Political Change in Groton?

Posted on December 30, 2017 by noankjailor

Groton RTM needs to be dropped

 Published December 29. 2017 4:37PM – New London DAY

 The Groton RTM was established to supposedly represent the citizens in each political district. In my experience since 1980, this rarely occurs. The only time RTM reps reach out to constituents is at election time. Therefore, I’ve had more effective results by simply addressing the Town Council directly by email or in public televised comment sessions.

 

By my observation, RTM members seem to have their own agendas. I recently tried to email one of their leaders and my email was quickly returned (“timed out”) by the receiver. I found out later that the email address was actually at this person’s place of employment because he didn’t want to be bothered at home by any constituents’ emails. True story! So much for representation.

I want to vote directly on town budgets with competent people overseeing finances. I consider myself well informed by watching Town Council meetings and reading the newspaper on a regular basis. I don’t want my opinions buried in a redundant, outdated RTM system that really doesn’t represent my feelings, much less encourage my participation.

I therefore encourage Groton voters to support petitions being circulated by “Groton’s Right to Vote.”

Ed Johnson

Groton, CT

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Dangers of Fracking Waste Disposal

Posted on November 20, 2017 by noankjailor
Notes from the Old Noank Jail                         by Ed Johnson     10/23/17
                    The Dangers of Fracking Waste Disposal
An educational seminar on Fracking Waste Disposal was given by Jen Siskind, a local coordinator for Food and Water Watch, at a community meeting in the Noank Baptist Church on Monday, October 23, 2017. She was introduced by Terri Eichel, representing the Inter-Religious EcoJustice Network, to a gathering of local Groton citizens and residents from the surrounding area. Not surprisingly, there were a great many questions and concerns raised by the audience…and with good reason.
Fracking, a short term for hydraulic fracturing, is a process whereby water, sand and chemicals are pumped as “fracking fluids” underground at high pressure to break up shale rock and allow the resulting gas or oil to flow into a well and be brought to the surface. Most of the fracking fluids themselves also flow back up; these are contaminated with very unsafe chemicals and naturally occurring radioactive materials, including radium-226 which has a lifespan of 4000 years.
Currently, for example, there are huge amounts of toxic, radioactive waste being produced in PA and then being shipped out to at least 8 other states. Because the process has been a boon to the oil and gas industry, naturally there is money involved for independent companies to “store” these waste by-products, which in turn becomes profitable as fees for the states and towns themselves. Currently there are already three such facilities in CT, including Bristol, Meriden and Bridgeport (where there have been several safety related violations).  This financial benefit might be a possible factor in explaining why CT has failed or backed out from passing restrictive legislation on such activity three times in the past five years. And while there is currently a temporary moratorium on any further changes in CT, nevertheless there are loopholes that could bypass some existing restrictions.
Other dangers involving fracking waste include the pollution of drinking water and air itself. Carcinogens in the fluids include naphthalene, benzene and acrylamide while other toxins affecting nervous systems include toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes. Additional contaminants include arsenic, lead, chromium, barium and strontium. And an accidental mixture of bromide with chlorine is extremely toxic if not explosive. As to past “publicity” on some of these problems, some of us might recall the film “Erin Brockovich” starring Julia Roberts which dealt with underground pollution of local well water.
It may come to pass that CT State will eventually pass HB 6329 to help control this problem statewide, but there are no immediate guarantees. However, over 25 CT towns and cities, including New London, have passed their own bans on fracking waste storage. It was certainly clear to those of us at the church meeting that the Town of Groton and other neighboring towns should do the same as soon as possible; contacting town officials directly was strongly recommended.
In conclusion, this short article does not do justice to the dangers involved with fracking, much less overall pollution. And the problem goes far beyond the philosophy of “not in my backyard.” The long range solution is obvious; we need to transition off of fossil fuels, with a target date of 2035.
Further, more detailed, information on these subjects can be obtained at:jsiskind@fwwlocal.org ,  www.foodandwaterwatch.org  andhttps://fwaction.us/OffActPetition
This article originally appeared in the 11/9/17 edition of MYSTIC TIMES, div of NL DAY
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Betty Brustolon remembered

