Gillette Castle’s latest structural improvement is big – and hiding in plain sight
EAST HADDAM — If you’re as observant as Sherlock Holmes, consider this challenge: Try to spot the latest exciting improvement at Gillette Castle. Even though the change is huge, it’s so well disguised that you might not realize it’s there.
For a clue, look up the slope at the Castle’s entrance. You’ll see a set of stone stairs and a retaining wall buttressing the terraces. Both appear to be as rustic as William Gillette’s eccentric, century-old home, nestled atop the “Seventh Sister” hill in Gillette Castle State Park.
But it’s all an elaborate illusion, in keeping with Gillette’s famous reputation for theatrical flair while portraying the fictional detective on stage. Those structures actually are new, disguising a modern, steel-reinforced concrete retaining wall nearly 200 feet long and incorporating updated conveniences and building materials.
“It almost looks like we didn’t do anything,” said Rodney Young, vice president of Baltic, Connecticut-based Mattern Construction Inc., which completed the project earlier this year at the park, which straddles the towns of East Haddam and Lyme along the Connecticut River.
In fact, Young hopes visitors familiar with the old wall and staircase don’t notice any difference between the updated features and their appearance from past years.
Decades of weathering and frost had rendered the original, dry-built retaining wall fragile and in need of persistent repairs. Replacement became a priority after a section collapsed a few years ago.
To prevent further deterioration and to bring the staircase into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including modern handrails, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) directed approximately $750,000 toward the project. It’s all part of a multi-phase funding package approved by the State Bonding Commission for improvements at the site.
Mattern Construction was awarded the first-phase project last year. As work got under way that September, Young and his crews knew they wouldn’t be allowed to change the structures’ historical appearance.
That called for careful coordination among Young; Mattern Construction project manager Heather Welsh; DEEP civil engineer Bill Coleman; Phil Yuris and Jack Hine, respectively the former and current park supervisors; Scott Dawley, supervisor of the state parks system’s eastern district; and State Historic Preservation Office representatives.
Stones that Gillette’s own construction crews had set in place in the early 20th century were removed, labeled and meticulously preserved, Young said. Then a significant challenge loomed when it was found that a subsurface ledge required demolition – but without explosives.
“We didn’t want to do any blasting because of the damage it could have done to the castle,” Young said, noting that the home stands relatively nearby. The solution was to have Young’s crews drill a multitude of deep holes into the ledge, then inject them with a chemical that expanded, cracking the old foundation into small pieces that could be removed easily.
A new, reinforced concrete wall then was installed on the same location and covered with a veneer of stones from the original wall. All of the original rocks and flagstones were re-used, Young said.
“The biggest challenge we met was the ledge,” said Welsh, who managed the project for Mattern Construction. “Everything else went very well.”
Young said he has handled many such projects over nearly three decades of supervising reconstruction efforts, but said the Gillette Castle work was particularly demanding because of the historical features that demanded preservation.
“The rocks you see are the same that were laid 100 years ago,” Young said, adding that the new wall is resistant to the weather conditions that had attacked the old wall. “It was very satisfying, knowing that we put together something that [originally] was put together 100 years ago.”
“We’ve had numerous compliments from the public about how this was done,” said Hine, the park supervisor.
Visitors aren’t likely to notice some other aspects, Hine noted – such as an updated method by which the stairway is drained of rainwater. Here’s a hint: The filling between the flagstones is a substance called polymeric sand, not mortar, and helps prevent frost heaving and ice from forming.
The work’s completion earlier this year ended the first phase of the state’s three-phase capital-improvement effort at the park. Upcoming improvements include stonework repair at the sheltered vehicle entrance and resurfacing of the terrace. The work, including the retaining wall and staircase, is being funded through a $1.993 million allocation by the bonding commission.
Hine said the use of polymeric sand on the staircase serves as a trial method for what’s being specified to resurface the terrace during the overall project’s eventual third phase.
“The reconstruction of the wall is a major improvement to the park,” said Paul Schiller, vice president of The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park, a nonprofit, all-volunteer group dedicated to the preservation, conservation and educational activities of the castle and its grounds.
“Given the grand scale of the work, we are at ease knowing that the DEEP and the State of Connecticut support the castle and are willing to allocate significant resources to preserving it,” said Schiller, who also serves the park seasonally as supervisor of public education.
“I am thrilled to see the positive change that comes with the wall reconstruction,” Schiller said. “After years of patchwork, it is now rebuilt to stand for the long term. Likewise, the aesthetic value cannot be understated. Looking at photos of the finished wall, it looks so crisp and clean, you can tell that it is not an addition but an extension of the castle structure.”
