On a perfect autumn October afternoon and evening, 375 Friends of Gillette Castle gathered on the promenades, terraces and paths surrounding the castle for a fundraising wine-tasting event, “Into The Woods.” The Friends is a non-profit, all-volunteer group “to help with restoration and preservation of the castle grounds for the benefit of all.” (www.friendsofgillettecastle.org)
Judi Glover, President, told the Resident the event started several years ago on the castle’s terrace overlooking the CT River, with about 60 participants. “This year’s turnout exceeded all expectations,” she said.
Kim Ertelt, Owner, Wine Cask, Old Saybrook and a sponsor of the event – rounded up her distributors and suppliers to pour vintage wines, champagnes, sherries and ports. Imbibers nibbled on bruscetta, tuna tartar, meatballs in bourbon cream, prime rib with horseradish sauce and chocolate truffles, contributed and served by local caterers and restaurants including Sage American Bar & Grille, Chester, La Vita Gustosa, East Haddam, and the Chocolate Ladies, Middletown.
Ticket-holders at the event received an etched wineglass commemorating Gillette Castle and the Into The Woods soiree. The wine distributors poured throughout the evening which culminated at Grand Central Station – once a starting point for William Gillette’s miniature railroad, and now a covered picnic area overlooking the river.
A silent auction offered artwork, fishing gear, spa treatments at Rob Rivers Spa, wine baskets and watches, with proceeds to benefit Friends of Gillette Castle.
Gillette Castle State Park was once the home of actor William Gillette, who was celebrated world-wide for creating Sherlock Holmes onstage. The castle was purchased by the State of CT in 1943. Its buildings and estate of 184 wooded acres have been newly renovated and restored and a new visitor’s center opened in 2003. Park admission is free, but there is a moderate charge for visiting the interior of the Rhine River-inspired castle.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, to celebrate the completion of the Duquès Academic Success Center located at Mitchell College, New London. It is home to four vital resources for student success – the Learning Resource Center and centers for tutoring, career counseling, and academic advising. The building is a gift from alumna Dr. Dawn Brill Duquès and Ric Duquès, and other donors, and is celebrated for what it will do for students. For more information call 860.701.5092 or email ASCdedication@mitchell.edu.
There will also be a Community Day, October 24, 10am-1pm, to celebrate Mitchell’s 70th birthday. People from the community are invited to tour the new facilities at Mitchell. For more information, please email communityday@mitchell.edu or call 860.701.5084.
On Friday, October 3rd, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (TVCCA) broke ground for extensive renovations at the Child Development Center on Bayonet Street, New London.
“Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by what we teach our children,” said Deborah Monahan, Executive Director, TVCCA. “If a child arrives at that kindergarten door ready to learn, then we have been successful.”
Part of being successful is having a facility that promotes learning, and the new extension will do just that. “This will be a beautiful, state-of-the-art, healthy and safe early childhood learning center,” said Cathleen McCarty, Chair, TVCCA’s Capital Campaign.
Plans for the renovation include reconfiguration of space, modernization of classrooms and new playgrounds. In addition to teaching facilities, the Child Development Center will also have a school based health clinic.
CT Health and Education Facilities Authority (CHEFA) provided a bond for $2.3 million to renovate and expand the facility. TVCCA estimates it will require another $500,000 to successfully complete all the renovations and will be launching a capital campaign this fall.
Dime Bank, one of the initial supporters of TVCCA’S vision to expand the Bayonet Street Child Development Center, donated $30,000 to supports TVCCA’s mission to better its community and provide a quality education to children.
TVCCA is a private, non-profit corporation that has been providing social services to the region’s economically and otherwise disadvantaged citizens of New London County for over 40 years. The organization’s 28 programs currently reach approximately 24,000 eligible clients annually. TVCCA is well recognized as a community leader in advocating for and meeting the needs of the region’s poor.
Katrina Marie Kosztala and Nathan Richard Pouliot were united in marriage on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa. The ceremony was held on the garden patio and officiated by Reverend Leo McIlrath. A reception at the inn followed the ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Virginia James of Uncasville and Josef Kosztala of Mystic. The groom is the son of Diane Michaelsen of Naugatuck and Alan Pouliot of York, PA.
Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by her mother, Virginia as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Kerry Healy, Jessica Sullivan, Phoebe Piermarini and Maureen Fitz-Gerald, friends of the bride; and Jenna Pouliot, sister of the groom.
Nicholas Pouliot, brother of the groom was best man. Groomsmen were Gary Marcella, Matthew Barbuto, Frank Carinha and David Zitnik, friends of the groom; and Josef Kosztala, Jr., brother of the bride.
Olivia Kosztala, sister of the bride was a junior bridesmaid. Ushers were Brett James, brother of the bride and Alan Pouliot, Jr. brother of the groom.
Katrina is a Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Manager at Genzyme Genetics in Westborough, MA and Nathan is a Pharmacist at the Price Chopper Pharmacy in Putnam. The couple enjoyed an Alaskan cruise for their honeymoon. The couple resides in Thompson.
by Tony Schillaci and Don Church