Posted on September 26, 2017 by noankjailor
 Betty Brustolon Remembered          Notes by Ed Johnson
Betty Brustolon passed away on 9/19/2017, a few months after her husband, Gene. Her funeral is Wednesday, 9/27/2017 at 10 AM at our local Noank Baptist Church (NBC), with burial at Noank Valley Cemetery and reception following. Her Obituary was carried in the 9/24/2017 Sunday N.L.DAY paper on page D-3.
From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that it is very difficult to deal with the death of two family members within a matter of months. In this regard, by observation, Gene and Betty’s son Carl has performed very well in handling the family details. His actions remind me of his parents, as Gene was a strong-willed man and Betty was an equally determined woman with precision attention to details….especially numbers.
I met Betty back in the late 1970’s and 1980’s through the NBC after I got roped into working with some of the teenagers during Sunday School and various outings in the church van. At that point, Betty had been a long-time employee as a head teller at the local Connecticut Bank in Mystic, before it became Shawmut and then finally Bank of America.
Betty served as Financial Secretary for the NBC and, although very good-nature’d, she was perhaps the strictest person I ever met for accuracy involving the numbers. Legend was that on more than one occasion she cheerfully stayed up half the night to find an arithmetic error in a budget that was only off by a few cents….and always found the error!
Betty was equally diligent when she served as Membership Chairperson for the Noank Historical Society (NHS), overseeing the membership mail-outs and collection of dues. The benefit for the NHS was an efficient management of finances which contributed to a gradual increase of membership and greater reserves for building projects.
Where Betty was able to find the time to work and spend time on these and other community projects, such as Avery Memorial and Noank School PTO, I will never know. But her spirit definitely rubbed off on Carl, who has carried on serving as a Firefighter/EMT for Noank, helping with many NBC projects, running a part time small-engine repair business and working a full-time maintenance related job for Conn College.
When I think of Betty, I think of good-humored, unselfish determination……which lives on…..
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Saints of the Noank Baptist Church

Posted on September 14, 2017 by noankjailor
Notes from the Old Noank Jail                                    by Ed Johnson
                               Saints  of   the  Noank  Baptist  Church
A few weeks ago in this column, I wrote about the late Dorothy Steel of Noank and what qualified her to be a “Saint.” It has been noted by some folks that she would be “a tough act to follow.” But here goes…..
Again, the Oxford English Dictionary describes “Saint” as “a person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and regarded in Christian faith as being in Heaven after death.” Once again, local historian and retired minister James Pratt provided us with more  information.
In the 1940’s, the Noank Baptist Church (NBC) was blessed with the ” dynamic duo” of a sister/brother team descended from the shipbuilding family of Joseph Butson. His daughter Lois Butson married Peter Shandeor, who operated the Universal Food Store in Noank, while son, Sydney, worked at the store as a butcher before marrying Thelma Rodd and working until retirement at Sheffield Tube .
Separately and together, Lois and Syd contributed major energies to the NBC. Lois served on the Board of Christian Education (3 years), Nominating Committee (10 years, chair 4 years), Board of Trustees (6 years, chair 2 years), Board of Deacons (10 years, chair 2  years – as one of the first female deacons), ABCONN member (2 years) and in 1967 joined the Board of Directors for what became Mystic River Homes elderly housing. She also chaired the major NBC stewardship fund raising program in 1967.
 Syd served on the NBC Board of Finance (16 years – Secretary – then Assistant Treasurer- 8 years), School Superintendent (5 years), Board of Education (2 years), Board of Trustees (4 years – during major parsonage construction), as an Usher (10 years), on Nominating Committee (5 years) and Board of Deacons (2 years).  Syd was well known for his persuasive “arm twisting” abilities to raise money; he always had faith that “the bills will get paid.” And Syd discovered the church fire in 1959 that destroyed much of the building, where lack of discovery would have  meant total loss.
Both Lois and Syd served in key positions on the “Church Building Committee” in 1960 after the fire. Lois chaired the funding campaign and Syd focused on re-building the Sanctuary and assisting (arm twisting) with raising money.
Without the efforts of Lois and Syd, we might not have the “relics” that they have left behind. These include the NBC Meeting House, more financial stability, Christian education, community ministries, a Nominating committee plus a new  mixture of male/ female members on the Board of Deacons. So, yes, they both qualify as “Saints.”  It is not simply that they attended various board meetings; it was the positive spiritual energy, enthusiasm and leadership that both Lois and Syd gave those groups that have influenced so many of us since then. 
Lois died 1989 before I got to know her well, but my favorite memory of Syd and Thelma during church gatherings involved the hilarious family arguments between Syd and schoolmate Fred Clark as to which of them was OLDER…..as they bickered over who should win the “pickle dish” at the annual church summer sales auction…and then tried to outwit and thus outbid each other.
Ah, the “pickle dish”…..perhaps symbolizing a spirit of “sainthood”….but that’s another story, for another time, in another article…..