“The biggest compliment we could get is that it looks like we were never here,” Welsh said. “That’s what we hoped for.”
An online video focusing on the project may be viewed at youtu.be/M5VczCYctC8 as well as the “photo/video gallery” page at www.gillettecastlefriends.org. The video was made possible by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in partnership with The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.
Pictured are Jack Hine (left), supervisor of Gillette Castle State Park, meeting with Heather Welsh of Mattern Construction Inc., to look over the newly reconstructed staircase and concrete-reinforced retaining wall at William Gillette’s century-old home. The photo and press release are by John C. Sherwood for Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.
Free virtual workshops available for women to reclaim their lives and thrive after abuse
AREA — Supported by Connecticut Alliance for Victim of Violence and Their Families Inc. (CT-ALIVE), a West Hartford non-profit organization and sponsored by Hartford Health Care (HHC), My Avenging Angel WorkshopsTM will be offered virtually and free of charge this fall. Conducted by Susan M. Omilian of West Hartford, the workshops award-winning originator and facilitator, the two-day workshops are described by participants as “life-changing” and providing a critical “next step” for women to permanently break the cycle of violence and “thrive” after domestic violence, sexual assault or other abuse.
Each workshop will be in two sessions, one on Saturday, Oct. 10 and 24, and the other on Saturday, Nov. 7 and 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants should plan to attend both sessions of each workshop. While the workshops are free of charge, advanced registration is required by calling HHC at 1-855-442-4373. An invite to the ZOOM sessions will be sent to participants following registration.
Omilian is an attorney and author who has worked as an advocate for women who have been abused for over forty years. Her books, Entering the Thriver Zone, Staying in the Thriver Zone and Living in the Thriver Zone set forth the motivational guidance she has successfully used in her workshops since 2001.
“My workshops help women who have survived domestic violence, sexual assault or other abuse to discover their hidden talents, bring positive energy into their lives and set new, short and long-term goals for themselves and their children,” said Omilian.
She conducts the workshops in memory of her nineteen-year old niece Maggie who was killed in 1999 by her ex-boyfriend at a college in Michigan.
“Maggie didn’t live beyond her moment of realizing she was being abused,” says Omilian. “Now I work with women so they can do more than just survive abuse. I want them to find the daring, exciting and creative futures they so richly deserve.”
For more information about the workshops, contact Susan Omilian at 860-236-2401 or by email at susanom@comcast.net or visit www.myavengingangel.com and www.thriverzone.com. More information about CT-ALIVE is at www.ct-alive.org.
College names local resident to dean’s list
CANTON, N.Y. — Bryan J. McLennan of Windsor Locks has been selected for inclusion on St. Lawrence University’s Dean’s List for academic achievement during the spring 2020 semester. McLennan is a member of the class of 2022 and is majoring in economics. McLennan attended Suffield Academy.
Night Fall showcases Anne Cubberly’s giant puppets in free virtual event
AREA — Night Fall, one of Hartford’s most beloved community traditions, transitions to the screen for its ninth annual presentation. Up to this point, the show has been an outdoor live spectacular staged in one of Hartford’s city parks. As 2020 proves to be anything but normal, artist Anne Cubberly’s vision for a seasonal performance has been recast as Night Fall 2020 – The Movie, a film that will drop online at NightFallHartford.org and on Night Fall’s social media channels. The complete program will also air on Hartford Public Access Television (HPATV) Channels 5 and 95.
This creatively reenvisioned approach to Night Fall is being released on the event’s originally-scheduled date of Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., and will be available for the public’s enjoyment thereafter. The show will also air throughout October on HPATV’s Education Access Channel 95. As in previous years, Night Fall 2020 – The movie is free and open to all. The show is suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed regardless of the viewer’s primary language.
The multi-talented and multicultural performers of Night Fall are taking the creative wheel this year. Individual scenes are being conceived of and produced by Deve-Ann Bennett and Deje Bennett, Anne Cubberly, Jakar Hankerson, Justin Hughes and Ginette Christie, FriendZWorldMusic, Julia Pistell and Greg Ludovici, Savana Jones, LB Muñoz, Erica Nelson, and Casey Grambo. There is original music arranged by Jus Hues, Angel Thompson, and Antwan Matthews.
