Celebrate the Region’s local authors at the Groton Public Library’s Fifth Annual Local Authors’ Night on Wednesday night, November 19th at 7:00pm. Carol Kimball, Judith duPont, Matthew Goldman, and Lynn Anderson will appear at the library to talk about their books.
Carol Kimball’s latest book “Remembering Groton: East of the Thames” was published in August by The History Press of Charleston, SC. In this book, Carol highlights the people and events that shaped Groton into the community we know today. Famous for its submarine base and centuries of maritime lore, Groton has also been home to some of CT’s most historic and heroic personalities, such as Morton Plant, who built the Griswold Hotel and Jemima Wilkinson, a self-proclaimed prophetess. The book, though mostly text, also contains many images from Carol’s personal archives as well as other local photo collections.
Carol was appointed as the Town of Groton’s historian in 1985. Her articles have appeared in many periodicals, including Yankee Magazine and the Log of the Mystic Seaport. Carol has written many books about the history of Groton, including “The Groton Story,” “Groton (Images of America series),” “Historic Glimpses: Recollections of Days Past in the Mystic River Valley” and others. She has also written a weekly column for The Day paper since 1985.
In “The Stonington Tragedy, Murder At Darling Hill,” Judith duPont tells the true story of a grisly 1874 murder at Langworthy Farm which overlooks Quiambaug Cove between Mystic and Stonington. Through extensive research in town records and newspapers of the period, Judith has recreated what happened on that stormy Sunday evening, April 19, 1874. The book follows the murder investigation, the subsequent trial, and the later lives of the prosperous Langworthy family. Judith is a lifelong resident of Stonington. She holds a master’s degree in American History from Trinity College in Hartford. “The Stonington Tragedy” was published by the Stonington Historical Society.
Lynn Anderson, a local artist and author, will talk about the children’s book she wrote and illustrated called “The Flying Horses of Watch Hill.” Set by the sea and sand dunes of Napatree Point, it is the oldest Flying Horse Carousel in the US in continuous operation. The book published by Flat Hammock Press of Mystic, contains many beautiful illustrations done by Lynn. The book is the story of what happens to the flying horses once summer ends and most of the residents have left town. Lynn received a Bachelor of Fine Art from Syracuse University and has done further study at the University of California, RI School of Design and Lyme Academy.
Matthew Goldman will talk about his book, “The Journals of Constant Waterman.” Readers interested in sailing, canoeing, and kayaking will find much to enjoy in this book which is part memoir, essay, and journal. The author resides in Stonington. He has worked as a toolmaker, a woodworker, and a land surveyor, and works repairing boats in Noank where he keeps his sloop. He’s written drama and poetry, contributes to numerous magazines, and markets his illustrations.
The books will be available for purchase and signing after the program. Refreshments will be provided by the Circle of Friends of the Groton Public Library. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information call the Library at 860.441.6750.
story & photo
by Amy Pjura The excitement that I had when I found out I was attending the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Mohegan Sun Invitational greatened when I had the opportunity to meet Wiley Petersen, a professional bull rider. I was at Critical Signs & Graphics, Waterford, visiting some friends, when Wiley walked through the door. I was star-struck. Wiley won last year’s Invitational, so I was eager to see how he would perform this year.
The PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series was held at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, October 17-19. Each night, the sold-out audience watched as the top 45 bull riders in world competed to secure a spot at the World Finals in Las Vegas. The flashing lights and pyrotechnics were like any that you would see at a concert and was very entertaining. During intermission, t-shirts and mini footballs were thrown into the audience to hype up the crowd even more.
Overall, Kody Lostroh, Longmont, CO took the number one spot and received a check for $40,375, which puts him well over the $1 million mark in career earnings. Splitting second and third place overall was Valdiron de Olivera, Brazil, and Kasey Hayes, Liberal, KA. My friend Wiley scored in the top five, placing fourth overall.
The PBR is indeed one of the toughest and most dangerous sports on dirt. Unfortunately, there were some injuries at the Invitational, but that’s common. Imagine holding on to a 1,700-pound raging bull for 8 seconds, only to be bucked off and tumble to the ground. Ouch. Every safety precaution is practiced when performing and the clowns in the ring help to prevent any serious injuries.
The riders will compete in Las Vegas for the 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough Finals Oct. 31-Nov. 2 and Nov. 6-9. The winner will receive $1 million, bragging rights and the world title until next year.
This summer a man did the impossible and made many local people’s dreams come true. Biju Viswanath a nationally known award-wining director from India came to CT to direct a feature film based on local poet and Pulitzer Prize wining author William Meredith’s life. The film is based on the memoir, “Marathon.” The memoir is about William’s life and his lover, Richard Harteis, running a marathon in his memory. Biju and Celia De Freine re-wrote it as a screenplay.
