a discerning and fresh eye.

The shop is also the location of Studio Artemisia, a full service interior design firm led by Padovano and Marvelli. Together they create soulful interiors with a refined and artistic mix of modern and antique furnishings. Vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics are paired with a cultivated selection of antiques, adding visual excitement and warmth to every project.

Padovano and Marvelli seek a cultured atmosphere in all they design, honoring both past and present. They have designed residential interiors for clients in New York City, Westchester County, Miami and Connecticut.

Padovano and Marvelli are restoring a 1755 colonial house and Olmsted Brothers historic garden in Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Arts, Business, Old Lyme, Top Story

Reynolds’ Subaru of Lyme Donates $30,000 to Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center

April 27, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Pictured above at the check donation ceremony are (from left to right) Joe Altavilla, District Sales Manager, Subaru of New England; Devin Carney, Connecticut State Representative (R-23rd); Kathryn Wayland, Reynolds’ Subaru; Hayden Reynolds, Reynolds’ Subaru; Laura Martino, Middlesex Hospital; Melissa Ziobron, Connecticut State Representative (R-34th); and Justin Drew, Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center.

Reynolds’ Subaru in Lyme has donated $30,000 to Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center’s new Westbrook location. The generous donation will ensure that cancer patients have access to the best possible treatments and care team.

Reynolds’ donation was made following the conclusion of Subaru of America Inc.’s Share the Love campaign. Reynolds’ Subaru and the Reynolds’ family, however, have been supportive of Middlesex Hospital for many years.

“As a local business, we feel it is important to give back to our community,” says Hayden Reynolds. “We believe that having medical care on the shoreline makes it easier for our customers, neighbors and family members to get the care they need. The Cancer Center is a great addition to what Middlesex already offers on the shoreline, and we are so pleased to help the Hospital’s efforts.”

Justin Drew, director of the Cancer Center, is very grateful for the support. “We are humbled by the generosity of Reynolds’ Subaru,” he says. “Their support means that Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center patients can access life-saving cancer treatment closer to home, and we thank them for sharing their love with us.”

Filed Under: Business, Lyme, Top Story

Saybrook Point Commemorates Earth Day With Clothing Drive This Weekend, Continues Through Monday

April 20, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Old Saybrook Inn aims to reduce textile waste and give new life to gently used clothing

Saybrook Point is honoring Earth Day 2018 with a clothing drive at the property Friday, April 20 through Monday, April 23. This effort aims to reduce textile waste and give new life to gently used clothing, as well as keep goods out of landfills and reduce waste from manufacturing, trucking, and packaging new goods.

Saybrook Point will have donation boxes set up in the hotel lobby throughout the weekend for Old Saybrook residents, neighbors and guests to participate. Accepted items include clothing, shoes, belts, purses, tablecloths and similar items in good condition, and all items will be donated to the local Goodwill, a non-profit organization that serves people with disabilities, economic disadvantages and other challenges to employment.

According to Planet Aid, a non-profit organization working to bring about worldwide environmental and social progress, Americans throw away 85 percent of the clothes in their closet that they don’t want, but almost everything can be repurposed in some way. Perhaps the most important impact has to do with stopping the acceleration of climate change.

The greenhouse effect, as it is sometimes called, is associated with increasing amounts of CO2 released into the atmosphere. When solid waste such as textiles are buried in landfills they release greenhouse gases as they decompose, including methane, a particularly destructive substance. Similarly, at the other end of the clothing life-cycle spectrum, the production of textile fibers and the manufacture of cloth burns considerable quantities of fuel that releases CO2 into the atmosphere. Approximately 3-4 pounds of CO2 are saved for every pound of clothing that is spared from disposal.

