Chair created by Outthink and Displayed at the Cooley Gallery

Join us for a fun and colorful Artful Giving Chair Auction at The Estuary Council of Seniors, 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook on June 3,  5 – 8 pm. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, raffles and music by the Smoke Bubbles while delighting in the large array of fanciful chairs to bid on!  Funds will benefit the Meals on Wheels Program and other vital Estuary programs in our nine-town Estuary region.

Launch your Summer with a fun game!  80 local businesses in the towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Lyme, Old Lyme and Madison have “adopted” a painted chair and are displaying it in their store during the month of May. These are the towns where The Estuary Council of Seniors delivers Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors.

Go to www.ecsenior.org to view all the chairs and see where each is being displayed.  Print your “passport” and have it stamped at 20 chair locations to be eligible to enter in the raffle. Or if you have an iphone, just scan the barcode on each chair to play the Scavenger Hunt game.  Everyone can play the passport game and be eligible to win. The raffle prizes will be drawn at the event on June 3 and the winner does need to be present.

Our sponsors include Tower Labs, Essex Meadows, Kim and Dick Ertelt of the Wine Cask, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Jeffrey N. Mehler, CFP, Outthink, Rachel Thomas Real Estate, Marlene and Jerome Scharr, Matthew Rubin, Old Saybrook Shopping Center and SmokeBubbles. A very special thank you goes out to the 80 local and long distance artists who donated their time and wonderful talents!

Tickets to the Artful Giving Chair Auction are $25 limited to the first 300 people. Call (860) 388-1611

Scott’s Farm (Digital photo using bracketing effect) - by Charles Lagana

The Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, will host an exhibit of selected photographs by Charles Lagana of Old Saybrook in the first floor gallery at the library from May 14 through June 23, 2012.

Mr. Lagana uses digital photography and software to explore the beauty of nature and the expression of his individual vision. For further information, please call 860-395-3184, or visit the library during regular hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. —5 p.m.

Mr. Condron has been a photographer for the past 45 years. It all started with the inheritance of an old Kodak extendable bellows camera.  His work has been displayed in The Dunes Gallery, California and numerous Galleries across Connecticut.  He is a resident of Lyme, Connecticut.

A reception to honor Lou and feature his work will be held at The Estuary’s Marshview Gallery on Friday, June 8, from 5-7:00 pm.  Everyone is welcome.

On Tuesday, June 5, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. OSECC will present a workshop featuring Dr. Michelle DiLorenzo, DO, FAAP, Pediatrician at Wildwood Pediatrics.  Dr. DiLorenzo’s workshop is on the Importance of Routine, Nutrition, and Sleep in Children’s Health and will include an open question and answer period for parents to ask questions pertinent to their children’s health. Light refreshments will be provided; a Free RAFFLE will also be held and free on-site child care will be available. This workshop is being hosted by The Sherwood School.  The Sherwood School is located at 45 Sherwood Terrace, Old Saybrook, CT 06475; phone: 860-388-3717.  For more information about this Workshop and to register for free on-site child care, please call, Melinda Tyler, MA, MFT, Early Childhood Coordinator, at (860) 510-5046 or e-mail at mtyler@town.old-saybrook.ct.us.

For information about Old Saybrook Early Childhood Council including upcoming workshops, resources for parenting and referrals please contact Melinda M. Tyler, MA, MFT, Youth and Family Counselor and Early Childhood Coordinator at Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services

322 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.  Phone: (860) 510-5046; via email at mtyler@town.old-saybrook.ct.us

The goal of this year’s drive is to match the funds of the past two drives, essentially doubling what we’ve raised to date. To augment our campaign, we are taking it a step further by asking shoreline businesses to match what we raise – in part or in whole – from the can and bottle drive.

If you would like to participate, bring your empty 5 cent redeemable cans and bottles to Old Saybrook High School, 1111 Boston Post Road, on May 19 between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Need a pick up? Call 860-227-6686. If you would like to make a monetary donation, you can drop that off too (make checks payable to The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries) or call 860-227-6686 for more information on where to send donations.

Because we CAN make a Difference

Democratic State Senator Eileen Daily of Westbrook

AREAWIDE–  Democratic State Senator Eileen Daily of Westbrook announced Tuesday that she will not seek a new term in the Nov. 6 election, throwing open the race in the 12-town district Daily has represented for ten terms.

Daily’s decision to retire, which comes after she had formed a 2012 candidate committee earlier this year, was confirmed only one week before the Democrats district nominating convention on Monday in Essex. A former first selectwoman of Westbrook, Daily has represented the large district since 1992, defeating a series of Republican challengers by wide margins in each legislative election.

The district currently includes the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Portland, Westbrook, and portions of Old Saybrook. During portions of Daily’s tenure, Durham, Killingworth and Marlborough were also in the district.

Lon Seidman, an Essex resident who serves as a Democratic State Central Committee representative for the 33rd  District, said more than one prospective candidate is likely at the nominating convention where he is expected to serve as convention chairman. “We want to make sure it’s a fair and open process,” he said. Seidman, who serves on the Essex Board of Education, said he would not be a candidate for the senate seat.

One likely candidate is 36th District State Representative Phil Miller of Essex. A former first selectman of Essex, Miller won the seat representing Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam, in a February 2011 special election. A longer serving legislator in the district is State Representative Linda Orange of Colchester, who has represented Colchester and abutting towns, including East Haddam, since 1997.