 

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Dorothy Steel – A Saint Remembered

Posted on August 17, 2017 by noankjailor
Notes from the Old Noank Jail                                       by Ed Johnson
                                      Dorothy Steel – A  Saint  Remembered
Although there are many definitions of a “Saint,” perhaps the best known is from the Oxford English Dictionary…”A person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and regarded in Christian faith as being in heaven after death.”
On Sunday, July 9, 2017, retired Minister Emeritus James L. Pratt led an early Sunday service dedicated to the memory of Dorothy Steel, who Rev. Pratt described as a “Saint” because of her activities while she was alive and very active in the Noank Baptist Church (NBC). 
Dorothy was born May 13, 1917 to poverty in Wells, England during WW I. Despite economic rigors, she had an adventurous, active imagination as a child. However, she eventually began dedicating herself to humanity and became a charge nurse for the Royal Eastern Counties Hospital in Colchester, England. Later, during WW II, she met Donald Steel, who had been stationed in England while serving with the US Army/Air Corps. They married in May 1945 shortly before the end of the War and moved to this CT – RI area where Don received his degree at URI and worked as a draftsman at Electric Boat for many years. They had two children, Heather and David, who both still live in Noank, have families and where David is also the Fire Chief.
Dorothy became very active in local affairs and organizations. She was a member and Deacon of the NBC, served on the Board of Mystic River Homes (elderly housing) and was most especially active as a board member of the Noank Baptist Group Homes for Girls. Her primary focus was on the Main Street House (MSH) girl’s residence, which (as she described it) “became the dream of some with foresight to make it a haven for God’s adolescents.” Her efforts to help the young girls were tireless and included weekly Sunday dinners at her home as well as teaching Sunday School at MSH.  She was considered, by all accounts, to be a community activist.
Dorothy became known as a person of tolerance, welcoming all people, as well as being humble…” I haven’t supped with the Queen of England…but today I supped with the King of Kings at the Holy Communion Table.” Yes, Dorothy was a poet as well as an artist and later became a renowned calligrapher.   Rev. Pratt presented  several of her photographs, paintings and calligraphy samples for discussion by our group, and encouraged reminiscences by those who had known her years ago. We came away with impressions of a sensitive, courageous person with reverence for life who prioritized  family, strong friendships, care for the vulnerable (including regular visits to prisoners) and living positively, regardless of one’s circumstances. 
 Sadly, Dorothy did experience two serious bouts with breast cancer. Rev. Pratt recalled visiting her in the hospital after one surgery where Dorothy greeted him from the bed saying cheerfully, “Well, what a pretty kettle of fish THIS is.” And her adventurous spirit (perhaps coupled with a desire to be near Heaven?) was evident when, at some point prior to Dorothy’s 70th birthday, son David took her parasailing with friends on Misquamicut Beach, successfully, behind a truck ! 
Dorothy Steel died in June, 1987. One of our group, Vivian Smith, had written a farewell to her, which Vivian read to us at the closing of our service. 
“This is a poem to you, Dorothy…whose love has reached out and touched so many…
   whose Christian faith has been a demonstration of hope.
 This is for the giving of your talent and time through busy hands and loving heart….
  Displaying strength and courage, losing neither humanness, acceptance nor curiosity…
  And so it is written for you, friend who has traveled  this life’s road,
   to leave your humble beginnings and become all you were meant to be…
   to find a new adventure, soaring with the sea gulls…living with God.”

 

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Fisher’s Island – “The Prize”