Saybrook Point operates under eco-friendly practices, all year-round. The property uses solar energy to help reduce energy consumption, as well as a natural gas co-generation plant which provides 45 percent of electricity and 80 percent of the Point’s heat. The Marina at Saybrook Point, was named Connecticut’s first ever Clean Marina in 2003, and has maintained this status ever since. Fresh Salt, the restaurant at Saybrook Point, participates in a Farm-to-Chef program, using local farms and vendors for food sources, as well as their very own on-site vegetable and herb gardens.

About Saybrook Point Inn: The Inn is located along the scenic shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound. The Main Inn includes a collection of 82 classically-appointed guestrooms, many featuring water views and private balconies.

The Main Inn also hosts SANNO, a relaxing and restorative full-service spa, Fresh Salt, a casual fine-dining experience, and elegant ballroom and a variety of intimate gathering spaces, which can be used for private parties, meetings and receptions, and The Health Club, which is a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Saybrook Point Inn also features two luxury guesthouses, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales both offering guestrooms that convey the story of famous Old Saybrook residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, is a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serving as a focal point for the Inn and home to the outdoor Marina Bar.

More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

Filed Under: Business

Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber Hosts Dinner Meeting at Stella’s Tonight, MCCD Members are Guest Speakers

April 9, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

The Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce holds its next Monthly Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 10, with cocktails and appetizers starting at 6 p.m. at Stella’s on Boston Post Rd. in Old Lyme. A three-course meal will begin at 7 p.m

It is expected to be a great evening allowing members and friends of the Chamber to network with business friends and colleagues, as well as hear the latest Chamber news.

Guest speakers will be members of the Mentoring Corps of Community Development (MCCD), who will give an overview of their work to date and plans for the future. This is an important and influential group in The Lymes — come and find out what they do!

All are welcome. The cost for dinner per person is $25.00 and reservations are required by noon on Tuesday.

For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at VisitOldLyme.com

Filed Under: Business, Lyme, Old Lyme

Atty. Kelly of Old Lyme Succeeds in Appeal for US Veteran Denied Benefits

February 18, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Attorney Kristi D. Kelly

Attorney Kristi D. Kelly, who works for Suisman Shapiro of New London and is an Old Lyme resident, recently prevailed in an appeal on behalf of a client for Veterans Disability Benefits filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The veteran applied for service-connected disability benefits in 2014 and was denied service-connection for his claimed ailments at that time.

The denial was appealed in 2015 and has been pending for approximately two years. Attorney Kelly successfully obtained service-connection for all of his ailments and recovered $166,248.13 in back benefits previously denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This successful appeal and recovery of retroactive benefits, as well as monthly benefits going forward, is truly life-changing for this veteran.

For more information about or to contact Atty. Kelly, visit her webpage at this link.

Filed Under: Business, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Legal News You Can Use: Divorce and Splitting Retirement Accounts

January 18, 2018 by Suisman Shapiro Leave a Comment

Photo by Helloquence on Unsplash

Suisman Shapiro Sponsored Post — When Connecticut couples divorce, one piece of property they may need to divide is a retirement account. This might be what is known as a qualified plan, including a 401(k), or it might be an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or another non-qualified plan. There are different regulations for dividing these types of accounts.

With a qualified plan, if a person withdraws a portion of the money and gives it to a spouse, that money will be taxed and may be considered an early withdrawal. This can lead to a significant reduction in the final amount. However, if the couple gets a document known as a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO), the tax and early withdrawal penalty will be waived.

A couple can have a QDRO for an IRA, though it is not necessary to avoid tax. Furthermore, there will still be a penalty for early withdrawal for people under a certain age. Other specific regulations may differ across company plans or pensions, and a couple may want to look into these regulations. It is important not to assume that the process will be straightforward nor that it will not incur penalties or fees. Furthermore, the QDRO must be prepared accurately as it can be a costly document that becomes even more expensive if there are errors.

