Every few years, technology takes a significant leap forward. The Doctors of Audiology and Hearing Aid Specialists at County Hearing and Balance use this new technology to help improve your hearing in ways never even imagined just a few years ago. Sound is crisp, clear, and more natural, providing a truly advanced listening experience.
Trust your hearing to the professionals at County Hearing and Balance. We are the area’s oldest, locally owned, full service Audiology Center. We provide a professional and thorough assessment of your hearing ability and provide several options if improvement is needed. If hearing aids are necessary, we work with several of the largest manufacturers to ensure that you are getting the right instrument for your hearing loss, at the right price. Plus we participate or process most insurance and discount plans, including Medicare, Medicare supplements, Anthem, United Health, Tricare, Aetna, Connecticare and AARP.
IT’S THE SEASON OF CHANGE
The fall market is the perfect time to consider selling your home. You can continue to trust the world’s premier luxury residential real estate brokerage to guide you through every step of the process. With expertise on the local level, combined with access to important international markets, I can ensure that the homes I represent receive the farreaching exposure they deserve.
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CT River Museum, Essex.
Photo by Jeffrey Vlaun/Wirestock / adobestock.com
FROM THE EDITOR ALICIA GOMEZ
Dear readers,
As we turn toward fall on the shoreline, there’s a shift in the air, cooler mornings, quieter beaches, and the return of familiar routines.
But as summer fades, creativity and community remain in full swing!
In this issue, we step inside the historic Lyme Art Association gallery, where over a century of artistic tradition continues to grow and inspire. And just upriver, we highlight River Valley Artists, a welcoming collective that opens its studios each October, inviting visitors to discover local painters, potters, photographers, and mixed-media artists in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley.
Foodies will enjoy our feature on the Connecticut Oyster Trail—a delicious journey from farm to table—and our introductions to two exciting new restaurants: the refined flavors of Mill Rock Gathering in Old Saybrook and the retro coastal charm of Mystic Fish Camp.
Whether you’re admiring a painting, savoring oysters, or discovering a new favorite restaurant, this issue is your companion to the season. And don’t skip our Best of the Best contest results, you’ll find the top picks for businesses, attractions, and individuals as voted by readers of The Day. These winners prove that the coastline is brimming with talent, flavor, and character.
Here’s to a colorful fall.
Sincerely,
Alicia Gomez
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ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY Cris Cadiz, Elle Rahilly
All rights reserved. Reproductions without the permission of the publisher are prohibited.
The views and opinions expressed in each article are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of On the Shoreline, The Day Publishing Company, or Shore Publishing.
Changes were made to the June 2025 issue after press time. To view the updates, please visit issuu.com/dayshorepublishing/docs/ontheshoreline_jun25
on the cover An example of Kristina Quinones’ Prevailing (poured acrylic on mahogany/ aluminum panel) on display, created by ArtPlacer. Photo courtesy of Kristina Quinones
E PHOTO ALBUM
Honorable mentions
August–September
very year, The Day asks readers to submit photos for a chance to be featured in our annual southeastern Connecticut calendar. We get hundreds of entries, and it’s difficult to narrow those down to our favorite 36 for voting. There are a number of reasons a photo might not make it to the top three for each month. We have strict guidelines for photo content and quality. Photos that use filters, contain people or pets, contain a single focal point (such as a flower or butterfly), are not representative of the area (a close-up of shells on the beach with no water, sand, or sky), or are not a horizontal orientation all have to be filtered out—no matter how beautiful the image might be. We also screen photos for quality to ensure they fall within our printing parameters.
This year, we’ve decided to share some of our favorites that didn’t make it to the finals for one reason or another.
1833 Bed & Breakfast, Mystic. photo by Shelley collin
Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, Uncasville. photo by Kathleen ScoviSh
Scott’s Farm Stand, Waterford. photo by Marlene MeleSKo
Dean Road, East Lyme. photo by Dave Dahlman
Markover Game Farm and Hunting Preserve, Danielson photo by michelle DaviDson
Supermoon seen from State Street, New London. photo by Jo ann church
PHOTO ALBUM
Holmberg Orchards, Gales Ferry. photo by thomas Wieczorek
Osprey Beach, New London. photo by Lisa argiLagos
Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic. photo by susan stockWeLL
Noank. photo by steven speLLman
Yantic Lane and Fitchville Road, Norwich. photo by chris dixon
Why Shop at Spencer & Lynn?
Exceptional Wines & Rare Spirits
Discover a curated selection of small-batch wines, craft spirits, specialty beers, and gourmet foods—sourced from passionate, independent producers.
Locally Owned & Independent
We’re a small Mystic-based shop focused on family-run wineries and distilleries that emphasize quality, sustainability, and authenticity.
Tastings, Classes & Events
Join us to meet makers, learn, and explore the stories behind what’s in your glass.
PHOTO ALBUM
Ferry Landing State Park, Old Lyme.
photo by Shelley Collin
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison.
photo by Robin CuRtiS
Roseland Cottage, Woodstock.
photo by Dawn heatheR laFleChe
Black Point, Niantic. photo by JaCqueline tweDt
McCook Point Park, Niantic.
photo by Saul Spigel
GOOD TASTE
Mystic Fish Camp
Opening in mid-August, Mystic Fish Camp is a new casual seafood spot from James Beard Award-winning chef David Standridge and creative director Kathleen Standridge. Like their other Mystic restaurant, The Shipwright’s Daughter, it emphasizes sustainable, locally sourced seafood—but in a fast, family-friendly format.
The menu reflects the Standridges’ commitment to ethical sourcing, featuring seafood from local fishermen such as Jason Jarvis of Quonnie Fish Co. and partners at the Stonington docks.
A standout item is the “Poor Man’s Lobster Roll,” made with monkfish tail poached in green crab stock. Monkfish are abundant, affordable, and similar in taste and texture to lobster, which is declining in local waters.
Inspired by summer camps and traditional fish camps, the space is retro and welcoming, with murals and signs by local artists, a nostalgic camp store, and exclusive merchandise—including a vintage-style tin lunchbox made in collaboration with Just Mystic.
Mystic Fish Camp will be located at 4 East Main Street in Mystic. Visit mysticfishcamp.com for more information.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT James Beard Award-winning chef David Standridge; A fried seafood plate at Mystic Fish Camp; The placemat contains information about some of the seafood used and the ethos of Mystic Fish Camp; A tin lunchbox produced in collaboration with Just Mystic; A sleeve of fries; The food at Mystic Fish Camp is locally sourced and sustainably produced. Photos courtesy of Mystic fish caMP
Mill Rock Gathering
Now open at 45 Mill Rock Road East in Old Saybrook, Mill Rock Gathering offers a laid-back, family-friendly spot for classic favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza, along with beer and wine. Backed by decades of experience in the restaurant industry at past locations in Guilford and beyond, owner Emilio Arduini created Mill Rock Gathering as a new go-to for relaxed dining and fun on the shoreline. Customers can even unwind at the mini golf area behind the restaurant, which supports Arduini’s vision of a place where friends and family can gather
Mill Rock Gathering is located at 45 Mill Rock Road East in Old Saybrook.
ART
without borders
Cultivating community through creativity with River Valley Artists
By Elle Rahilly
The Connecticut River Valley comes alive with color every autumn—not just from the changing leaves, but from the studios that open their doors to the public for a three-day celebration of art. This grassroots fête is the annual studio tour hosted by River Valley Artists (RVA), a freespirited collective of local painters, potters, photographers, and mixed-media creatives.
Unlike more traditional art associations, RVA maintains a deliberately flexible and inclusive approach. There are no membership fees or strict criteria to meet.
“Artists don’t cousin up very well to a lot of deadlines and rules,” says Claudia Van Nes, a Chester-based artist. “So, we made it that we don’t have them. And it works.”
Now preparing for its seventh annual tour from October 11 to October 13, River Valley Artists began as the brainchild of Van Nes, who had long dreamt of a hyperlocal studio tour exclusive to the tri-town area. After the closure of Maple & Main Gallery in Chester, which Van Nes helped found, she saw an opportunity to foster deeper connections between artists and the public.
The RVA tour features 30 to 40 artists each year, exhibiting in venues ranging from private studios and homes to collaborative spaces, such as the Essex Art Association, where a kick-off party will be held the night of Friday, October 10. “Even though [the tour] is three days, that’s a lot of art to see and places to go,” Van Nes says. “And it’s fun for the artists.”
Visitors can chat with artists, see where they work, and sometimes even watch them paint or throw clay. Some attendees come to enjoy a scenic fall weekend, while others become devoted collectors. “Even if the visitors don’t buy your art this time, they remember,” Van Nes says. “This is the way it sometimes happens with art.”
Part of what makes the RVA tour so appealing is the natural beauty of the River
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Curriculum
Steward Outdoor Day School offers a unique educational experience by intergrating State and National Standards and nature into our daily curriculum, fostering development through play, exploration, and projectbased learning with a focus on realworld applications.
Our mission is to inspire curiosity and growth in a safe, supportive environment where students excel academically and emotionally.
Valley, a long-time muse for artists, and a founding element of both en plein air and American Impressionism. “There’s a lot of good scenery to paint if you’re a realistic painter,” Van Nes says. “And even if you’re not, it can inspire you.”
The inspiration can be especially exciting for newcomers. “The River Valley of Connecticut offered me a fresh new palette of colors and visual textures as I would hike, walk in the communities, and feel the vibration of the people,” says Kristina Quinones, a participating artist who moved to Essex 11 years ago from San Francisco. Raised by blind parents, she developed a unique connection to the unseen and unspoken at a young age, which continues to shape her work today.
“Art became my way of reclaiming visibility. I developed a heightened sensitivity to the visual world, its patterns, textures, and colors,” Quinones says. She felt a sense of loneliness upon moving to the River Valley, as she was unfamiliar with the local art scene. That changed when she met Van Nes. Eager to help build something meaningful in the tri-town area, Quinones tapped into her prior experience organizing large-scale art shows in San Francisco to spearhead marketing for RVA’s inaugural tour.
Rosemary Cotnoir
Working with what she calls “controlled descriptive mark making,” Cotnoir creates compositions that offer a bird’s-eye view—map-like vistas that suggest landscapes both familiar and otherworldly. The result is a shifting visual experience where “figure-ground and spatial relationships appear to represent both alien topographies and spatially familiar locations,” she says.
TOP LEFT Rosemary Cotnoir, Farming Along the River, acrylic, February 2025.
Photo courtesy of rosemary cotnoir
ABOVE Pam Peters, Dogwoods at Cross Lots Preserve, oil on canvas. Photo courtesy of claudia van nes
BELOW Kristina Quinones working on a piece. Photo courtesy of Kristina Quinones
FROM THE COVER
Local artist Rosemary Cotnoir also draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the River Valley, particularly its wetlands, estuaries, and forests. Her landscape paintings blend abstraction with a sense of place, using layered organic forms and a distinctive improvisational style. “They portray aerial and similarly unexpected perspectives of coastlines, marshes, forests, and rivers,” Cotnoir says.
According to Cotnoir, the tour was founded to help fill a void in an area without an established art tour, while making it inclusive to artists who may not necessarily live in one of the three towns but are able to participate by partnering with one who does. She has been involved with RVA since its inception.
Another fixture of the tour’s lineup each year is journalist-turned-potter Hayne Bayless. Bayless spent a decade at the New Haven Register, concluding his tenure as arts editor before leaving the newsroom to pursue clay full-time. Largely self-taught, Bayless found that learning through experience, though far from easy, was a rewarding way to master the craft.
Joining the creative community was a natural extension of his shift to pottery. “When I quit my job way back when, one of the first things I discovered was that I found myself in a new community of artists, artisans, and others,” he says. “I feel very fortunate to be part of a number of those communities, and River Valley Artists happens to be the closest one.”
Pam Carlson, another founding participant of RVA’s tour, began her artistic career as a public school art teacher before turning to her own creative practice, first in pottery and then in painting. Working from
Kristina Quinones
“Microscopic and molecular forms fascinated me,” says Quinones. “I began blending those structures into my paintings, creating layered, abstract worlds that reflect both inner landscapes and universal rhythms.”
Pouring paint provided the artist an outlet for the feelings she wasn’t allowed to express out loud. Today, her work resonates with those who have felt unheard or unseen—parents, caregivers, professionals, and others who have been taught to suppress their emotions. “Through my art, I offer permission to feel, to release, and to be seen,” she says.
Photos by
Pam Carlson
Carlson began her artistic career as a public school art teacher before returning to her own creative practice, first in pottery and then in painting. Working from her studio in Essex, she draws daily inspiration from the shifting landscapes of the River Valley outside her window.
Carlson’s work often captures the Connecticut River and its tributaries, including the Lieutenant and Duck Rivers, as they flow toward the shoreline, framed by vivid skies.
