Mystic Woman's Club names new president

Shannon Lewis of Mystic has been named president of the Mystic Woman’s Club. She succeeds Sue Rieger and will serve for two years.

Lewis, a three-year member of the club, has also served as vice president and social media chair. She works as lead residency counselor at StoneRidge.

“I’ve long admired the work of the Mystic Woman’s Club, and my goal as president is to grow our membership base with community-minded women of all ages so that we may continue this organization’s rich legacy,” she said in a release.

For more information about the club, including its outreach programming and thrift shop in Stonington, visit mysticwomansclub.org.

Stonington Historical Society announces award winners

Larry O'Keefe and Marsha Standish were honored with the Stonington Historical Society Hero Fellowship Award, awarded at the society's virtual Cannon Ball June 27. The award is given annually to a community member whose dedication and service furthers the society's mission to preserve, interpret and celebrate the history of the region.

O'Keefe, a retired middle school teacher and Pawcatuck native, regularly contributes to the historical society's newsletter. He serves as the co-chair of the Irish Presence Project, researching and collecting stories of the Irish experience in Stonington.

Standish, a Stonington native, is a regular volunteer at the society's major fundraising events and has served on the board as treasurer. She is the director of assessment for the Town of Stonington.

The Cannon Ball Virtual Blast surpassed its goal by raising over $100,000, according to event co-chair Frances Ashley.

High bids during the online auction included $4,200 for a Borough Broads Bash progressive dinner and $3,600 for a barbeque at Little Pond Farm.

"The success of the Cannon Ball will be instrumental in allowing us to pursue our mission of preserving, interpreting and celebrating our local history," said Aimee Newell, executive director of the society, in a release.

For more information about the historical society, visit stoningtonhistory.org.

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