One option for couples who do not want to go through the trouble or expense of splitting a retirement account is for one person to keep the retirement account and the other person to take another valuable asset. This might be the home or an investment account. However, it is important that the values of these assets be assessed accurately. This means taking both taxes and penalties into account as well as the liquidity of the asset. For example, a bank account could be more liquid than a retirement account while maintenance and insurance are among the costs of a home that should be considered.

The Law Firm of Suisman Shapiro focuses on this area of the law. If you are seeking experienced legal guidance for a divorce in Connecticut, contact Attorney Robert Tukey to arrange an initial consultation with an experienced eastern Connecticut divorce lawyer.

Filed Under: Business, Legal, Lyme, Old Lyme, Top Story

‘Overabove,’ Co-founded by Old Lyme’s Visgilio, Expands with Opening of West Coast Office

October 16, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

The staff of OverAbove gather for a group photo in front of their premises at the Witch Hazel Works in Essex.

ESSEX – Overabove, a strategic marketing and communications firm based in Essex, Conn., has expanded its business footprint and enhanced its offerings with the opening of a Los Angeles office. The firm’s new office is located in Manhattan Beach on the Manhattan Beach Studios’ Media Campus – a facility where media arts, studio production, new technology and ideas converge.

The creative space is just south of Hollywood and bustling with the kind of activity at the heart of Overabove’s culture and services. Seasoned industry leader Tara Walls has been appointed to lead the firm’s new office.

As Head of Entertainment for Overabove, Walls will draw upon nearly 25 years of experience in the Hollywood entertainment industry to connect brands with television shows, feature films and talent. She’ll leverage industry relationships and tap her experience in brand integration and promotional partnerships, as well as with music and influencers, to craft customized entertainment partnerships to elevate brands of all sizes. She’ll also create original content to give brands exposure.

Walls’ depth of experience in identifying and structuring relationships between Hollywood properties and brands will bring strong added value to Overabove’s clients. While Walls only recently joined Overabove in a formal capacity, she’s been an extension of the Overabove team for more than a decade – collaborating with the firm on a number of entertainment partnerships for shared clients.

A resident of Los Angeles, Walls joins the Overabove team after serving as executive vice president of brand integrations & entertainment partnerships at FRUKT and Rogers & Cowan. She previously worked as a product placement executive at two Hollywood film studios.

“We are thrilled that our business footprint will now reach from coast to coast and that our new office is in such an ideal, exciting location – spearheaded by someone as talented and experienced as Tara,” said Ralph Guardiano, principal and co-founder of Overabove. “We know that these enhancements will greatly benefit our clients’ strategic and creative plans and look forward to seeing the results.”

Old Lyme resident John Visgilio, principal and co-founder of Overabove with Guardiano, added, “The opening of our West Coast office along with Tara’s hiring is part of our continued evolution to keep our clients’ brands above the noise, make our offerings as extensive and accessible as possible, and tap new growth opportunities.”

Filed Under: Business, Essex, Old Lyme, Top Story

Threetrees Interiors Celebrates Move to New Premises on Boston Post Rd. in Old Lyme

October 5, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

Yesterday Threetrees Interiors celebrated a Grand Opening in its new space at 149 Boston Post Rd. in Old Lyme (next to All-Pro Automotive.)

Threetrees is a full service design firm nestled within a boutique furnishing showroom. Through collaborative efforts between clients, architects and contractors, the company provides design services at any stage of building and renovation projects.

Their services range in scope from assisting clients with paint colors to extensive interior renovations and new construction. Threetrees can assist throughout the life of a project or provide a la carte services.

Threetrees was founded in 2002 and now has a staff of seven. The lead designers are board certified and licensed interior designers. With over 30 years of experience, the team utilizes AutoCAD, Revit and 3D software programs for construction documentation in addition to old-fashioned hand sketches to help convey design intent and allow clients to envision better their space.

Filed Under: Business, Old Lyme

Collins of Old Lyme Named a ‘Best Lawyer in America’ … Again

September 17, 2017 by Admin 1 Comment

Attorney John A. Collins, III of Suisman Shapiro.

