Chamber Chatbook Chapter 3

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• Social Media Features

• 1/2 page color ad in OSCC Business Directory & Community Guide

• Logo on all bi-monthly digital magazines

Contents

FEATURES

Every Fourth Tuesday

9,

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. The Chamber Chatbook is created by all of you, our members! It is a great way for your special events, deals, and news to be shared. Check out page 18 to learn how to get involved!

13. 2023 Chili Fest Hot, hot, hot!

9. Brussel Sprout Stew Delicious, Rich & Hearty

7. OS Car Show is BACK! Sunday, June 4, 2023

6. Women in Business Check Out New Times & Locations!

4. New Members

10. Chamber Calendar Ribbon Cuttings

Tuesday, May

2023

March & April Events

16. Chamber On Tap

15. Welcome Workshops

Elizabeth Basile of Filly Rose Bra Fitting Studio

Finalist of the “The Best of Intima Award,” Recognizing the Top 200 in North America

Last August I was selected as a finalist for a “Best of Intima Award” in the “Best Newcomer” Category. The Best of Intima Awards recognizes the top 200 stores in North America and honors the best independent retailers in a range of categories. The 2022 edition counted 200 nominees within seven major categories, and a total of 43 finalists.

I opened the Filly Rose Bra Fitting Studio in Madison in June 2022 and I’ve been so wonderfully welcomed into the Shoreline business community. I look forward to meeting new

chamber members and creating many meaningful relationships. The Filly Rose Bra Fitting Studio is located at 168 Boston Post Road in Madison, CT (inside Jennie Fresa Beauty). Private bra fittings and bra shopping are scheduled by appointment to provide a highly personalized, one-onone, experience. Founder, Libby Basile has spent 15 years covering lingerie brands for industry trade publications and is excited to share her bra knowledge with you to help you find your favorite new bras!

Elizabeth “Libby” Basile libby@fillyrose.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Collaborative initiative for women in business - providing luncheon and evening programs educating women 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 their name or photo for more information and to register! All luncheons are held at Penny Lane Pub in Old Saybrook. 11:301:00 pm. All after hours are held at SIP Wine Bar. 5:00 - 7:00 pm. $25/Member $35/NonMember. Registration is required!

Luncheon at Penny

Lane Pub

Thursday, March 23, 2023

After Hours at SIP

Wine Bar

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Luncheon at Penny

Lane Pub

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Fashion Therapy & Wine Class

You’ll learn: the most common trap and how to avoid it,what not to do when preparing for a dificult conversation, and a simple, proven formula to use to help you feel calm, in control, and are more likely to have a desireable outcome.

Wendy Perrotti

Wendy is a master-level Certified Professional Coach, speaker and leadership trainer with over 25 years of experience.

Mary Carangelo

Fashion Therapist providing fashion tips to not only make you look, but feel your best.

Derrik Kennedy

Owner of SIP Wine Bar providing a mini wine class.

“Planning For Your Future”

No Longer the Sandwich Generation - now it’s the Club Sandwich Generation!

Elena Goggin

Director of Life Care Planning and a Certified Elder Care Coordinator with over 30 years of experience i nthe legal, financial, and insurance industries. Elena is finalizing her designation as a Certified Senior Advisor and is passionate about preserving the dignity of Elders.

“Mastering Difficult Conversations”

KATHARINE HEPBURN’S FAVORITE PORTRAIT, A MINI-HISTORY

One of the many rare treasures hanging in the Old Saybrook Historical Society’s Archives Building is this portrait of Katharine Hepburn. It was received directly from Ms. Hepburn in 2002, a year before she died, as a personal gift to the Historical Society. It is 28 by 46 inches, oil on canvas. It hung in her New York City apartment and was a favorite of hers.

In her later years, advisors suggested she donate the portrait to the Smithsonian or the Connecticut Historical Society. But she was not satisfied with their plans to display it. Instead, she decided it should live in her hometown of Old Saybrook, at the Historical Society. Old Saybrook and Fenwick were where her family had lived and where she grew up, lived, retired and the place where she died in 2003.

