Spring 2012 - New London

new london main street
Spring 2012
the district
new london historic waterfront
Young Entrepreneur Rising
Upcoming
Events
How two young couples are helping to
change the face of downtown New London
The Big Picture
By Rita Rivera-Riemer
At the start of 2012, two new
eating establishments opened on
Bank Street, Sweetie’s Bakery and
Café and The Commoner. Both
have received great reviews and
have completely revamped their
settings. The Commoner turned
the old Bank Street Roadhouse
into a high-end lunch and dinner
locale, while Sweetie’s transformed
its location into a hip, retro,
pastel-colored bake shop, complete
with a pink exterior. Both eateries
have something else in common –
owners under the age of 30.
New London, say hello to Lindsay
Kreutter, 26, and Aaron Dronberger,
28, of Sweetie’s Bakery and Café and
Aimee and Colin Sepko, 28 and 29
respectively, of The Commoner.
Chaplin’s to Cupcakes
Kreutter is a previous employee
of downtown favorite Chaplin’s,
where she helped create and make
the desserts. “People enjoyed the
desserts I made so much, they kept
asking when I would start my own
place,” Kreutter said.
Pretty soon opportunity knocked.
Jack Chaplin’s landlord approached
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Kreutter and Dronberger about
leasing the nearby space at 191 Bank
Street, once occupied by Jay’s Photo
Lab. The break was too good to pass
up, but the two college graduates
(Kreutter from Fordham University
in New York and Dronberger from
Kansas State University) soon found
that their youth would be both a
blessing and a hindrance.
Kreutter said, “Initially, people
just did not take us seriously.”
But the two persevered and
through “a ton of phone calls and
Internet searching”, along with
help from Economic Development
Coordinator Ned Hammond and
their landlord, Sweetie’s went from
idea to reality in just four months.
The bake shop and café now serves
up breakfast, lunch and dessert
six days a week, with everything
made from scratch. This, of course,
means long hours, which Kreutter
sees as a perk of being young.
Having youthful energy and no
other commitments help the pair
focus solely on the success of their
business. “I can’t imagine being
anyplace else.” Kreutter said.
Lindsay Kreutter and Aaron Dronberger, Owners, Sweetie’s Bakery and Café
A Connecticut Main Street Community
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248 participants! (see pg. 5)
Colin and Aimee Sepko
Owners, The Commoner
Craigslist to The Commoner
In a better economy, there may
not have been The Commoner.
Downtown’s newest restaurant
spawned out of the need for a job.
“There were none out there,” Aimee
Sepko said. “So we made our own.”
The couple started to look into
finding a way to turn their vision
into a reality. Colin Sepko, a graduate
of the Cambridge Culinary Institute
in Boston, had already found success
running The Stand in Niantic - a
seasonal summer food locale
offering prix fix dinners - for two
summers and wanted to take it to
a larger scale. In September 2011, a
listing on Craigslist for the spot at
36 Bank Street helped the duo get
started in the right direction.
“We liked New London,” Aimee
Sepko, a Rhode Island College
graduate, said. “We love its historical
value and the revitalization. It’s really
up-and-coming.”
The Commoner opened in early
January. The community has
instantly taken an interest, not only
in their youth, but also in their menu.
You will find delicious comfort food
and New England staples, such as
meatloaf, fish & chips and crab cakes,
as well as spins on favorites, such as
lobster potato skins and filet mignon
shepherd’s pie.
“New London Main Street and a lot
of the local businesses have been very
welcoming,” Aimee Sepko said. “We’re
really looking forward to summer.”
Spring Food Stroll
Wednesday, May 16
5:30-8:30pm
The District
Sample signature dishes from
downtown eateries, while
Guest Judges from Johnson
& Wales challenge each
venue to ramp up their game
for The Culinary Excellence
Competition! (see pg. 5)
New London Main Street
Annual Meeting
Thursday, May 31
5:30-7:00pm
The Commoner, 36 Bank Street
Check out one of New London’s
newest restaurants, while Main
Street shares accomplishments
and goals (see pg. 5)
Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails
Saturday, July 21
11:00am-4:00pm
Waterfront Park
A free family festival promoting
literature & the environment
with nationally known children’s
authors & illustrators, interactive
entertainment, hands-on
activities and more!