John A. Collins, III of Old Lyme has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018. Collins is an attorney specializing in the field of Personal Injury Litigation at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys at Law in New London.

Two of Collins’s fellow attorneys at Suisman Shapiro, Matthew E. Auger and Robert B. Keville , were also named in the Best Lawyers listing — Auger in the practice area of Medical Malpractice Law and Keville in the area of Workers’ Compensation Law.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

“For more than a third of the century,” says CEO Steven Naifeh, “Best Lawyers has been the gold standard of excellence in the legal profession.” President Phil Greer adds, “We are extremely proud of that record and equally proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of these exceptional legal professionals.”

Collins has successfully obtained verdicts or public settlements up to $10 million on behalf of injured victims over a 30-year law practice. He currently serves as the Managing Partner of Suisman Shapiro. The Connecticut Bar Foundation honored Attorney John A. Collins, III, in 2005 with his selection as a Life Fellow. “Selection as a Fellow requires demonstrated superior legal ability and devotion to the welfare of the community, state and nation, as well as to the advancement of the legal foundation”. Source: Connecticut Bar Foundation.

Auger handles serious personal injury cases, including wrongful death claims, automobile collisions, slip and falls, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and product liability. Mr. Auger is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate with the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is also a Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the United States Naval Reserve and is a Judge of the Gaming Disputes Court for the Mohegan Tribe of Indians in Connecticut.

Keville is a Director who concentrates in Worker’s Compensation and Civil Litigation. Mr. Keville is a member of the Connecticut Bar, both State and Federal. He is also a member of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Keville’s practice focuses on the representation of injured workers in State and Federal Worker’s Compensation forums, as well as serious personal injury claims. He has tried numerous cases to conclusion and has appeared before various Appellate tribunals, up thru and including the State of Connecticut Supreme Court.

Editor’s Note: Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law is the largest law firm in eastern Connecticut. It is located at 2 Union Plaza, P.O. Box 1591, New London CT 06320. Phone: (860) 442-4416. For further information, visit www.suismanshapiro.com

Filed Under: Business, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Shoreline Bus Schedule Change Now in Place

August 14, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

9 Town Transit is planning schedule changes to its Rte. 1 bus service between Old Saybrook and Madison. The changes, which reduce the number of daily trips by two, begin today, Monday, Aug. 14.

The district began a public comment process in March in response to reductions in subsidies from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Through the process, 9 Town Transit was able to identify trips that impacted the least amount of people. Still, as many as 50 people’s daily travel will be impacted by these changes.

“We understand the impact these changes have on our community,” says Joseph Comerford, Executive Director of 9 Town Transit, “but when our subsidies are reduced, we must cut back service to remain financially stable.”

Comerford says the district pushed off the changes as long as possible, while they worked with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and legislators in an attempt to secure the necessary funding. With a new fiscal year beginning, the district felt it could no longer delay the changes.

Additional information and schedules are available at www.9towntransit.com or by calling 860-510-0429.

Filed Under: Business, Old Saybrook, Top Story

CT Trust Warns $1.1 Billion Susquehanna Bridge Project Might Set Unacceptably Low Bar for Environmental Protection in CT

June 29, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

Rendering of Susquehanna Bridge Project. Source: David Anderson, “Deadline approaches for comments on Susquehanna rail bridge replacement”, April 6, 2017, Baltimore Sun.

A June 26 announcement by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that the $1.1 billion Susquehanna Bridge Project on the Northeast Corridor in Maryland poses “no significant impact,” drew sharp comment from Daniel Mackay, Executive Director of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, who warned that such a decision could set an unacceptably low bar for mitigating historic, cultural and environmental resource impacts from future high speed rail projects in Connecticut.

The proposed rail bridge replacement project bisects the National-Register-listed Havre de Grace Historic District in Maryland, comprised of approximately 1000 historic structures, many from the 18th century, on the banks of the Susquehanna River, and was reported in the Baltimore Sun on June 26, 2017.