The Canadian artist, Myfanwy Pavelic, (her first name is pronounced mavonwee) painted the Hepburn portrait in 1988. The artist had previously painted several other notable personalities, including former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Ms. Hepburn is shown at the artist’s home on Canada’s Vancouver Island, sitting on concrete steps leading down to the water. She sits next to a script, dressed in her familiar, casual attire.

Two years after her death, Miss Hepburn’s family granted the Town the right to name the newly converted town hall theater building after her and thus, the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center was born. A few years ago the theater established a Katharine Hepburn Museum which contains numerous Hepburn mementos, but not her favorite portrait. It remains just down the street at the Historical Society. Anyone visiting the Archives Building for historical research is welcome to view the portrait.

By: Lamar Lemonte, Old Saybrook Historical Society

This could be your logo! Click here to find out how to advertise your business in the next Chatbook issue.

NEW Location: 103 Main Street, Old Saybrook

(860) 388 - 4670

Brussel Sprout Stew

1 Pound of Brussels Sprouts (trimmed and halved, if large cut into quarters)

1.5 Pounds of Pork Tenderloin ( cubed small)

1 Small Onion (chopped)

2 Cloves of garlic

8 Ounces Sliced Mushrooms

2 Tablespoons Dried Basil

2 Teaspoons of Oregano

32 oz container of chicken stock

1 Can Diced Tomatoes

1 Lemon (small/medium) for juice

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or 4 Pieces of Bacon For a Richer, Smokey, Southern Flavor

Salt & pepper to taste

In a soup pot and a medium heat, add the olive oil and chopped onions and sweat the onions until they are translucent. Stir often.

Press the 2 cloves of garlic into the pot and stir it in.

Add the cubed pork, basil, oregano and salt & pepper. Stir to lightly brown the pork. Stir in the diced tomatoes and mushrooms and cook for about 2 minutes to release the flavors and break down the tomatoes a bit.

Add the brussels sprouts and chicken stock to cover the mixture. (Add water if needed) Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer.

Let it simmer until the brussels sprouts are tender.

Stir the lemon juice.

Finalize your seasonings to taste.

Southern Variation with Bacon:

Cook in the pot until the bacon is cooked, but still tender or not to the point of being crispy and remove the bacon and set aside.

Add the onions and complete the steps above.

Dice and sprinkle the cooked bacon as a garnish on the bowl of stew just before serving. Enjoy!

We are proud to be part of Blueback’s 2023 Chamber Wellness Challenge!

The Chamber Wellness Challenge (CWC) is a 3-month walking challenge for Chamber of Commerce across Connecticut to engage in a friendly walking competition hosted by Glastonbury’s own BlueBack Health, LLC. The CWC encourages participants to support your community, engage with other chamber members, and focus on your health. Click here to read more.

Submitted by David Mayne of Maynestreet Weight Loss.

chamber meetings chamber meetings

Click here to view the full Chamber Calendar

Chamber Connections

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

MARCH

16, Thursday: Chamber Connections at Marine Max Westbrook

23, Thursday: Women in Business Luncheon with Wendy Perrotti

28, Tuesday: Welcome Workshops (two sessions)

30, Thursday: Business

GPS: Deciding Where You Want To Go

APRIL

6, Thursday: First Thursday Business Connections

11, Tuesday: NonProfit Resource Council Meeting

13, Thursday: PLOT Meeting

20, Thursday: Chamber Connections at Bongo

Ron’s

25, Tuesday: Welcome Workshops (two sessions)

25, Tuesday: Women In Business after hours at SIP

Wine Bar

Women In Business

The Women In Business Council creates a supportive learning environment where women inspire women, promote the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, grow professionally, and strengthen their positive impact in the business community. Meetings are scheduled monthly - check the website for details. $25 members; $35 non-members. Luncheons are hosted at Penny Lane Pub, includes lunch. After hours are hosted at SIP. Find Page 6 for more information.

