Chamber Chatbook: Chapter 6

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

Contents

FEATURES

&

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!

8. 2023 Scarecrow Fest

Are you ready?

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

14. Community News Fall & Holiday Events

10. Chamber Meetings

12. What You Missed

September

October Event Sharing & Ask HR

Chamber Updates

16. Business Resources

16. Chamber On Tap November 8

9. Board Nominations 2024 Nominations Open

welcome welcome members members new new

• 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

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.

Ribbon Cutting at Luigi’s Restaruant’s Grand ReOpening

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

“Women in Leadership”

Thursday, October 26, 2023

“SWAN - Sleep Well At Night

Dr. Dorothy Martin Neville

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

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.

Sylvia Guinan

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

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.”

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

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

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

chamber calendar 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.

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 Sponsors? Join this roundtable discussion to learn what others are doing and share best practices.

October 10

Tony Marino, Executive Director of The Rockfall Foundation will be sharing business tips and how to move towards a greener, more sustainable organization.

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

“Sponsorships: Event vs Organizational”

“Making Your Organization More Green & Sustainable”

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

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 MEETINGS

5, Thursday: First Thursday Business Connections

10, Tuesday: NonProfit Resource Council Meeting

12, Thursday: PLOT Quarterly Meeting

18, Wednesday: Governance Committee Meeting

19, Thursday: Ambassador Team Meeting

October 19 High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

Enjoy a fun afternoon of networking with light fare and catch up on business.

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!

Bridging Businesses - Business Connections Hour in Old Lyme

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 www.osrotary.org

Pictured: Greater Old Saybrook Chamber Executive Director, Judy Sullivan and Old Saybrook Rotary Vice President, Nancy Morin

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.

Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation

This Summer the Old Saybrook Parks and Recreation (OSPR) made some major technology upgrades to six parks and facilities by providing free Wi-Fi. Working with the Town’s IT Department, Xfinity internet services were added to Kavanagh Park, Saybrook Point Mini Golf, the Vicki G. Duffy Pavilion at Saybrook Point, the Town Green, Harvey’s Beach, and Town Beach. Each network is password protected for security. Each network’s password is the name of the facility with the number “1” added at the end. For instance, Town Beach Guest is Townbeach1. You can find the complete list of network names and passwords on the Park & Rec website.

This summer also saw the grand opening of the Cedar Swap Disc Golf Course at Clark Community Park on Schoolhouse Road, with

two 18-hole disc golf courses to challenge players of all skill levels and a few courses that have unique water features. The department would like to express sincere appreciation and gratitude to Rob LeMire, who was instrumental in the development and installation of the course.

Looking forward, OSPR has a great line up of fall themed family fun programming. In October we have:

• Annual Scarecrow Workshop (10/7)

• Pumpkin Decorating workshop (10/14)

• Monsters on Main Scavenger Hunt (10/1410/30)

• 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat on (10/28)

To register for these programs and for more information on the department, please visit us online at www.oldsaybrookrec.com.

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” at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, Conn., is an early Halloween celebration for both children and their parents. Eastern Connecticut Ballet (ECB) will present six performances Oct. 28 - 29. The celebration kicks off with a sensory friendly performance on Saturday at 11:30am for families with children who benefit from sensory accommodations.

Dancers and audiences alike are in the spotlight for the “Spooktacular” since children are invited to attend in costume. Girls and boys parade onstage after the show, then trickor-treat throughout the decorated theater and pose for photographs with the dancers. The “Spooktacular” showcases several short ballet works that capture the spirit of Halloween. Artistic Director Gloria Govrin and Executive Director Krystin Dixon choreographed these three works specifically for the event.

“We’ve created a new tradition at The Kate, and children absolutely love it,” says Govrin, a former soloist with the New York City Ballet. “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” relates the tale

of a little boy who gets in over his head when playing with magic spells. The lively classical score was made popular by a scene in Walt Disney’s animated film classic, “Fantasia.” “Dancing Bones” features dancers as glow-inthe-dark skeletons, but the work is more fun than frightening. The hauntingly beautiful “Halloween Waltz,” with dancers draped in long white veils, was inspired by the music of Camille Saint-Saëns. ECB’s Ballet Spooktacular of years past have been a sell out! Tickets are likely to perform a disappearing act once again, so don’t hesitate to purchase seats! Tickets ($20 adults; $14 for children age 12 and under) are available from The Kate box in Old Saybrook, by phone 877-503-1286, or online at http://katharinehepburntheater.org.

Founded in East Lyme in 1992, the nonprofit Eastern Connecticut Ballet is the shoreline’s premiere schools for dance education. ECB offers an annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” (December 9-10, 2023) at the Garde Arts Center in New London and other family-friendly events year-round.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Post Your Fall & Winter Events on the Chamber Site

Time to get out your comfy sweaters, enjoy some pumpkin spiced treats, and celebrate this great time of year. Hosting a Fall or Halloween event over the next couple of months? Add it to our community calendar!

Start by visiting our website, oldsaybrookchamber.com. At the top of the page, you will see “Login” where you can sign in with your username and password. Don’t have an account? Email christa@ oldsaybrookchamber.com to get signed up!

After you login to the portal, you will see an “Events” button towards the top of the dashboard, which look like a little calendar icon. Click on it!

Then you will see a blue button that says, “Add New Event”. Click on this button and it will bring you to a simple form for you to fill out.

Fill out the events form with the name of your event, time, date, upload an image, upload your logo, pick the categories that best describe your event and more!

Make sure you fill out the “Search Description” and “META Description” sot aht your event will be easy to search for on our website.

After you are done filling the form out to your liking, click the “Submit for Approval” button at the bottom of the page. The Chamber will be notified tha tyou have submitted the event and they will approve it for the website. Don’t worry, if the Chamber notices a mistake or you realize you made a mistake, we can fix it! Just click on the “Events” icon and click on “Manage Events” or contact Christa to make any changes or upload any additional images for you!

No matter how festive or spooky your event is, we want to see it on our calendar. Start posting, today!

Christa Maynard Member Services Manager

Find Your Business Match with The Chamber!

Use Your Chamber Resources to Build Your Business

Do you find yourself confused on how to work the Chamber website, online Member Information Center, or any other Chamber member resource?

Held the fourth Tuesday of every month, take an hour to learn all about your online Chamber Member Resources at our very own, Welcome Workshops! With two different sessions, attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop or tablet to follow along with instructions. Session A is not a prerequisite to attend Session B.

Session A includes: how & where to log in to your Member Information Center (Member Portal), how to set up your account, edit personal and business information, and how to submit and register for events.

Session B includes: how to submit news releases and job openings, how to share member to member deals, how to edit employees in the Portal, edit payment profiles, and how to update billing information.

Welcome Workshops are held downstairs at the Chamber Office, 1 Main Street, Old Saybrook. Registration is required to attend. Free for all members. 12:00 - 1:00 pm Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 26, 2023

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.

Blue Hound Cookery

Chicken & Sausage Louisiana Gumbo

1 Red Bell Pepper Diced

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

1-1.5 lb Chicken Breast Diced

Recipe makes 8-10 sixteen ounce portions (128 oz)

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)

Photo: Blue Hound Cookery

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

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 $100

Business Card $50

Banner $75

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