by Maya Jung

Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, since age 5 he has been in Stonington. A product of Stonington Public Schools, he served those schools for decades after graduating. He excelled on the playing fields and later made sports possible for those that followed him. He first drove the streets of Stonington as a teenager; as a Police Officer he protected those streets for 35 years. Jerry Desmond is the personification of Stonington Strong.

Born the middle child of James and Phyllis Desmond, Jerry attributes his work ethic, drive, and demeanor to his late parents. “Dad worked at EB and Mom at various dining spots. They gave my brother Walter, sister Patty, and I a great childhood. More so, they modeled that each has an obligation to help others and to give whatever we were doing our full and complete effort,” Desmond recalled. This gave Jerry the drive to be the first in his family to go to college.

An Education Major at SCSU, Jerry graduated when teaching jobs were scarce. “I was worried,” Desmond said. “I had worked so hard to earn my degree and it seemed I would not be able to use it.” Fate intervened as one of Jerry’s boyhood heroes, Stonington Police Officer Dave Erskine.

Erskine, who went on to be Chief of the Stonington Police, encouraged Desmond to apply as a patrol officer. Jerry also applied as assistant football coach at his alma mater as well as Head Girl Gymnastics Coach for the same beloved Bears. In 1980 Desmond became a Police Officer and Coach and stayed for over 35 years.

“Working with youth has been the most rewarding part of my career as both a Coach and Police Officer. To see kids grow from boys and girls into solid citizens and to be a part of that process is a gift to my life,” said Desmond. Coaching saw Desmond mold citizens and produce champions. A high point was the 1991 SHS State Championship Football Team.

“A wonderful group of young men,” Desmond stated. “They and my friend Coach Bob Mitchell gave me a season of a lifetime!”

A small town police department requires a myriad of responsibilities and expertise. With the encouragement of Chief Carl Johnson and Captain Charles Lopresto, Jerry attended every training program his schedule allowed. Desmond graduated from the FBI Training Academy and received a Masters Degree in Homeland Security from UCONN.

Days ago, Jerry Desmond retired. He began a new career and has more time to enjoy the best things in life. These are his beloved wife Jacquelyn, Nurse and co-owner of Babies Natural in Westerly, R.I., children Kyle and Katie and spouses, and grandchildren Landon and Charlotte. Arriving in December is new Granddaughter Cecile who will be adopted after a family trip to China!

THE RESIDENT salutes Captain Desmond. Jerry Desmond – Stonington Strong!

Downtown Westerly/Pawcatuck

18th Annual Holiday Stroll and Luminaria

The 18th Annual Holiday Stroll and Luminaria will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 in downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck from 5:00-9:00 PM. This annual holiday event is sponsored by the Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association.

The Annual Holiday Stroll is a wonderful evening full of hospitality, friendship and community spirit. Bundle up and start your holiday shopping by supporting the wonderful shops, boutiques, and art galleries in Downtown Westerly. The streets will be lined with beautiful luminaria and caroling groups will fill the air with holiday music. Come have dinner at your favorite restaurant before strolling through the Downtown area. Go on a horse-drawn hayride or stop for complementary hot chocolate and cookies and keep an eye out for Santa Claus, he will be roaming the streets to greet you and spread holiday cheer!

Come to Downtown Westerly and ENJOY your Holiday shopping this year!

For any questions, please contact The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce at 401-596-7761 or visit our website at www.westerlychamber.org.

Santa’s Arrrival November 28th 6pm

December 3rd Holiday Stroll & Luminaria 5-9 pm

January 9th: SECT 40 Under 40 Foxwoods 6pm

 

East Haddam

Irving Berlin’s ‘Holiday Inn’

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, 2:00 pm

The Goodspeed Opera House,

6 Main St., East Haddam, CT , 06423

Connecticut inn open for business only on holidays, overflows with dance, romance and Irving Berlin songs; through Dec. 28;

tickets start at $28, all prices subject to change based on availability; .860.873.8668.