1 Artwork by Lois Bennett. Photo courtesy of claudia van nes; 2 Hayne Bayless, Stoneware teapot with hinged lid Photo courtesy of hayne Bayless; 3 Artwork by Mike Centrella. Photo courtesy of claudia van nes; 4 Katherine Clark-Nilsson, Cozumel Church with Palm Photo courtesy of claudia van nes; 5 Rosemary Cotnoir, Forest Tableaux No. 1, acrylic, May 2024. Photo courtesy of rosemary cotnoir; 6 Artwork by Ellen Gaube Photo courtesy of claudia van nes; 7 Pam Carlson, Valley Sunset Photo courtesy of Pam carlson
FROM THE COVER
her studio in Essex, she draws daily inspiration from the shifting landscapes outside her window.
Carlson’s work often captures the Connecticut River and its tributaries, including the Lieutenant and Duck Rivers, as they flow toward the shoreline, framed by vivid skies. In addition to RVA, she was also part of the earlier group “Seven Women Painting,” which helped to catalyze the area’s growing art scene.
For Van Nes, the success of RVA reflects the River Valley’s rich artistic heritage. “There are a lot of opportunities to show,” she says. “There are also well-heeled people around here who want original art and know about it. So, I think it all feeds on each other.”
Beyond the annual tour, RVA supports year-round programming. Artists show at places like the Village Herbery in Deep River and Ashlawn Farm Coffee in Old Saybrook. RVA also has a permanent exhibit of rotating artwork at the Deep River Library. Still, Van Nes emphasizes that the October tour is the organization’s highlight.
The tour isn’t the only one of its kind in Connecticut, but it stands out for its relaxed and inclusive model. The group charges just enough to cover essential costs, like brochure printing, website maintenance, and email marketing for RVA initiatives. “We don’t want or need much of a nest egg,” Van Nes says.
Artists pay around $75 to join the annual tour and $10 to $20 for smaller exhibitions throughout the year. “Galleries take 40 to 50 percent,” Van Nes explains. “We don’t take any. So, it’s just a different model.”
Those interested in joining the RVA mailing list or participating in events can contact Claudia Van Nes at claudiavannes@aol.com. To stay up to date on this year’s studio tour and other happenings, visit rivervalleyartists.com.
Hayne Bayless
Now based in a wooded corner of the River Valley, Bayless draws quiet inspiration from the landscape. “Nature has a subtle effect on what I make and how I make it,” he says. “I’m lucky enough to live where all we see is trees, rocks, and moss.” Citing Picasso’s notion of working like nature rather than expressing it, Bayless emphasizes the importance of process over product in his practice.
Claudia Van Nes, Monarch. Photo courtesy of claudia van nes
We received more than 25,000 nominations.
Nearly 160,000 votes were cast. Those votes have been tallied.
Mystic Aquarium, voted one of the top five aquariums in the United States by Newsweek, is home to thousands of creatures, including beluga whales, African penguins, rescued seals, colorful fish, and more.
2 Harkness Memorial State Park Waterford; harkness.org
3 Olde Mistick Village Mystic; oldeMistickvillage.coM
ART GALLERY
1 Lyman Allyn Art Museum
625 Williams Street, New London; 860-443-2545; lymanallyn.org
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, located in New London, was established by a gift from Harriet Allyn in 1932. It houses over 19,000 objects like artworks from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe across time.
2 Florence Griswold Museum old ly Me; florencegris WoldMuseuM.org
3 Hygienic Art Galleries ne W l ondon; hygienic.org
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
1 Mohegan Sun Arena
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville; 888-226-7711; mohegansun.com
Mohegan Sun is known for its casinos, dining, shopping, and three major live entertainment venues. With top headliner entertainers across many genres, there’s a reason Mohegan Sun is rated the best of the best in live music venues.
2 Garde Arts Center ne W l ondon; gardearts.org
3 Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center old s aybrook; thekate.org
LIVE THEATER OR ENTERTAINMENT
1 Garde Arts Center
325 State Street, New London; 860-444-7373; gardearts.org
The Garde Arts Center in New London is one of Connecticut’s few remaining historic movie palaces. The Garde is becoming nationally recognized for its unique architecture and multi-faceted programming.
2 Mohegan Sun Arena Montville; Mohegansun.coM
3 Goodspeed Opera House e ast h adda M; goodspeed.org
LOCAL BAND OR MUSICIAN
1 Red Light
242 Squaw Rock Road, Moosup; 860-710-3987; redlightband.com
A five-piece tribute to dance-party rock, Red Light plays modern and classic rock, country rock, and pop rock covers spanning over five decades in a fun, high-energy presentation.
2 Nick Bosse north s tonington; nickbosse.coM
3 Waterford Community Band Waterford; facebook.coM /the WaterfordcoMMunityband
LOCAL PODCAST OR PODCAST HOST
1 Jimmy and Shelly Podcast World’s Best Jokes
40 Cuprak Road, Norwich
Jimmy Lehn and Shelly Martinez’s “The World’s Best Jokes Told by the World’s Best Joke Tellers” is a comedy podcast associated with their morning show on WCTY radio. They feature a joke of the day each day.
2 The Day podcasts ne W l ondon
3 Infamously Speaking
LOCAL RADIO HOST
1 Franco in the Morning Big 100.9 FM
40 Cuprak Road, Norwich; bighitsbigfun.com/franco
Franco is not new to waking up southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island; he has been doing morning shows in the area for over 30 years. Working at BIG 100.9 is a perfect fit for Franco as he’s playing the same great music he was playing as a DJ in the 1980s.
2 Shelly Martinez, 97.7 WCTY norWich; Wcty.coM /shelly- M artinez
3 Jimmy Lehn, 97.7 WCTY norWich; Wcty.coM /jiMM y-lehn
The Mystic Seaport Museum includes a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. It is also home to the 1841 whaleship, Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship still in existence.
2 Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center l edyard; pequot MuseuM.org
3 Lyman Allyn Art Museum ne W l ondon; ly M anallyn.org
arts + entertainment
PAINTING OR CRAFTING STUDIO
1 Colour de Canvas by Pamela Gracey
18 Woodmont Circle, East Haddam; pamelagraceycolourdecanvas.com
Pamela Gracey, an artist with over seven years of experience, specializes in artistic impressionism. She creates traditional canvas works, hand-painted jewelry, gifts, and home décor. She enjoys personally tailoring special pieces for her clients and leading paint nights, where she walks her guests through painting nature scenes.
2 Art Bar at Florence Griswold Museum Old lyme; flOrencegriswOldmuseum.Org
3 Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly w esterly, ri; westerlyarts.c Om
REGIONAL GAMBLING & CASINO
1 Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville; 888-226-7711; mohegansun.com
Mohegan Sun offers almost 4,000 slot machines and over 300 table games, including favorites like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps and Pai Gow, Texas Hold ‘Em, Three Card poker, and state-of-the-art Race Book.
2 Foxwoods Resort Casino l edyard; fOxwOOds.c Om
dining
APPETIZERS
1 Constantine’s on the Bay
2 Sneekers Cafe Groton; sneekerscafe.com
3 La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine niantic; lalloronact.com
ASIAN CUISINE
1 Rico Chow
2 Pink Basil m ystic; pinkbasilct.com
3 Johnny’s Peking Tokyo m ystic; johnnysushibar.com
Dog Watch Mystic features indoor and outdoor seating, lawn games, fire pits, and an outdoor kids’ area. Their menu specializes in authentic, housesmoked BBQ and other Dog Watch staples, including lobster rolls, fish ‘n chips, burgers, and much more.
2 Chester’s Barbecue Groton; chestersbbq.com
3 Noble Smokehouse m ystic; noblesmokehouse.com
BEST-KEPT SECRET
1 La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine
2 Pasta Fresca & Piadina m ystic; pastafrescamystic.com
3 Wild Briars Farm & Bake Shop north s toninG ton; wildbriarsfarm.com
BREAKFAST
1 The Shack
2 Somewhere in Time Cafe m ystic; somewhereintimecafe.com
123 Bank Street, New London; 860-440-8127; toxbrewing.com
Tox Brewing Company in downtown New London brews all its beers on site at its spacious Bank Street taproom, features a wood-fired pizza kitchen, and operates a cafe serving coffee and light bites.
2 These Guys Brewing norwich; theseGuysbrewinG.com
3 Shunock River Brewery north s toninG ton; shunockriverbrewery.com
3 Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant e ast lyme; flandersfish.com
BURGER
1 Astin J’s
762 Long Hill Road, Groton; 860-326-5027; astinjs.com
Astin J’s in Groton is a family-owned restaurant looking to serve delicious meals. Its smash burgers can be ordered with a single quarterpound patty or double, made with fresh beef, served with grilled onions, American cheese, and a housemade burger sauce on a brioche bun.
2 Steak Loft Restaurant m ystic; steakloftct.com
3 Constantine’s on the Bay niantic; constantinesonthebay.com
CASUAL DINING
1 Steak Loft Restaurant
2 Constantine’s on the Bay niantic; constantinesonthebay.com
3 The Shack waterford, Groton, e ast lyme; shackrestaurants.com
CATERER
1 Ivy’s Simply Homemade
316 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-442-8646; ivyssimplyhomemade.com
Ivy’s Simply Homemade, based in Waterford, provides an excellent meal for memorable events, whether small or large. The team can provide fresh, homemade food with just a week’s notice. They pride themselves on their attention to detail.
2 Gourmet Galley Catering north s toninG ton; Gourmet- G alley.com
3 Whisk Together Catering new london; whisktoGethercaterinG.com
food + dining
CHEF
1 Christopher Herbert Constantine’s on the Bay
2 Crystal Roman, Whisk Together Catering New LoNdoN; whisktogethercateriNg.com
3 Luigi Sferrazza, Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza Risto waterford; Luigisristo.com
COFFEE
1 Muddy Waters Cafe
40 Bank Street, New London; 860-444-2232; muddywaterscafenl.com
Muddy Waters Cafe in New London is a casual eatery where comfort meets culinary creativity. It offers a diverse and extensive menu, with breakfast options, various pastries such as cranberry white chocolate brownies and key lime bars, iced and hot coffees and lattes, hot cocoa, tea, matcha, and other iced and frozen drinks. The cafe also serves lunch.
2 Cafe Sol Nia N tic; cafesoLNia N tic.com
3 The Shack waterford, grotoN, e ast Lyme; shackrestaura N ts.com
Hartford Giant Grinder in Niantic offers sandwiches like the hefty Italian combo grinder on fresh bread. An 8-inch sandwich is considered small at Hartford Giant Grinder, and the grinders can be made up to 6 feet long.
2 Pasta Fresca & Piadina m ystic; pastafrescamystic.com
3 184 Pizzeria m ystic; 184pizzeria.com
DESSERT MENU
1 The Shack
2 Constantine’s on the Bay Nia N tic; coNsta N tiNesoN thebay.com
3 Mel’s Downtown Creamery c oL chester, pawcatuck; meL sdow N tow Ncreamery.com
3 Groton Townhouse Restaurant grotoN; grotoN tow Nhouserestaura N t.com
DOUGHNUTS
1 Flanders Donut & Bake Shop
2 Deviant Donuts m ystic; devia N tdoNuts.com
3 Dixie Donuts Norwich; dixiedoNuts.com
FINE DINING
1
Tony D’s
92 Huntington Street, New London; 860-443-9900; tonydsnl.com
Tony D’s in New London is a rustic Italian gem. It has been a local favorite since 1999. It has three large dining rooms and a bar area where live music is played on Friday and Saturday evenings. Recipes have been passed down from generation to generation in the D’Angelo family.
2 On the Waterfront New LoNdoN; oN thewaterfroN t NL .com
3 Captain Daniel Packer Inne m ystic; da NieL packer.com
3 Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza Risto waterford; Luigisristo.com
GOURMET TO-GO
1
Mystic Market
63 Williams Avenue, Mystic, 860-572-7992; 375 Noank Road, Mystic, 860-536-1500; 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Ledyard, 860-312-3150; 70 Mill Rock Road E, Old Saybrook, 860-661-5910; mysticmarket.com Mystic Market is a gourmet marketplace offering fresh ingredients and local Connecticut flavors.
2 Steak Loft Restaurant m ystic; steak L oftct.com
3 Charlie’s Place Restaurant Nia N tic; char LiespL acerestaura N t.com
APPETIZERS | CHEF
Constantine’s on the Bay
252 Main Street, Niantic; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com
Constantine’s on the Bay in Niantic blends traditional cuisine and contemporary innovation in a steak and seafood restaurant. It features appetizers such as calamari, bacon-wrapped scallops, Mediterranean Bruschetta, and more.
CHEF Christopher Herbert
Chris Herbert’s goal with Constantine’s is to bring back an established restaurant style. He also owns and has been a chef at La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine, a family-owned restaurant in Niantic.
