NewHavenBIZ

28 n e w h a v e n B I Z | M a r c h / A p r i l 2 0 1 9 n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m FOCUS: Meetings & Events Standout feature(s): Pond view, entire 40 acres of property exclusive to event organizers e reaction of many (if not most) first-time visitors to ree Saints Park: "I never knew this place was here," says park direc- tor/caretaker Nicholas Timpko. Timpko has seen many a gather- ing at the beautiful wooded area since he came on board in 2000. In addition to two pavilions and a sylvan pond, the site also features a basketball court and field. e property primarily hosts weddings, but several corporate events take place here each year. Corporate clients, who come from throughout the state, have hosted picnics, conventions, team-building events and athletic competitions. "I think that the park is a good framework for a lot of different things," Timpko says. "e park offers you the opportunity to let your hair down, but at the same time conduct business." n Wine Press 118 Quinnipiac Ave, North Haven 06473 (203) 777-9463 thewinepressct.com Space: Main Room: 70 Standout Feature(s): DIY customized wine, family-owned and -operated business If wine itself isn't a "pressing" enough pretext to venture out with colleagues, the prospect of creating the actual wine might entice. At the Wine Press winery, wine making, tastings, grape stomping, bottling parties and workshops are among the activities offered for those look- ing to "work" in a whole new way. e four-step wine making process (crushing, racking, pressing, then bottling) can span 10 to 12 months, with participants prompted to come back also for labeling and designing the personalized wine bottles. "It's sort of like an assembly line," explains winery manager Lori Iannucci. "Everyone has a job...they have to work together." She notes business owners who have partic- ipated in the winemaking remark on how beneficial the activity is for team-building. ose looking for a more informal affair, however, can take advantage of the full kitchen, backyard grill and fire pit, and also play a game or two of billiards. n Escape New Haven 103 Whitney Ave., New Haven 06510 (860) 576-9997 escapenewhaven.com Space: The Crypt 4; Gallery 6; Space Station 8; Game Show 8; entire venue 2-27 Standout feature(s): "Collaborative puzzling" activities In this "adventure space," par- ticipants are encouraged to work together strategically as they explore and think abstractly. Challengers are placed in a locked room and required to solve a number of riddles and conundrums, using any number of hints, before allotted time expires. Ideal for team-building and bonding, the games require creative and abstract reasoning, along with some measure of physical dexterity. "It puts you in a new environment," ex- plains Escape general manager Cole Whitmore. "You collaborate in a new way that you wouldn't normally." If colleagues can manage to work together to break free from these challenging limitations, they can certainly navigate the typical workday. n First Congregational Church, East Haven 521 Main St., East Haven 06512 (203) 467-2907 oldstonechurchucceasthaven.org Space: Gym 200; parlor 100 Standout feature(s): Pre-Revolutionary War meetinghouse listed on National Register of Historic Places Situated prominently in the town center across from the East Haven Green, the church remains the oldest stone meetinghouse in New England, as its registry proclaims. Completed in 1774 (two years before the Declaration of Independence was penned, and 13 years before the U.S. Constitution was signed), it boasts a convenient central location and a spacious gymnasium with a charming performance stage (and handy kitchen access). e gym is host to occasional meetings, but many use the space for large events such as fundraisers. e separate parlor is appropriate for dinners and other festive gatherings, as well as more intimate get-togethers. "It's comfortable, it's accessible, and you're surrounded by histo- ry," says office manager Kathleen Giannone. "You get a sense of being a part of the past." With the unifying echo of its role in Connecticut's (and the nation's) history, along with its physical endurance, the Old Stone Church is an especially appropriate venue for those who value its history. n Picasso Parties 944 Ocean Ave., West Haven 06516 (203) 623-7173 picassoparties.com Space: Front room 50 seated/60 stand- ing; back room 30 standing; lounge two couches/love seat Standout feature(s): Wide selection of party craft activities, soundproof room, dance area, custom lighting/sound At this venue directly across from the beach in West Haven, event attendees can select face painting, body art, balloon twisting, guided painting and custom wooden sign making, among other party cra activities. Picasso Parties hosts business functions in the multi- functional (indoor and outdoor) space, but also will travel to desired locations for off-site functions. Its most popular event offering is the canvas painting party, and many companies host holiday and annual Continued from Page 27 Three Saints Park The Disability Employment Initiative is Good for Business "It introduced me to a whole new network of workers. These individuals are committed, loyal, and steady. It's been nearly 10 years since I first discovered these individuals and they have all contributed to whatever successes we may have achieved." Dino Maniatis, Owner of the Hornet's Nest Deli, Branford, CT. Miraj Medhat (r) was placed by the Branford Transition Academy, funded in part by Workforce Alliance and the Disability Employment Initiative. Contact Workforce Alliance's Disability Resource Coordinator about incentives and assistance to hire people with disabilities: Barbara Green (203) 867-4030 x 239 or bgreen@workforcealliance.biz Workforce Alliance is the regional workforce development board serving South Central CT. The Disability Employment Initiative is implemented by Workforce Alliance, through a grant from the CT Dept. of Labor's Office of Workforce Competitiveness. For information on the Branford Transition Academy, contact Jackie Dunn, Transition Specialist, at (203) 488-5000.

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