New England Traditional Sleigh Rides at Allegra Farms

P.O. Box 455

East Haddam, CT 06423

860.680.5149

860.537.8861

There is nothing so enchanting as the sound of sleigh bells and the whisper of runners on fresh snow! Have a “Courrier and Ives” experience as you bundle up in your lap robes and hand muffs, and let the sleigh take you from this bustling century to a more tranquil time. Bring your own refreshments to warm your body and spirit.

 

Essex

Essex Steam Train Polar Express

Address: Essex Steam Train 1 Railroad Ave. Essex, 06426

Date(s): November 14, 2014 — December 28, 2014

Time(s): Departures: 5 pm, 5:35 pm, 7 pm, 7:35 pm

Description:   Board the locomotive-powered sleigh for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Every coach becomes a stage for a live, musical performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies.

Traditional event highlights include a trip to the North Pole to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, trackside displays, and each child meets with Santa and receives a small gift. Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas.

Train runs: November 14-16, 20-23, 28-30, December 2-23, 26-28.

Admission: Parlor Car tickets: $63, Coach $30.

Phone: 860.767.0103

 

Groton

Groton Lights Parade:

Saturday, December 6 at 5pm and will be a fantastic kick-off to this year’s holiday season. March from Poquonnock Road at South Road, along Long Hill Road to the Groton Shopping Plaza.

 

Guilford

Night Before Christmas Storytime

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, 11:00 am

Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT , 06437

Join us for hourly readings of the classic holiday tale in front of the Great Hall fireplace, plus discounts on children’s books, toys, and games in the gift shop. Admission includes self-guided tours of the 1639 Whitfield House and the exhibit “Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas.” Free parking.

 

Ledyard

Ledyard Parade & Carol Sing

November 30, 2014 at 5:00 pm

Parade starts at Ledyard Center School

Come see Santa, enjoy FREE hot cocoa and cookies! Gather around the bon-fire while singing Holiday Carols!

 

Madison

DEC. 4 – Ladies Day & Night Out!

Love Your Locals and Shop, Shop, Shop! @ Madison shops & restaurants 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Stop by at participating stores and receive your bracelet. Stores and restaurants will be offering specials on Dec. 4th, Dec. 11th and 18th! Most stores will be open until 9pm. Make a date with friends and head downtown for great shopping and a tasty meal!

Santa Visits, Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

When: December 7, 2014 @ 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Cost: Free

Contact: Eileen Banisch 203.245.7394

 

Mystic

Mystic Lighted Boat Parade

Mystic River Park

November 29, 2014 starting at 6:20 pm

Decorated vessels parade down Mystic River and return to the Mystic River Park, where spectators and judges gather. Boats are judged on creativity and team spirit.

 

New London

Celebration of Lights & Song

Downtown New London

Saturday 29 November 2014, 04:00 pm

Shop local for a unique gift and experience. Visit with Santa at Nathan Hale School House 3-5 pm. Holiday tree lighting and community carol sing at 5 pm.

Eastern CT Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker

Garde Arts Center

325 State St., New London, CT , 06320

Performances at 1:30 and 7 pm Saturday and 1:30 pm Sunday. Eastern CT Ballet presents its 13th annual Nutcracker at the Garde Arts Center in New London. In this classic holiday tale with a seafaring twist, New York City Ballet dancers Sara Mearns and Jared Angle will delight audiences alongside over 100 pre-professional ECB students from local communities. With musical accompaniment by the Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra, dancers showcase a fantasy world where toys and treats come to life, flowers can waltz and holiday memories are made.

Tickets are available through the box office at 860.444.7373 x1.

 

Niantic

Niantic Main Street Stroll 11/29, 3-7 pm

Niantic, Conn. Niantic Main Street

Niantic’s downtown revitalization organization is ready to spread holiday cheer throughout Niantic with their 11th Annual Holiday Stroll. The event will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 3 to 7 pm and is free and open to the public.