“FRA determined that the most comprehensive level of environmental review was not needed for this $1.1 billion dollar rail project in the midst of a historic coastal community in Maryland,” noted Daniel Mackay, Executive Director of the Connecticut Trust. “Connecticut and Rhode Island communities caught in the cross-hairs of FRA’s bypass proposals should be concerned for the signal sent by this Maryland project – the process ahead may not yield the protections that communities want for themselves.”

Since the FRA released draft plans on November 15, 2015 to expand new high-speed railroad corridors across coastal Connecticut and Rhode Island, under a federal planning process called “NEC Future,” the Connecticut Trust, and its grassroots partner SECoast, have led a campaign to counter FRA’s insensitive approach to transportation planning for the Northeast Corridor routes through Connecticut.

“FRA’s plan represents a once-in-a-generation decision that will fundamentally shape the communities, economies and ecology of coastal southern New England,” explained Gregory Stroud, Director of Special Projects at the Connecticut Trust, and co-founder of SECoast. “The only sure way to protect our communities from these types of impacts is to fully remove these projects from the Record of Decision.”

The FRA is expected to announce a long-delayed Record of Decision for NEC Future this summer, finalizing a blueprint for the Northeast Corridor which will shape infrastructure decisions and investment through 2040, or later. The current blueprint has been in place since a similar process completed in 1978. The Northeast Corridor, which connects cities between Washington, D.C. and Boston, is the nation’s busiest rail corridor.

Filed Under: Business, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Simpson Healthcare of Old Lyme Wins “Best Scientific Communications Agency-CT” at 2017 Business Excellence Awards

June 22, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

Simpson Healthcare Executives wins “Best Scientific Communications Agency-Connecticut” at the 2017 Business Excellence Awards hosted by Acquisition International Magazine. (PRNewsfoto/Simpson Healthcare Executives)

Simpson Healthcare Executives have announced that they have won “Best Scientific Communications Agency-CT” at the 2017 Business Excellence Awards, presented by Acquisition International Magazine.

Simpson Healthcare is a diverse, scientific strategy and communications agency, founded in 1998 by Kelly Simpson-Angelini, CEO+CSO and located in Old Lyme, that challenges all healthcare stakeholders to think disruptively about change in healthcare. Acquisition International featured Simpson Healthcare in a congratulatory interview in their Winners Supplement for the 2017 Business Excellence Awards.

Simpson Healthcare is honored to have won this prestigious business award at the 2017 Business Excellence Awards, a program that was created to acknowledge the trailblazers of the corporate domain. Their agency is proud to have been designated as one of these leading, esteemed organizations who have demonstrated creativity, commitment, experience, and strong leadership in the modern corporate business climate.

Simpson Healthcare would like to thank their internal teams and their leadership, as they are proud to have the right people on every team; they have created a great, talented culture of learning, science, and innovation that is rooted in the agency’s purpose: to support our clients in sharing the scientific story of the diseases they touch and therapies they discover for all in need.

The Simpson Healthcare team looks forward to the future as they unite to advance science and the discovery and development of the game-changing therapies for their clients, and encourage collaboration among key stakeholders to improve the healthcare experience for patients into the next coming decades.

Acquisition International is a monthly magazine published by AI Global Media Ltd, a publishing house that has reinvigorated corporate finance news and reporting. The magazine has a global circulation, which brings together all parties involved in deal-making and, in an increasingly global deal market, is uniquely positioned to reach the deal-makers that matter. For more information, visit: http://www.acquisition-intl.com/.

Simpson Healthcare Executives is located in Old Lyme, CT and is a global leader in biopharmaceutical marketing and communications, dedicated to driving therapeutic innovations forward. Since 1998, Simpson Healthcare Executives supports their clients in sharing the scientific stories of the diseases they touch and therapies they discover for all in need. For more information on Simpson Healthcare Executives, visit: www.simpsonhealthcare.com.