District Republicans have set up a likely Aug. 14 primary contest for the party nomination after Neil Nichols of Essex, the unsuccessful GOP challenger to Daily in 2010, edged 23-year-old newcomer Art Linares of Westbrook on a 24-22 delegate vote at the party nominating convention Monday.  Nichols Tuesday wished Daily well, recalling that he and Daily had each run positive campaigns in their 2010 contest that Daily won by 3,818 votes. “I respected her enough that I concentrated on the issues,” Nichols said.

There will also be a Green Party candidate on the Nov. 6 ballot. Melissa Schlag of Haddam, an opponent of the controversial but now cancelled Connecticut River land swap that Daily supported last year. Schlag has the Green Party ballot line and is currently collecting petition signatures in an effort to qualify for public financing for her third party campaign.

See related Press Release:  Sen. Daily to Retire from Legislature upon Completion of Current Term

Senator Daily has represented the towns and residents of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook in the state Senate since 1993. Senator Daily is a former First Selectman of Westbrook and prior to that served on its Board of Education.

“Replacement and renewal are integral to the revitalization of any institution,” Senator Daily said. “In the past year holding office has become more physically demanding for me and it would be difficult to initiate a re-election campaign. I’ve been diagnosed with cancer, endured chemotherapy and associated treatment, and am presently recuperating from a broken ankle.”

“During the last weeks of this session I was challenged to maintain the pace required at the Capitol. As I review my 20-year tenure and consider the future I’ve settled on this plan with complete confidence that it’s time for another voice to speak for this district,” Senator Daily said. “I am also literally blessed with a loving husband and family – Jim and I eagerly look forward to spending more time with our children and grandchildren.”

While in office Senator Daily co-authored breakthrough legislation creating the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), through which grants are available for large-scale public works projects that might be otherwise unaffordable for small towns. Senator Daily also co-authored legislation creating a fund for open space acquisition statewide, and was instrumental in preserving many acres of open space in her district.

Senator Daily identified completion of several short and long-term projects among the many gratifying instances of bringing state resources to bear in her district:

• Sediment detention and ice control in a federal/state Salmon River Flood Control Project.
• Inclusion of the beautiful Eight Mile River Watershed within the national Wild and Scenic River program.
• A comprehensive, federal/state dredging project for the Westbrook harbor, announced earlier this spring, to begin next fall.
• Acquisition of property in Haddam for new athletic and recreational fields.
• Grants to 33rd District towns through STEAP for infrastructure improvement.

“Connecticut’s 33rd Senatorial District is home to some of the most beautiful natural treasures our state has to share and its voters have repeatedly given me the distinction and decidedly good fortune to advocate for this area all this time,” Senator Daily said. “Nevertheless the day-to-day opportunity I’ve had to serve and help constituents overshadows successful completion of these public works projects and policy initiatives.”

Senator Daily said her office remains open and available, as always, to help municipal government officials and constituents.

Neighbor Appreciation weekend includes free TRAIN and BOAT rides for residents in 5 towns along the Valley Railroad’s operating line – - Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, and Old Saybrook.

• Passengers may elect a 1-hour train ride or 2 1/2-hour train and boat ride at 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, or a 1-hour train ride at 3:30pm.

Hop aboard this springtime adventure bursting with flora and fauna! The magnificent Connecticut River Valley that’s our own backyard, will be on full display from the multiple decks of the Becky Thatcher riverboat. Enjoy close up views of the wildlife’s natural habitat as the train traverses the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek. Treasure the historic sites including East Haddam Swing Bridge, Goodspeed Opera House, and Gillette Castle.

Saint John School at 42 Maynard Road, Old Saybrook, announces two opportunities to visit Pre-K through Eighth grade classrooms and tour the school prior to summer break

On June 3, the Knights of Columbus will also hold their annual pancake breakfast from 8am-11am at the school.

Saint John School is fully accredited with certified teachers, and is known for its excellent academics, including a comprehensive 6^th to 8^th grade Middle School program.  Full day Pre-K and Kindergarten is offered, including structured academics and creative play.  A family atmosphere and adherence to Christian values, provides the ideal environment for “educating the whole child.”

Personal tours, registration, and “shadow days” are also available by appointment.  For more information, please call 860-388-0849, email principal@saintjohnschoolos.com or visit our website www.SaintJohnSchoolOS.com.

Lajla Hanes, Senior Outreach Chairman (and Youth Coordinator) of the Old Saybrook Garden Club is shown in the Esturary Council of Senior's dining room, which is set up for the "Tea by the Sea" fundraiser.

Old Saybrook Garden Club’s Senior Outreach Chair, Lajla Hanes, is a treasured volunteer around the Estuary Council of Seniors in Old Saybrook. She began working there to assist her husband, Stuart, who is the local coordinator for the AARP Tax Aide program. One day she happened to mention that she had to do some flower arrangements and immediately the staff convinced her to put her design talents to work for the Senior Center .

Lajla conducts floral-design classes for seniors several times a year and oversees the decorations at the Estuary Council’s fundraisers. For the April “Tea by the Sea” event she also created three floral designs featuring teapots full of roses that were among items included in a raffle. Upcoming fundraisers will include a Painted Chairs Auction on June 3, “Wine by the Water” August 9, and “Autumn on the Dock” in September. For all of these events Ms. Hanes will lend her design skills, hard work, and enthusiasm. “We love Lajla,” says  Sandy Hart, Development Director, “she inspires us all.”

Indeed, Lajla. Hanes is truly a woman for all seasons: In addition to serving as the the garden club’s Senior Outreach Chairman, she is also the club’s Youth Coordinator and directs the “Sprouts” volunteers who present programs at Goodwin Elementary School. “Sometimes, when I get up in the morning,” says Lajla, “I can’t remember if I’m a first grader or an old lady!”