ASIAN CUISINE | LATIN CUISINE Rico Chow
403 Williams Street, New London; 860-442-2469; rico-chow.square.site
Rico Chow in New London is a HispanicAsian fusion restaurant. Its menu includes spicy chow, chicken skewers, orange chicken, and BBQ boneless ribs.
La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine in Niantic is a family-owned business offering customers a cozy and warm atmosphere where they can enjoy a little piece of Mexico directly on their plate. It serves appetizers like quesadillas, street corn, and nachos. Its drinks menu includes jalapeno margaritas, chocolate margaritas, Mexican wines, and sangria.
BAKERY | DOUGHNUTS | SWEETS & CANDY
Flanders Donut & Bake Shop
327 Flanders Road, East Lyme; 860-739-6320; flandersbakery.com
Flanders Donut & Bake Shop in East Lyme is a family-owned, award-winning bakery. Its specialty is light and fluffy donuts in flavors like coconut glazed, strawberry candy-covered, and various filled donuts like caramel apple, chocolate banana cream, and much more. It also crafts a variety of pastries and muffins made fresh every day!
Salem Valley Farms Ice Cream was established in 1988. It offers products that are fresh and made to order in small batches. Its popular flavors include cherry vanilla, chocolate, coffee, cookie dough, and cow tracks. It also offers dairy-free, vegan, and frozen yogurt.
2 Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream Mystic; M ysticdrawbridgeicecrea M.coM
Paul’s Pasta Shop has made fresh pasta and delicious meals since 1988. It offers reasonable prices for delicious, homemade meals in a family-friendly atmosphere. Its pasta is made fresh daily on the premises.
2 Tony D’s new london; tonydsnl.coM
3 La Stella Pizzeria norwich; lastellapizzeria.coM
KIDS’ MENU
1 The Shack
2 Constantine’s on the Bay niantic; constantinesonthebay.coM
3 La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine niantic; lalloronact.coM
28 Jericho Drive, Old Lyme; simplysweetbyelana.com
Simply Sweet by Elana is a home bakery specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes, and various desserts, where everything is made to order from scratch using fresh, quality ingredients.
2 Izzy the Cake Queen groton
3 MarnaRoons old ly Me; M arnaroons.coM
MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
1 Dev’s on Main
255 Main Street, Niantic; 860-451-8141; devsonmain.com
Dev’s on Main is new to Niantic. It is a MediterraneanAsian fusion restaurant specializing in small plates, great wines, and a casual vibe.
2 Pick Pockets Deli groton; pickpocketsdeligroton.coM
Luigi’s Wood-Fired Pizza Risto bakes pizzas in an 800-degree wood-burning oven, following old-world tradition. Visit @luigisristo on Instagram to see when they are in your area.
40 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-739-0306; flandersfish.com
Established in 1983 by Paul and Donna Formica, Flanders Fish Market is Connecticut’s largest full-service fresh fish market, seafood restaurant, bar, and catering operation.
2 Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock new london; captscottsnl.coM
3 Constantine’s on the Bay niantic; constantinesonthebay.coM
SERVER OR BARTENDER
1 Debbie Kenyon Steak Loft Restaurant
2 Lori Miller, Charlie’s Place Restaurant niantic; charliesplacerestaurant.coM
3 Nora Zeferino, La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine niantic; lalloronact.coM
SPORTS BAR OR LOUNGE
1 Steak Loft Restaurant
2 Longshots Sports Cafe uncasville; lonG shotssportsca Fe.coM
3 Lyme Tavern Restaurant & Sports Bar niantic; ly Metavernsportsbar.coM
Johnny’s Peking Tokyo in Mystic offers delicious food, friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere. It offers a wide variety of sushi dishes—even a sushi pizza!
3 Stonington Vineyards s toninG ton; stoninG tonvineyards.coM
WINGS
1 Charlie’s Place Restaurant
26 W Main Street, Niantic; 860-739-2975; charliesplacerestaurant.com
Charlie’s Place Restaurant in Niantic offers cozy American dining with a lively bar. Its menu features an all-you-can-eat wings and fries offer. Some of its wing flavors include buffalo, garlic pepper dry rub, Thai chili, jerk sauce, lemon garlic pepper dry rub, Old Bay, Cajun ranch, and more.
2 Astin J’s Groton; astinjs.coM
3 Smokey O’Grady’s e ast ly Me; sMokeyoGradysct.coM
BREAKFAST | BRUNCH | DESSERT MENU | DINER | KIDS’ MENU
The Shack
441 Long Hill Road, Groton, 860-739-8898; 131 Boston Post Road, #3, Waterford, 860-442-6660; 324 Flanders Road, East Lyme, 860-739-8898; shackrestaurants.com
The Shack serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as all-American favorites and classic comfort foods. Favorites include seafood, salads, sandwiches, melts, waffle mountains, and plates of home fries topped with scrambled eggs, ham, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, sausage, and onions covered in Monterey Jack cheese and bacon. For dessert, patrons can enjoy brownies and banana sundaes, cakes, pies, and more. Its menu has a kids’ section with low-priced meals for children 12 and under.
CASUAL DINING | SPORTS BAR OR LOUNGE | SERVER OR BARTENDER
Steak Loft Restaurant in Mystic is a familyfriendly steakhouse in business since 1973. It serves chops, ribs, roast, salads, and more. It also features live music. “Whether you’re a first timer or one of our regulars, you’ll love the familiar feeling that comes with dining at Steak Loft.” — Steak Loft Restaurant.
SERVER OR BARTENDER Debbie Kenyon
FOOD TRUCK | OUTDOOR OR WATERFRONT DINING
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock
80 Hamilton Street, New London; 860-439-1741; captscotts.com
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London serves lobster rolls and other seafood at the waterfront. It has a large dining area where visitors can sit at picnic tables and enjoy views of the boats and water. Captain Scott’s Lobster Truck serves lobster rolls, a raw bar, burgers, and dogs.
Prates authored the first girls’ soccer state championship in the history of Bacon Academy. The Bobcats stunned top-seeded Suffield in the championship game, during which goalie Liz Glover made 10 saves and stopped two penalty kicks in the shootout, en route to The Day’s Player of the Year honor. Prates’ team placed three players total on The Day’s All-Area team.
2 Alex Casillas, Football Thames RiveR CRusadeR s, GRo T on
3 Cailin Sorder, Volleyball WheeleR hiGh sChool, noRT h sT oninGT on
COACH (SPRING 2024)
1 Stephen Bailey, Softball Wheeler High School, North Stonington
It was quite a time in Bailey’s life, having just led the Wheeler boys’ basketball team to its most successful season, a trip to the state semifinals and to the ECC Division II Tournament title. Bailey followed that with leading the softball team to the ECC Division IV regular season title and a berth in the state tournament.
2 Andy Walker, Softball WaT eR foR d hiGh sChool, WaT eR foR d
3 Jorge Brackett, Boys’ Lacrosse e as T lyme hiGh sChool, e as T lyme
COACH (WINTER 2024/25)
1 Tim Strong, Boys’ Basketball Grasso Tech, Groton
Strong, after previous stints at Montville and East Lyme, led Grasso Tech to 19 wins, the most in school history. The Eagles finished with the program’s first winning season since 2011 (in Strong’s second season.) They went 64-154 over the previous 11 regular seasons and qualified for states twice.
2 Brady Sheffield, Boys’ Basketball lyme- old lyme hiGh sChool, old lyme
3 Alyssa Mercaldi, Indoor Track lyme- old lyme hiGh sChool, old lyme
FEMALE ATHLETE (FALL 2024)
1 Gracie Lloyd, Field Hockey East Lyme High School, East Lyme
After missing the previous season with an injury, Lloyd, a senior midfielder for the Vikings, rebounded with an exclamation point. Lloyd, who finished the season with 14 goals and 20 assists, setting the East Lyme record with 55 career assists, was named as The Day’s 2024 All-Area Field Hockey Player of the Year.
2 Elizabeth Glover, Soccer Bacon academy, c olchester
3 Maya Pitruzzello, Soccer e ast lyme high s chool, e ast lyme
FEMALE ATHLETE (SPRING 2024)
1 Isabella Deledda, Softball Wheeler High School, North Stonington
Deledda led the Lions in virtually every offensive category as they won the ECC Division IV regular season title and qualified for the state tournament. She would go on to finish with more than 100 career hits.
2 Sophia Gouveia, Lacrosse Wheeler high s chool, north s tonington
3 Hazel DeLucia, Outdoor Track lyman memorial high s chool, l eB anon
FEMALE ATHLETE (WINTER 2024/25)
1 Julia Bonser, Basketball Ledyard High School, Ledyard
Bonser, a freshman, quickly established herself among the best post players in the ECC for the Colonels. She led her team in rebounding for the season and in scoring during several games during the season. Of Bonser, Ledyard coach Mike Morgan called her “a force to be reckoned with for a long time.”
2 Abby Matheson, Basketball gris Wold high s chool, gris Wold
3 Hazel DeLucia, Indoor Track lyman memorial high s chool, l eB anon
MALE ATHLETE (FALL 2024)
1 Devin Cook, Football Fitch High School, Groton
Cook ran for 729 yards and five touchdowns for the Falcons, while also finishing third on the team with 36 tackles. He ran for 222 yards and two scores during a late-season win over Stonington that kept the Falcons’ playoff hopes alive.
2 Sean McCauley, Cross Country e ast lyme high s chool, e ast lyme
3 Jax Higgins, Football Waterford high s chool, Waterford
MALE ATHLETE (SPRING 2024)
1 Drew Deary, Track Wheeler High School, North Stonington
It was a historic season for Wheeler outdoor track, the first in school history to participate without a cooperative. It was all Wheeler kids. Deary, who ran middle distance and participated in the shot put, won the ECC’s Scholar-Athlete Award.
2 James Main, Baseball Wheeler high s chool, north s tonington
3 Jacob Correia, Lacrosse e ast lyme high s chool, e ast lyme
MALE ATHLETE (WINTER 2024/25)
1 Eddie Fiske, Basketball Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Old Lyme
Fiske led the Wildcats back to the Class S championship game, following his freshman season when he led them to the school’s first boys’ basketball title. Fiske was named Shoreline Conference Player of the Year and scored 36 points in the state semifinal victory over Grasso Tech.
2 Zane Brewer, Basketball Wheeler high s chool, north s tonington
3 Julius Washington, Basketball grasso t ech, groton
BEST OF THE BEST great outdoors great outdoors
CAMPGROUND
1 Acorn Acres Campground
135 Lake Road, Bozrah; 860-859-1020; acornacrescampsites.com
Acorn Acres Campground in Bozrah offers year-round camping, including winter, and is set on 100 wooded acres. There are full-service sites for RVs/campers and tent sites. There are also four cabins available.
2 Hidden Acres Family Campground Preston; hiddenacrescamP.com
3 Odetah Camping Resort Bozrah; odetah.com
CHARTER FISHING COMPANY
1 Black Hawk Sport Fishing
11 Main Street, Niantic; 860-448-3662; blackhawksportfishing.com
The Black Hawk was specifically custom-built for the party boat fishing industry. Powered by twin 750 horsepower diesels, she’s one of the fastest boats of her kind in New England.
2 Sunbeam Fleet - Captain John’s Sport Fishing Center Waterford; sunBeamfleet.com
3 JB Sportfishing Waterford
CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
1 Geers Tree Farm
137 Norman Road, Griswold; 860-376-5321; geersfamilytree.com
Geers Tree Farm in Griswold, open for over 60 years, has been a beloved part of Connecticut’s landscape. It offers over 100 acres of Christmas trees to choose from. It also has vendors who make Christmas tree shopping festive on the weekends.
2 Maple Lane Farms Preston; ma Plelane.com
3 Yetter Road Christmas Tree Farm m ystic; yetterroadtreefarm.com
FESTIVAL & FAIR
1 Mystic Outdoor Art Festival
9 Water Street, Mystic; mysticchamber.org/art-festival
The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival is a two-day event that showcases almost 270 artists from around the country and a mile of fine arts and crafts. It is free to the public and features activities and artwork for all ages. The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce hosts it.
2 North Stonington Agricultural Fair north s tonington; northstoningtonfair.org
3 Mystic Irish Parade m ystic; mysticirishParade.org
Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton is an 18-hole public course open year-round. Located on the beautiful Long Island Sound and Thames River, the course features dramatic views and a chance to spot a tall ship or a United States submarine at sail.
2 Great Neck Country Club Waterford; greatneckgolf.com
3 River Ridge Golf Course gris Wold; riverridgegolf.com
Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry offers premium fruit picking, wine tasting, and a wine maze. You can also pick your own pears, apples, pumpkins, and summer fare.
Mystic Aquarium Summer Camp provides camp experiences for children entering PreK through 12th grade. Each camp has a dedicated classroom within the Milne Ocean Science and Conservation Center. It offers hands-on activities, up-close animal encounters, field trips, and other experiences.
