Large Turnout for Successful ‘Community Connections’ Networking Event at Lyme Academy

Lyme Academy of Fine Arts Chairman Michael Duffy addresses the guests at Wednesday’s networking event hosted by Community Connections at the Academy. All photos by Suzanne Thompson.

OLD LYME — It was a glorious afternoon on Wednesday when around 70 community members gathered on the lawns at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme for the first ‘post-COVID’ event hosted by Community Connections.

Attendees enjoyed catching up with old friends after more than a year of semi-seclusion due to the pandemic.

Local non-profit leaders and volunteers along with a number of community leaders mingled outside under a warm sun.

Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold (in red shirt) chatted with the publisher of ‘estuary’ magazine Dick Shriver. Maryam Elahi, President & CEO of Community Foundation of Eastern CT (in black and white hat), also joined the conversation.

Representatives of Lyme Academy took the opportunity to give presentations describing plans for the future of the institution. Their vision is one of a vibrant institution returning to the mission of its founder and also becoming once again an active participant in the community.

Newly-appointed Lyme Academy Artistic Director Jordan Sokol addressed the guests. The new Executive Director of the Academy, Mora Rowe, is seated to his right.

There was enthusiastic participation in the presentations …

Guests responded keenly to the presentations.

… and opportunities to tour the grounds of the Academy.

Evan Griswold and Laurie Walker assisted at the event.

Refreshments, including wine and delicious Benko Box treats from Carlson’s Landing, were served …

Pollinate Old Lyme! Co-Chair Cheryl Poirier (center) chatted with friends.

Conversations continued …

Lyme-Old Lyme’s Food Share Garden President Jim Ward (center, smiling) connected with other local volunteers.

There was lots of listening …

Long-time board member of the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Ned Perkins (in pink shirt) happily discussed the success of the library’s recent renovations.

… to a variety of speakers …

Tina Birkic (in green), who chairs Community Connections, welcomed all the guests.

… and the event was deemed a huge success by the organizers and guests alike. Tina Birkic, Community Connections Chair, concluded, ” It was a beautiful, sunny day. We were very happy so many people were able to attend and reconnect at such a lovely location.”

Old Lyme Open Space Commission member Greg Futoma chatted with other non-profit leaders.

Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Pollinate Old Lyme! Co-Chair and Region 18 Board of Education member Suzanne Thompson for all the photos.