Michael and Merrily Connor, enjoying their little kingdom in Stonington, Connecticut.
For many, life’s second-act may look more like a snail’s pace kind of day at the beach with a little sunshine and a lot of relaxation. It’s meant to be the ultimate period of switching from overdrive to, well, no drive. Right? For Michael and Merrily Connery, however, they did shift gears, but instead of slowing down, they swapped the go-go-go of city-life for spectacular stony views and fields of potential. From the ground up, along the southeastern, Connecticut shoreline, the Connery’s built a wine lover’s paradise.
With style akin to those in British Vogue, the 70-something year-olds traded rows of offices and long careers in law and real-estate, for rows of vines and wine glasses. The creation of Saltwater Farm and Kingdom of the Hawk vineyards became the fruits of their labor during ages when most yearn for a powerful remote and comfy recliner.
Three of the winery’s most popular selections: Raptor Red, Wayward White, and their Pinto Noir Rose.
The couple met in college while living in Washington DC in the 1960s. After marrying, and moving around between DC, Cincinnati, and Bridgeport, Connecticut while establishing their careers, they settled upon the hustle and bustle of New York.
Many years later, in 2001, they stumbled upon 108 acres on the water in Stonington and began dreaming. The dilapidated, World War Two-era private airplane hangar soon became the home of Saltwater Farm Vineyard , the couple’s first endeavor into the world of vinting. They restored the hangar and began planting vines.
Being familiar with the North Fork of Long Island, which boasts a similar climate, the couple had an idea of what could grow in the rocky soil on their Connecticut property, however sought expertise. “Once the CT Department of Agriculture deemed our soil suitable for growing vines— where there were once fields of hay,” said Michael, “We then sought guidance from Steve Mudd, who’s considered the ‘godfather’ of growing grapes on Long Island.”
The rest is history…
Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard, Stonington, Connecticut.
Along with wine maker, Gilles Martin, part of Sparkling Pointe on Long Island, the Connerys’ began making wine suitable to the terroir and climate. The venue soon became popular, not only for wine-tasting, but as a sought after site for weddings.
With one thriving vineyard and event space, and nearly 20 years under their belts, they were ready for another project. In 2018, they purchased 50 acres of open land in North Stonington—a few miles from Saltwater—and opened Kingdom of the Hawk. With eyes always on design, the couple reimagined the idea of a classic barn for their latest vineyard. Steel beams, vaulted ceilings, concrete floors and its now iconic archway, are all nods to their first foray into wine at Saltwater Farm. The dramatic new structure is a showcase of sleek, contemporary architectural design, and surrounded by vines and the area’s rugged rocky vistas.
It’s no surprise that both vineyards check many boxes for weddings of all shapes and sizes. The venues strike a balance between intimate and expansive, and appeal to many with their natural, minimalist aesthetic and stunning views.
Sleek and chic against the night sky, Kingdom of the Hawk befits its majestic name.
Kingdom of the Hawk produces a selection of Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blanc, several Rosés, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, a Bordeaux-like blend of Cab Franc and Merlot. They also create another red blend, their Raptor Red, made with four different grapes.
Given the proximity to the shore, and the rich, locally-sourced options, the couple often pair their wines with seafood.
“Our Sauvignon Blanc is delightful with Ninigret oysters,” mentioned Michael. Or, with a lightly chilled Pinot Noir, we enjoy salmon from J & R Seafood, whether pan sautéed, grilled or baked it pairs perfectly,” said Merrily. “A favorite recipe with corn, tomato and shrimp is perfectly complimented by our Pinot Noir Rosé; and we are fond of a variety of Merguez lamb sausage which cries out for our Raptor Red,” she continued.
Diving into the world of making wine may not be the first, second, or any choice for people of “retirement age,” a construct many today, however, are choosing to flip on its head. But for the Connerys’, who’ve chosen to spend this time creating beautiful, community spaces for moments of celebration or just being one with nature, they couldn’t image this chapter being filled any other way. “Watching people enjoy themselves at our vineyards…” said Merrily, “We’ve come to realize is probably the best measure of success.”
Inside the massive tasting room, Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard.
NEW BRITAIN, CT — Stanley Black & Decker on Thursday said it has decided to close its manufacturing facility in New Britain.
Debora Raymond, vice president of external communications for the manufacturer, said the decision is a result of a “structural decline in demand for single-sided tape measures.”
The New Britain facility predominantly makes these products, according to Raymond.
“These products are quickly becoming obsolete in the markets we serve,” Raymond said, via an emailed statement Thursday.
The decision is expected to impact approximately 300 employees, according to Raymond.
“We are focused on supporting impacted employees through this transition, including providing options for employment at other facilities, severance, and job placement support services for both salaried and hourly employees,” Raymond said.
As of Thursday at 4:30 p.m., no Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice had been filed with the state Department of Labor.
The company’s corporate headquarters remains at 1000 Stanley Dr., New Britain.
Gov. Ned Lamont released the following statement on the decision:
“Although Stanley has made the decision to discontinue operations for manufacturing outdated products, a change in workforce opportunities is difficult for employees, their families, and any community.,” Lamont said. “However, I am hopeful that these skilled workers will be repurposed with the help of Stanley Black & Decker, a company that will still proudly be headquartered here in Connecticut. My administration is working closely with local and state leaders to support affected workers and to reimagine the factory site so it can continue to create opportunity and strengthen New Britain’s economic future.”
New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez said he is “deeply disappointed” the company will be closing its Myrtle Street operations.
“For generations, Stanley Works has been part of the fabric of our city, providing good-paying jobs, supporting families, and helping build New Britain’s proud reputation as the ‘Hardware City,’” Sanchez said.