These Hartford-area artists are using Cubberly’s breathtaking costumes, masks, and puppets to create an all-new experience specifically to be enjoyed on a screen. Night Fall 2020 – The Movie will feature original music, dance, comedic sequences, and awe-inspiring spectacle. Performers include Anya Belladonna, Deve-Ann Bennett, Deje Bennett, Ginette Christie, Mellissa Craig, Mamadou Dieme, Chantal Edwards, John Fuentes, Casey Grambo, Curtis Greenidge, Kyle Grimm, Jakar Hankerson, Gerard Hector, Jus Hues, Asaad Jackson, Savana Jones, Rosanna Karabetsos, Kunzika, Greg Ludovici, Kalob Martinez, Loren Milledge, Stephanie Moreland, Erica Nelson, Julia Pistell, Angel Thompson, Lael Marie Williams, and FriendZWorldMusic.
The project is being filmed by Miceli Productions with the virtual audience experience provided through CulturVision by Free Center.
As Night Fall audiences have come to expect, this outdoor spectacular highlights a different Hartford park each year. Originally planned to be mounted in Keney Park, Night Fall 2020 – The Movie and its associated community programs will still highlight the historic park in Hartford’s North End and Hartford’s vital and lively neighborhoods.
Night Fall probes the mysteries of seasonal transition and change. The evening’s climax, a final ritual procession of lanterns, symbolizes an ending of the fall season and a welcoming to the winter season soon to come.
In keeping with Anne Cubberly’s vision for sharing creative opportunities with Hartford, Night Fall’s community outreach program led by Lauren Little will include free workshops, neighborhood puppet appearances, and fun recommendations for viewing party ideas and DIY costumes. Visit NightFallHartford.org for more information.
Windsor Locks Library is open again, hosting events
WINDSOR LOCKS — The Windsor Locks Library, 28 Main St., is open again. Overdrive allows patrons to take out ebooks and audiobooks for free. Temporary library cards work as well. Visit www.windsorlockslibrary.org and click on the icon at the right side of the page. Email wlpl@libraryconnection.info or call 860-627-1495 with questions.
Current hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. All patrons must wear a mask and observe social distancing while in the library.
Outside Story Time, Superheroes: The Windsor Locks Library is hosting a superhero story time on the library lawn on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 10:30 a.m. Bring a picnic blanket and a snack. Children are welcome to come in superhero costumes. Best for ages 2 to 4. No registration is required.
A superhero hunt for ages 4 to 12 will take place on the library lawn. Parents can pick up a clue sheet and map at the library from Monday, Sept. 28, to Friday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or they may print it from the website.
Come after school or on the weekend, while the library is closed, and hunt for superheroes. Parents can bring in the completed sheet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to get a prize or you can email jfrankel@libraryconnection.info to set up a time. No registration is required.
Need help deciphering social media? Want a few tips for online shopping and entertainment? The Windsor Locks Public Library has what you need. TechBoomers is a website that offers all kinds of tools and reviews for learning how to use social media, navigate online shopping and more. Visit www.windsorlockslibrary.org to access TechBoomers.
Hartford Public Library and Hartford Stage announce new book club
HARTFORD — Hartford Public Library and Hartford Stage invite the community to a new book club, called “Deep Appreciation,” a heart-led gathering featuring live readings, interactive dialogue and reflections on fiction and poetry by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) authors, past and present.
The book club will meet quarterly to discuss the selection with teens and adults, as well as provide a family friendly book pairing for those who wish to continue the conversation at home. Everyone is welcome. To register, visit https://www.hplct.org/books-media-more/book-clubs-discussions or call 860-695-6320.
“Among the many values Hartford Stage and Hartford Public Library share is empathy,” said Bridget Quinn-Carey, HPL’s president and CEO. “We believe that cultivating understanding between people, and then acting on what is learned, is a fundamental good. That’s why this book club project is exciting to me – it’s an opportunity for people to engage with great literature with an open heart and an open mind.”
The meeting schedule is as follows: Nov. 19, to discuss “Red to the Bone” by Jaqueline Woodson and “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers; and Jan. 21, April 29 and July 22.
The club meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on each date noted. Book selections for the 2021 dates will be announced at a later date.
The book club was inspired by Black Lives Matter activists and by Black author Jasmine Guillory and will honor BIPOC stories of joy, grief, healing, sorrow, and love. In this spirit, the book club will live by a shared set of values, including committing to the practice of anti-racism in its gatherings.
“As two neighboring institutions dedicated to amplifying storytelling and storytellers on our bookshelves and on our stage, we are thrilled to have found a new way to come together,” said Melia Bensussen, Hartford Stage’s artistic director. “We are looking forward to the inspiration and insight we will gain from the writings we will share, helping us to forge new connections, and to better know ourselves and each other at this challenging time.”
