Cannon Square located on Water Street in Stonington Borough is a memorial to "the defenders of the fort." In 1814 the residents of Stonington Borough fought and defeated the British Royal Navy in the Battle of Stonington. The small square honors that victory and includes two cannons from 1814 that the town used to defeat the British.
The Niantic Community Church traces its roots back to the Colonial days, as it was originally founded in 1719. Today it is a federated congregation of the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. The beautiful white building hosts a variety of services and community activities, helping the congregation to continue its rich tradition.
Pine Grove Spiritualist Camp, otherwise known as "the Camp," was established in 1882 as a resort for Spiritualists. The camp is located along the Niantic River, on the edge of Niantic Bay. Visitors can schedule private readings or attend a medium's day, Wednesday or Saturday circles, or gallery readings. Workshops are held throughout the summer.
The principles of Spiritualism can be found on the camp's website.
In 1962, with former Department Director Joe Trapasso in charge, Branford opened its third coming of the "community house" on Church Street, just off the town green where community members could play sports, partake in activities and come together.
The legacy of Trapasso, who died in 2003, has been passed on to current Director Alex Palluzzi Jr., who has been serving in this position since Jan. 1, 1993. On any given day, you can find Palluzzi and Assistant Director Dale Izzo, Program Supervisor Victor Amatori, Program Coordinator Andrea Kenney and Maintenance Supervisor Marcel "Butch" Cote hard at work making things happen. "The benefits are endless," their motto reads, which you can spot plastered on the walls and vehicles of the department.
Of the many offerings and programs the department runs, it is the summer playground effort that Palluzzi is sure to highlight. The first of its kind in New England, the town utilizes playgrounds in the many parks all over town for children to play and learn during the summer. The parks and recreation website provides more information about this program and others offered. You can also register online for programs anytime.
In addition to coordinating programs, the parks and recreation department also maintains nearly all playing fields and facilities. Gov. M. Jodi Rell has recognized the department as a leader in organic field care, thanks to the fact that it has equipped most fields with irrigation systems in recent years.
On the second floor of the building, the location of Palluzzi's office, you can find the Branford Sports Hall of Fame, which has inducted 224 people so far. In 2010, Palluzzi was sworn in as President-elect of the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association. He will become president in 2016.
The Stonington Free Library is located at 20 High St. in Stonington Borough on the former site of the Wadawanuck Hotel. The library sits on Wadwanuck Square, a small park with benches and shady trees. The library is open to the public and residents of other towns may borrow library materials by bringing a library card from their town library. The Stonington Free Library offers a number of programs for adults and children throughout the year, including a lecture series.
Cornerstone Baptist Church pulls no punches when it comes to public declaration of its mission.
"Jesus Christ... the Chief Cornerstone," one sign declares. "Prepare to Meet Thy God," says another.
The church is nestled beside the Camp Oakdale Pavilion on Route 163. Its two wings border a large parking lot, with steps leading up to one level of the church; a handicapped ramp leads to a lower level.
This cemetery is large and open, with private tombs and family walls. Among a few other notable people, the parents of President George H. W. Bush are buried here. Putnam Cemetery truly is a beautiful final resting place.
The Cheshire United Methodist Church building on Academy Road was constructed in 1970 with an addition of a formal sanctuary completed in 1987. The history of the church, however, begins much earlier - in the 1830s. The original building on Spring and Main Streets was built at that time, for a cost of about $3,000.
That building now houses the Temple Beth David Synagogue.
Camp Harkness is a campground and beach on the shores of Long Island Sound. It features 102 acres of wooded land. The state park is exclusively for use by individuals with disabilities, along with their family and friends. Year-round and seasonal cabins and cottages are available, in addition to seasonal tent sites, horseback riding, a dining hall and an infirmary.
Celebrating 153 years of ministry, Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church holds Sunday worship at 9:30am with the Reverend Claudine Crooks.
Accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers, Groton Senior Center caters to residents and non-residents 55 years of age and older. The center offers a wide variety of activities and amenities, including a computer room, fitness room and full kitchen, and provides off-site transportation, arts and crafts, dance, quilting, card games, computer classes and more.
St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church is located near Regal Cinemas on the Cross Roads. This Greek Catholic church is open every day, from 6:30am through nighttime, for open prayer. Divine Liturgy is held on Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 10am. A gift shop carrying religious items is on site.
What was once a town controversy, the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library has become a meeting place for literary growth and community bonding.
When Stony Creek resident Willoughby Adelbert Wallace died in 1946, he left $93,000 for the construction of a library or for the Congregational Church of Christ to distribute unrestricted. After a heated meeting on the same night that funding was approved for the present-day Branford High School, the town approved to build the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library just in time before the gift from Wallace automatically went to the church.
Construction began in 1956 under the guidance of architect Douglass Orr. Also local to the area, Castellucci Brothers gifted all of the granite used in the construction of the natural-meets-modern structure. Both parties donated all time and services. Today, there is quite an homage paid to area residents by way of granite-sculpted benches commemorating the work of Stony Creek quarry men and a mural depicting Creek life inside of the library painted by local artist Robert Reynolds.
The library is a hidden gem in its secluded Thimble Island Road location and is a perfect spot for browsing, reading quietly or surfing the web. In addition to taking out books and media, library card holders can reserve museum passes, apply for a U.S. passport and use the notary service on site. It also contains the Keyes Art Gallery, which features monthly juried art exhibits.
This public park is a top destination for recreational activities including baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer and swimming. The 50 meter Olympic-size all-season community swimming pool is one of only seven in the state. The all-accessible playground was built by community volunteers. The free skate board park is popular as it's right across the street from the high school. A pavilion is available for rentals and the community garden provides plots for residents to grow produce and flowers.