The Litchfield County Times
By Cynthia Mann
August 5, 1983

Skitch Henderson Leads Musicians for Promotional Film

Warren - A television film crew on Tuesday afternoon taped conductor Skitch Henderson, a New Milford resident, leading a group of 30 musicians from the Hartford and New Haven symphonies on a hilltop overlooking Lake Waramaug.

The taping is part of a "Better Yet Connecticut" promotional campaign organized by members of the Governor's Vacation Travel Council. It will be part of a series of 30-second spots featuring Connecticut stars, in scenic locales, telling what appeal the state has for them.

Participants in the promotional effort include Paul Newman, Susan St. James, Art Carney, Eric Sloane, Oscar de la Renta, and Rex Reed.

The campaign is the fruit of Connecticut artist Carol Wallace's efforts, "from the hatching of the idea to the shoot," said Barbara Beeching, spokeswoman from the Department of Economic Development.

"Everyone has donated time to make this work," said Ms. Wallace, who added that the spots, produced at no cost to the state, will begin to air this month as public service announcements. Ms. Wallace hopes to then secure funding so they can air out of state, she said.

"Connecticut has a story to tell. It is one of the nation's best kept secrets," said William Mebane, an independent producer from Wallingford who donated his time to make the spots. "Working on the campaign exposed me to areas of Connecticut I've never seen or dreamed existed."

"I live here and I believe in the campaign. I was in on the plans from the very beginning," said Mr. Henderson. "I've been in this business over 40 years," he said, "and I've never seen such a variety of people as those who have agreed to participate."

The taping followed a barbecue hosted by Richard Combs, chairman of the Litchfield Hills Travel Council and owner of the Inn at Lake Waramaug in Warren.