Business GPS

Hosted by Sharon Lewis, Business Coach and Owner of AdviCoach. Learn what a strategic plan is and how to prepare one for your own business. Participants will work on and take away a “BluePrint for Strategy” workbook and a 1-page strategic plan template. Two hour virtual workshop. Members Only. Registration Required. 12:00 - 2:00 pm

NonProfit Resource Council

Monthly morning via zoom with relevant speakers. Join fellow non profit individulas for an hour to learn, share, and grow! Free to attend at 9:00 am. Contact Tony Marino of the Rockfall Foundation or Heather Milardo of The Estuary.

First Thursday Business Connections

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

PLOT

Progressive Leaders of Today is a dynamic group of young leaders ages 21-40 who live or work in the Shoreline area. Offers opportunities to engage with the Chamber and community, build professional networks and friendships, advocate for local businesses, and volunteer to make a difference. Visit the website for upcoming meetings and event dates. Email Christa Maynard for more information.

Visit Page 15 for information.

Chamber Connections at Kevin Edward’ Gentleman’s Barbershop

Love or hate it, video platform meetings are here to stay. Whether in person or virtual, we create relationships by building trust- by being competent (doing a good job), honest (being authentic and reliable) and showing that we care. We can do this regardless of where we are interacting with people. In any situation we are evaluated on:

• What we do (how we present ourselves)

• How we look

• What we say

• How we say it

Interacting virtually, we have less physical and emotional connection, less feedback on how what we are saying is being received, and more risk that we are misunderstood. To counteract limitations of a virtual engagement, pay special attention to how you present yourself. Join the meeting on time and prepared. Make eye contact with your face fully on the screen (no foreheads-only or up-the-nose views, please). Are you well-lit or do you look like an anonymous informant? Is your background a distraction (let me tell you about the unmade bed networker…). Are you engaged and animated? Are you demonstrating that you are more interested in listening than in being heard? Think about who you need to reconnect or follow up with, build your virtual relationship skillset, and capitalize on the convenience of the virtual meeting.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and iconic charm of Saybrook Point Resort & Marina Learn more at Saybrook.com

Cha mpa g ne Di nner

Celebrate St Patrick's Day with live music from The Clan O'Cleary Band in the Choo Choo Lounge Come out for live music and a special Irish menu

St. P a tr i ck ' s Da y The Choo Choo Loung e

F r esh Sa l t Spr i ng Menu

The season is changing and so is our menu Join us for lunch or dinner and taste the flavors of spring

1st Place:

#26 Los Charros Cantina

FEST

March 4, 2023

2nd Place: .

3rd Place: .

Judges Pick:

Spirit of Chili:

Charity: Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries

#3 Fresh Salt

Charity: Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services

#13 Tea Kettle Restaurant

Charity: SARAH, Inc.

#6 Cloud Nine Catering

#11 Grossman/Pursuit of Pastry

Thank you to The Rockfall Foundation, who generously donated our compostable chili cups. As well as Blue Earth Compost, a food scrap collection service who provided waste stations along Main Street.

Spotlighted as “Giverny in Connecticut,” the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme embodies the artistic spirit of its legacy as the home of the Lyme Art Colony. From the impressive Georgian architecture of the home of namesake Florence Griswold, to the light-filled spaces of the Krieble Gallery, to the rolling riverfront landscape of our 12-acre site, the Museum is a truly special place that is privileged to serve as the home of American Impressionism. Explore the historic period rooms of Miss Florence’s boardinghouse and view work of the artists who painted the landscape and lush gardens, then walk the Robert F. Schumann Artists’ Trail to enjoy those very same views. There is something new to experience at the Museum in every season: whether it’s our Blooms with a View celebration of art and flowers in June, the Midsummer Festival in July, fan-favorite Wee Faerie Village outdoor installation every October, or enjoying the Holiday Magic in December. On view through May 14, special exhibition Dreams & Memories draws from our permanent collection of historic and contemporary art to explore these themes as drivers of

creativity. June 3—September 10, we present Object Lessons in American Art: Selections from the Princeton University Art Museum.