Planned entertainment and activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, a donut eating contest by Giuliano’s Donut & Bake Shop, carols by the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, a s’mores station, characters from the Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” complimentary hot cider and cocoa, “Holiday Idol” on the Liberty Green, a snowflake drop and the arrival of Santa on a shiny red fire truck at the town green at approximately 5:20 pm, immediately after the annual tree lighting ceremony.

Niantic Holiday Stroll Schedule:

3-7 pm Store & restaurant specials

3-7 pm Complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides

3-7 pm DJ Chris Turkington on Liberty Green

3-7 pm Heritage Properties’ Toys for Tots Drive on Liberty Green

3-7 pm Children’s arts & crafts at the Police Department with East Lyme Youth Services

3-4:30 pm S’more station at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

3-4:30 pm Letter writing to Santa at Children’s Museum of SECT

3-4:30 pm Holiday Idol performance on the Liberty Green

3-5 pm April’s Balloon Creations at Weichert Realtors

4-4:30 pm Giuliano’s Donut&Bake Shop’s Donut Eating Contest

4-7 pm The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers stroll Main Street

5:10 pm Countdown to the tree lighting

5:15 pm Snowflake Drop

5:20 pm Arrival of Santa

5:30 pm Visits with Santa and letter delivery

6-8 pm Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band plays at Smarty’s

Children can bring their yearly letters and wish lists to Santa for bringing back to the North Pole, or they can stop in to the Children’s Museum to craft their letter. Visits with Santa are free; parents are encouraged to bring a camera to capture the moment.

For more information and a list of participating shops and restaurants, visit www.nianticmainstreet.org or call 860-739-2550.

 

story & photos

by Karen Butera

Sometimes dreams do come true. With the help of Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut (HFHECT), dreams came true this month for the Robidas family. On October 19, Lorielle Robidas and her three children, Jillian, 11, Samuel, 9, and Jonah, 4, were presented the keys to their new home.

Lorielle, who has been living with her parents and sister for the past four years said, “I am very excited and nervous. This has been like a dream. I have been praying for this for a long time.”

“This home had been a current Habitat home that is now remodeled with a new kitchen, bathroom, plumbing and electrical,” said Terri O’Rourke, Executive Director of HFHECT.

Tony Falzarano, Mayor, Putnam, was on hand to welcome the family to Putnam. A hand-knitted blanket was presented to Robida by Barbara Phaneuf of the HFHECT Board of Directors. It was a blanket that is presented to all new HFHECT homeowners. A quilt came from the Ninegrit Quilters of Westerly. Pastor Lane Lavender of the Lighthouse Church in Plainfield was there to give a blessing over the house.

While addressing her family, friends and volunteers who helped with the house, Robida said, “This is the best day of our lives. I can’t believe we are finally here.” The work was long and hard, but with lots of family support and help from others, the keys were handed over to the Robida family. The key turned in the lock and the door opened to welcome everyone inside the three-bedroom home, complete with a leaf-filled yard for the kids to play in.

Families can apply to Habitat by attending an Applicant Information Meeting to receive a pre-application. A selection committee makes their decision with three things in mind; the need an applicant has for decent affordable housing, the ability to pay the mortgage and other fees that come with owning a home and being able to collaborate with HFHECT to provide 400 hours of “sweat equity.”

For more information, you may contact the HFHECT office at 860-442-7890 or visit www.theresident.com!

story & photos

by Josie Kapral

Lace up your running shoes! “Girls on The Run” (GOTR) has a new council here in Southeastern Connecticut! The non-profit 501©3 organization started in 1996 in Charlotte, NC and has grown to hosting over 200 chapters in North America today! The Southeastern Connecticut chapter, started in March 2014, has grown significantly since its beginning earlier this year. They began with one site and one team of 15 girls and have expanded to having three sites serving New London, Middlesex, and Windham counties.

“We have different activities. It is a curriculum based program. We hold 10 week sessions and meet twice a week,” said Executive Director, Sarah Lafayette.