Filed Under: Business, Old Lyme, Top Story

Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber to Present Scholarships to Local Students at Annual Dinner Meeting Tonight

June 21, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

The Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual meeting this Wednesday, June 21, at the Old Lyme Country Club. Cocktails (self-pay) start at 6 p.m. and the dinner at 7 p.m. All are welcome.

The Chamber will present its Business Leadership Scholarship award during the evening and also honor all the students who have won the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Rutherford Sheffield “Business Student of the Month” award during the school year.

The Chamber will also review its achievements over the past year and look forward to the new year with the appointment of new officers. There will also be plenty of opportunity for business networking.

Admission to the meeting, which includes a three-course dinner, is $25.00 in advance or $27.50 at the door. Register at this link.

Filed Under: Business, Lyme, Old Lyme

Center For Hospice Care Receives $22,000 Contribution From Reynolds’ Subaru Through ‘Share The Love Campaign’

April 28, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

Displaying the giant ‘Share The Love’ check from Reynold Subaru to Center for Hospice Care are, from left to right, Ken Scanzio, Subaru of New England District Representative, Kathryn Reynolds Wayland, Owner of Reynolds’ Subaru, Sean Mitchell, Director of Development for Center for Hospice Care, Sally Markko, Development Specialist for Center for Hospice Care, G. Hayden Reynolds, Owner of Reynolds’ Subaru and Nora Morrissey, Reynolds’ Subaru Sales Manager.

Center for Hospice Care recently received a generous contribution in the amount of $22,000 from Reynolds’ Subaru of Lyme. Reynolds’ Subaru selected Center for Hospice Care as its Hometown Charity for the 2016 Subaru Share the Love Campaign. For every new Subaru that was sold from Nov.17-Dec. 31, 2016, customers could select one of four national charities or Center for Hospice Care as the recipient of a $250 donation.

“It was incredibly touching to see so many of our customers select Center for Hospice Care during this promotion,” said G. Hayden Reynolds, owner of Reynolds’ Subaru. “It’s the largest charitable contribution ever given by our company in our 150+ years in business!”

“Whatever else we can do to help promote Center for Hospice Care and their mission in Southeast Connecticut is very important to us,” said Kathryn Reynolds Wayland, owner of Reynolds Subaru. “Their services go far beyond the patient and assist family members with grief counseling services, pet therapy and Expressive Arts.” “It is the hope at Reynolds’ Subaru that through the Share the Love program, we will bring Center for Hospice Care’s story and meaningful work to more residents in our community.”

“We are truly honored and grateful for this contribution by the Reynolds’ family and Reynolds’ Subaru,” said Carol Mahier, President and CEO of Center for Hospice Care. “The Reynolds’ are truly a kind, generous and community centered business that goes out of their way to help many needy causes. Their support of our organization through this amazing donation is greatly appreciated and humbly accepted.”

For the Reynolds family of Reynolds’ Subaru, the selection of Hospice is very personal. The family lost their father, Gary, very suddenly to a brain tumor three years ago, and Center for Hospice Care assisted their family with many aspects of his care. The Reynolds family made the decision to bring Gary home for his end-of-life care, but could not have done so without the support of Center for Hospice Care. Without the guidance of hospice, the level of care received would not have been possible.

Since 1985, Center for Hospice Care has served more than 12,000 patients. We are the largest hospice in Southeastern Connecticut and the only hospice provider that delivers all the care and services needed by patients and their families – including extended group and individual bereavement counseling to anyone who needs it, free of charge. Our staff is the most qualified and experienced in the field and is augmented by more than 150 specially trained volunteers who provide companionship to our patients and respite to their families.

Center for Hospice Care would like to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Reynolds’ Subaru and the Reynolds Family for their support of our organization and mission. For more information on this exciting partnership, contact Sean Mitchell at SMitchell@hospicesect.org or call 860.848.5699.

