Patricia Ann (Patty) Chaffee
(860)536-0051 ~ Seastar1013@gmail.com
RESUME
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
I have been passionate about writing all my life, but took flight with my first full-color spread in Cape Cod Magazine, and savored every moment of a five-year run in a newsroom as a features writer and columnist. At this time in my life, my goal is to write for publications that allow me to utilize my skills developed over more than 25 years of writing for local, regional, and national publications. I enjoy writing human interest features and have conducted hundreds of interviews over the years, and I am available to assist small businesses with their marketing needs. I embrace being part of an organization where creativity and commitment to deadlines are highly valued. With a passion for the written word, I write poetry when inspired, and am working on my first novel.
EXPERIENCE
Professional Freelance Writer, Groton, CT
1995 – Present
Published freelance articles in local, regional, and national publications which have included Seasons, Pathfinder, Cape Cod Magazine, Connecticut Business Magazine, Connecticut Magazine, High Roller, The Hour, Grace Magazine, and Cape Cod Times, among others.
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Received Excellence in Journalism awards (2016 & 2018) from the Society of Professional Journalists for stories in Seasons Magazine.
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A regular contributor to Pathfinder: a companion guide for the widow/er’s journey, a publication filled with informational & inspirational articles/resources.
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Written on a variety of topics including human interest, business, real estate, arts, spirituality, nature, travel, and personality profiles.
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Marketing and publicity for small business and non-profit organizations.
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Was a freelance features writer of Volunteer Spotlights for the weeklies of Sun Publishing, and Connecticut Business Magazine, as well as a features writer for special publications of The Day Publishing and Grace Magazine for Women.
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Published poetry in Cape Cod Times
Columnist/Reporter Sun Publishing, Westerly, RI
May 2006 to January 2012
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Weekly Columnist and reporter for The Mystic River Press covering news, features, and events.
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Promoted to Features Writer for all four weeklies of Sun Publishing including The Westerly Pawcatuck Press, The Charlestown Press, Mystic River Press, and Wood River Press.
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Generated story ideas continuously within a team environment with Editors.
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Proofreading, copy editing, and planning for each issue.
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Completed hundreds of interviews.
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Photographer.
Community Minister, Niantic Community Church, Niantic, CT
January 2008 – January 2022
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Serving the individual needs of a 500+ member congregation while supporting its extensive ministries.
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Successfully kept this vibrant faith community "in the news" through communications, outreach, publicity of programs, events, and newsworthy accomplishments.
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Maintained an ongoing practice of Spiritual Direction for NCC and through private practice.
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Heavily involved in the plethora of daily details necessary for operating a non-profit organization.
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Worked within a collaborative ministry team and supported several boards and committees of the church.
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In response to covid-19, created and produced 90 online videos called, the Itty Bitty Chapel, a short, mid-week spiritual reflection available on YouTube.
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Transitioned in 2020 to doing ministry on Zoom and adapting to innovative ways to connect with our congregation. Offered an online course on simplicity, and several videos in a series called Spiritual Tools for Daily Life, including topics on the labyrinth, spiritual direction, simple living, haiku, and collage.
Owner/Director of the Seastar Wellness Studio, Old Saybrook, CT
January 2022 – December 2022
Designed and built an 1100-square-foot retreat center to offer creative and spiritual programming to writers, artists, and seekers as well as a place to offer spiritual direction. I have been presenting retreats and programs since 2007 including Creating Writing a Life retreats for emerging writers, inspiring and empowering writers in all genres.
EDUCATION
Middletown High School – Graduated 1978
St. Joseph College – Two years
Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center – Internship in Spiritual Direction /Certified Spiritual Director
Salve Regina University – Expressive Arts Institute Summer Intensive – Expressive Arts Facilitator
Facilitator Training with author/speaker/ retreat leader/Jan Phillips
References are available upon request.
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