Visit
www.NewLondon WaterfrontDistrict.org
for event details!
Volume 14, Issue 1
C
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Y
K 75
new london main street
President’s Perspective
By Tony Silvestri
Tel (860) 444-CITY (2489)
Fax (860) 444-7196
147 State Street, Suite B
New London, CT 06320
www.NewLondonWaterfrontDistrict.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anthony Silvestri, President
Don Gibson, Immediate Past President
Kate Wick, Vice President
Bill Craig, Treasurer
Alli Abraham, Secretary
Pat Butler
Peggie Ford Cosgrove
Kathy Diaz-Saavedra, Promotion
Renee Fournier
Mary Grayeck
Susan Howard
Dan Karp
Rob Richter
Rita Rivera-Riemer, Organization
Helen Sandalls
Donna Simpson, Design
Howard Stillman, Economic Enhancement
Bence Strickland
Wade Hyslop, City Council Liaison
Tammy Daugherty and Kristin HavrillaClarke, City Administration Liaisons
PROGRAM STAFF
Penny Parsekian, CEO
[email protected]
Joanne Gibson
Manager, Community Relations &
Volunteer Engagement
[email protected]
Satomi Raska
Office Supervisor
[email protected]
Tracy Tremblay
Marketing & Events Manager
[email protected]
Office Helpers
Kathy McCarthy
Carroll Spencer
College Interns
Shannon Begley
Kelsey Daniels
Sarah Knowles
Shannon Lewis
Greg Vance
High School Intern
Jessica Fortenberry
NEWSLETTER
Designer/Publisher
Angell House Design
Editor
Joanne Gibson
Photographers
Seth Bendfeldt
Sherri Condon
Tita Williams
2
but also to assist in their continued
success and retention. While we
It has been eight
are working on this from several
months since I began
directions, we are proud to say that
my term as President,
the rink initiative has exceeded our
and I have experienced
expectations.
both opportunities and
Although temperatures this
challenges. The New London winter have been unseasonably
Main Street organization
warm, The Rink at Parade Plaza
has remained steadfast in its has hosted thousands of skaters
mission. We also welcome
and at least as many spectators
new opportunities as we
and curiosity seekers. It has also
continue our work to move
created an ambience and sense
New London forward.
of community for our downtown
Our volunteer base is still
during a time of year that would
as broad and strong as ever. otherwise be quiet. I also think
The District website,
it’s fair to say that because
maintained by New London the Rink has brought families
Main Street, has proven
and children downtown, it has
to be invaluable and will
fostered a positive image for New
continue to improve and
London.
support the community.
I am proud of all the dedicated
Another one of our focuses employees and volunteers that
is not only to attract new
have made this rink a reality.
businesses to downtown,
Because of the way it has been
structured, with the public, private
and nonprofit collaboration, I am
pleased to say that this initiative
can continue for years to come.
Keep up the good work!!
CEO’s Comments
By Penny Parsekian
Hopefully you had a
chance over the winter to
watch skaters enjoying the
new rink. Maybe, like me,
you even tried it yourself. I
was hesitant to return to a
sport from my childhood,
but I dug out my skates
from the basement. If I
could muster the courage,
I knew I would need the
right equipment handy to
take advantage of what
could be a very fleeting
moment. After a few false
starts, the moment of
truth arrived. The rink
was crowded with skaters,
some racing around,
others moving with
caution. I stepped out on
the “ice” and it all came
back. Around and around I
flew. The artificial surface
was a bit less slippery than
real ice, so I had more
time to regain my balance
when I faltered. I can now
say with conviction that if you
missed a chance to skate don’t let
another year go by. It’s great fun!