Filed Under: Business, Lyme, Top Story

Guilford Savings Bank Supports Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries with ‘Green for Greens’

April 24, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

From left to right, front row, Guilford Saving Bank Branch Manager, Dave Carswell, SSKP Board Member Rick Westbrook, SSKP Executive Director, Patty Dowling, and Guilford Saving Bank Community Development Officer, Lisa La Monte. (back row) Guilford Saving Bank Assistant Branch Manager, Sandra Miller, and Guilford Saving Bank tellers Ryan Donovan and Brandy Reilly.

AREAWIDE — Guilford Savings Bank has awarded a $4,000 grant to Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP) to purchase fresh produce for needy residents of the shoreline. The grant, called “Green for Greens”, helps assure that local families who come to SSKP’s food pantries will be provided with fresh fruit and vegetables, in addition to non-perishable foods.

Lisa LeMonte, Marketing and Community Development Officer at Guilford Savings Bank, shared, “I know I speak for everyone at GSB when I say how proud we are to provide “Green for Greens” that allows The Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries to supplement their budget with funds to purchase additional fresh produce.”

“The support of Guilford Savings Bank and their generous “Green for Greens” is truly a gift to those we serve at our 5 food pantries. We all know the feeling of eating a fresh crisp apple, or finding a banana in our lunch bag when we are hungry midday. Because of GSB, those in need will share in that feeling, and on behalf of those we serve, I sincerely thank Guilford Savings Bank for their commitment to providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Patty Dowling, Executive Director.

Founded 28 years ago, The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries provides food and fellowship to people in need and educates the community about hunger and poverty, serving the Connecticut shoreline towns of Essex, Chester, Clinton, Madison, Old Saybrook, East Lyme, Lyme, Old Lyme, Killingworth, Westbrook and Deep River.

Guilford Savings Bank has been serving the financial needs of the Connecticut shoreline for over 140 years. Recently named the #1 Community Bank in Connecticut, it is the premier relationship bank, providing banking, lending, wealth management and life insurance solutions for personal, small business and commercial customers. For more information visit www.gsbyourbank.com

Filed Under: Business, News, Old Saybrook

Saybrook Point Inn Installs Comcast Business High Speed Internet Services

March 20, 2017 by Admin Leave a Comment

A view of Saybrook Point Inn from the Connecticut River.

Comcast Business today announced that Saybrook Point Inn, a luxury Connecticut inn featuring elegant accommodations, fine dining and premier spa services, is using Comcast Business Ethernet, Internet, Phone and Video offerings to provide guests with high-quality technology services as well as improve inn operations.

The privately-owned travel destination is located on the Connecticut River at the entrance to Long Island Sound and features more than 100 guest rooms, a full-service spa, fine dining restaurant and marina that can accommodate vessels up to 200 feet. To meet its commitment to environmental conservation, operational efficiency and exceptional guest services, the management team streamlined its technology offerings and implemented Comcast Business Internet to increase the performance for all three of its networks in the marina, office and guest areas.

“Both our social and corporate guests require high-speed internet service, from the visiting yachts in the marina who use it for self-diagnostic marine systems and video applications, to those staying in our inn. Comcast Business provides us with reliable internet as well as phone and video services throughout the property,” said John Lombardo, general manager of Saybrook Point.

He continued, “Leveraging technology allows us streamline operations. We can be more of a high-touch resort because our staff can spend more time interacting and servicing our guests, whether they are visiting for a vacation or attending an event in our ballrooms and conference center.”

Saybrook Point Inn was the first “Green Hotel” designated in Connecticut and is well-known for its eco-friendly practices, several of which rely on technology to meet the property’s green commitment.

Looking across the Saybrook Point Inn’s marina to the accommodations beyond.