Café Flo, our award-winning seasonal outdoor lunch spot, returns May 2. Reservations are recommended for this perennially popular café: 860.434.5542 x126. Plan your visit and find a full roster of programs and special events at FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org. For general information & inquiries: 860.434.5542 x111.

Image credit: Robert and Nancy Krieble Gallery by Derek Hayn

Are you a young professional living/working in the Shoreline area looking to:

• Engage with the Chamber and Shoreline communities?

• Build professional networks and friendships?

• Advocate for local businesses?

• Volunteer to make a difference? Join Progressive Leaders of Today!

Upcoming Events

• Spring Causeway Cleanup - April 29

• Local Leader Spotlight - May 10

June 12, 2023

Enjoy a memorable outing at Fox Hopyard, one of Connecticut’s Premier Private golf courses.

Learn About Your Chamber Membership & Online Resources!

Do you find yourself confused on how to work the Chamber website, Chamber Master or any other online Chamber Membership Resource?

Join our new monthly Welcome Workshops! Take an hour of your day for step by step videos and instructions on how to utilize your Chamber membership and resources.

Bring your laptop, iPad, or tablet to work through the informational sessions on your own screen.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 28

Focusing on the Member Information Center (The Portal) and the Chamber Website.

Meetings are downstairs at the Chamber Office every 4th Tuesday of the month with two available sessions: 8:00 am & 12:00 pm. Available to current and new members. Free to attend!

It’s that time of year again! While many people focus on holiday celebrations and new year’s resolutions this time of year, small business owners also need to focus on year-end business planning. This includes both preparing for the new year, AND taking stock of the year passed. It’s a great time of year to reflect. Reflection allows you to step outside of your day-to-day grind and find meaning in your experiences. It helps you identify patterns, understand yourself better, and ultimately, sets you up to create more meaningful goals for the future. Goals give your company a sense of purpose. It can be easy to get caught up in the operations and forget why you do what you do.

Having goals to work toward helps to keep you focused and motivated. Include some marketing strategies in your goals - here are the two strategies I’m leaning into in 2023: #1: Grow your email subscriber base. Growing your email subscriber base is a guaranteed way to build an engaged audience around your brand, and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Consider setting

up a biweekly or monthly email campaign. The key to ensuring they read on is understanding that your message is not about you or your product. It’s about your customers and meeting their needs. The art of creating added value starts with the ability to see your business through the eyes of your customers #2: Build authority with video content. Video content will help increase brand awareness, and achieve a positive ROI on your marketing efforts. As a small business owner, video is your secret weapon to building brand authority and credibility as well as improving your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). I have created a business planner that includes both reflecting and planning to help you get both your business and personal goals set goals for 2023. Get your business planner HERE!

Wishing You good health, happiness, and success in the coming year,

Gina Johnson Holistic Business Coach Ginajohnson.co

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

Brittni Oxendine, National Financial Network

Brendan Redfield, WollackLewitz

Susan Taylor, Susan Taylor Agency, Farmers Insurance

Allan Thompson, CT Shoreline Home Watch

Staff

Judy Sullivan, Executive Director

Christa Maynard, Member Services Manager

Hannah Stella, Marketing Coordinator

Mike DeLisa, Bookkeeper

One Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

860 338 3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com

How To Get Your Ad in The Next Issue?

Look no further! This magazine will be viewed by many on multple different platforms. An everlasting way to market any event, special deal, or your business! There are three size options to choose from: half page, business card, and banner.

Ad Rates:

Half Page (1500 x 1000 px) $100

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 May 2023.

For more information, please email hannah@oldsaybrookchamber.com