Moving from the past to
the future, with a new city
administration in place, New
London Main Street has been
asked to take a leadership role
in the areas of “businesses
and buildings” in The District.
Fortunately, the groundwork for
this responsibility has been laid
over the last few years: the Board
of Directors in 2010 developed
a three-year strategic plan with
the objective of making a gradual
shift of emphasis in our program.
Whereas our resources were
heavily invested in events and
promotion, the Board wished
to see an increase in Economic
Enhancement activity from 15 to
32 percent, with a compensatory
decrease in Design and
Promotion work. This appears
to be in line with Mayor Finizio’s
wishes, and we are in the process
of refining the specific projects
we will be undertaking in the
new fiscal year. The rink was
our largest project to date,
giving us confidence that we can
meet the challenge of this new
responsibility.
spring 2012
Spotlight On Supporters
Suisman Shapiro joins ranks of top Main Street funders
By Shannon Lewis
Suisman Shapiro, the largest
law firm in southeastern
Connecticut, firmly rooted
within the heart of New London
for over 70 years, is dedicated
to enhancing the economic
vitality of the region. Each of
their twenty attorneys focuses
on specific areas of law in order
to meet their clients’ needs
Jack Collins looks out to the Rink at Parade Plaza from his office window at Suisman
Shapiro (photo courtesy of Tita Williams)
in today’s very complex legal
environment.
They have been long-time
supporters of New London
Main Street events, and most
recently, they have signed on
at the increased Major Funder
level of sponsorship.
Jay Berryman, veteran
attorney and Director at
Suisman Shapiro, says, “I
believe that community service
is very important. Suisman
Shapiro is committed to
participating in activities that
make a difference in the eastern
Connecticut community.”
The Suisman Shapiro offices
are located at Union Plaza,
adjacent to the Parade Plaza,
and right across from Union
station – in the very heart of
the community. The firm has
been located in New London for
many decades and has a major
stake in the success and vitality
of the city. Berryman adds,
“Many of our employees and
clients are from New London
and surrounding towns; the
firm is very concerned about
being a good corporate
citizen and doing its part to
improve the quality of life
here.”
Jack Collins, the firm’s
Managing Director, is a
past President of New
London Main Street and
has been involved with
the organization for many
years. He understands
the important role that
New London Main Street
serves in improving the
community, and is proud
that the firm can play
a major role in moving
the organization’s goals
forward. He says, “The Rink
(at Parade Plaza) has been
a wonderful addition to
downtown this winter! It’s
been great to watch skaters
of all ages and abilities bring
excitement, laughter and
fun to downtown.”
NEW LONDON MAIN STREET GRATEFULLY ACkNOWLEDGES ITS SUPPORTERS
Partners
City of New London
Dime Bank
Chester kitchings Family Foundation
Legrand Ortronics
Pfizer
The Day
Major Funders
Block Island Express
Citizens Bank
Cross Sound Ferry
Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law
PrograM & EvEnt
SPonSorS
$3,000 and over
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Citizens Bank
CL&P
Dominion
www.newlondonwaterfrontdistrict.org
$1,000 to $2,999
AT&T
Bob’s Discount Furniture
Buscetto Family and Friends Fund
Center Plate/ Ocean Beach
Chelsea Groton
Connecticut College
Friends of Fort Trumbull
Fiddleheads
Garde Arts Center
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
MJ Sullivan Automotive Center
Mohegan Sun
New London Harbour Towers
Waller, Smith & Palmer
$500 to $999
Arrow Paper
Cunningham & Company
Mariani & Reck
Northern Lights Gems
Peter S. Turello LLC Paving Companies
The Tree Group
US Properties, Susan Howard
Waller, Smith & Palmer, P.C.
Webster Bank
In Kind Sponsors
104.7 WNLC
Channel 3
Classic Hits 98.7
Copy Cats, Inc.
