Chamber Chatbook: Chapter 6

Chamber Chatbook Chapter 6 I Sept/Oct 2023

Arts & Crafts Festival Sept. 30 - Oct. 1

1 Main Street

Scarecrow Fest October 10

Chamber on Tap

Old Saybrook, 06475

November 8

860.388.3266

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Hello!

I hope you are enjoying the Chamber Chatbook. It is one of the many resources available to you at the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber. We are very proud of it!

Have you seen our new Website? If not, what are you waiting for! Lots of important and valuable information right at your fingertips. It is laid out very intuitively. If you have any suggestions/comments regarding how information is being shared with you, please let us know – we’re all ears!

If you have a few hours to spare the weekend of the 59th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival, please consider volunteering! Many hands make light work and we sure would like to make this 2-day 150-exhibitor event light work for all. Thanks in advance!

It’s time to get your creativity on and enter a scarecrow in the 2023 Scarecrow Fest.

Why not? What a great way to participate in the community and perhaps advertise your business in a unique way. Who will bring home the Golden Broom award for 2023? Maybe you! Visit the website to register.

If you haven’t already (and a big thank you all of you that have) paid your Membership Renewals – it’s time! Your continued support is very much appreciated and vital to the sustainability of the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber.

Thank you for your support, engagement and trust in the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber. We are a thriving organization because of you!

All the best,

Judy

Executive Director Greater Old Saybrook Chamber Page 2

Contents 8. 2023 Scarecrow Fest Are you ready?

14. Community News Fall & Holiday Events

16. Chamber On Tap November 8

FEATURES 9. Board Nominations

2024 Nominations Open

10. Chamber Meetings September & October

12. What You Missed Chamber Updates

16. Business Resources

Event Sharing & Ask HR

7. 59th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival September 30 - October 1

What Is The Chamber Chatbook?

A bi-monthly digital magazine providing members and the community with information about our Chamber. Times are changing and so are we, taking a turn from mainstream, printed, magazines to the everlasting digital world.

It is a great way for your special events, deals, and news to be shared. Click on any image or link for more information. Go to page 20 to get involved!

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Ribbon Cutting at Luigi’s Restaruant’s Grand ReOpening

welcome new members

• Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, Old Lyme • Organic Fitness & Nutrition Solutions, Old Lyme • Salty Babes Salon, Westbrook • Sophia Meditation Center, Old Saybrook • Wellness With Kristin, Old Saybrook • 745 Osteria, Old Saybrook • Lyme Home Watch, LLC, Lyme For more information on our new members, please visit our Business Directory.

About the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber The Chamber advances the economic vitality and quality of life in the Old Saybrook region through programs and services for its members and community.

Serving the Lower River Valley, approximately 60% of membership is within Old Saybrook and 40% from neighboring towns and even a few out of state.

Membership spans a variety of businesses, civic and non-profit organizations and individual members. We work hard to promote and serve our members by offering many different programs and opportunities.

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Join Our President’s Circle!

The President’s Circle provides the ultimate in support & visibility! Consisting of an elite group of members, who make a significant financial investment, in support of the Chamber’s initiatves, programs and projects.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS Collaborative initiative for women in business educating in leadership, development, mentoring and networking.

Take some time out of your day to focus on your career goals, network with other likeminded entrepreneurs, and get inspired! Interested in joining? Click on the name or photo below for more information and to register! Luncheons are held at Penny Lane Pub in Old Saybrook.

11:30 - 1:00 pm. $25/Member $35/NonMember. Registration is required!

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Thursday, October 26, 2023

“Women in Leadership”

“SWAN - Sleep Well At Night

Dr. Dorothy Martin Neville

Sylvia Guinan

Four company founder, licensed Psychotherapist, and natural innovator, Dr. Dorothy Martin Neville will be presents Women in Leadership.

Author and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Sylvia Guinan presents SWAN: Sleeping Well At Night.

For over 25 years, Dr. Dorothy has supported people in discovering and believing in their dreams and living the life and career of their choosing. As an intuitive thought leader with an exceptional way of looking at life, through her keynotes, books, consulting, coaching, and TV and radio appearances, she calls her audiences and clients to understand and develop their personal leadership in ways they never could have imagined.