According to the mayor, his office’s immediate focus is on helping affected workers and their families. The mayor has been in contact with Lamont’s office, and they will be working closely to make sure employees have access to job placement services, retraining opportunities and support, Sanchez said.
“We will continue aggressively pursuing economic development opportunities and attracting businesses that are looking for a true community partner, a city ready to collaborate, innovate and grow alongside them,” Sanchez said. “New Britain has reinvented itself before, and we will do so again.”
Stanley Black & Decker, founded in 1843, operates manufacturing facilities worldwide, according to its website. It reports having 43,500 employees globally, and makes an array of products, such as power tools and equipment, hand tools, and fasteners.
Newly released police video shows former WWE executive Vince McMahon ram his luxury sports car into the rear end of another vehicle on a Connecticut highway last summer as he was being followed by a state trooper.
McMahon, now 80, was driving his 2024 Bentley Continental GT at more than 100 mph on the Merritt Parkway when he crashed in the town of Westport, according to state police.
A trooper’s dashcam video shows McMahon accelerating away, then braking too late to avoid crashing into the back of a BMW. The Bentley then swerves into a guardrail and careens back across the highway, creating a cloud of dirt and car parts.
“Why were you driving all over 100 mph?” state police Detective Maxwell Robins asked McMahon after catching up to the wrecked Bentley, which can cost over $300,000.
“I got my granddaughter’s birthday” McMahon replied, explaining he was on his way to see her. The encounter was recorded on police bodycam video.
No one was seriously injured in the July 24 crash, which happened the same day that WWE legend Hulk Hogan died of a heart attack in Florida.
Besides damage to the rear of the BMW, another vehicle driving on the opposite side of the parkway was struck by flying debris. The driver of that third car happened to be wearing a WWE shirt, according to the police video.
McMahon was cited for reckless driving and following too closely. A state judge in October allowed McMahon to enter a pretrial probation program that will result in the charges being erased from his record next October if he successfully completes the program. He was also ordered to make a $1,000 charitable contribution.
McMahon’s lawyer, Mark Sherman, said the crash was just an accident.
“Not every car accident is a crime,” Sherman said. “Vince’s primary concern during this case was for the other drivers and is appreciative that the court saw this more of an accident than a crime that needed to be prosecuted.”
State police said Robins was trying to catch up to McMahon on the parkway and clock his speed before pulling him over. They said the incident was not a pursuit, which happens when police chase someone trying to flee officers. They also said it did not appear McMahon was trying to escape — though in the video the detective suggests otherwise.
“I’m trying to catch up to you and you keep taking off,” Robins says.
“No, no no. I’m not trying to outrun you,” McMahon says.
An accident information summary provided to the media shortly after the crash did not mention that a trooper was following McMahon.
The Associated Press obtained the videos Wednesday through a public records request. They were first obtained by The Sun newspaper.
The trooper’s bodycam video also shows him asking McMahon whether he was looking at his phone when the crash happened. McMahon said he was not and adds that he hadn’t driven his car in a long time.
After Robins tells McMahon that his car is fast, McMahon replies, “Yeah, too (expletive) fast.”
The videos also show McMahon talking to the driver he rear-ended. Barbara Doran, of New York City, told the AP last summer that McMahon expressed his concern for her and was glad she was OK. She said she was heading to a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard at the time of the crash.
After McMahon was given the traffic summons, he shook hands with Robins and another trooper and they wished him well.
McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amid a company investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He also resigned as executive chairman of the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE, in 2024, a day after a former WWE employee filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against him. McMahon has denied the allegations. The lawsuit remains pending.
McMahon bought what was then the World Wrestling Federation in 1982 and transformed it from a regional wrestling company into a worldwide phenomenon. Besides running the company with his wife, Linda, who is now the U.S. education secretary, he also performed at WWE events as himself.
The New Haven Pride Center will close for 30 days starting Thursday, as leaders reassess the organization’s finances and its long-term business model.
Board members said the temporary shutdown will allow the nonprofit to stop accruing expenses and get better insight into a $250,000 IRS debt discovered in 2022 that has weighed heavily on the center’s operations.
According to board co-chair Hope Chavez, the debt was found four years ago. The board let the executive director go and began paying the back taxes. The payments have been ongoing, but Chavez said there’s no clarity on how much has been paid toward principal versus interest, making it hard to map out a payoff.
Chavez said the organization has an attorney to help obtain more details from the government, and that the debt has hurt its ability to generate income during an already challenging time.
“It all depends on the political climate — whether corporate sponsors feel like they can sponsor you, whether funders feel like they need to redirect elsewhere,” she said.
The 30-day furlough will include a pause in services. In the meantime, staff members are compiling a list of alternative LGBTQ-affirming resources in the Greater New Haven area to support community members.
Laura Boccadoro, who has worked at the center for more than six years, joined at what she says was a dark time.
“I was in and out of rehab dealing with drug abuse, and the center found me,” she said. “I grew up here, honestly.”
She said the organization has offered vital services, such as a clothing closet and a food pantry, and programs that she is helping clients find through partner organizations.
“There are so many LGBTQ-specific or affirming spaces that have food pantries, clothing closets, healthcare — all those kinds of things,” Boccadoro said.
Chavez highlighted partnerships with groups including AIDS Project New Haven, Anchor Health Initiative, and Q Plus, as well as other grassroots community organizations that will offer assistance during the pause.
Boccadoro emphasized that the staff’s focus remains on serving the community as effectively as possible.
“Our job at the end of the day is to impact the community in the best possible way that we can,” Boccadoro said.
The Board hopes a clearer financial picture and a restructured business model will position the center to reopen stronger and more stable.
“We want to ensure that our community has the care and supportive services that we’ve been providing,” Chavez said.
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