New London Lodge of Elks
kool 101
MetroCast Communications
Mystic Whaler
Q105
Minute Man Press
Michael’s Dairy
Mitchell College
Thames Towboat Co.
grantIng agEncIES
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
Connecticut Humanities Council
CT Commission on Culture &Tourism
New London Water Authority
City of New London Community Development
Block Grant/ U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development
3
Committee Reports
Design
By Donna Simpson,
Chair
Organization
By Joanne Gibson
Manager, Community Relations &
Volunteer Engagement
The Big Picture website banner
Designed by ECSU Intern
Shannon Begley
Promotion
By Tracy Tremblay
Marketing & Events Manager
New London Main Street’s on
foursquare! Check out the
newest trails!
Economic
Enhancement
By Howard Stillman, Chair
We welcome Howard Stillman
to the Main Street board
4
We are working with the City to
ensure that light pole banners will
be flying in downtown New London,
and along the waterfront, this
spring - clearly proclaiming this is
where OPSAIL2012 is happening!
While the event has been scaled
down from its original plans,
thousands of people are expected to
visit during the July 6-9 event.
The banner was designed by Karl
Smizer, with input from Kate Wick
and Rick Gipstein. Thanks to Main
Street’s Satomi Raska and Eastern
CT State University intern Kelsey
Daniels, the sales efforts began midJanuary with good results. More
than 50 banners have been sold as
of this writing, with a goal of 100.
If you are interested in purchasing a
banner for your organization, please
call the Main Street office.
Now that design work is completed
for the banners and the Rink, the
committee is seeking input from New
London constituents who have shown
an interest in the urban design of
the downtown in the past. This input
will help New London Main Street
develop its Design workplan for fiscal
year 2012 – 2013 and beyond.
Please join us at our next meeting on
Wednesday, March 28, at 5:30pm at the
Main Street office. The committee meets
on the 4th Wednesday of each month at
5:30, and we welcome new members.
Six interns this semester – 3 from
Eastern CT State University (ECSU),
2 from Connecticut College and 1
from Montville High School – have
taken on a variety of meaningful
projects. We all benefit from their
creativity, resourcefulness and just
plain hard work.
We are pleased to report that we
have reached 90% of this fiscal
year’s membership goal to date. The
Membership Committee, chaired by
Mary-Jane Cassidy, is welcoming new
members to strategize for the next
fiscal year. Membership officially
kicks off at our Annual Meeting,
planned for May 31 at The Commoner
(see page 5). We are delighted that
professional graphic design volunteer
Patti Murphy is on board again for
this year’s annual report.
The Big Picture Committee is back in
full swing scheming to break a record –
with your help – on April 5 (see page 5).
We have taken on the role of
volunteer recruitment for OpSail2012.
There are lots of opportunities to be
a part of this exciting July 6-9 event.
Interested in learning more? Visit
www.opsail2012ct.org to sign up!
The New London Ambassadors,
donning bright reflective vests,
continue to work at key downtown
events to provide friendly faces and
helpful assistance. Judging from the
feedback we have received, the general
public has appreciated their efforts.
The program is expected to continue
through June under current funding.
There’s never been a better time
to get involved! Make new friends.
Enhance your resume. Make a
difference. Email volunteer@
newlondonmainstreet.org today to
learn how you can help.
A mild winter has made our
transition to spring easy, and
planning is already underway for our
16th Food Stroll, set for May 16 (see
page 5). If you are interested in being
a part of this fun and popular event,
consider joining the committee.
The Foursquare trails of New
London Main Street officially
launched on February 29, with board
member Rita Rivera creating a brand
page, expanding our social media
outreach. Intern Sarah Knowles
added a Heritage Trail to Foursquare,
bringing it into the 21st century!
The Heritage Trail joins Shopping,
Cupcakes & Coffee, and Burgers &
Brews trails. Check it out at www.
foursquare.com/newlondonmainst.
Sarah is also working on creating a
Heritage Trail brochure which will be
found on the District website.
