Community spirit makes the town! And, that’s what the Universal Store, in Noank Village is known for since its opening in 1947 when Pat Quaratella and Dan Simonelli bought the property. Today, son, Frank Quaratella, Sr., and his son, Frank Jr., do a superb job of running a Mom & Pop grocery store and deli. Hats off to Steve Jones, new owner of the property, not to be confused with buying the business. Get the scoop on page 4 and make sure to visit Frank’s old-fashioned meat department. It’s worth the trip!

The 6th Annual MASH Auction & Chef Competition was a smashing event held at pristine Enders Island. It was a beautiful evening enjoyed by ALL who attended. Of course, the best thing besides the winners of the cook-off, Jamie Fowler, Noah’s, Stonington and Kevin Rogers, Ledyard teacher and Bravo Bravo Bartender, was the cool $40,000 raised. Monies will benefit local homeless families and children. Catch the community spirit on page 8.

The American Legion Veterans Housing, Inc., held a kick-off fundraiser dinner in Griswold, last week for a $5M project to assist Homeless veterans. Plans are to rehabilitate the American Legion Hall building to create affordable permanent housing for vets in need. Let’s put our hands together for the anonymous donor who donating the first $20,000 on page 10.

The Resident Newspaper participated in the 30th Annual Groton Fourth of July Parade and what fun we had! We were lucky enough to march behind Remember the Heroes Band and in front of the Wayne’s Barber Shop Crew…it was rock’n and laugh’n all the way! pages 6-7.

Thanks for reading the Resident, the Good News that Rocks! Please remember to patronize our advertisers as they’re helping to make the “good news” happen.

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story & photos
by Maren Schober

Approaching Maple Lane Farms in Preston on this beautiful July day is like entering a land of enchantment.  Rolling fields of green and farmhouses greet me on every turn, and as I drive up Northwest Corner Road, I suddenly find myself surrounded by old stone walls along the winding road.  Overhead the ancient maple trees bend to form a tunnel.  Everywhere I look is picture perfect.  Alongside the road, berry pickers bend as they pluck the ripe blueberries from the bushes and drop them into their buckets.

“I have had this farm since 1978,” Allyn Brown tells me.  “I grew up right across the street in that white farmhouse, and my father lives there now at the age of 93.  I live in that house on the hill with my wife Kim and my twelve year old daughter Anna.”

“I went to the University of Maine in Orono, ME to do track,” Allyn continues, “but I was told I had to choose a course of study.  It was easy for me to choose Agriculture.  I love the outdoors, and I knew I wanted to farm.  I finished up my education at UConn.”

Maple Lane Farms started out as a Christmas tree farm.  Then as time went on, Allyn expanded with blueberry, raspberry and black currant plants. All fresh berries are good for one’s health, but Allyn is particularly proud of marketing his own natural black currant juice from his currant crop and bottled in his CT Currant Bottling Plant.

“The health benefits from black currants are well known,” Allyn points out.  “For years Europeans have coveted black currants for their natural vitamins, antioxidants and delicious flavors. From the bottling plant the black currant juice is sent to food markets all over, including McQuades in Mystic and Westerly, Shop Rite and Stop & Shop stores. You will find them in the fresh produce departments.”

Inside the bottling plant is very impressive.  Spacious and clean, I observe the gleaming stainless steel equipment awaiting the next bottling day.

Maple Lane Farms opens in the end of June for berry picking and stays open right through Christmas.  Raspberries are at their prime now and good blueberry picking continues through August. Black currants will soon be ripe for picking.

“Families come in the fall for apple picking and choosing their pumpkins.  On the fall weekends, we offer hayrides until the season concludes with cutting your own Christmas trees,” Allyn shares.  “We are open 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon seven days a week.”

Before I leave, I decide to pick my own raspberries and blueberries.  In the fields I meet many nice folks and have a chance to chat.

I find Mike Lallier picking blueberries with his young grandson, Justin. “I love blueberries the best,” Mike tells me.  “I put a few Cheerios into my bowl and add a heap of blueberries on top.  I have just a few Cheerios and the rest, blueberries!”

Planning to visit the farm to pick your own berries?  Be sure to call the 24-hour information line at 860.887.8855 for the current field conditions and picking times.

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by Mary Beth Baker

The Stonington Historical Society offers a talk and slide show about the days of Prohibition in Eastern CT on Friday evening, July 25, at the Richard W. Woolworth Library. The talk begins at 5 p.m., and there will be time for questions. Refreshments, including rum brought in legally, will be offered afterward outdoors, if weather permits.

The speakers are Steve Jones and Bob McKenna, proprietors of Flat Hammock Press in Mystic, who published six recent books on rum-running. Steve and Bob will sell three of their books concerned with Prohibition: “The Real McCoy” by Frederic Van de Water, about a bootlegger named Bill McCoy who often hung out on the local Rum Row, just outside federal jurisdiction; “The Bahama Queen,” an autobiography by Gertrude Lythgoe, and “The Diary of a Rum-Runner” by Alastair Moray.

An exhibition of artifacts from this wild era will be on view in the library during the talk. It will include a list of places raided for selling liquor, and a new acquisition of the society, a beautifully preserved hand-painted door from a stylish speakeasy in Stonington. Information about where in town one went to say “Joe sent me” will be part of the exhibition.

Admission is $10. The library is at 40 Palmer Street, between North Water Street and North Main Street (Route 1A) in Stonington. Space is limited, and reservations are recommended. Call 860.535.8445.

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story & photos
by Chris Annino

Paying homage to local heroes was the theme of the 30th Annual Groton Fourth of July Parade. The parade started at Suttun Park and ended at Chelsea Groton Bank. Hosts of the event for the first time were Q-105’s radio talents Jackie Steele and Nancy Hall. “On behalf of Q-105 were are excited, and take great pride in hosting this event which has become a tradition in Southeastern CT’s culture” said Jackie. Ben Morse of the Groton Parks and Recreation Department served as a parade organizer for the first time. The Grand Marshall of the parade was retired Town of Groton Police Lieutenant William “Bill” Jervis.

Each of the parade’s floats and marching bands were unique. The local fire departments, scout troupes, military unites and other public departments contributed their time and energy to pay respect to local heroes. The New London chapter of The Society for Creative Anachronism, and Flock Theater provided puppetry and swordplay.

Chelsea Groton Bank, Wayne’s Barber Shop, and other local businesses helped provide free food for the festivities. Political hero Senator Andrew Maynard made a stylish appearance while cruising in a 1964 Convertible Cadillac. Newly Crowned Miss Teen Connecticut Rachael Ramonas and Miss Connecticut Ashley Glenn also made a much-anticipated appearance.

Local drama legends Dave Conaway, Ron McGory and Christine Gunther were the judges for the parade’s floats.

Navy Veteran and Preston resident Don Moose best summed up the event when he said, “Our ancestors fought and died so that we could live free without fear. This is a wonderful way to celebrate what they gave us.”

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photos by Alexis Ann & Chris Annino

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