Posted on July 1, 2017 by noankjailor
Notes from the Old Noank Jail                     by  Ed  Johnson
                         Fisher’s Island – “The Prize that Got Away”
An illustrated lecture presentation was made to the Noank Historical Society on June 21, 2017 by Mr.  Pierce Rafferty of the Fisher’s Island Henry L. Ferguson Museum. It chronicled a tangled relationship to our Connecticut (CT) mainland, including border disputes, secession, annexation and “lobster wars.”
As a younger person frequently visiting Stonington during the late 1950’s, I viewed Fisher’s Island (FI) as a “rich man’s retreat” that had a convenient restaurant/bar near West Harbor. Those of us age 18 or older could  pop over to NY State from CT in private boats to legally purchase alcoholic drinks at the “Pequot House.” Such was our narrow focus of youth at that time…
As to previous history, from 1644 to 1646, an Englishman named John Winthrop found the Island primarily deserted, and began keeping some livestock there, treating it simply as farmland. There was subsequent confusion involving a 1662 Charter from England and a 1664 Duke of York claim involving Long Island (LI) and FI, but still recognizing John Winthrop as the New York (NY) owner of FI.
However, boundary disputes between CT & NY lasted over 200 years. In 1679, CT tried to claim it outright largely because of proximity.  During the war of 1812, the English forces occupied FI and it was considered “enemy controlled territory” by the Revolutionaries. Finally, in 1863, FI was purchased from the Winthop estate by a Robert Fox who operated it as a gentleman farmer and considered the island “off limits” to visitors.
In the 1870’s there were several of “illegal prizefights” on FI. Attempts to establish some form of FI transportation “trolley” system failed. In 1876, Robert Fox sold small land lots on the West end of FI, some existing today. And in 1880, there was a nautical boundary line arbitrarily established by NY between CT & FI in essentially the middle of FI sound. CT objected with bitterness and Stonington even tried to acquire FI on its own, to no avail.
In 1884, a large gun club leased a portion of the East end. Then in 1889, Henry Ferguson purchased a 9/10 portion of FI from the Robert Fox estate toward the East end. Attempts were made to exclude steamers and seaweed fisherman from approaching FI and in 1900 CT lobster boats were detained for invading NY waters. Legal battles ensued in 1902 and these continued with little resolution.
During the 1920’s, the Ferguson family sold properties for private estates on the East end and in 1926 a private clubhouse was created which exists today. Following the stock market crash in 1929 into the 1940’s, the HG Wright Militay Fort was established near the south shore. Following WWII, from 1945 to 1949, there were major debates again concerning the annexation of FI by CT involving Groton. Proponents felt it would be convenient but negatives leaned away from more police presence on FI. And during 1947, there were major fears of CT lobster boats taking over FI territory.
More lobster disputes surfaced in 1967 to 1971 concerning protected zones and  dropping lobster pots in unprotected waters. Then, during 1976, when the Thames River was being dredged for submarine usage, environmental issues arose concerning an off-shore dumping site West of FI. Years later, the FI Ferry service was charged after their boats had constantly dumped sewage into LI sound while traversing West Harbor and New London.
Today, in 2017, FI is still primarily a private enclave and the lifestyle tends to be quiet; celebrities and unbridled development are discouraged.  Population varies between 250 people in winter to 3000 in summer. The 50 acre Military installation still quietly exists and there is a small airport at the West end. 
There is no Mayor, but a Judge along with Planning & Zoning Board members are available, along with a Doctor and volunteer Fire& EMS services. The school population is circa 75 students, including a few from the CT mainland. Currently, there is no active hotel on FI, following the closing of the Pequot House. Electric utilities are provided from the Groton shore.
The Ferguson Museum itself specializes in Archeology, Birds, Local History, FI Land Trusts along with Trail Maintenance and maintains strong relationships to the Pequot – Sepos nature organization in Stonington.
“What is past, is prologue.” CT still looks at FI as the prize it lost, for now.

 

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Brustolon receives Community Award

Posted on July 1, 2017 by noankjailor
Notes from the Old Noank Jail                      by Ed Johnson
                                        Carl Brustolon receives Community Award
There was a Meeting and Potluck supper of the Noank Historical Society (NHS) on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Latham-Chester store in Noank, CT.
 During the business meeting, a recommendation by the late Dexter Holaday of Noank  was read into the NHS record by his widow, Mary Ann Holaday. Each year, since 2009, the Society’s  “Anna R” award is bestowed upon certain local citizens for their “extraordinary community service.” In 2009, Benjamin Rathbun himself was the recipient and the “Anna R” was the name of his boat named after Ben’s mother.
This years award, a painting of the Anna R, was presented to Carl Brustolon of Noank for his many service  accomplishments in our community. A modified  portion of Mr. Holaday’s recommendation follows below.
“Carl grew up here, went to Noank School, and is part of a well-established family that has been in active this area for over 100 years. Carl was a very active member of Boy Scout Troop 20 working on many projects, including placing proper addresses in front of Noank area houses to assist Fire/Police/EMS on emergency calls.”
“Carl has run a lawnmower & small engine repair business for many years which have kept Noank lawns and hedges looking good and provided reliable  emergency power when needed. For many years, he is also the one who places American Flags on the headstones of deceased firefighters.”
“Carl has been an active member of Noank Fire Co #1 Inc. for many years, always one to be counted on when the bell rings and the pagers are tripped. If you dial 911, you can bet that Carl Brustolon will likely be one of the first people coming through your door and standing in your kitchen or bedroom for whatever help is needed.”
“Carl is truly a native son who epitomizes the giving, caring Noank personality and empathy for his neighbors, a feeling that some feel has somehow diminished in recent years. I therefore highly recommend that he receive the Anna R award.”
These words about Carl Brustolon come from a good friend who many of us already miss very much. Perhaps we still think of Dexter Holaday when stepping into our cars that have his “NoAnker” decal installed on the rear fender…….