We are working on comprising
a list of businesses that appeal to
visitors for our Map & Guide 2012,
which will be produced in time for
Spring Food Stroll.
The committee for Fish Tales, Tugs
& Sails has been meeting since the
beginning of the year. In addition
to entertainment, children’s
authors, boats and other activities,
the committee is considering a
new element of a children’s art
stroll throughout the galleries
downtown. The committee
consists of a long term partnership
with the Public Library of New
London, New London Office of
Youth Affairs, Mitchell College and
Michael’s Dairy.
The Promotion Committee meets
the third Tuesday of every month at
5:30pm at the Main Street office.
Please consider joining us!
Downtown New London has
successfully been branded as the
New London Historic Waterfront
District, “the district”. With our
waterfront, history, culture, and a
local spirit second to none, we must
continue to channel these unique
assets to create a strong economic
resurgence of retail and professional
businesses, along with residences.
Showcasing successful businesses
will be the key to attracting
startups and relocations of existing
enterprises to New London. A
strong merchant network and best
practices workshops will help the
revitalization effort. An emphasis
on economic enhancement of The
District will be a priority this year for
New London Main Street.
Since I accepted this role in January,
we have facilitated two well-attended
Merchant Meetings, lead by co-chairs
Kim Pettey and Richard Virgin. In
March we will conduct an economic
impact survey of The Rink, following
its first season of operation. Tom
Caruso of Caruso Music, along with
Eastern CT State University intern
Kelsey Daniels, will support me in
this initiative.
A Welcome Packet for new
businesses is being developed, which
will outline the many resources our
region offers.
I, and others from New London
Main Street, will be attending the
National Main Street Conference
in Baltimore in April, a meeting
dedicated to preservation-based
economic development of American
Main Streets.
There’s never been a more exciting time
to join this committee, which normally
meets on the third Thursday of every
month at 5:00pm at the Main Street
office. For April only, the meeting will be
moved up one day to Wednesday, April
18, at 5:00pm. We hope you can join us!
spring 2012
Upcoming Events
The 5th annual Big Picture
planned for April 5
By Molly Murkett
Do you wear I ♥ NL t-shirts and
spout witticisms about the Whale
Tail? Or, perhaps you live or work
in New London, love to explore
this exciting historic and cultural
district, or simply frequent your
favorite downtown spot. You are all
invited to participate in this year’s
“big picture” event.
Last year nearly 250 people came
out for the photo. Join us this year
and help set a new record. Mark your
calendars for The Big Picture on
Thursday, April 5, at the Parade
Plaza from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
In keeping with what has become an
annual tradition, local photographer
A. Vincent Scarano is on hand to snap
the photo. Get ready to smile and say
“mozzarella cheese”!
This year, our friends at
Connecticut College are cooking
up a surprise that you won’t want
to miss! Also, the committee
is planning to collaborate with
downtown businesses once again
to raffle off a basket full of District
goodies. The winner? The person
who comes closest to guessing the
number of participants!
So come down to the Parade
Plaza and be a part of New London
history. Invite your friends,
co-workers, clients, teachers and
students, to come out during
lunchtime for this fun annual event.
The community calendar at
www.newlondonwaterfront
district.org will be updated
with details.
A Strategy For Strolling
by Karen C.L. Anderson
With nearly 50 venues
participating in New London
Main Street’s Spring Food
Stroll on Wednesday, May 16,
5:30 to 8:30 p.m., it pays to
have a strategy. My husband,
Tim, and I have one that
works for us.
First, we park centrally, so
we can pick up our buttons
at the Main Street office
and kick off the Stroll with
delicious offerings by East Coast
Catering in the Atrium at Harris
Place. Once we have a map of
participating venues, we check out
whether there are any new venues
to try (and this year there will be!).
We then cross State Street to
check out Mangetout Organic
Café and Northern Indian, before
working our way up toward the
Garde, stopping at Hanafin’s Pub –
Tim loves their Shepard’s Pie!