Windsor Human Relations Commission announces food drive
WINDSOR — Judge Kevin Washington, Chairman of the Town of Windsor Human Relations Commission, announced a food and hand sanitizer drive to benefit Windsor Public Schools and other local organizations. The drive will be social-distancing-friendly and contactless.
Donations of canned food and hand sanitizer will be accepted on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at the L. P. Wilson Community Center, 599 Matianuck Ave. Visit www.townofwindsorct.com to learn more about the Human Relations Commission and its goals.
East Granby Public Library, Land Trust unveil new story trail
EAST GRANBY — The first Story Trail in East Granby opened at the East Granby Land Trust’s Ian Clark Preserve. Visit https://www.ctmq.org/east-granby-land-trust-trails-intro/ for more information on the preserve.
Family hikers are welcome to explore this 1/2-mile loop and enjoy the story, “When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree,” written by local Suffield author Jamie L. B. Deenihan and illustrated by Lorraine Rocha. This story trail helps build children’s interest in reading, while encouraging healthy outdoor activity for children and their families.
The book is about making the best out of an unwanted situation, about finding the silver lining, working hard, connecting with community, and helping others along the way. Deenihan wrote this book while her husband, Ricky, was battling with cancer. Sadly, Ricky passed away recently. To honor Ricky and other brain cancer patients and childhood cancer patients everywhere, gold and silver ribbons have been hung from each story post. You will also see gold and silver ribbons incorporated into the story’s illustrations. And in gratitude for the Story Trail and in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September), the author donated 20 signed copies of her book to childhood cancer patients at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, on behalf of the East Granby Public Library and the East Granby Land Trust.
The Story Trail will be on display now and until the end of November 2020 at the East Granby Land Trust’s Ian Clark Preserve, located directly across from 140 Kimberly Road. The Story Trail is brought to you by the East Granby Public Library and the East Granby Land Trust.
Phelps-Hatheway House presents ‘Women in the Revolution’
SUFFIELD — Women in the Revolution, presented by Heather Prescott, Professor of History at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, will take place at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, 55 South Main St., on Thursday, Oct. 15.
For more information on the event and the time, visit www.ctlandmarks.org, www.facebook.com/PhelpsHathewayHouseAndGarden, call 860-668-0055 or email phelps.hatheway@ctlandmarks.org.
Windsor Locks Senior Center releases update
WINDSOR LOCKS — The Windsor Locks Senior Center has resumed limited transportation services. Visit www.townofwindsorlocks.org for a detailed schedule and safety procedures.
Tai Chi: Every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Join instructor Cher Christman and learn about the benefits of this meditation in motion.
Coffee Hour: 11 a.m. every Thursday. Bring a lawn chair and a beverage and enjoy conversation with friends.
Center Trips: Check the current newsletter available online for charter trip updates. There are no casino bus trips until further notice. Casinos are not accepting charter bus patrons at this time.
Suffield residents may be eligible for Meals-on-Wheels
SUFFIELD — Qualified homebound Suffield seniors and those fearful of leaving their home during COVID-19 and who are at least age 60 can receive healthy lunches and dinners delivered to their door. Meals are diet specific.
A $2.50 donation per meal is suggested by CRT to help cover costs. New safety precautions have been implemented to eliminate any need for direct person-to-person contact. Call Suffield Community Aid at 860-668-1986 for more information.
Memory Café goes virtual, helps those with early to moderate memory loss
SUFFIELD — The Memory Café is going virtual. Are you or a loved one experiencing early to moderate memory loss? Everyone is welcome to participate in the Memory Café for fun, information, resources, and the sharing of ideas. Call Suffield Community Aid’s Pat Beeman at 860-668-1986.
Suffield Community Aid offering school supplies to those in need
SUFFIELD — Thanks to the generosity of community members, Suffield Community Aid has backpacks, school supplies and gift cards to help parents prepare their child or children for the school year. Call 860-668-1986 to see if you qualify. All services are discreet and confidential.
Dementia caregiver virtual support group taking place
SUFFIELD — A dementia caregiver virtual support group meets the last Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. The group is led by a trained Alzheimer’s Association facilitator, Nicole Matson of Home Helpers of Central CT. Call Nicole for instructions on how to join. Nicole’s email is nmatson@homehelpershomecare.com or you may call 860-810-6123. Suffield residents can call 860-668-1986 for more info or to arrange respite so the caregiver can participate.