Click Here to Register

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Sylvia has mastered the ability to find hope and positivity in the most challenging situations. For more than ten years, her gifts have been used to support people through difficult relationship transitions by helping them shift from the fear of a failed marriage to a new vision of their life with an empowered beginning.

“Transform a breakup into a beautiful turning point that leaves you emotionally rich.”

Click Here to Register

Click Here to Volunteer

Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1 From A Participating Artist: The Old Saybrook Arts & Crafts Festival is a fantastic 2-day event held on the beautiful town green. With many varied artists and craftsmen, there is so much to look at and so many great locally made, one-of-a-kind gifts to purchase!

As an exhibitor myself, I have thoroughly enjoyed exhibiting alongside great artisans. The entire process was seamless, and everyone involved was very friendly and helpful. The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber and their volunteers go above and beyond to create a smooth and organized event. I made some wonderful sales and gained new customers in the process.

In the Fall, the weather is usually spectacular for the festival. From the festival, you can also walk to the many shops along the lovely Main St. and experience our quintessentially quaint little New England town!

Come and enjoy, you won’t be disappointed!

-Andria L. Alex Owner: Admin, Marketing, Events Bongo Ron’s Cigar & Lounge

150 Artists - 17 Art & Craft Categories Page 7

OSHS CCR LAUNCHES THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

Here at Old Saybrook High School’s College and Career Readiness Program (CCR) we are excited for another fantastic year of working with the Old Saybrook Community of businesses, organizations, and independent professionals to provide meaningful experiences for our students. We are always looking

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for professional environments for our students to volunteer, spend a job shadow day, or even take a tour! We continue to welcome individuals from various professional arenas to speak to our students or mentor a student with similar career aspirations. Our program would not exist without the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber and its member businesses that bridge the gap between what our students learn and what they experience, informing some of the most important choices they will face at this stage. Please help us to keep providing these vital experiences for our students.

If you are interested in seeing how you can help, please call or email Cariña Using cusing@oldsaybrookschools. org or Sarah Fawcett at sfawcett@ oldsaybrookschools.org. 860-395-3175

Now Accepting 2024 Board of Directors Nominations Join the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber Board of Directors!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2024 Board of Directors. Serving on the Board is an effective and enjoyable way to engage with the Chamber while connecting with leaders, sharing their time, energy, and talent. Successful nominees must be willing to: • Accept a leadership role in a Chamber initiative, program, or event • Participate in Chamber Events • Serve as an Ambassador for the Chamber A complete list of Board Member responsibilities can be found on the Board Application.

Directors serve a three-year term.

If you or another Chamber member you know is interested, please complete the application and return to Judy, judy@oldsaybrookchamber.com. Applications are due

by Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Candidate Interviews will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2023, starting at 5:00 pm. Candidates must be in good standing and current with the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber.

Click Here for Application

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chamber calendar NonProfit Resource Council

Monthly morning at the Vicky Duffy Pavilion at Saybrook Point with relevant speakers. Join fellow non profit individuals for an hour to learn, share, and grow! Free to attend at 8:00 am.

Contact Tony Marino of the Rockfall Foundation or Heather Milardo of The Estuary.

“Sponsorships: Event vs Organizational”

“Making Your Organization More Green & Sustainable”

SEPTEMBER MEETINGS 20, Wednesday: Governance Committee Meeting 21, Thursday: Chamber Connections at Cardone & Daughter Automotive 26, Tuesday: Welcome Workshop 27, Wednesday: Board of Directors Meeting 28, Thursday: Women in Business Luncheon: Dr. Dorothy Martin Neville

Do you use both Event and overall Organization Tony Marino, Executive Sponsors? Join this roundtable Director of The Rockfall discussion to learn what Foundation will be sharing others are doing and share business tips and how to best practices. move towards a greener, more sustainable organization.

October 10

November 14

Held the 1st Thursday of the month, this networking event provides members the opportunity to introduce their business, its offerings and products, and ask questions. One member commented that “the meeting was the equivalent of knocking on 40 doors in one hour.”

Meetings are moderated as attendees briefly explain their business.

By reservation, a small number of attendees will have a longer time to discuss their business. Free to attend! Members only.

