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11/03/2022 02:03 PMWhether it’s telling people about an upcoming town event or promoting a local business, Old Saybrook’s Director of Economic Development and Communications Jennifer Donahue works to get the word out about Old Saybrook.
“It’s a little bit of everything” Jennifer says. “I do everything from outreach to business promotion to grant writing.”
Jennifer recently worked on an application for a state grant that, if awarded, would allow for major renovations in Saybrook Point and the reconstruction of an indoor restaurant on the former Dock and Dine property.
“Obviously, it’s trying to support local businesses, but there’s other things that go into it too,” she adds about her job. “A lot of it is getting people to know what’s going on in town and showing people that Old Saybrook is a great place to live, work, and play.”
Jennifer started in her role in May but has been working in Town Hall for over five years.
“I started out just doing freelance work for the Town, then I worked for a time in the building department, the assessor’s office, and then the selectman’s office too,” Jennifer recalls.
Jennifer says she had been acquainted with First Selectman Carl Fortuna who initially approached her about proofreading the town’s annual reports.
“He knew I’d had an editorial background and asked if I could help with the reports,” Jennifer remembers. From there, she began working in the different departments but when the opening for her current role came up, she says she was ready to take a on a new role.
“It seemed like an exciting challenge, and I could use more of my communication skills," Jennifer says of what appealed about the new job. “It was time for me to take a leap and change.”
Asked her favorite part of her job Jennifer says, “I really like the collaboration with all the different people I get to work with. I also get to a lot of writing and I get to focus on that which I like.”
That’s not to say there isn’t a bit of a learning curve in the new position, especially when it comes to communicating about complex issues.
“I think the hardest part is getting familiar with the zoning ins and outs and what goes into those parameters,” admits Jennifer.
One upcoming project that Jennifer says she’s helping to spread the word about now is the second annual Starlight Festival slated for Saturday, Dec. 3. The event sees the Town Green and Main Street turn into a winter fair with fun for the whole family. It culminates with the lighting of the Hero Tree, a tree that honors military service.
The event had a successful run in its first year in 2021, and Jennifer says she’s excited to see it return this year.
“After everyone was confined due to COVID, it was nice to have a way to get out,” says Jennifer. “Seeing the Gold Star families at the Hero Tree and seeing a lot of the fundraising that went on it really just illustrated the essence of the holiday spirit.”
Jennifer grew up in nearby Niantic but lived briefly in Old Saybrook when she was younger. Before working for the Town, Jennifer had a career in the communications field working for the Connecticut Bar Association for 11 years and even guest editing Connecticut Lawyer Magazine.
“I’ve always been a big reader and a big fan of libraries from a young age. I think getting to write is like being a storyteller, and It’s something I really enjoy,” explains Jennifer.
In her spare time Jennifer can be found by the beach, volunteering at school events, spending time with family, or just getting outside and walking or hiking.
“One thing I really like about Old Saybrook is that it has a really welcoming feel. It has a lot of everything from restaurants to shops to the beach or whatever you’re looking for,” says Jennifer.