 

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Suicide Prevention (for Groton/Mystic TIMES) submitted 6/12/17

Posted on June 14, 2017 by noankjailor
Notes from the Old Noank Jail                                           by Ed Johnson
                                  Suicide Prevention Discussion Panel
On Thursday, June 8, 2017, the Groton Public Library, under the direction of Teen Librarian Jessa Franco, sponsored a 90 minute panel on Suicide Prevention. The program was formed to follow up on the popular Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” concerning a young girl who had left 13 separate tape recordings that detailed the reasons why she ended her life. Ms Franco indicated that the show “has become controversial for its graphic depiction of suicide and rape, as well as how it addresses mental health challenges.”
The panel itself consisted of three local experts to answer questions about the show and methods for suicide prevention. Dr. Robert Harrison of Westerly Hospital has over 40 years experience specializing in the Emergency Room and is a certified trainer for the Australian program for Youth Mental Health First Aid. Lacy Johnson is Director of Programs for Creative Potential LLC based in Montville, which supports families via integrative therapy using counseling and crisis intervention, specializing with tweens, teens and young adults. Michael McGovern is Senior Clinician for Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services (EMPS) which is a division of United Family and Community Services. EMPS provides 24/7 crisis intervention services via telephone, accessed by calling 2-1-1, with approximately 150 trained professionals in CT to respond by phone or within 45 minutes for a child experiencing emotional or behavioral crisis.
The panel was presented with questions by Ms Franco that were based on the above Netflix show, which covered a variety of topics. Suicide is the 2nd most common cause of teenage deaths. Is it possible to predict suicide? What are the common signs of a person at risk? How should you react if someone tells you they are thinking about killing themselves? What else can you do to prevent suicide? How do you start a conversation about suicide with someone you suspect might be at risk? Do you have any advice for teens who are worried about a friend harming themselves?
Comments followed in response to those questions and additional info was provided by the panel. 90% of suicide victims were in need of psychiatric help. The Tween and Teen years are perhaps the hardest time to grow up because (especially with social media bullying) information can come from so many sources. There are more suicides now during the middle school years. Signs vary considerably, but kids who are more quiet than usual, more passive, “not trying any more” with activities, using drugs or alcohol, going from being anxious to suddenly being very calm, feeling very “alone” can all be indicators. And if nothing else, if you sense a person is in difficulty, ask them outright and be supportive with their replies, allowing them to vent and not abandoning the conversation.
The audience was represented by several teenagers and young adults, along with older representation from the CT Coalition for Children, the Noank Baptist Church, a retired Board Member of Noank Baptist Group Homes for girls and a retired employee from Care Plus programs of Natchaug Hospital. There was an overall feeling expressed by members of the audience that there needed to be much stronger attention focused on these issues by the schools themselves, including increased staffing and more extensive training. This, of course, is difficult to deal with because of the current CT budget problems, especially for Groton.
The panel portion of the program was video recorded by the Library and is expected to be shown on the Groton Municipal Television channel beginning early in July. Because of the extensive commentary by the panel, we strongly encourage that as many of you as possible, especially if you have children, try to see the broadcasts. For this writer, the discussion was an eye-opener.

 

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Political Balance

Posted on April 21, 2017 by noankjailor

 

Notes from the Old Noank Jail         Political Balance         by Ed Johnson

Frequently, there can be relationship problems when one political party has a strong voting majority over another. We are experiencing this dynamic currently with the national party relationships, aggravated by unusual behavior of the executive administration. In fairness, there have been past conflicts when the other national political party was in strong majority. Either way, it can still be frustrating for many individual citizens who feel powerless to effect any control over what transpires.

However, here in Groton, we do have an opportunity to make an effective difference with local elections.

For several years, the Democrats have had a heavy majority on the Groton CITY Council, while at present there is an equally heavy majority of Republicans on the Groton TOWN Council. Lately, these two separate groups have been having budgetary disagreements which can be further aggravated by the forthcoming reduction in financial aid from the State of Connecticut.