Time: 8:00 - 9:00 am

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Join Our Weekly E-Newsletters: Tuesday Newsday & Thursday Events! An Easy Way To Stay Updated with All Things Chamber.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

OCTOBER MEETINGS 5, Thursday: First Thursday Business Connections 10, Tuesday: NonProfit Resource Council Meeting

This business after hours is hosted by a member and held the third Thursday of every month throughout the year - check the calendar! Bring your business cards and be prepared to meet members new and ‘old’. The host will have the opportunity to showcase their business, whether it’s a new product or service, or even a new location.

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm

September 21

Cardone & Daughter Automotive A relaxed afternoon of networking with drinks and “Cruises & Brews-es” Trivia with special guest, Myrcene Ale Co.

October 19

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Enjoy a fun afternoon of networking with light fare and catch up on business.

Bridging Businesses - Business Connections Hour in Old Lyme

12, Thursday: PLOT Quarterly Meeting 18, Wednesday: Governance Committee Meeting 19, Thursday: Ambassador Team Meeting 19, Thursday: Chamber Connections at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding 24, Tuesday: Welcome Workshop 25, Wednesday: Board of Directors Meeting 26, Thursday: Women in Business Luncheon with Sylvia Guinan

View the Full Chamber Event Calendar here!

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WHAT HAS THE CHAMBER BEEN UP TO? Check it Out! A new look for oldsaybrookchamber. com!

Along with the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber rebrand came a new website.

It is a highly intuitive, organized site for both members and visitors.

Click the image to open!

The Chamber Donates $1,000 to the OS Rotary Maui Relief Fund “Create Hope for Maui” Once the Old Saybrook Rotary heard the devasting news of Maui’s wild fires, they sprung to action. Reaching out to Rotaries in Maui, they created a goal to contribute a substantial amount to the Rotary District 5000 Foundation, created to distribute money among the nine Rotary Clubs assisting those affected by the fires.

The Rotary is pleased to be working with Maui Rotarians knowing that every donation received will go directly to those in desperate need of help.

The OS Rotary will match every donatoin - dollar for dollar up to $5,000.

If you would like to contribute, checks can be mailed to PO Box 1125, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Reference on check: Maui Donation Pictured: Greater Old Saybrook Chamber Executive Director, Judy Sullivan and Old Saybrook Rotary Vice President, Nancy Morin

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www.osrotary.org

SAYBROOK POINT 5K ROAD RACE Saturday, August 26, 2023

The 14th Annual Saybrook Point 5k Road Race was held Saturday morning, August 26.

Over 330 runners, walkers, and joggers, traveled along the scenic Saybrook Point route. Parker Cook of Old Saybrook completed the race in 17 minutes and 7 seconds, titling him the Overall 1st Place Winner.

The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber and the Old Saybrook/ Westbrook Exchange Club partner together annually to raise funds for scholarships awarded to deserving area seniors.

We were so lucky to have a perfect view of a proposal at the finish line! Just as the couple completed the race, Mitchell Clang got down on one knee and popped the question to Gabriela Pena. Their first date was at the Saybrook Point 5k Road Race years ago.

Congratulations!!

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation This Summer the Old Saybrook Parks two 18-hole disc golf courses to challenge and Recreation (OSPR) made some major players of all skill levels and a few courses that technology upgrades to six parks and facilities have unique water features. The department by providing free Wi-Fi. Working with the would like to express sincere appreciation and Town’s IT Department, Xfinity internet gratitude to Rob LeMire, who was instrumental services were added to Kavanagh Park, in the development and installation of the Saybrook Point Mini Golf, the Vicki G. Duffy course.

Pavilion at Saybrook Point, the Town Green, Looking forward, OSPR has a great line up Harvey’s Beach, and Town Beach. Each of fall themed family fun programming. In network is password protected for security.

October we have: Each network’s password is the name of the • Annual Scarecrow Workshop (10/7) facility with the number “1” added at the • Pumpkin Decorating workshop (10/14) end. For instance, Town Beach Guest is • Monsters on Main Scavenger Hunt (10/14Townbeach1. You can find the complete list 10/30) of network names and passwords on the Park • 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat on (10/28) & Rec website.

To register for these programs and for more This summer also saw the grand opening of information on the department, please visit us the Cedar Swap Disc Golf Course at Clark online at www.oldsaybrookrec.com.

