On July 11, actors from across CT are being sought to audition for the 12th annual performance of The CT Renaissance Faire to be held on the Lions Fairgrounds, Hebron.
“Experience is not essential,” says festival Director Scott Kegler. “But talent is.” The right candidate will receive tuition-free training in period dialect, improvisation, audience interaction, stage combat, voice, dance or other areas as required by their role.
The producers and creative team of the Faire hope to cast both actors and stage hands for an Arthurian Legend themed event in the fall. If you think you have what it takes to perform for over 40,000 adoring fans as part of one of New England’s largest theatre companies, visit www.ctfaire.com/act for more information or phone Scott at 860.942.2645. The Connecticut Renaissance Faire runs for five straight weekends in Hebron: September 25 to October 24.
Electric Boat reaches a preliminary agreement to purchase Pfizer’s complex and John P. Casey, president, Electric Boat said, “We appreciate the state’s support, which was instrumental in making this transaction possible.”
by Tyler Williams
Electric Boat announced it reached a preliminary agreement to purchase Pfizer’s New London complex. In July, engineers working on the Navy’s next-generation submarine are expected to be the first to move to the new building. The remainder of the 700,000 square-foot complex would be occupied in phases through 2011.
John P. Casey, president, Electric Boat said “We have been coordinating closely with Governor M. Jodi Rell and the State of Connecticut, the City of New London, the U.S. Navy and Pfizer to determine if this site meets our needs, and the initial results are very encouraging.” Electric Boat was seeking office space to accommodate growth in its engineering workforce and their 18-month occupancy schedule fits with Pfizer’s timetable to exit the New London site.
The building complex will not spend any significant time unoccupied and Electric Boat’s move to the new complex will enable the company to locate its employees in a modern office space, which is insufficient at their current location.
Peter J. Halvordson, vice president, Engineering at Electric Boat said, “It provides a quality workspace for our employees at the right time for our business.”
Electric Boat’s expansion is an exciting prospect and will stimulate our economy. In a statement released to the Resident, State Representative Elissa Wright said, “I am pleased that Electric Boat is expanding its historic commitment to CT and continuing to build on the existing synergy between our area, the state and company. This decision expands our economic base, provides stability in our economy, and retains and creates new high paying, quality jobs in CT–especially good news in a state that has lost nearly 100,000 jobs in the recent recession.”
Grossman’s Seafood announces they will host a FREE lobster dinner for 600 active duty and retired military personnel and their families. The event will take place on Sunday, July 18, from 11am to 4pm outside Grossman’s Seafood, 479 Goldstar Highway, Groton.
“We want to demonstrate our sincere appreciation for our military neighbors for all their sacrifice, hard work and dedication to our country,” says Christian Porter, Operations Manager for Grossman’s Seafood. “We recognize the challenges our military men and women face every day.”
The free dinner will include lobster, mussels, steamers and baked potato. Entertainment will include a special appearance by Miss CT, music by The Rhythm Method, and a moonwalk and other special activities for family enjoyment!
Tickets are limited to four per family. Children 16 years and younger will receive hamburgers (instead of a lobster) provided by Johnny Rockets. Guests must present a military ID card along with their ticket.
Tickets are FREE but required. On July 6th, tickets are available for active military only and on July 7th, tickets available for retired military only. Tickets are on a first come first serve basis at the Groton Subase ITT Building 164. ITT opens at 8am.
(l-r) Wayne English was invited to be guest speaker at the home of Dara Karas and Tom Santos, where self-published authors gathered for a SE CAPA meeting on Monday, June 21st.
story & photo
by Angela Olsen
Have you ever thought you have what it takes to write an interesting book, but don’t know where to begin, or feel intimidated by the entire publishing process? Do you have a unique life experience, or a passion that would make for an interesting read? Look no further; there is help on the third Monday of every month in various locations around Southeastern CT. A not-for-profit organization, called “SE CAPA,” the (Southeast Chapter of Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association) wants you to know that they are here to help!
I had the great privilege to sit-in on a meeting on Monday, June 21st, invited by Tom Santos, who is the Chairman of SE CAPA, held on the new deck of his, and his beautiful partner Dara Karas’, at their lovely home in Pawcatuck. There were roughly 30 people in attendance, all bringing tasty-treats for a pot-luck style buffet held in their gazebo. The majority of the members in attendance are self-published authors.
Says Tom, “Self publishing is an easier way to get your book published, while avoiding the exorbitant cost of large publishing houses & literary agents; and not getting lost in the shuffle. Often when a person goes to great extents to write a book, the books sometimes wind up collecting dust in the giant publishing houses. SE CAPA is a great networking organization for those who have published books, or trying to get published.”
A guest speaker is invited to every meeting, this time it was Wayne English, Coventry, who gave an informational talk about promoting one’s book in the online community. Several members already have their books available for sale on Amazon.com, but he also suggests setting up an account on www.linkedin.com, and starting a website to promote one’s book, so that it may easily be located using search engines like Google.
Tom joined SE CAPA five years ago, and is the proud author of two books, My Son Todd and My Guardian Angels: How I Learned To Cope With the Death of my Only Child and Mystic in the 1950’s: Growing up in a Small Village. He was quickly appointed to be the chairman. The home-base in CT is Avon, but the commute was difficult for many people. After chatting with John Sciarra, Groton, who is the founder of SE CAPA, a Southern location was established and the rest is history.
Tom invites members to bring their spouses, or interested friends. I brought a pal along to the meeting, and he wound up pitching his book to Richard LaPorta, East Lyme, who owns Husky Trail Press, LLC. Most importantly, says Tom, “We are here to help people-helping people in the community”
An installation ceremony was held on Saturday, June 19th, at the Shennecossett Yacht Club, Groton, for incoming officers of the Groton Lions Club. Kevin Morin, owner, Morin Associates, was elected as the club president for 2010-2011.
Maria Doren was elected to serve as the new club secretary. The club’s treasurer is Theresa White. Other officers installed at the ceremony where KB Bryant, First Vice President, Dave Fausset, Second Vice President, Lee Kusterer, Third Vice President, Kim Williams, Tail Twister, and Brittney Atkinson, Lion Tamer. Steve Hurley and Karen Segal joined Ken Smith and Nick Utz on the Board of Directors.
Armand LaFleur, Past District Governor, CT Lions, was the installing officer and Groton Lion Jan Miller, Vice District Governor, was the Sergeant at Arms.
Lee Kusterer and Maria Doren were recipients of the Ambassador of Sight Award, the highest award given by the district. The award was established in 2002 by the Low Vision Center Board to honor a Lion for outstanding service to the association and the associations it serves.
Knight of the Blind, the state’s highest award, was given to Don Byles, owner, Byles Funeral Home. It was established in 1956 by the CT Lions Eye Research Foundation (CLERF). Don was given the Knight of the Blind Award for his generosity and compassion.
Bob Douton received Lion of the Year in recognition of his commitment to Lionism.
All of the awards were presented by Perley Kent, Membership Chairman.
The Groton Lions Club meets on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 pm at the Groton Motor Inn. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Groton Lions Club, please contact Perley Kent, Membership Director, at 860.445.7564.