By observation, it would therefore be more logical for Groton citizens to strive for better political balance on both Councils and there are opportunities to accomplish this during the May 1, 2017 (City) and November 7, 2017 (Town) elections.

We note that Republicans Harry Watson and Gregory Grim, current members of the TOWN Council, are now running for positions on the CITY Council; both men are city residents. Harry, a well respected, long time Town Council member and former Town Mayor, is running for the position of City Mayor, where he would be replacing popular Democrat Marian Galbraith who is retiring at the end of this current term. Greg Grim has strong Navy background and is running for a position on the City Council.

Both of these candidates bring their strong existing relationships with local businesses as well as the Town Council itself to the table. It is also in their own best interests to help the Town and City organizations work together more effectively, at the same time bringing some political balance to the City Council.

This move would also create better opportunities for qualified Democrats to run for Town Council positions in November. By observation, we had some well-qualified, hard-working people running for Council previously; perhaps they would consider running again. This would help bring political balance also.

So, this is to encourage City residents to vote on May 1st, and Town residents likewise on November 7th. We can make a difference if we vote….and can only fuss or complain if we don’t.

 

 

 

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Streeter History Room – Groton Library

Posted on March 28, 2017 by noankjailor
Notes from the Old Noank Jail
                             Groton Public Library – the Streeter History Room
                                                                                             by Ed Johnson
——————————————————————————————————-
A  large crowd attended the Groton Public Library on March 22. at a formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the James  Streeter History Room in honor of his donation of an extensive collection of historical material for Groton. About 200 people and seven speakers were present, including Library Director Betty Ann Reiter, Town Manager Mark Oefinger, State Librarian Kendall Wiggin, CT State Representative Joseph de la Cruz, Town Mayor Bruce Flax, City Mayor Marian Galbraith and Town Historian Jim Streeter, with a special presentation by Mr. Rob Zuliani. On display was an original copy of the 1705 State Legislator document approving Groton’s legal separation from New London to become its own Town.
During his speech, Mr. Streeter expressed gratefulness to everyone for the honor of the History Room being named after him. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Irma, for her patience and support for putting up with his historical material (“your stuff”) taking over large portions of their house, although she actually did develop an interest in Groton’s history.
Jim Streeter started gathering historical materials 48 years ago by collecting different Groton district and Sub Base postcards. He donated the 1600 card collection to the Groton Historical Society where it is  maintained at Avery-Copp House Museum. By the early 1980’s, Jim was bitten by the “collecting bug” and acquired “everything and anything” relating to Groton history. This included books, directories, maps, deeds, pamphlets, calendars, china, silverware, pins, coins, milk and medicine bottles. As noted, Jim’s “stuff” took up considerable space in the Streeter home, including several rooms, part of a garage plus his own active office,…normally used for his retirement business as a forensic evidence examiner. But Jim’s overall philosophy was that “the History of Groton, whether it be written, verbal or in graphic form, does not belong to one individual…it belongs to, and must be shared with, everyone.”
Therefore, in November 2014, Jim met with Groton Library Director Bette Ann Reiter and Town Manager Mark Oefinger. An agreement was reached to relinquish Jim’s collection to the Library where it could be properly cataloged and stored. Thereafter, Director Reiter and her staff, including Historian Michael Spellmon, planned to increase the size of the existing History room while including other projects such as an upgrade to the ITT/Computer Community section with repairs to ceilings, floors and the parking lot. Financing included a CT State matching grant, furniture donations from Pfizer and a major $100 K fund raising effort by the Library’s “Circle of Friends.” Those efforts were successful.
Jim has a distinguished career in Groton, including his education in local  schools. Following military service in the US Army, he became a Groton City Police Officer for several years which led to a career in forensics, where he is still active today. Politically, Jim served on the RTM for 12 years and was a Councilor and Deputy Mayor in the City of Groton. He was an elected Councilor for the Town of Groton from 2005 – 2013 and appointed to serve as Town Mayor from 2009 – 2011.  In 2010, he succeeded his local history mentor, Carol Kimball to become Town Historian.  He has authored/co-authored five books on Groton History and was a major contributor for 2 books published by the New London DAY. He authored weekly Groton Historical articles for the Groton Times for 5 years, and is active in providing lectures with visual  presentations on Groton History throughout New London County.
Groton is fortunate to have such a generous, energetic resource as Mr. James L. Streeter  and the History room at the Groton Public Library is a fitting tribute for all of his efforts.

 

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