Community Park on Schoolhouse Road, with

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The Ballet Spooktacular is a Treat at The Kate

Enjoy family-friendly fun at the Kate with Eastern Connecticut Ballet on Oct. 28-29 The eighth annual “Ballet Spooktacular” of a little boy who gets in over his head when at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center playing with magic spells. The lively classical in Old Saybrook, Conn., is an early Halloween score was made popular by a scene in Walt celebration for both children and their parents. Disney’s animated film classic, “Fantasia.”

Eastern Connecticut Ballet (ECB) will present “Dancing Bones” features dancers as glow-insix performances Oct. 28 - 29. The celebration the-dark skeletons, but the work is more fun than kicks off with a sensory friendly performance on frightening. The hauntingly beautiful “Halloween Saturday at 11:30am for families with children Waltz,” with dancers draped in long white veils, who benefit from sensory accommodations. was inspired by the music of Camille Saint-Saëns.

Dancers and audiences alike are in the ECB’s Ballet Spooktacular of years past have spotlight for the “Spooktacular” since children been a sell out! Tickets are likely to perform a are invited to attend in costume. Girls and disappearing act once again, so don’t hesitate to boys parade onstage after the show, then trick- purchase seats! Tickets ($20 adults; $14 for children or-treat throughout the decorated theater age 12 and under) are available from The Kate and pose for photographs with the dancers. box in Old Saybrook, by phone 877-503-1286, The “Spooktacular” showcases several short or online at http://katharinehepburntheater.org. ballet works that capture the spirit of Halloween.

Artistic Director Gloria Govrin and Executive Founded in East Lyme in 1992, the Director Krystin Dixon choreographed nonprofit Eastern Connecticut Ballet is these three works specifically for the event. the shoreline’s premiere schools for dance “We’ve created a new tradition at The Kate, education. ECB offers an annual performance and children absolutely love it,” says Govrin, a of “The Nutcracker,” (December 9-10, 2023) former soloist with the New York City Ballet. at the Garde Arts Center in New London “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” relates the tale and other family-friendly events year-round.

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BUSINESS RESOURCES Post Your Fall & Winter Events on the Chamber Site Time to get out your comfy sweaters, enjoy Make sure you fill out the “Search some pumpkin spiced treats, and celebrate this Description” and “META Description” sot aht great time of year. Hosting a Fall or Halloween your event will be easy to search for on our event over the next couple of months? Add it website. to our community calendar!

After you are done filling the form out to Start by visiting our website, your liking, click the “Submit for Approval” oldsaybrookchamber.com. At the top of the button at the bottom of the page. The Chamber page, you will see “Login” where you can will be notified tha tyou have submitted the sign in with your username and password. event and they will approve it for the website.

Don’t have an account? Email christa@ Don’t worry, if the Chamber notices a oldsaybrookchamber.com to get signed up! mistake or you realize you made a mistake, we After you login to the portal, you will can fix it! Just click on the “Events” icon and see an “Events” button towards the top of the click on “Manage Events” or contact Christa dashboard, which look like a little calendar to make any changes or upload any additional icon. Click on it! images for you!

Then you will see a blue button that says, No matter how festive or spooky your “Add New Event”. Click on this button and it event is, we want to see it on our calendar. Start will bring you to a simple form for you to fill posting, today! out.

Fill out the events form with the name Christa Maynard of your event, time, date, upload an image, Member Services Manager upload your logo, pick the categories that best christa@oldsaybrookchamber.com describe your event and more!

Find Your Business Match with The Chamber!

Use Your Chamber Resources to Build Your Business Do you find yourself Session A includes: how & where to log in to confused on how to your Member Information Center (Member work the Chamber Portal), how to set up your account, edit website, online Member personal and business information, and how Information Center, to submit and register for events. or any other Chamber Session B includes: how to submit news releases member resource? and job openings, how to share member to Held the fourth Tuesday member deals, how to edit employees in the of every month, take an Portal, edit payment profiles, and how to hour to learn all about your online Chamber update billing information.

Member Resources at our very own, Welcome Welcome Workshops are held downstairs Workshops! With two different sessions, at the Chamber Office, 1 Main Street, Old attendees are encouraged to bring their Saybrook. Registration is required to attend. own laptop or tablet to follow along with Free for all members. 12:00 - 1:00 pm instructions. Session A is not a prerequisite to Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 attend Session B.

ASK HR with Sheila McKinley-Bell Welcome to: ASK HR. Each issue will include answers to your questions regarding a variety of human resourcesrelated topics to help you with some of the pressing needs of your business.