2 New London County 4-H Camp north franklin; my4hcamP online.com
3 Art Colony Camp at the Florence Griswold Museum old lyme; florencegris Woldmuseum.org
CT’s Premier Pumpkin Design Service
Custom Designs
Each display is crafted to reflect your unique
Various Design Sizes
Curated designs in a variety of sizes for every space.
Hassle-Free
We handle everything—from cleaning the pumpkins to delivery.
Sustainable
After the season, we can give your pumpkins a second life at local nonprofit rescue farms.
Red Wagon Pumpkins LLC is based in Old Saybrook, CT
+ wellness
ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE
1 Back & Body Chiropractic
2 Advanced Back and Neck Care Center Groton; advancedbackandneck.com
3 The DRIPBaR old Saybrook; thedripbar.com/old- S aybrook
ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
1 Sarah Preston, LMT Back & Body Chiropractic
2 Jean Michael Coronado, Incredible Weight Loss Center Groton; incredibleweiGhtlo SS center.u S
3 Huan Zhang, PhD, LAc, Advanced Back and Neck Care Center Groton; advancedbackandneck.com
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
1 Elmbrook Village
380 Salem Turnpike, Bozrah; 860-861-9704; everbrookseniorliving.com/communities/elmbrook-village
Elmbrook Village in Bozrah is an elegant senior living community offering studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. Elmbrook Village provides compassionate and professional assisted living and memory care.
2 StoneRidge m y S tic; S toneridGelc S .com
3 Fairview Groton; fairviewct.orG
CHIROPRACTOR (INDIVIDUAL)
1 Alexandra Robin, DC Back & Body Chiropractic
2 Nadia Shipper, DC, East West Chiropractic Groton; ewchiro.com
3 Dan Mascaro, DC, Advanced Back and Neck Care Center Groton; advancedbackandneck.com
CHIROPRACTOR (PRACTICE)
1 Advanced Back and Neck Care Center
565 Long Hill Road, Groton; 860-448-2225; advancedbackandneck.com
“We would like to thank our dedicated patients for voting Advanced Back & Neck Care Center the ‘Best of the Best’ this year. We are a multidisciplinary office with expert staff to help people in our community achieve their health goals naturally. We utilize a hands-on approach coupled with state-ofthe-art technology to address the cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. We are constantly improving our services to provide better care for our community.” —Advanced Back and Neck Care Center
2 Back & Body Chiropractic dayville; backandbodyct.com
3 East West Chiropractic Groton; ewchiro.com
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
1 Becca Schaa Aerial Arts Fitness
2 Elyssa Beers, Aerial Arts Fitness Jewett city; aerialart Sfitne SS ct.com
3 Marcia Miller, The Dance Extension new london, Quaker hill; danceextenSion.com
DANCE STUDIO OR SCHOOL
1 Aerial Arts Fitness
2 Miss Nikki’s 5,6,7,8 Dance niantic; miSSnikkiS 5678dance.com
3 Broadway Kids & Company School of Performing Arts niantic; broadwaykid S andcompany.com
DENTIST (INDIVIDUAL)
1 Kenneth Nogacek, DMD Waterford Dental Health
177 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-447-2235; waterforddentalhealth.com
Dr. Kenneth Nogacek routinely treats anxious patients with extremely safe sedation techniques. In addition to being an accomplished, award-winning dentist, he is also an active member of his community.
2 Jason Campbell, DDS, Waterford Dental Health waterford; waterforddentalhealth.com
3 James Watts, DMD, James Watts Family Dentistry m y S tic; J ame S watt Sdmd.com
3 Robert Strick, DMD, Robert Strick Family Dentistry norwich; S tricklyteeth.com
Norwich Family Dental Associates offers a wide range of services from routine checkups and cleanings to restorative dentistry and cosmetic treatments. Its team aims to make visiting the dentist as comfortable and positive as possible.
2 Waterford Dental Health waterford; waterforddentalhealth.com
3 Bridgeworks Family Dental Center Groton; bridGeworkSfdc.com
health + wellness
DERMATOLOGIST (INDIVIDUAL)
1 John West, MD Seaport Dermatology
2 Mary Ann Bentz, MD, Dermatology Associates of Southeastern Connecticut Waterford; ctmedderm.com
3 Mohsin Malik, MD, Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut Ne W LoNdoN; dermatoL ogyofct.com
86 New London Turnpike, Norwich; 860-889-6967; pauldeutschmd.net
Dr. Paul Deutsch graduated magna cum laude from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. He is board-certified in internal medicine and pharmacology. He is a lifelong resident of Norwich.
2 John Hennessey, MD, Gales Ferry Medical Group g a L es ferry; Northeastmedica L group.org
3 Mark DePonte, MD, Hartford HealthCare LisboN; hartfordhea Lthcare.org
EAR, NOSE, & THROAT
1 Frank Dellacono, MD ENT Associates of SECT 914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 102, Waterford, 860-4420407; 201 Boston Post Road, Waterford, 860-442-0407; 14 Masons Island Road #2, Mystic, 860-536-3078; entofsect.com
Dr. Frank Dellacono joined the ENT Associates of SECT in 1998. He offers quality care in all areas of ear, nose, and throat disorders. His interest mainly lies in the surgical management of thyroid and sinus disease and the full scope of pediatric ENT disorders.
2 David Boisoneau, MD, ENT Associates of SECT Waterford, m ystic; eN tofsect.com
3 Thomas Lesnik, MD NorWich; L esNikeN t.com
GYM/FITNESS CENTER
1 Advantage Personal Training
2 Aerial Arts Fitness
Je W ett city; aeria L artsfit Nessct.com
3 CT Barbell Je W ett city; ctbarbeLL .com
HOME CARE SERVICES (MEDICAL)
1 Visiting Nurses Association of SECT
403 N Frontage Road, Waterford; The Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Connecticut provides in-home skilled nursing and therapy services, home health aides, school nurses and aides, and community wellness clinics for southeastern Connecticut.
3 Care at Home Ne W LoNdoN, Wester Ly, ri; careathomeNoW.com
HOME CARE SERVICES (NON-MEDICAL)
1
Sound Community Services
2 Seniors Helping Seniors s toNiNgtoN; seNiorsheL piNgseNiors.com
3 Care at Home Ne W LoNdoN, Wester Ly, ri; careathomeNoW.com
HOSPITAL
1 Lawrence + Memorial Hospital
365 Montauk Avenue, New London; lmhospital.org Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London serves the Connecticut shoreline with the greatest care. It offers services in over 100 specialties, including heart and vascular, maternity, cancer, surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, and more.
2 William W. Backus Hospital NorWich; backushospita L .org
316 Boston Post Road, Unit 11, Waterford; 860-333-4996; aikidonewlondoncounty.com
Aikido is a martial arts school in New London County. Its chief instructor, Crystal Aldrich, firmly believes that within each individual lies a spirit waiting to be refined and nurtured through the practice of Aikido, and she strives to make it accessible to everyone.
2 Yamashita International Karate Mystic Dojo m ystic; mysticdoJo.com
3 360 Defense Martial Arts NorWich; 360defeNsemartia L arts.com
ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE | ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER | CHIROPRACTOR (INDIVIDUAL)
Back & Body Chiropractic in Dayville treats stressrelated conditions, postural problems, pregnancy, and more. They specialize in various chiropractic techniques, massage therapy, dry needling, and cupping therapy.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
Sarah Preston, LMT
Sarah Preston is a licensed massage therapist who has worked with a professional basketball team, WNBA athletes, and a lacrosse team that plays for the Mohegan Sun. She has also studied manual lymphatic drainage and oncology treatment protocols. She strongly believes in the benefits of cupping and guasha and is certified in Thai massage.
CHIROPRACTOR (INDIVIDUAL)
Alexandra Robin, DC
Dr. Alexandra Robin opened Back & Body Chiropractic in 2012. Robin has studied treatment and rehabilitation techniques for the treatment of conditions such as headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, low back and leg pain, post-surgical pain, and pain related to autoimmune disorders.
Aerial Arts Fitness in Jewett City offers instruction in pole dancing, parties, aerial yoga, hoop, silks, static trapeze, belly dance, and chair dance.
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Becca Schaa
Becca is an instructor at Aerial Arts Fitness. She specializes in silks.
DERMATOLOGIST
INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE
Seaport
Dermatology
34 Water Street #2, Mystic; 860-572-9994; seaportdermatology.com
Seaport Dermatology in Mystic specializes in Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer. The practice offers a full spectrum of medical and surgical dermatology services. The team has worked in adult and pediatric dermatology for over 15 years.
INDIVIDUAL
John West, MD
Dr. John West is one of only a few surgeons in New England who is fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, the most effective treatment available for skin cancer.
GYM/FITNESS
CENTER
| PERSONAL TRAINER
Advantage Personal Training
761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook; 860-258-2380; kingfamilyeyecare.com
Advantage Personal Training opens its doors to everyone regardless of age or where they are on their fitness journey. They aim to foster a supportive community that helps you look, move, and feel your best.
PERSONAL TRAINER
Michael Richards
Michael Richards is the Director of Training at Advantage Personal Training. He aims to help people live longer, stronger, and enhance their health and lifespan.
HOME CARE SERVICES (NON-MEDICAL) | MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL | MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER
Sound Community Services
1
21 Montauk Avenue, New London; 860-439-6400; soundcommunityservices.org
Sound Community Services provides support and services for people with behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. Its core values are compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence.
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Luis Gonzalez, MD
Dr. Luis Gonzalez joined Sound Community as its Chief Medical Officer in 2017. He wants clients to know that he strives to provide excellent, compassionate, and efficient care for all.
OB/GYN INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE
Shoreline OB/GYN
4 Shaws Cove, Unit 204, New London; 860-447-2377; womenshealthct.com/practices/shoreline-ob-gyn Shoreline OB/GYN in New London is dedicated to providing complete obstetric and gynecologic care. It offers services like bone density testing, hysterectomies, endometriosis treatment, LGBTQ care, and more.
OB/GYN (INDIVIDUAL)
Michael Lavallee, DO
Dr. Michael Lavallee received his Doctor of Osteopathy from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He enjoys all areas of OB/GYN and is interested in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. Patients have said he makes them feel comfortable and educated about their care.
MEDICAL SPECIALIST
1 Steven Wei, MD Orthopedic Partners
11 Industrial Park Road, Niantic, 860-889-7345; 82 New Park Avenue, North Franklin, 860-889-7345; 5 Founders Street #203, Willimantic, 860-889-7345; orthopartners.com/steven-yin-wei-md
Dr. Steven Wei is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and subspecialty board-certified in sports medicine. He specializes in shoulder, knee, and upper extremities. He received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania.
2 Nicole Arcand, MD, Orthopedic Partners Nia N tic, North Fra NkliN, Willima N tic; orthopart Ners.com/steveN -yiN -W ei-md
3 Jenny Temnogorod, MD, Shoreline Eye Group Water Ford, old s aybrook; shoreliNeeyegroup.com
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
1 Luis Gonzalez, MD Sound Community Services
2 Rebecca Tydeman, LMFT, Love Invigorated LLC e ssex; loveiN vigorated.com
3 Sara Ann Jakub, LPC, LMHC, Inner Peace Wellness Water Ford, b ozrah; iNNerpeacect.com/about-us
MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER
1 Sound Community Services
2 Inner Peace CT Wellness Center b ozrah, Water Ford; iNNerpeacect.com/about-us
3 Rebecca Tydeman, LMFT, Love Invigorated LLC e ssex; loveiN vigorated.com
OB/GYN (INDIVIDUAL)
1 Michael Lavallee, DO Shoreline OBGYN
2 Stefanie Parks, MD, Coastal OBGYN and Midwifery Ne W l oNdoN; coastalobgy NmidWiFery.com/steFa Nie-parks-md
3 Chelsey Russ, MD, Thameside OBGYN Centre grotoN; WomeNshealthct.com/practices/thameside-obgy N -ceN tre
OB/GYN (PRACTICE) 1 Shoreline OB/GYN
2 Mayeda Gynecology Water Ford; mayedagy Necology.com
3 OB/GYN Services NorWich; obgy Nct.com
health + wellness
OPHTHALMOLOGIST (INDIVIDUAL)
1 Lior Haim, MD Shoreline Eye Group
2 Kevin Cranmer, MD, Southeast Connecticut Eye Care Norwich, GrotoN; see-care.com
3 Anita Hwang, MD, Eye Specialists waterford
3 Martha Howard, MD m ystic
OPHTHALMOLOGY (PRACTICE)
1 Shoreline Eye Group
2 Southeast Connecticut Eye Care Norwich, GrotoN; see-care.com
2 Brian Courtemanche, OD, Shoreline Eye Group waterford, old s aybrook; shoreliNeeyeGroup.com
3 Paul Hyder, DO, Southeast Connecticut Eye Care Norwich, GrotoN; see-care.com
OPTOMETRIST (PRACTICE)
1 King Family Eye Care
2 Shoreline Eye Group waterford, old s aybrook; shoreliNeeyeGroup.com
3 Southeast Connecticut Eye Care Norwich, GrotoN; see-care.com
ORTHODONTIST (INDIVIDUAL)
1 Jeffrey Kozlowski, DDS Kozlowski DePascale Orthodontics 190 Hempstead Street, New London, 860-809-6801; 156 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, 860-739-7391; kozbraces.com Dr. Jeffrey Kozlowski is world-renowned for his unique perspective on quality orthodontic treatment results and clinical efficiency.
