Radio personality Teresa Berry says goodbye

Longtime radio host Teresa Berry has left Full Power Radio’s morning show on Soft Rock 106.5 WBMW, based in Ledyard.

In a press release, she declared herself a “free agent” after being a major voice in local radio for more than 20 years. Her last day was Jan. 15.

“She continues to do voice work for stations around the country,” according to the release, which compared her change of venue with that of Tom Brady, who won a Super Bowl last month in Tampa after leaving the New England Patriots.

She promised to head south to prepare for her next gig, and said she has received offers in television, podcasting and broadcasting.

“Go where the gigs are” has always been Berry’s mantra as an Army brat who was used to moving constantly while a child.

Berry left WBMW once before, in the early 2000s, to work at the River 105.9 in Hartford and at Mix 97.3 in Atlantic City, as well as WMGM-TV.

Berry in the release thanked her Connecticut listeners and co-workers.

“It’s a good time to reinvent my brand as a television/radio personality, having been voted ‘Best Of’ for many years in eastern Connecticut,” she said. “It’s fun to start (in) a new in a different location that lets you know how good you really are.”

Shoreline Leos receive 2020 service awards

Twenty-two members of the Shoreline Leo Club were recently honored for their community service contributions in 2020. Members gave a total of more than 1,700 hours last year.

Recipients of the Gold Award, given for members who contributed more than 100 hours of community service, include Nicole Burgon, Soleil Demars, Aditya Kabra, Avni Kabra, Ayush Mishra, Christopher Munzner and Eve Slemp.

Recipients of the Silver Award, given for members who contributed between 50 and 99 hours of community service, include Blake Biggs, Carter Chambers, Isabella Gesino, Ryan Huang, Jack Keating, Jamie Kim, Grace Liu, Anna Lu, Aiden Minogue, Devin Minogue, Gwyneth Minogue, Erin Munch, Emily Sevigny, Yurina Shirai, and Cheng Rui (Emma) Zhu.

All members are students at East Lyme High School, with the exception of East Lyme Middle School students Aiden and Gwyneth Minogue.

The Niantic Lions Club has granted more than 350 student awards to its Leos since offering the program in 2003.

Lyme-Old Lyme High School students receive state art awards

Four Lyme-Old Lyme High School seniors have received Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards for their work this year. All works are available online at ctartawardsexhibit.net, and Gold Key recipients will be juried at the national level.

Connie Pan received Gold Keys in both the drawing and portfolio categories, as well as the Best in Portfolio award. She received two cash scholarships from the Connecticut Women Artists and a scholarship from the University of Hartford Art School.

Olivia Bartlett received Gold Keys in the portfolio and mixed media categories, as well as a scholarship from the University of Hartford Art School.

Aidan Powers received a Gold Key and an Honorable Mention in the digital media category.

Marina Melluzzo received a Silver Key in the ceramics and glass category.

Lyme resident's antique car showcased in Hemmings

A national antique-car magazine has featured a car restored by Vintage Motorcars in Westbrook in its March edition.

Rich Willard of Lyme, who runs the antique car restoration business, said in a press release that Hemmings Classic Car has featured a story about a rare 1907 Cadillac Model M with special meaning to Vintage Motorcars. It was a car long owned by his 88-year-old father, Sam, of Old Lyme.

"My father had this car kicking around as far back as I can remember," said Willard. "The car needed restoring and my dad did some wood work but then it fell to the wayside. He was a great starter of projects but not so good at completing them."

So Willard one day in 2010 decided to finish the car for him. It took two years.

"He then took it to one show and realized that trailering this gem was not easy at his age," Willard said. "We then showed off the car in our showroom."

Bill Lillie, a prominent collector and family friend, eventually came along, saw the car and fell in love.

But Sam Willard was not so willing to let the car go. He still had an emotional attachment and didn't want to lose contact with it.

"So the perfect marriage was made," Willard said. "Bill was close by and would take my dad with him to some of the shows. He brought the car to shows all over the country, winning many shows and sharing each and every moment."

The article is available at hemmings.com/stories/article/rescued-elegance.

Marshall named to NAC board

James R. Marshall III of Norwich has joined the board of directors at the Norwich Arts Center for the 2021-2022 term.

According to a release, Marshall has a B.S. in mechanical engineering and is a licensed professional engineer. For the major part of his career with Southern New England Telephone and AT&T, he was a fleet engineer, designing vehicles for the communications network. He also taught auto mechanics to Bell System Fleet people for two years, and had positions in auditing, administrative services and real estate.

Since his retirement, Marshall has pursued his interest in the arts, starting with volunteering for First Friday, the former Norwich Community Theater, and Arts Cafe Mystic, where he has been the videographer for 20 years.

Marshall was a member of the Norwich Arts Center Board (2013-2015), programming co-chair (2013-2015) and is currently a NAC Volunteer.

The Norwich Arts Center's board of directors now includes Kris Nickerson, president; Faye Ringel, vice president; Ron Bates, treasurer; Patricia LaPierre, secretary; Carol Dunn; Thom Keaney; MaryKay Kelleher, Gallery Co-Op President Susan Scott Kenney; James Marshall III; Susan Masse; Mike Van Vlaenderen; Roberta Vincent, and Peter Leibert (emeritus).

The center is currently accepting applications for additional board members and is on the lookout for legal and financial advisers. Visit norwicharts.org/be-a-volunteer to submit an online inquiry.

Stonington grad earns marketing internship

Catherine Johnson, a 2017 graduate of Stonington High School, has been named a winter student intern with Tind-All Creative Marketing, based in New Hartford.

Johnson was recognized for her hospitality experience and active membership in marketing organizations at Coastal Carolina University, where she is currently a senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in marketing. She will be managing the company's social media accounts, developing monthly content and working directly with clients.

"Catherine Johnson is a hard working, energetic, upbeat and creative person. We are excited to have her join our team and look forward to helping mentor her in the marketing field," owner Deirdre Tindall said in a release. "Catherine brings a level of experience in the field of customer service management that we look forward to employing in our company environment."

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