When asked how and why she was inspired to start the program here in Connecticut, Lafayette replied, “As I’ve spent more and more time with the program and worked through the extensive process it took me to bring it to CT, I realized a lot of what I was doing was inspired by my own experiences as a young girl. I was shy and introverted and saw these qualities as negative which was how I began to define myself. This negative self-image stuck with me into adulthood, keeping me from doing many things. I found running in my early 30s and it gave me a healthy space to escape these self-imposed limitations.

I want girls to know they have a voice and that they have the ability to create a positive and joyful world for themselves and everyone they encounter. Girls on the Run empowers them to believe in themselves and all they are capable of and that the only limits in life are the ones we place on ourselves.”

Participants come from all backgrounds and all skill levels, but the ultimate goal as that each girl will learn life skills through their curriculum and ultimately complete a 5k run at the end of each session. They are taught to encourage and support each other along the way.

The most recent event was held at Bluff Point State Park in Groton on October 25th. The 3.5 mile “Trick or Trot” run was for all ages and experience levels. A shorter run was held for the youngest participants. Over 70 people participated that day. Three of the GOTR girls did the whole 3.5 mile run! The goal of the run was to raise awareness of the organization and raise money for the non-profit as well as to promote staying healthy and active. Several children and adults came out to support GOTR. Some attended the event dressed in costume. All were eager to participate.

Upon check-in, the children decorated their bibs and prepared to head toward the starting line. For nine year-old Etta Lund, this was her first race.

“I am pretty excited about it. This is going to be so fun! I am not nervous at all!” Lund said as she and veteran GOTR participants, Lilly, Elke, and Martha Bellet of Mystic waited for the run to begin.

Ten year old Avery Dolphin, and her mother, Lara, came from Gales Ferry and were also participating together. “Avery heard about GOTR from her teacher at school. It’s been great for her. She loves the activities they plan and has been attending the runs since we heard about it,” said Lara.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a participant or volunteering as a coach or running buddy with GOTR, please check out their website www.gotrsect.org or contact GOTR at their North Stonington location at 860.235.3441. GOTR will also be hosting a Turkey Trot and Dip on November 27th in Mystic for those of you interested in supporting their cause.

To post your comments, visit www.theresident.com!

After months of specialized care from Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team, a young Harbor seal pup was released into the wild this morning at Blue Shutters in Charlestown, RI. Penelope made her way through the surf after being releases at approximately 10a.m.

Penelope is a female harbor seal pup, approximately 5 month old, who was rescued from Saco, Maine on May 30, 2014 by Marine Mammals of Maine. She was determined to be an abandoned pup 3-5 days old and was transferred to Mystic Aquarium for rehabilitation. She weighed 9.8 kg (21.5 lbs.) when admitted and now weighs 19.3 kg (42.5 lbs.)– having almost doubled in size.

She is the 15th seal that Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program has released into the wild so far in 2014.

To post your comments, visit www.theresident.com or follow us on Twitter @Resident_News. And like us on Facebook! fb.com/TheResidentGoodNews!

The 2014 L.U.N.C.H Holiday Show brings together the Three Stooges and Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” as Santa decides to retire and seek a job at Scrooge Enterprises run by the three nieces of great-uncle Ebeneezer, Mo, Lara, and Shirley. Santa’s “interview” with three “spirtual advisors” yields some interesting results.

Since its inception in 1995, This community favorite family-entertainment event, written each year by Bill Pere, features a light-hearted take on pop culture laced with songs of the season, and original Christmas music. Along with Santa, and his Reindeer and Elves, there will be a multitude of other strange characters popping in for a visit.

The show is an outreach of Local United Network to Combat Hunger, featuring professional artists including: Grammy-Winner Bill Pere;   Immie-Award Winner Kay Pere; and recording artist Larry Batter; joined by a cast of more than 20 kids from several area schools from Westerly to East Lyme.

The show is Saturday December 6, 7 pm, with live pre-show music and trivia contest starting at 6:15 at the Stonington Community Center, 28 Cutler St, Stonington. Tickets and additional information is available at www.lunchensemble.com or by phone at 860-572-9285.