It’s important to note that the small
serving sizes at each location add up,
and you will find that you’ll get full
quickly. It’s okay to be selective!
Along the way, you will
The Big Picture 2011
inevitably run into friends and
acquaintances, and this is a good
thing; it will enhance your Stroll
experience! Local musicians
performing throughout the Stroll
route also add to the festive vibe
downtown.
As we make our way down State
Street, we wouldn’t miss Pinc!,
before crossing Bank Street to
Captain’s Pizza.
We zigzag along Bank Street,
making sure we stop at some of our
favorites which include Hot Rod’s
Cafe, Chaplin’s, and Dev’s on Bank.
By now, we are full and quite content!
Remember, the Stroll is a rain
or shine event and in addition to
food, shops and galleries will also
offer specials. Food Stroll buttons
make a wonderful Mother’s Day
Gift! Buttons are $25 in advance,
$30 on Stroll day. Military &
student discounts available. For
more information, visit www.
newlondonwaterfrontdistrict.org
or call 860-444-2489.
New London Main Street Annual Meeting at The Commoner
By Greg Vance
New London Main Street is
planning its 15th Annual Meeting
for Thursday, May 31 from
5:30 to 7:00pm. One of New
London’s newest restaurants, The
Commoner, has agreed to host the
event and serve samples from their
exciting menu.
The restaurant, which opened
earlier this year, is located at 36
Bank Street and offers a wide
array of American cuisine for both
lunch and dinner. Find out more
about The Commoner at www.
www.newlondonwaterfrontdistrict.org
thecommonernl.com, or visit their
page on Facebook.
The program will feature a
presentation by New London
Main Street, which will highlight
accomplishments of the past year,
as well as plans and goals for the
year ahead. Members will have
opportunities to elect new board
members and review the annual
budget. Corporate sponsors, major
funders, and outstanding volunteers
will be formally recognized for their
support and dedication.
For more information, please
visit www.newlondon
waterfrontdistrict.org
or call New London
MainStreet at
860-444-2489.
5
Viva Volunteers
Volunteers, an important element in the Rink’s formula for success
By Joanne Gibson
With the debut of the Rink at
Parade Plaza this winter, one of the
challenges was determining how
volunteers could play a role in New
London Main Street’s largest and
most complex project to date. First,
two managers were hired – Alan
Duggan as Rink Manager and Alex
Khoudyakov as Skating Program
Director. Regular part-time
employees included Katie Dixon,
Jeralyn Grills, Krissa Ressler and
Tiffany Roman to cover the busiest
times at the Rink. Beyond that, it
was decided that volunteers could be
involved, by serving as rink guards
and in a hospitality role. They
received free skating in exchange for
their volunteer time.
Long-time Main Street volunteer
Kathy Walburn, who was already
a member of the Rink Committee,
signed on almost immediately to help
as a rink guard. Her role was to keep
the peace on the (synthetic) ice by
enforcing skating rules. As an avid
skater herself, she had fun giving
pointers to all levels of skaters.
Kathy says, “I enjoyed seeing others
embrace the experience of skating as
much as I do, and I was delighted that
New London is offering an outdoor
activity during the winter.”
Joe Madaus was drawn to help
out at the rink, because his children
loved skating there and enjoyed lessons with Alex. He says, “Volunteering at the Rink seemed like a great
way to jump in and give back.” Joe’s
Kathy Walburn
6
Joe Madaus
Emily Werner
Shona Nilsson
role at the rink was to pass out and
collect skates, ensure skates were tied
tightly, and encourage people of all
ages to get out there and give it a try.
Joe said it was fun to watch people,
who were nervous at first, getting out
there and having a blast. He added,
“The Rink has brought so many
people downtown to enjoy time with
family and friends and to realize
firsthand how much downtown New
London has to offer.”