3 James O’Leary, DMD, Orthodontic Associates of Southeastern Connecticut waterford, Norwich; oasect.com
ORTHODONTIST (PRACTICE)
1 Orthodontic Associates of Southeastern Connecticut
196 Waterford Parkway S, Suite 305A, Waterford, 860-443-1827; 96 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, 860-886-7777; oasect.com
Orthodontic Associates of Southeastern Connecticut prioritizes providing care in a friendly, comfortable environment. The team at OASECT uses Damon System Self-Ligating braces, one of the latest technological advances in orthodontics, to shorten treatment time and other advanced technologies.
2 Kozlowski Depascale Orthodontics New l oNdoN, e ast lyme; kozbraces.com
3 Family Orthodontic Care Norwich, c olchester; familyorthodoN ticcare.com
PEDIATRICIAN (INDIVIDUAL)
1 Foong-Yi Lin, MD
Gales Ferry Pediatrics
2 Fred Santoro, MD e ast lyme; fredsa N toromd.com
3 Maria Lopez, MD, Flanders Pediatrics e ast lyme; fla Nderspediatrics.com
PEDIATRICIAN (PRACTICE)
1 Gales Ferry Pediatrics
2 Norwich Pediatric Group Norwich; Np Gct.com
3 Fred Santoro, MD e ast lyme; fredsa N toromd.com
PERSONAL TRAINER (INDIVIDUAL)
1 Michael Richards Advantage Personal Training
2 Michael Nelson, Advantage Personal Training m ystic, Nia N tic; adva N taGepersoN altraiNiNG.com
3 Axel Mahlke, Anytime Fitness East Lyme Nia N tic; a N ytimefit Ness.com/locatioNs/Nia N tic-coNNecticut-2190
PHARMACY
1 Electric Boat Family Pharmacy
32 Chicago Avenue, Groton; 888-578-3457; eblanding.com/eb-family-wellness-center Electric Boat Family Pharmacy in Groton is a trusted provider of prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
2 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit GrotoN
3 McQuade’s Pharmacy m ystic, w esterly; mcquadesrx.com
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE
Shoreline Eye Group
741 Broad Street, Waterford, 860-442-5663; 821 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, 860-388-4242; shorelineeyegroup.com
Shoreline Eye Group in Waterford is committed to providing personalized, quality eye care and service. Its team includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. Its doctors specialize in cataract surgery, ocular diseases, emergency eye care, and more.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST (INDIVIDUAL)
Lior Haim, MD
Dr. Lior Haim graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia magna cum laude with the highest honors in ocular pathology and clinical ophthalmology. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
OPTOMETRIST INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE
King Family Eye Care
761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook; 860-258-2380; kingfamilyeyecare.com
The King Family Eye Care team in Old Saybrook recognizes the importance of seeing clearly. They aim to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge vision care for patients of all ages.
OPTOMETRIST (INDIVIDUAL)
Matthew King, DO
Dr. Matthew King owns and operates King Family Eye Care. He is an active member of the Connecticut Optometric Association and has served on its board of directors. He is also a member of the ALLDocs Association. He has spent several weeks aiding communities in Vietnam, Nicaragua, and Mexico.
BEST OF THE BEST health + wellness
PHYSICAL THERAPIST INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE
Independence
Physical Therapy
2440 Gold Star Highway, Suite 201, Mystic, 860-536-1001; 80 Norwich-New London Turnpike #2E, Uncasville, 860-892-8683; independencephysicaltherapy.com
Independence Physical Therapy in Mystic aims to provide expert care for all rehabilitation needs. Its team strives to help people return to their active lifestyle and daily activities.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL)
Cynthia Holliday, PT, DPT
Cynthia Holliday has been with Independence Physical Therapy for over 10 years. She treats a variety of orthopedic, sports, and women’s healthrelated conditions. Her interests include pelvic pain, incontinence, and visceral mobilization.
PEDIATRICIAN INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE
Gales Ferry Pediatrics
1527 Route 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7248
With over 30 years of experience, Gales Ferry Pediatrics’ dedicated team of pediatricians, nurses, and staff is committed to providing exceptional pediatric care. They pride themselves on offering a warm and child-friendly environment at their offices in Gales Ferry, Old Saybrook, and Westerly, Rhode Island.
PEDIATRICIAN (INDIVIDUAL)
Foong-Yi Lin, MD
Dr. Foong-Yi Lin is committed to providing exceptional pediatric care. She knows how to examine and treat children in ways that help them relax and cooperate. She educates parents to ensure they bring their children to their routine checkups and immunizations.
44 Maritime Drive, Mystic; 860-572-1700; pendletonrhc.com Pendleton Rehab and Healthcare in Mystic has served New London County for over 30 years. It offers long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and brief respite visits. It aims to optimize independence and safeguard dignity while providing a home-like environment.
2 Fairview Groton; Fairviewct.orG
3 Avalon at StoneRidge m ystic; stoneriDGeL cs.com/skiLL eD -nUrsinG
WEIGHT LOSS CENTER
1 Incredible Weight Loss Center
565 Long Hill Road, Groton; 860-941-7304; incredibleweightlosscenter.us
Incredible Weight Loss Center in Groton aims to make losing weight simple through three simple phases: weight loss, stabilization, and maintenance.
2 Advantage Personal Training m ystic, niantic; a DvantaGepersona LtraininG.com
3 Thin’s In water For D; thinsin.net
YOGA OR PILATES STUDIO
1 Luxe Pilates
9 Methodist Street, Niantic; 860-850-0477; luxepilatesct.com Luxe Pilates in Niantic is a boutique studio offering small-group reformer classes.
2 Positive Vibes Pilates water For D; mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/positive-vibes-pilates
3 Mystic Yoga Shala m ystic; mysticyoG asha L a.com
Perry’s Home Improvement is a small home improvement business specializing in bathrooms, kitchens, roofs, and decks. It offers everything from new construction to complete custom houses.
2 Kappy Construction & Home Improvement preston; facebook.coM /kappyllc
3 Nutmeg Building & Remodeling l edyard; nut MegbuildingreModeling.coM
DECOR & HOUSEWARES
1 Preston Trading Post
2 The Bowerbird old ly Me; thebowerbird.coM
3 Friedman Found waterford; friedM anfound.coM
ELECTRICAL/GENERATOR SERVICES
1 D.B. Electric
2 Condon & Sons Electric waterford
3 Generators on Demand old ly Me; generatorsondeM and.coM
ELECTRICIAN
1 D.B. Electric
2 Macrino Electric waterford; M acrinoelectric.coM
3 Calkins Electric waterford; calkinselectricct.coM
FIREPLACE & ACCESSORIES
1 Preston Trading Post
2 Armstrong Chimney and Stoves taftville; ar MstrongchiMney.coM
3 Spicer Hearth & Home s aleM; spiceradvanced.coM
FLOORING COMPANY
1 The Floor Covering Shop
385 Central Avenue, Norwich; 860-887-3523; floorcoveringshopinc.com
The Floor Covering Shop in Norwich is a familyowned and operated full-service flooring retailer. It offers flooring choices such as carpet and tile and installation services.
2 Cluff Carpet One Floor & Home waterford; cluffcarpetonewaterford.coM
Holdridge Home & Garden in Ledyard has been a family-owned and operated business since 1912. It provides quality nursery stock, annuals, perennials, houseplants, and expert advice for beautiful gardens.
Sunrise Home Inspection in Groton offers meticulous inspections of properties, whether you are purchasing a new home or preparing to sell one. The home inspectors will handle your property with the care it deserves, with no questions left unanswered.
2 Kyle Clark, NPI New London County groton; npiweb.coM /newlondoncounty
3 Anchor Home Inspection oakdale; anchorhoMeinspection.coM
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING
1 Mike Harrelle, CertaPro Painters of Mystic-Glastonbury, CT 112 Stockhouse Road, Bozrah; 860-886-2900; certapro.com/mystic-glastonbury/our-team CertaPro Painters transforms homes and businesses by providing expert services with a proven process.
home + garden 1
2 All Star Painting Norwich; ctallstarpaiN tiNg.com
3 East Coast Pro Painting LLC m ystic; eastcoastpropaiN tiNg.com
INTERIOR DESIGNER OR DECORATOR
1 Rita Lyons Designs
81 E Pattagansett Road, Niantic; 201-887-4711; ritalyonsdesigns.com
Rita Lyons provides creative, dynamic space planning and design development. Her firm has extensive experience in every type of project. She prides herself on time management and meeting her clients’ budget requirements.
2 Tammy Klinikowski, Preston Trading Post prestoN; prestoN tradiNg.com
3 Erica Aube, House of Moon m ystic; houseofmooN.co
Peak Landscaping & Snow Removal combines a decade of experience with cutting-edge technology to serve Groton and surrounding areas. They transform landscapes with various services, including lawn care, snow removal, shrub trimming, property clean-up, and more.
2 Spicer’s Lawn Care & Landscape Design l edyard; spicerslaw Ncare.com
3 Eagle Quality Landscaping and Supply g ales ferry; eaglequalityla NdscapiNg.com
MORTGAGE COMPANY
1 Keith Turner Homestead Funding Corp.
8 Union Street, New London; 860-444-0650; homesteadfunding.com/loan-originators/keith-turner Keith Turner has been in the mortgage industry for two decades. His strengths lie in his ability to walk clients through each step of the mortgage process, so they feel comfortable. His goal is to ensure that he will always be confident that he has given the best possible mortgage experience.
Griggs & Browne has provided termite and pest control services in New England since 1910. It is committed to utilizing safe, effective, and environmentally sound practices at a reasonable price.
2 Waltham Pest Services New loNdoN; walthamservices.com/locatioNs/coNNecticut/New-loNdoN
3 Bee Smart Pest Control e ast h amptoN; beesmart.buzz
3 Pest Pros l eba NoN
PLUMBING COMPANY
1 Elite Plumbing
Services
86 Whippoorwill Hollow Road, Lot B, North Franklin; 860-367-3174
Elite Plumbing Services offers plumbing installation and service to all areas of need. The team is prompt and will work within your budget.
2 R.E Godwin & Sons LLC ceN terbrook; godwiNplumbers.com
RSR Residential is a family-owned and operated business that provides exceptional customer service and a commitment to comfort and quality in every job. It specializes in rooftop solar panel installation.
2 Henderson Roofing e ast lyme, w esterly, ri; johNheNdersoNcoNstructioN.com/ct/east-lyme/roofiNg
3 Thomas Garbati Builders waterford; garbatibuilders.com
TREE SERVICE
1 Swing Bridge Tree LLC
41 Florida Road, East Haddam; 860-510-6270; swingbridgetreellc.com
Swing Bridge Tree LLC is a full-service and fully insured arborist company offering tree removal, takedowns, trimming, firewood, and lot clearing.
2 Denison Tree Removal l edyard; deNisoN treeremovalct.com
3 Satti’s Family Trees grotoN; sattisfamilytrees.com
For 49 years, Preston Trading Post, one of the largest stove stores in the world, has served the hearth and home needs of southern New Englanders. Driven by a passion for topperforming products at the fairest possible prices, its caring and very knowledgeable staff is here to assist you. Preston Trading Post specializes in fine American-made furniture and has a large selection of offering fireplaces, fireplace inserts, accessories, and more.
ELECTRICAL/GENERATOR SERVICES | ELECTRICIAN D.B. Electric
D.B. Electric in Mystic serves Connecticut’s residential, commercial, and industrial electrical needs. It offers large-scale jobs and minor, quick fixes with quality service.
Andersen Oil in Ledyard is here to meet and exceed the expectations of the greater southeastern Connecticut area. For over 35 years, it has offered residential and commercial services at affordable prices with quality service.
+ beauty
lifestyle
lifestyle + beauty
BARBERSHOP OR BARBER
1 Official Cutz Barbershop
86 Broad Street, New London; 860-961-6764; officialcutzbarbershop.com
Official Cutz is your go-to destination whether you’re looking for a classic trim or a trendy new style. Its team takes pride in providing top-notch cuts.
2 The Cave Barbershop Groton; thecavebarbershopct.com
3 Frye’s Barbershop Ledyard
BROWS
1 Lil Brow Wow
80 Stonington Road, Mystic; 860-941-4898
Lil Brow Wow specializes in helping you reach your brow goals. Sang Viens is Lil Brow Wow’s licensed and insured microblading and saline removal expert.