Our expert is fellow member, Sheila McKinley-Bell of Shoreline HR Consulting, www.shorelinehr.com . Please feel free to let us know what questions are on your mind.

Today’s question is: What is an I-9 form, and does it apply to my business?

Answer: All employers in the United States must have their employees complete an I-9 form. I-9 is short for Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Form I-9 and is known as the Employment Eligibility Verification form.

It is published by the Department of Homeland

Security (DHS) via the United States Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is a way for employers to document the fact that they are hiring only persons authorized to work in the United States.

Employees must complete Section 1 of the I-9 form by the end of their first day of work for pay. Section 2 must be completed by the employer within the following 3 days of employee’s first day of work for pay (by end of day 4).

The I-9 form has been revised effective 8/1/2023. The prior version of the form with a revision date of 10/21/2019 may be used through October 31, 2023. Effective November 1, 2023 all employers must begin using the new version of the I-9 form with the revision date of 8/1/2023.

To order new forms and/or obtain more information, employers may access the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/forms or by calling 800-870-3676 or 888-464-4218.

Sheila can be reached online at sheila@ shorelinehr.com or by phone at 860-256-9881.

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Blue Hound Cookery Chicken & Sausage Louisiana Gumbo 1 Red Bell Pepper Diced Photo: Blue Hound Cookery 1 Green Bell Pepper Diced 1/2 Medium Yellow Onion Diced 1/2 Celery Bunch Diced 1 Cup White Wine (Chardonnay) 1 Tsp Garlic Minced 8 Cups Water 2 Tsp Tomato Paste 2 Cups Diced Tomato 4 Tsp Cajun Spice 2 Tsp Gumbo File (Sassafras) 1 Tsp Oregano 1 Tsp Thyme 2 Tsp Worcestershire 1 Cup Corn Kernal Optional 2 Cups Frozen Okra Recipe makes 8-10 sixteen ounce portions (128 oz) 1-1.5 lb Chicken Breast Diced 1-1.5 lb Andouille Sausage Sliced (Or any preferred Sausage) 15 Cups Uncle Ben’s White Rice (Or any preferred white rice) 2 Cups Canola Oil 2 Cups All Purpose Flour

• Sautee diced red bell pepper, green pepper, yellow onion, and celery over high heat for 5 minutes until tender • Add white wine and minced garlic and sautee over high heat for 5 minutes • Add 8 cups of water, tomato paste, diced tomato, cajun spice, gumbo file, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper, worcestshire, corn kernal (optional), frozen okra, diced chicken breast, and sliced andouille sauced (or any preferred sausage). Simmer all ingredients for 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside the gumbo base.

• In a separate pot, add canola oil with all-purpose flour. Whisk until smooth • Bake in oven at 350o for 2-3 hours, stirring occastionally, until peanut butter brown.

Let cool • Pour off excess oil and add slowly to hot gumbo base while whisking. Be careful of splashing roux! This should be a slightly creamy texture and will thicken over time • Remove from heat and serve with a scoop of Uncle Ben’s White Rice (or any preferred white rice)

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2023 Board of Directors Officers President: Dave Carswell, Guilford Savings Bank 1st Vice President: Kevin Kennedy, Kennedy Real Estate Solutions 2nd Vice President: Tony Marino, The Rockfall Foundation Secretary, Kara Pachniuk, Nourish + Nosh Nutrition Treasurer, Dan King, Lahan and King

Directors Chris Bird, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina Brett Elliott, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center CJ Jack, Shoreline Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram & Shoreline Hyundai Chantal Lawrence, Total Design Source Sally Ann Lee, Middlesex Health Sharon Lewis, AdviCoach Heather Milardo, The Estuary Brendan Redfield, WollackLewitz Susan Taylor, Susan Taylor Agency, Farmers Insurance

Staff Judy Sullivan, Executive Director Christa Maynard, Member Services Manager Hannah Stella, Marketing Coordinator Mike DeLisa, Bookkeeper

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One Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860 338 3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com

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Looking for something specific? Let us know! The Chamber Chatbook is here to provide you with helpful information. We are open to any suggestions on what you would like to see or read about. Publication is the second week of every other month with a deadline to submit advertisements or articles of the first of that month.

Next Chamber Chatbook Chapter releases in November 2023.

For more information, please email hannah@oldsaybrookchamber.com Page 20