In the guest rooms, Saybrook Point implemented Comcast Business’ Q2Q hospitality solution offering guests full voice and video offerings with a specific Saybrook Point default channel to promote various events and news and a second menu channel. These channels eliminate the need for the Inn to print materials for the rooms continuously, thus adding to its eco-friendly mission. Their cogeneration and extensive solar panel system also rely on solid internet services to perform properly.

“Technology offerings including high-speed internet, phone and hi-def video are among the top amenities for resorts such as Saybrook Point Inn to keep guests connected to their families and work during their travels as well as provide entertainment options,” said Michael Parker, regional senior vice president for Comcast’s Western New England Region.

He added, “Saybrook Point Inn is a well-known for its beautiful location, exceptional guest services and commitment to the environment and community. Comcast is fortunate to work with this Inn to provide the high-tech solutions to meet guest needs as well as optimize business operations.”

Additionally, Saybrook Point Inn relies on Comcast Business to strengthen its operations with a 100 Megabit-per-second (Mbps) Ethernet Dedicated Internet line and PRI business phone service for direct dialing around the property.

“Our invoices are processed via an online central accounting system so our efficiency is greatly impacted if the network is slow or offline. Also, our staff offices, printers and copiers are connected through an online shared system, which needs reliable internet,” Lombardo noted.

He commented, “Comcast Business ensures that we are operating at peak productivity. And it has allowed us to implement new guest service systems. For instance, in the dining room, we use iPads and OpenTable to communicate the status of each table in real-time with the hostess station to decrease guest wait times, and we are implementing systems for housekeeping and maintenance departments to both eliminate paper, intrusive radio communication and have better accountability.

Lombardo said, “We also installed two treadmills recently that have built-in Wi-fi capability for internet surfing and access to online special fitness programs.”

Editor’s Notes:

Situated along the picturesque shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Saybrook Point Inn, Spa and Marina features a collection of 100 elegantly-appointed guestrooms, 24 villas offering long and short-term rentals, a rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa, and casual fine dining restaurant, Fresh Salt, as well as a unique waterside Lighthouse Suite. In addition, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses offer exquisite rooms that convey the story of famous local residents, including Katharine Hepburn. Saybrook Point also shines with the pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River with easy access to Long Island Sound. It can accommodate vessels from 12 to 200 feet and has received numerous premier Connecticut marina awards.
More information is available at www.saybrook.com.
Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice and TV solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by a next-generation, fiber-based network, and backed by 24/7 technical support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Ethernet market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as its fastest growing provider and service provider of the year.
For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social.

Filed Under: Business, Old Saybrook, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Old Saybrook Town Officials Says First Priority is Re-Employment of Fortune Plastics Employees

March 8, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

The announcement by Fortune Plastics of their intended closure in April has left the Old Saybrook and Shoreline Community concerned and disappointed. Our concern is first and foremost for the over 90 employees of the company who will be losing their employment. It is also disheartening to see what was once a locally-owned family business leave the State.

Upon hearing the news, our offices began marshaling state and regional resources to work with the company in finding new employment for the workers. Within a week, the Connecticut Department of Labor Rapid Response Unit organized a Job Fair at Fortune Plastics on March 4. We also contacted local and regional manufacturers, many with positions to fill. We will continue to partner with Fortune Plastics to make available any and all human resources in the coming months.

Fortune Plastic’s 75,000 sf manufacturing facility will also be available for repurpose. The Town and the Economic Development Commission plan to market the availability of this and other industrial properties so they will be put to back into full and productive use.

While this is indeed difficult news for all affected employees and the Town, we will continue to be a town that seeks out new business opportunities to benefit workers and residents.

Carl P. Fortuna, Jr. and Susie Beckman
Old Saybrook.

Editor’s Note: The writers are respectively the First Selectman of Town of Old Saybrook and the
Economic Development Director of the Town of Old Saybrook.

Filed Under: Business, Letters, Old Saybrook, Top Story, Town Hall