Armed with only a skeleton cast, crew, and low budget Biju managed to do the impossible and create a masterpiece. Like an army both cast and crew, banded together and conquered various locations throughout eastern CT and RI. “The success of any independent film depends on team work. I was lucky to have a very good crew; Susan Jacob, first camera assistant, Allison Jackson, sound person, Jeannette Drake, production designer…all of them helped me achieve what I wanted in this film” said Biju.
Being able to multi-task he took the roles of cinematographer, director, and at times cameraman/ locations scout. Beverly Hayes, who played the mother of Richard’s character in the film said, “He was like a composer, he set the tone for all of us. He was a joy to work with.”
In regards to the way the film was shot Biju remarked, “The script of marathon called for a direct and simple approach in lighting and cinematography, I love twilight and I had used lot of twilight shots in this film to enhance the mood and create a lyrical feel to the visuals. The interiors were mostly shot in the chiaroscuro pattern. The palette I chose was more of cool tones. The decision to shoot in 35mm film speed was mainly for the picture quality and for archival purposes. Fortunately I had the support of some very good actors Bristol Pomeroy, Alec Danna, Donna Del Bueno, and Beverly Hayes, who helped me in attaining my vision of the script.”
Old Lyme resident Beth Campbell, who played Marian, said, “Biju is a genius with light and sound, every image will be symbolic and poetic. I’m sure it will be sweepingly beautiful.” Bristol Pomeroy, who played Richard, added, “Biju was a joy to work with because he was always completely focused and at the same time allowed the actors to try anything that was appropriate to the scene. Sometimes even allowing us to create entire new improvised scenes for the film.” “Marathon” was completed in record time and will be shown on November 20th at the Mystic Village Cinemas.
Biju recently received a special prize at the Patras Film Festival in Greece. He is currently working on a new feature film, which will be shot in December. For more information visit www.bijuviswanath.com/default.html.
by Don Church Westport is home to many famous people and there is an unspoken rule to let them have their own space as they walk, shop and dine around town.
During my years in Westport – the 60s and again in the late 70s – Paul, Joanne and the Newman children were familiar sights out and about with the rest of us locals. And it was enough of a rush to cross their path without invading their privacy for autographs and Kodak moments. We cooled it and left them alone.
Sometimes, I’d see Paul being approached by a bunch of kids who were overwrought by the sight of one of the most famous movie stars in the world – in person.
As they closed in on the object of their affection, he would flash that killer smile, beam at them with those dazzling blue eyes and cross his forearms in front of that face as he continue toward his destination. The kids got the idea and almost always backed off, probably because they got his personal attention for the most important fifteen seconds in their young lives. These encounters with adoring young fans reveal a private side of Paul Newman that not many people got to know – a genuinely friendly and thoughtful man who handled his popularity, talent and private life with dignity and charm– even when rushed by adoring fans.
My own personal encounter with Paul Newman happened in the best way – by chance. There were two outstanding working farms in town where we could get freshly picked fruits and vegetables every day in season. As I walked into Rippe’s farm stand on the Post Road (now a gated community), a huge new sign above the long corn bin against the back wall warned: “Don’t Shuck The Corn.” And to enforce the edict, was Mr. Rippe, the hard-working farmer himself on the left with one eye on the cash register and the other with an unobstructed view of all the corn.
I stood for a time gaping up at the harsh sign, then looked left at the unsmiling farmer and then to the family on my right who were husking away, and then back at Mr. Rippe. What to do? A voice on my right asked, “How many?” I glanced over and realized it was Paul Newman speaking to me! A surprised and delighted me said “four, please.” As he finished selecting perfect specimens, he said modestly, “Here.” I gratefully took the expertly chosen corn (Newman’s Own!) and said, “Thank you.” Mr. Rippe silently and stoically took my money and went back to his watch over the corn bins.
I – a writer even then – had a story that has been verbally retold many times in the past forty or so years and now for the first time in print – and for good reason.
It underscores, from my person experience, that Paul Newman’s private life was worthy of the admiration and respect that also defines the character of his remarkable public life. I’ll always fondly remember the fifteen seconds in which he quickly and instinctively did me a great personal favor. But, at the heart of it all, he was just doing what came naturally – being a kind and thoughtful country neighbor.
(l-r) Ken Hinrichs, President and CEO, United Way of Southeastern CT, receives a check from Margery E. Petterson, Vice President Private Client Manger, Bank of America, with Dina Sears-Graves, Vice President Community Investment, United Way of Southeastern CT.
Bank of America awarded the United Way of Southeastern CT and the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center with a grant totaling $12,500 to support local Health and Human Service initiatives in New London County. Bank of America’s partnership with United Way enables them to help the communities they serve gain access to affordable child care, family support services, and affordable healthcare. “We are thrilled to present this check to United Way and the Food Center to further your work in New London County,” stated Margery E. Petterson, Vice President Private Client Manager, Bank of America
Celebrate the Region’s local authors at the Groton Public Library’s Fifth Annual Local Authors’ Night on Wednesday night, November 19th at 7:00pm. Carol Kimball, Judith duPont, Matthew Goldman, and Lynn Anderson will appear at the library to talk about their books.