Refined Medspa in Mystic specializes in anti-aging procedures and medical cosmetic treatments.
2 Jenny Temnogorod, MD, Shoreline Eye Group Waterford, oL d s aybrook; shoreLineeyeGroup.com
3 Andrea Gladwin, Privé-Swiss MedSpa ivoryton, e ssex; prives Wissmedspa.com/our-team
HAIR SALON OR HAIR DRESSER
1 Danielle Gorgeous Hair
54 Lebanon Avenue, Lebanon
Danielle is an independent salon owner and hair designer who offers signature cuts. She is also a color specialist who draws inspiration from unique and creative sources.
2 The Hair Stop Waterford; thehairstopct.com
3 Vesta Salon & Wigs Waterford; vestasa L onandWiG s.com
LASHES
1 KickAsh Studio LLC
2 Stephie’s Beauty Boutique Ga L es ferry
3 Lashes by Jenni Ledyard
MAKEUP ARTIST
1 Glammed by Amie
100 Kings Highway, Groton; 860-861-4202
Glammed by Amie is a traveling makeup artist in Groton specializing in fullglam looks and bridal makeup.
2 Makeup by Luisanna Waterford; makeupby Luisanna.com
Sarah Preston is a licensed massage therapist who has worked with a professional basketball team, WNBA athletes, and a lacrosse team that plays for the Mohegan Sun. She has also studied manual lymphatic drainage and oncology treatment protocols. She strongly believes in the benefits of cupping and guasha and is certified in Thai massage.
3 Jewett City Health Spa Gris WoL d; je W ettcityhea Lthspa.square.site/s/appointments
NAIL SALON OR TECHNICIAN
1 Tina, Nailed It
50 Pleasant Street, Unit 5, Norwich; 860-934-5707;
2 Vesta Salon & Wigs Waterford; vestasa L onandWiG s.com
3 Rob Rivers Salon & Spa m ystic; robrivers.com/services
SPAS OR FACIALS
1 KickAsh Studio LLC
2 Beauty & The Body by Yokmany norWich
3 Refined Medspa m ystic; refinedmedspact.com
TATTOOS & PIERCING
1 In the Shadows
17 River Road, Unit B, Lisbon; 860-591-4119
In the Shadows, located in Lisbon, is owned by JP. Clients have said he specializes in portrait work but can do many other styles as well, and that In the Shadows is the perfect place for people with sensory issues to get a tattoo.
2 Midnight Angel Studio GrotonmidniGhtanGeL studio.com
3 Andy Thorp, Black Lantern Tattoo Co. niantic
ANIMAL RESCUE
1 All Paws on Deck Griswold; 860-245-8216
All Paws on Deck is a non-profit dedicated to the welfare of pregnant dogs and their puppies. Its goal is to find loving families for all of its rescues and their puppies.
2 Mona’s House - A Place For Homeless Pets Groton; petfinder.com/member/ us/ct/Groton/monas-house-animal-rescue-ct612
3 Connecticut Humane Society Quaker hill; cthumane.orG
BOARDING
1 Fun. Play. Bark.
704 Gungywamp Road, Groton, 860-574-9541; 270 Rogers Road Groton 860-910-1882; funplaybark.com/funplaybark-lodge Fun. Play. Bark. in Groton offers pet boarding, daycare, and grooming. Its mission is to provide a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for pets and their owners.
2 Coastal K9 s alem; coastalk9ct.com
3 Rhodes Collar s toninG ton; rhodescollar.com
DAY CARE OR PET SITTING
1 Amber’s Pampered Pets
16 Lena Drive, Uncasville; 860-885-8512; amberspets.com Amber’s Pampered Pets is a full-service professional dog walking and pet-sitting business that offers dog walking, cat sitting, overnight care, and other services.
Doggy Stylez Mobile Grooming was established in 2020 by owner Carrie Ryan. She comes to your home or business and provides start-tofinish grooming services, catering to your pup’s comfort and needs. There are no car rides, no kennel time, and happy pups are a top priority.
2 Holy Shih-Tzu LLC m ystic
3 Grimm’s Furry Tails l edyard; Grimmsfurrytails.orG
PET SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES
1 Mystic Pet Shop
28 E Main Street, Mystic; 860-572-4424; mysticpetshop.com
Mystic Pet Shop is a local pet food and supply store offering various all-natural products for dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small pets.
2 Paw Print Pantry niantic; pawprintpantry.com
3 Fleming’s Feed & Hardware s toninG ton, preston; fleminG sfeed.com
PET TRAINING
1
Know Better Do Better Dog Training LLC
1528 Route 12, Gales Ferry
Know Better Do Better offers individual and group training to those who want to do better with their dogs.
At Stonington Vet Hospital, you can expect state-of-the-art medical care for your four-legged companions. Its team provides clean rooms, friendly doctors, and caring technicians.
21 Stott Avenue, Norwich; 860-889-3825; Joe Howard has practiced public accounting since 2016. He specializes in tax compliance, corporate taxation, ASC 740, and technical research.
2 Ed Lorah & Associates LLC Waterford; elaacpa.com
3 Jay Small, CPA old lyme, Bozrah
ATTORNEY
1 Jason B. Burdick
Messier, Massad, Burdick & Associates LLC
2 Joe St. Rock, Hoops & Associates LLC Groton; hoopslaW.net/attorneys
3 David Pazzaglia, Pazz Injury Law e ast lyme; pazzinjurylaW.com
AUTO REPAIR
1 CIC Automotive & Sales LLC
1592 Route 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7236; CIC Automotive & Sales offers auto repairs ranging from oil changes to engine replacements.
2 Stilly’s Automotive lisB on; stillysauto.com
3 MACARA Vehicle Services norWich; macarainc.com
BANK
1 Chelsea Groton Bank
Groton, Mystic, New London, Niantic, North Stonington, Norwich, Pawcatuck, Salem, Sprague, Waterford; chelseagroton.com Chelsea Groton Bank supports its local community and every customer’s personal and business finance goals.
2 Dime Bank norWich, c olchester, e ast lyme, l edyard, montville, ne W l ondon, norWich, s toninG ton, taftville, Westerly; dime-B ank.com
3 Liberty Bank middletoW n, c olchester, clinton, deep river, e ast lyme, Groton, m ystic, norWich, old s ay Brook, Quaker hill, Waterford; liBerty-B ank.com
CAR WASH/DETAILING
1 Desmond’s Auto Spa LLC
7 White Pine Road, Ledyard; 860-574-2956; desmondsautospa.net
Desmond’s Auto Spa elevates the art of vehicle care through its premium detailing services, which are meticulously designed to rejuvenate and protect your automobile.
2 Submarine Car Wash Groton; suBmarinecarWash.com
3 John’s Mobile Auto uncasville
CHILDCARE/DAYCARE
1 Precious Memories Place
2 United Methodist Child Care Center Gales ferry; umchildcare.orG
3 Mayflower Montessori School norWich; mayfloW erearlylearninGcenter.com
Falcon Cleaning is an eco-friendly, familyowned office and residential cleaning company. It uses its own cleaning formulas and unique approaches to achieve consistent results.
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has been running for over 80 years. Its dedication to its members keeps the credit union strong and operating efficiently. It takes pride in the community it serves.
2 Navy Federal Credit Union Groton; navyfederal.orG
3 CorePlus Federal Credit Union norWich; coreplus.orG
DRY CLEANER
1 Barry’s Cleaners & Launderers
565 Colman Street, New London, 860-447-8220; 79 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, 860-739-7867; 308 Flanders Road, East Lyme, 860-691-1680; barryscleanerssect.com
Barry’s Cleaners & Launderers offers its customers a complete range of laundering, dry cleaning, tailoring, and alteration services.
Precious Memories Place in Mystic has created a place for children to grow, develop, and celebrate. It has designed a secure, comfortable space where a child’s physical, emotional, and academic journey can begin.
ATTORNEY | LAW FIRM
Messier, Massad, Burdick & Associates LLC
107 State Street, New London; 860-443-7014; mmbteam.com
Messier, Massad, Burdick & Associates practices personal injury, real estate, family law, and more.
ATTORNEY Jason B. Burdick
Jason Burdick is a trial attorney whose legal practice is focused on civil litigation. His practice includes representing parties for personal injury, commercial litigation, construction litigation, insurance litigation, and probate matters.
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
1 Seth Burzycki
Guided Financial Strategies
11 Main Street, Suite 214, Mystic; 860-291-2800; guidedfinancialstrategies.com
Seth Burzycki joined Guided Financial Strategies in January of 2020. Seth is an associate advisor on the team, working in support of Rick and Allan while also servicing his own clients.
2 Tom Dittmeier, LPL Financial Waterford;
3 Karl Timmerman, First Command
ne W l ondon; advisor.firstcoMM and.coM /us/ct/ne W-london
FUNERAL SERVICES
1 Byles-MacDougall Funeral Service
99 Huntington Street, New London; 860-442-0343; byles.com
Byles-MacDougall provides complete funeral services to the local community in New London and Groton. The team is sensitive to their clients’ needs and can personalize funerals to honor loved ones.
2 Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes
ne W l ondon, niantic; neilanfuneralhoMe.coM
3 Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home gris Wold; gagnefuneralhoMe.coM
HOTEL, INN, BED & BREAKFAST
1 The Whaler’s Inn
20 E Main Street, Mystic; 860-536-1506; whalersinnmystic.com
The Whaler’s Inn is Downtown Mystic’s premier hotel. It has been regarded as a center of hospitality and commerce for over 60 years. It boasts a knowledgeable and dedicated team that works to make a stay in Mystic memorable.
2 Saybrook Point Resort & Marina old s aybrook; saybrook.coM
3 Inn at Ocean Avenue ne W l ondon; innatoceanavenue.coM
INSURANCE AGENT/AGENCY
1 Michael Collins Wheeler & Taylor Insurance Glastonbury; wheelertaylor.com
Michael Collins specializes in auto, home, renters, liability, life, commercial, high net worth, and business insurance.
2 Massad Insurance Agency LLC ne W l ondon; MMbtea M.coM
3 Michael Whalen, Farmer’s Insurance niantic; agents.far Mers.coM /ct/niantic/Michael-W halen
295 Meridian Street, Groton; 860-446-4000; grotonutilities.com
Groton Utilities is a municipally owned and operated utility providing electric, water, and sewage services to thousands of consumers in southeastern Connecticut.
2 Norwich Public Utilities norWich; norWichpublicutilities.coM
3 Jewett City Public Utilities je W ett city; je W ettcitydpu.coM
PHOTOGRAPHER OR VIDEOGRAPHER
1 Nicole O’Connor Photography
New London; 860-460-5005; nicoleoconnorphotography.com
Nicole O’Connor is a maternity, newborn, family, and pet photographer who serves Connecticut and Rhode Island.
2 Johnny Perez Photo and Video ne W h aven; iMjohnnyperez.coM
3 PGriffin Photography s tonington; pgriffinphotography.coM
PRESCHOOL/PRE-K
1 Precious Memories Place
2 The Friendship School Waterford; thefriendshipschool.org
3 United Methodist Child Care Center g ales ferry; uMchildcare.org
REAL ESTATE AGENCY
1 PMI East Lyme
25 Chesterfield Road, Unit 1, East Lyme; 860-451-9101; nianticpropertymanagementinc.com
PMI East Lyme is a full-service real estate asset management company providing professional property management and brokerage services.
2 Luque Realty Waterford; luquerealty.coM
3 Coldwell Banker Realty e ast ly Me; coldW ellbanker.coM
REAL ESTATE AGENT
1 Carlos Luque Luque Realty
49 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-736-3432; luquerealty.com
Founder of Luque Realty, Carlos Luque, has been selling real estate since 2016. As a lifelong resident of New London, he has a deep understanding of the area’s market.
2 Scott Pellerin, Coldwell Banker Realty East LymE ; coL dw ELL bank Er.com
3 Tina Wazny, Coldwell Banker Realty East LymE ; coL dw ELL bank Er.com
SELF STORAGE
1 Rent-A-Space
934 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, 860-444-1912; 175 Cross Road, Waterford, 860-444-1912; 9 King Arthur Drive, Niantic, 860-739-3386; rent-a-space.com
Rent-A-Space offers secure and convenient premier storage units.
2 Terra Firma Self Storage Ga LE s FErry; t Erra Firmaus.com
Joshua’s Worldwide is the top limousine provider to Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. It also provides services to weddings, proms, corporate runs, leisure tours, and more.
2 Jay’s Limousine montviLLE ; jaysLimos.com
3 Curtin Transportation Group wat Er Ford; curtinLiv Ery.com
TRAVEL AGENT/AGENCY
1 Grand Horizons Worldwide Travel PO Box 365, Jewett City; 860-376-8074; grandhorizonstravel.com
Grand Horizons Worldwide Travel is a fullservice travel agency offering personalized service and travel planning from A to Z for all big or small, whether school trips, cruises, bus trips, or other types of travel.