Theo Maryeski grew up playing ice
hockey in Canada and saw his contribution to serve as a rink guard and
hockey instructor as a great way to
give back to the community. He says,
“My role was to show up, have a smile
(not hard to do) and make sure people
were comfortable.” Theo shares many
wonderful observations of youth
groups having fun skating and not
missing their cell phones and video
games, two women who reconnected
on the Rink after having learned
to skate together 30 years earlier,
two young boys embracing hockey
with a passion that he remembers
from his youth, and college students
stating how much more fun skating
in downtown New London is than
hanging out in their dorms.
Emily Werner, who lives and works
in New London, was excited to support the Rink, because it provided an
opportunity to “get the kids outdoors
and active.” Emily was an invaluable
source of encouragement at the
monthly open skates for Families
with Special Needs Children.
When downtown employer
Legrand Ortronics, a global leader
in network infrastructure solutions
(www.legrand.us/ortronics), learned
of volunteer opportunities at the
Rink, they presented a challenge to
their employees. The person who
volunteered the most hours at the
Rink over the winter would receive a
$100 gift certificate to the downtown
New London restaurant of their
choice. Runner up would receive two
tickets to Main Street’s Spring Food
Stroll. A corporate partner of New
London Main Street’s downtown
revitalization program, Legrand
says, “We feel it is important to
give back to the communities in
which we work and live. Giving
back helps to create a bond
between our company and the city.
We hope our employees will embrace
the bond and be proud of their
working community.”
Legrand employee Shona Nilsson
signed up almost immediately and
is the clear front runner in their
contest with more than 30 hours
spent at the Rink this winter. She
served as a rink guard and a friendly
face at the Rink. She says, “I really
like to skate and meet new people,
so it felt like a great way to spend
my Tuesday and Thursday evenings
this winter. Seeing people enjoying
themselves in an outdoor activity
was so much fun. I loved the Rink
under the lights at night; it has most
definitely added vibrancy to the
community.”
New London Main Street thanks
these individuals and all
volunteers who contributed in
some way to the success of
the Rink. We certainly
couldn’t have done it
without you!
Theo Maryeski
spring 2012
Picture this:
Celebration of Lights &
Song around the World
and Grand Opening of
The Rink at Parade Plaza
December 3
This year’s festival featured the
grand opening of The Rink at Parade
Plaza. Kicking off the event was the
2nd annual Reindeer & Elf Parade
featuring Steve Elci & friends, and
Shrek and Fiona, leading Santa by
fire engine to the Parade Plaza. The
afternoon was filled with figure
skating, hockey, multi-cultural song
and dance performances, and Santa
visits at Nathan Hale Schoolhouse. A
spectacular tree lighting, carol sing and
ballerinas in a glass staircase rounded
out the event. Many thanks to Webster
Bank, Thomas Neilan & Sons, Northern
Light Gems, Milone & MacBroom, City
of New London, MetroCast, Q105 and
The Day.
Party at the Rink
January 14
The community was invited to join us
for a free open skate to celebrate the
success of the Rink. Board members
and staff personally thanked the more
than 100 attendees for their support
of the Rink’s debut season. Thames
River Greenery & Beanery offered free
hot chocolate to skaters. Thank you
to Dime Bank, Charter Oak Federal
Credit Union and City of New London
for sponsoring. Mardi Gras
Masquerade Ball
February 25
Guests enjoyed the 2nd annual
Mardi Gras party and danced to the
electrifying sounds of Planet Zydeco.
Restaurants provided plenty of
delicious Cajun & creole food including
desserts. Many regional businesses
donated generously to the auction.
Party goers came in festive costumes
and masks, and prizes were awarded.
Much appreciation to our sponsors:
Pfizer, Arrow Paper & Party Rental,
Mariani & Reck, Coca Cola, Dime
Bank, Legrand Ortronics, The Tree
Group, Minute Man Press, the Day,
KOOL 101 and Q105.
www.newlondonwaterfrontdistrict.org
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Connfetti
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Frank & Charlene Denton
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Carmelo Foti
Richard & Maureen Fraser
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P.O. Box 1428
165 State Street
New
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