2 AAA of Waterford wat Er Ford
3 Marc Bokoff, Cruise Planners norwichbookthat E scapE .com
shopping
ANTIQUES
1 Past to Present
260 Main Street, Niantic; 860-449-3312
Past to Present in Niantic is a unique store of antique treasures, from home accessories to old tools and hardware.
Eazy Auto specializes in finding quality used vehicles with clean Carfax reports.
2 Bob Valenti Automall Mystic; bobvalenti.coM
3 East Coast Auto Sales & Service Center Gris Wold; eastcoastautoGroupllc.coM
BATH & BODY PRODUCTS
1 Main Street Soap Emporium
22 E Main Street, Mystic; 860-389-0155; mainstsoap.com Main Street Soap Emporium in Mystic offers handcrafted bath and body products, dog shampoo, towels, and gift baskets. It is the perfect place to get items for gift-giving and self-care.
3 Pinspiration e ast ly Me; pinspiration.coM /locations/eastly Me
EYEWEAR
1 Shades of Mystic
3 Water Street, Unit 101, Mystic; 860-572-0081
Shades of Mystic is a fun and friendly family-run sunglass store in Historic Downtown Mystic.
2 Shoreline Eye Group Optical Shop waterfOrd; ShOreliNeeyegrOUp.c Om
3 The Eyeglass Lass m y S tic; eyegla SSla SS .c Om
FEED & GRAIN
1 Fleming’s Feed & Hardware
786 Stonington Road, Stonington, 860-535-3181; 353 Route 165, Preston, 860-889-7536; flemingsfeed.com Fleming’s Feed & Hardware is locally owned and operated, offering both contactfree curbside pickup and delivery.
2 Holdridge Home & Garden l edyard; hOldridgegardeN.c Om
3 Wild Birds Unlimited Nia N tic; Nia N tic.wbU.c Om
FLOWERS
1 Fisher Florist
87 Broad Street, New London; 860-442-9456; fisherfloristcorp.com
Fisher Florist Broad in New London offers fresh flower delivery. They are 100% floristdesigned and hand-delivered to make every moment and occasion extraordinary.
2 Thames River Greenery New lONdON; thame Sriver.c Om
3 Jewett City Florist & Greenhouse jewett city; jewettcityflOriS t.c Om
FOOTWEAR
1 Kelley’s Pace
2 R.E.M Boot Company grO t ON; remb OO tc O.c Om
3 Clinton Bootery cliN t ON; cliN t ONb OO tery.c Om
GIFTS & SOUVENIRS
1 Coastal Gifts on Main
266 Main Street #B, Niantic; 860-451-8566; Coastal Gifts on Main is a one-stop gift shop in Niantic where you can find comfortable apparel and coastal gifts.
2 The Bowerbird Old lyme; theb Owerbird.c Om
3 The Little Shop in the Woods NOrth St ONiNgt ON
GROCERY STORE
1 McQuade’s Marketplace
14 Clara Drive, Mystic, 401-596-2054; 106 Main Street, Westerly, 401-596-2054; mcquadesmarket.com
McQuade’s Marketplace in Mystic and Westerly is a locally owned and operated full-service grocery store. It offers quality without compromise in pickup catering, prepared foods, a butcher shop, fresh seafood, deli, cheese, fresh produce, and more.
2 Fiddleheads Food Co-op New lONdON; fiddlehead SfOOd.weebly.c Om
3 Tri-Town Foods
e a S t lyme; ea S tlyme.adamShOmet Ow Nmarket S
HARDWARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT
1 Johnson’s Hardware Rental and Repair
40 Fort Hill Road, Groton; 860-448-1760; johnsonsrental.com Johnson’s Hardware Rental and Repair in Groton was founded on quality products and personalized customer service over 90 years ago, and it continues to provide this to its family of general contractors, local businesses, homeowners, and hobbyists.
Kelley’s Pace in Mystic has a knowledgeable staff trained to help people find the perfect running, walking, or fitness shoes.
167 Parkway N, Waterford, 860-390-4064; 495 Gold Star Highway, Groton, 860-598-4020; 18 Oneco Street, Norwich, 860-854-8460; 900 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, 860-661-4054; 82 Bradley Road, Madison, 203-350-0373; 198 South Main Street, Middletown, 860-316-2353; countyhearingandbalance.com
County Hearing and Balance strives to understand its clients’ specific needs and work with them to develop a personalized solution with unparalleled service and exceptional care.
2 Thames Hearing Services e a S t lyme; thame SheariNg.c Om
3 Beltone Hearing Aid Center grO t ON, NOrwich, w e S terly; belt ONeNe.c Om
JEWELRY
1 Mallove’s Jewelers
262 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-442-4391; mallovejewelers.com
Mallove’s Jewelers has been in business for over 100 years and is committed to its historic legacy of trust. They boast the region’s largest selection of diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and GIA-certified diamonds.
2 Grader Jewelers grO t ON, NOrwich; graderjeweler S .c Om
3 Simply Majestic St ONiNgt ON; Simplymaje S tic.c Om
MUSIC OR INSTRUMENTS
1 Stewart’s Music
171 Main Street, Niantic; 860-739-4141; stewartsmusicct.com
Stewart’s Music in Niantic provides the eastern Connecticut area with professional instrument repairs, rentals, sales, and lessons.
2 Gibson’s Music & More jewett city; gib SONSOap.c Om
3 Telegraph Autonomous Zone New lONdON; telegraphNl.c Om
ORGANIC/HEALTH & WELLNESS
1 Fiddleheads Food Co-op
13 Broad Street, New London; 860-701-9123; fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com
Fiddlehead’s Co-op in New London is open to all. It is supported by over 4,000 local owners who prioritize healthy, local, and sustainable products.
2 Bay Mountain AG pre S t ON; baymOUN taiN ag.c Om
3 Natural Food Store Nia N tic; N at Uralf S .c Om
PICTURE FRAMING
1
Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery
140 Bank Street, New London; 860-442-6355; studio33gallery.com
Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery in New London offers conservation-quality custom framing. They also offer photo restoration and reproduction, paper restoration, frame repair and restoration, and more.
2 Framers of the Lost Art m y S tic; fiNerliNegallery.c Om/c US t Om-framiNg
3 Artisan Framing & Gallery Nia N tic; artiS a NframiNga Ndgallery.c Om
Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry is open daily and offers fresh produce and specialties such as pasta, sauces, soups, and more.
2 Malerba’s Farm Norwich
3 Whittle’s Willow Spring Farm Mystic
SPECIALTY FOOD STORE
1 Fish Niantic
316 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 959-213-6874; nianticfish.com
Fish Niantic is a fish market owned and operated by a local fisherman offering fresh, locally caught seafood, shellfish, lobsters, oysters, clams, crabs, and fish.
2 Fiddleheads Food Co-op New LoNdoN; fiddL eheadsfood.weebLy.coM
3 Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant e ast Ly Me; fL a Ndersfish.coM
SPORTING GOODS
1 Kelley’s Pace
2 Wayfarer Bicycle New LoNdoN; wayfarerbicycL e.coM
3 Action Sports oL d s aybrook; actioNsportsct.coM
WINE & SPIRITS
1 Mermaid Liquors
159 Main Street, Niantic; 860-739-2300; Mermaid Liquors is a store offering a variety of choices at fair prices with helpful staff.
2 Shoreline Super Liquors waterford; shoreLiNe.super Liquorsct.coM
351 N Frontage Road, Suite B11, New London, 860-448-9000; 220 Route 12, Suite 4, Groton; 860-448-9000; shop.wirelesszone.com
Verizon Wireless Zone of Groton & New London are one-stop shops for phone and wireless needs, offering the latest devices with Verizon network coverage for consumers and businesses.
2 Lou’s Computers Mystic; L ouscoMputers.coM
3 SoundCraft Car Stereo waterford; souNdcraftcarstereo.coM
Enchanted Bridal & Tux caters to all your wedding needs, from wedding dresses, veils, and hair accessories to tuxedos, suits, and accessories.
2 Love Me Forever Bridal Danielson; loveme4everbriDal.com
3 Love Bird Bridal Shop m ystic; lovebir DbriDalshop.com
PLANNING, CONSULTANT & SERVICES
1 Jenna Landon
Coastal Gourmet PO Box 280, West Mystic; 860-572-1111; coastalgourmetcatering.com
Whether you are planning the most intimate of weddings, a gathering of friends and family, a fundraiser, or a corporate event, you need a caterer that is as unique as you are. Coastal Gourmet Catering has provided fine food and service for nearly three decades at dozens of venues.
2 RJ Stewart Events niantic; rjstewartevents.com
3 Mystic River Entertainment m ystic; mysticriverentertainment.com
WEDDING VENUE/BANQUET HALL
1 Evergreen Farms
204 Hartford Turnpike, Dayville; 860-407-2022; evergreenfarms22.com Evergreen Farms adorns a blend of modern elegance and rustic charm with various settings to hold photo sessions and ceremonies. This venue has everything from the emerald green tree farm to the grand rustic 1950s barn.
2 Sweet Hill Farm Gales Ferry; sweethill Farmct.com
3 Wrights Mill Farm c anterbury; wriGhtsmill Farm.com
Peanut Hut Feeder with Peanuts, In Shell Blue Jay
Carolina Chickadee Nest Box
plays of the season
By Mike DiMauro
The Best of the Best GameDay categories originally included Plays of the Season, but there were too few total nominations to move forward with voting. Since there were some terrific nominations, we wanted to make sure to highlight them!
Tyler Mangual
St. Bernard School GAME WINNING SHOT FOR ST. BERNARD AT NOTRE DAME PREP
Mangual, a St. Bernard senior, made a buzzer-beating shot to help the Saints not only win a game, but vault into the state’s No. 1 ranking at the time. St. Bernard became the first school from the ECC to be ranked No. 1 since Kris Dunn’s New London teams of 2011-12.
Sophia Gouveia Wheeler High School
OVERTIME GAME WINNER FOR WOODSTOCK GIRLS’ HOCKEY VS. FAIRFIELD
Gouveia, a standout lacrosse player at Wheeler, plays on the cooperative hockey team at Woodstock. Her goal in overtime, assisted by Ellary Samson, defeated Fairfield 3-2 on December 18. 2024.
Chase Gilbert Lyme-Old Lyme High School
RAN A 4:44 MILE AT THE STATE OPEN
Gilbert, a multiple time Day Athlete of the Year in cross country and outdoor track, was challenged at the 2025 Indoor Track State Open, running against schools of all sizes and strengths across Connecticut. She set the State Open record in the 1,600 in 4 minutes, 44.68 seconds, then eclipsed the New England championship record in the mile in 4:48.45.
Elliott Childs Waterford High School
BROKE THE HURDLE RECORD AT WATERFORD TWICE; BROKE ECC HURDLES RECORD
Childs, in his senior year, twice broke the Waterford school record in hurdle events, including at the Tetlow Relays in late April. He went on to set the ECC record before being named to the Class M All-State team in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles.
Alex Startz, Waterford High School
VS. FITCH
Startz made The Day’s Athletes of the Future Great Eight Plays of the Week by rallying to win the 100-meter butterfly during a regular season meet against Fitch. Startz trailed until the final 25 meters of the race.
Chris Amy, Norwich Free Academy
SET STATE RECORD IN SHOT PUT
Amy broke the school record four times in one season, the final of which came in the Class LL indoor championships in New Haven. Amy’s effort of 65 feet, 7 inches is the all-time state record. NFA coach Ted Koziol called it a “once-in-a-generation type throw.”
a century of creativity at the
Randie Kahrl, Lemons And Basket, oil.
Anne Bingham-Pierson, Maine Lighthouse, watercolor.
Lyme Art Association
Lyme Art
By Alicia Gomez
Just off Lyme Street in the heart of Old Lyme’s historic district sits a bright, skylit building that has served as a creative hub for over a century. This is the home of the Lyme Art Association, a gallery and education center dedicated to keeping the tradition of representational fine art alive and thriving.
The association was formed in 1914 by members of the Lyme Art Colony—American Impressionist painters who lived and worked together at Florence Griswold’s boarding house, a place now recognized as the birthplace of American Impressionism. Florence Griswold later sold a portion of her land to the group, allowing them to build a dedicated exhibition space, which officially opened in 1921.
The association shares a deep history with the neighboring Florence Griswold
Art Association
Museum, and the connection between the two institutions remains strong.
“[The LAA] is rooted in our history and powered by the creativity and excellence of our members,” says Elsbeth Dowd, the executive director.
Today, the LAA has approximately 700 members and showcases over 2,000 works annually through rotating exhibitions. It hosts up to 15 juried shows each year, attracting artists and visitors from across New England. In addition to its gallery exhibitions, the association offers a wide range of educational programs, including
Melissa Imossi MEET THE ARTISTS
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every artist in the Lyme Art Association. For information on other artists, visit lymeartassociation.org.
Melissa Imossi is a contemporary realist painter based in Madison, known for her striking close-up studies of nature that highlight symmetry and the movement of light. Her work draws viewers into detailed explorations of single subjects, from botanicals to the shifting water surfaces inspired by the lake near her home.
Brian McClear
Brian McClear creates representational paintings that blend bold, intuitive brushwork with a keen sense of form and texture, working primarily in oil. His subjects—ranging from portraits to everyday objects—often carry layers of meaning, humor, or commentary, inviting viewers to look closer. His work is recognized for capturing not just what we see, but the mood and story behind each piece.
Fall ReFlections, Oil
FoR Keeps, Oil On Canvas
Photos courtesy of Lyme Art Association
art classes, lectures, and hands-on workshops that cater to artists of all experience levels.
The Lyme Art Association also works to engage the broader community. From seasonal family events like Pumpkin Day to its annual Young Artists Exhibition, the LAA offers welcoming, interactive experiences for all ages.
“We truly think of ourselves as a place where every artist and art-lover can find a home,” Dowd says.
For some artists, that sense of community is vital. “For me, being part of LAA has a feeling of family, not just business,”
Judy Perry, a member of the LAA says. “The staff’s support and belief in my efforts to express myself through my work lifts me up and encourages me to explore my creative abilities further.”
The exhibitions rotate every eight weeks and cover a wide spectrum of themes and techniques, all rooted in representational art. The LAA’s annual lineup includes a mix of longtime favorites and newer shows, with titles like Ship to Shore, New England Landscape, and Deck the Walls, a holiday exhibition that closes out the year. Some exhibitions focus on specific media or subjects, while others showcase the range and depth of the association’s membership.
Each show is juried by a different guest— often a professional artist, curator, or gallerist—who selects the work independently. This rotating panel approach keeps the exhibitions fresh and gives artists a chance to be evaluated from different artistic perspectives.
This summer marks the 104th presentation of the Elected Artists Show, a highlight of the Lyme Art Association’s calendar, available on view from July 25 to September 4. The exhibition showcases the work of its most accomplished artists—those elected by their peers in recognition of their mastery and continued contributions to the tradition of American representational art. Running concurrently is Red Hot, a juried
MEET THE ARTISTS
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every artist in the Lyme Art Association. For information on other artists, visit lymeartassociation.org.
Judy Perry
After a serious car accident in 2009, Judy Perry turned to painting local ocean and marsh landscapes as part of her recovery—a series she describes as her “healing waters.” Working from her studio in Old Saybrook, she strives to capture not just what she sees, but the deeper mood and spirit of each scene.
As Leah Lopez Schmalz, an arts writer from Harbor News, wrote, Perry “moves beyond painting parts and forms, and manages to paint a true snapshot of the essence in that instant,” aiming to create an emotional connection that stays with the viewer.
Paul F. Loescher
An architect by training and a watercolorist by passion, Paul Loescher first began painting beside a quiet mountain lake in Maine. His work balances intention and spontaneity, embracing the way pigment and water interact on paper to create atmosphere and mood. Light is central to his compositions, which suggest rather than spell out every detail, encouraging viewers to finish the story themselves. Paul also handcrafts his own frames from cherry, maple, or walnut, finishing them with a natural tung oil to complement each piece.
ConneCtions, Watercolor
Herding Cats, pastel
show that explores the emotional and visual impact of the color red. Member artists interpreted the theme in varied ways, from bold, saturated statements to subtle crimson undertones. Also on view is the New Haven Paint & Clay Club Select Members Exhibition, featuring work by selected artists including Aspasia Anos, Jill Abele Butcher, William Butcher, Frank Bruckmann, and Heidi Harrington.
Among this year’s standout artists is Brian McClear, whose still life “For Keeps” blends meticulous technique with playful meaning. The painting features a set of marbles—one resembling the Earth—placed atop an anvil, creating a visual metaphor about environmental stakes and fragility. McClear is known for paintings that double as wordplay or commentary, offering layers of interpretation while maintaining a strong connection to form and craft.
Artists in the Lyme Art Association say they feel grateful to be able to have the Connecticut shoreline as their muse. “Living on a marsh next to Long Island Sound, I have the privilege to witness nature at her best," Perry says. "The colors of the changing seasons take my breath away and push me to interpret those colors through pastel. Spending time with the movement of the waves has not only helped in my healing journey but has resonated with viewers—after all, we are all healing from something.”
ABOVE Bernard McTigue, Priest Family Farm, oil on linen.
BELOW Painters at work at the Lyme Art Association.
BOTTOM LEFT Lisa Miceli, Mystic Drawbridge, plein air, oil on canvas.
BOTTOM RIGHT Beverly Schirmeier, Complementary Colors, pastel.
The association’s roster includes many artists based in southeastern Connecticut, such as Del-Bourree Bach, Serena Bates, and Melissa Imossi, as well as several teaching artists who lead workshops and classes through the LAA. Whether it’s oil painting, portraiture, pastels, or landscape work, the LAA serves as both an exhibiting space and a year-round learning environment.
Beyond the gallery walls, the association plays an active role in Old Lyme’s cultural life. It co-organizes the town’s annual Midsummer Festival, draws families to seasonal events like Pumpkin Day and Family Day, and creates space for the next generation of artists through its Young Artists Exhibition. Children are encouraged to visit year-round, with hands-on activities, drawing supplies, and even an in-gallery story library to spark creative curiosity.
The building itself is as much a part of the experience as the artwork inside. Designed by noted architect Charles A. Platt, who also worked on major museums in Washington, D.C., and New London, the gallery was constructed to prioritize natural light, an essential element for both artists and viewers. The skylights, which were recently updated, continue to provide optimal conditions for displaying work.
For over a century, the Lyme Art Association has stood as a gathering space for artists and art enthusiasts in southeastern Connecticut. Today, it continues to support artists at all levels, welcome visitors of all ages, and foster connections through visual art. With new exhibitions rolling out every few weeks, there’s always something new to see—and a reason to return.
The Lyme Art Association is located at 90 Lyme Street in Old Lyme. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, or by appointment. Visit lymeartassociation.org or call 860-434-7802 for more information.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every artist in the Lyme Art Association. For information on other artists, visit lymeartassociation.org.
Barbara Lussier
Drawing on the traditions of the Hudson River School and the Old Lyme artists, Barbara’s landscapes capture the romance of color and light, often described as visual poetry. Working mostly en plein air, she honors nature by painting directly from observation, whether along the shoreline or on remote islands she’s explored. Her lifelong connection to the sea and coastlines shapes her work, infusing each canvas with a sense of place and quiet wonder.
Combining an artist’s eye with a background in science and engineering, Richard Nazzaro creates paintings that explore the interplay of color, light, and composition. Richard brings both technical insight and creative vision to his art, shaped by studies in photography and formal training at institutions such as the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.
skyline, Oil
eolia wedding, Oil
Richard Nazzaro
tide to table “ ”
on the Connecticut
Oyster Trail
By Cris Cadiz
Whether you enjoy oysters on the half shell— relishing their raw, briny essence—or prefer them fried, roasted, or Rockefeller-style, Connecticut’s new Oyster Trail guides seafood lovers to the best spots to enjoy and purchase these coastal delicacies.
Historically, wild oysters were an easily harvested dietary staple of Indigenous people and early settlers along Connecticut’s shoreline. Due to overfishing and subsequent regulations, farmers began cultivating oysters in artificially seeded beds in the Long Island Sound, where the mollusks naturally thrive. By the late 19th century, Connecticut’s oyster industry was booming. Norwalk was known as "Oyster Town” and boasted the world’s largest fleet of oyster steamships. By the early 1900s, Connecticut produced 25 million pounds of oyster meat, beating New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Overfishing, severe storms, pollution, and weak demand led to the industry’s decline in the 20th century.
Today, the state’s oyster aquaculture is making a comeback. Last year, Governor Ned Lamont declared Connecticut “the Napa Valley of oysters” as the Oyster Trail was launched. The state tourism website, CTVisit.com, offers a map with locations and links to places where oysters are sold and served. According to Governor Lamont, the Oyster Trail aims to help “reclaim our place at the forefront of this maritime and culinary tradition.” The CT Oyster Trail includes over a dozen farms and over 20 restaurants and stores throughout the state.
If you have never tried this delicious mollusk, trust expert and oyster ambassador Rachel Precious on why and how to savor our official state shellfish—the eastern oyster. Rachel graduated with a degree in wildlife conservation biology and then explored the world working abroad. In 2016, she returned to her hometown of Westport to work on oyster boats, learning all aspects of the industry, including the essential skill of how to properly shuck oysters. She then founded Precious Oys-
LEFT Chef shucking oysters at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill in New Haven.
Photo Courtesy of the ConneCtiCut offiCe of tourism
ABOVE Max’s Oyster Bar, West Hartford. Photo Courtesy of the ConneCtiCut offiCe of tourism
RIGHT Oyster Club, Mystic. Photo Courtesy of the ConneCtiCut offiCe of tourism
ters, a raw bar catering service that transcends merely feeding people. The company also aims to educate and inspire environmental stewardship.
“Oysters encapsulate so many things I’m passionate about: the ocean, farming, sustainability and conservation, and community,” Precious says. “Something as simple as learning about oyster shell recycling, for example, can educate people about the importance of oyster beds as ‘living reefs,’ which help stabilize our coastlines and protect them from the impacts of climate change.”
Oysters are as important to our local culture and environment as they are tasty. According to Precious, most oyster farms are small, local businesses, so eating oysters supports coastal communities. Farmed oysters are a sustainable crop requiring no fertilizer or antibiotics. They improve marine ecosystems by filtering excess nutrients and protecting shorelines. Oysters are a keystone species that serve as an early indicator of ocean health, playing a vital role in conservation and climate resilience.
ABOVE Rachel Precious, owner of Precious Oysters, shucks a freshly-harvested oyster for a wedding guest. Photo by the one eleven ColleCtive BELOW Niantic Bay Shellfish Farm. Photo Courtesy of the ConneCtiCut offiCe of tourism
Although Precious thinks the most memorable oyster experience someone can have is getting a recreational shellfish permit and harvesting wild Connecticut oysters, she loves to support shoreline farms and restaurants. She encourages experienced oyster fans to use the CT Oyster Trail to discover a new place.
"Oysters are a highly seasonal product,” she says. “The same oyster can taste different at different times of the year, and purveyors are constantly changing their menus.”
She suggests that newbies insist on well-shucked oysters. “No one likes to slurp an oyster only to get a mouthful of shell bits or find the meat still stuck to the shell,” she says. “To find a great place for a first oyster experience, check out a restaurant’s social media or website first. Take a look at oysters they’ve chosen to highlight: if they look appetizing, with clean shells and meat intact, then enjoy your visit!” A companion article, “Five Tips for Tasting Connecticut Oysters,” linked to the Oyster Trail web page, offers a video and tasting tips from Precious, which is ideal for both novices and oyster addicts.
Another “oyster-forward” project launched last year by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Agriculture is the award-winning short documentary Rising Tide to Table. This 10-minute film showcases stunning coastal scenery while celebrating the state’s thriving oyster industry through the story of Stonington Farms Shellfish—a family-run business whose commitment to one another and to raising pristine oysters is a labor of love.
Precious Oysters is based in southwestern Connecticut, serving much of the tri-state area. Visit preciousoysters.com for more information.
ABOVE Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook. Photo Courtesy of the ConneCtiCut offiCe of tourism
BELOW Liv’s Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook. Photo Courtesy of the ConneCtiCut offiCe of tourism
CT Oyster Trail
Explore these regional locations and more statewide by visiting ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-oyster-trail.
Eastern shoreline oyster farms
Mystic Oysters, Noank
Noank Oysters, Noank
Riverhawk Oysters, Stonington
Indian River Shellfish, Madison
Leetes Island Oysters, Stony Creek
Niantic Bay Oysters, Niantic
Sixpenny Oyster Farm, Noank
Stonington Farms Oysters, Mystic
Restaurants
Westbrook Lobster, Clinton
S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar, Mystic Oyster Club, Mystic
The Wharf Restaurant, Madison
Water Street Café, Stonington
Sellfish Restaurant, New London
Tony D’s, New London
Flanders Fish Market, East Lyme
Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook
Liv’s Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook
The Dock, Waterford
Stores
Seawell Seafood, Mason’s Island, Mystic
Flanders Fish Market, East Lyme
“The Connecticut oyster has long been a favorite for its full-bodied, yet light and pillowy texture and its mild, well-balanced brine that imparts a sweet, crisp, and clean finish.”
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill in New Haven.
Photo Courtesy of the ConneCtiCut offiCe of tourism
