Community News for Lyme and Old Lyme, CT
OLD LYME — Play Beach Blanket Bingo Tuesday evening, July 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at White Sand Beach.
This event is hosted by Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB).
Bring your beach blanket, chairs and bug spray. No food will be served.
This event is open to all Lyme and Old Lyme families.
Check LymeLine.com or the LYSB website after 5 p.m. on the day of the event for possible weather postponements.
The Old Lyme Town Band will give a free concert Thursday evening at Sound View.
OLD LYME — The Town of Old Lyme and the Sound View Commission are sponsoring family-friendly concerts at Sound View Beach this summer.
The first concert in the 2021 series will be held Thursday, July 8, and feature the Old Lyme Town Band. The free outdoor concerts will take place from 7 through 8.30 p.m., near the flag pole at the end of Hartford Ave. at Sound View Beach.
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and settle in for a lovely evening of sunset music. The band plays a little bit of everything from marches, movie-themed medleys, and jazz, to big band, pop, and classical. Everyone is welcome to attend these family-friendly events.
The rain location for this concert is the Shoreline Community Center on Hartford Ave.
The original Old Lyme Town Band existed from 1886 to 1910. The band members practiced in the “Band Room,” a building on the corner of Shore and Ferry Roads that has since been converted to a residence.
In the summer of 1975, Michele Smith Dickey, a granddaughter of one of the original band members, re-formed the band in anticipation of the US bicentennial celebration. Dickey took lessons on a trombone, which reputedly belonged to a member of the original Old Lyme Town Band.
Donald Janse, then director of cadet musical activities at the US Coast Guard Academy and past director of the Coast Guard Band, was the first conductor of the modern band.
In this photo from a previous year, the parade heads down McCurdy Rd. towards the Duck River Cemetery. (File photo)
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Memorial Day Parade will kick off from the Lyme Street Firehouse at 11 a.m. Monday and continue to the Duck River Cemetery where appropriate ceremonies will be held to honor our fallen Veterans hosted by VFW Post 1467.
There will be marchers from Old Lyme including the Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) High and Middle School bands and several others.
The New London Firefighters Pipes & Drums along with the Deep River Drum Corps will also participate.
Contingencies from the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard will support the parade with vehicles from the Army National Guard Firefighter Detachment and a C-130 flyover by the Air National Guard.
Unlike previous years, there will be no homily delivered by Mervin Roberts since Mr. Roberts passed away Dec. 30, 2020.
Although initially, no parking was planned along the parade route, that has now been changed in line with the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions that came into effect recently.
If inclement weather prevails, the ceremonies will be moved inside to the LOL Middle School auditorium.
Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) invites any youth in Lyme and Old Lyme, who are not already participating in this year’s Memorial Day parade down Lyme St. and McCurdy Rd., to join the parade and march with them.
The organization’s tag-line for the event is, “Everyone belongs at LYSB!”
Decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers … basically anything with wheels (but nothing that is motorized) and then join the fun!
Meet at the corner of the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School tennis courts (behind the large illuminated “Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools” sign) at 10:30 a.m.
to all moms — and all those fulfilling the role of mom — everywhere! And special thoughts to all those missing their moms today ….
To celebrate the power of mothers and motherhood, here are some of our favorite — and most thought-provoking — quotes:
“Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.” – Barbara Kingsolver
“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” – Maya Angelou
“Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy.” – Tina Fey
“[My mother] had handed down respect for the possibilities—and the will to grasp them.” – Alice Walker
“Having kids—the responsibility of rearing good, kind, ethical, responsible human beings—is the biggest job anyone can embark on.” – Maria Shriver
“[Motherhood is] the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary—it’s an act of infinite optimism.” – Gilda Radner
“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” – Robert Browning
OLD LYME — Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) and the Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Prevention Coalition host the next Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lyme Street Fire House, 69 Lyme St., Old Lyme.
This event will give residents another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
This event is free and anonymous — no questions asked.
Since the first Lyme-Old Lyme ‘Drug Take-Back’ event in 2011, citizens have returned more than 700 pounds of medications to prevent misuse.
Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinets.
Sadly, prescription drug abuse is on the rise among adults and youth, so this is a welcome opportunity to dispose of your unwanted medications.
In addition to LYSB and the LOL Prevention Coalition, this event is co-sponsored by Old Lyme Police Department, Troop F State Police, and the Old Lyme Fire Department.
For more information about Drug Take-Back Day, contact LYSB at 860-434-7208 or visit www.lysb.org
Registration for Kindergarten in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools for the fall of 2021 is now open at Lyme Consolidated School and Mile Creek School.
Children who will be five-years-old on or before Jan. 1, 2022 are eligible to register for the 2021 Kindergarten class.
Registration packets may be picked up at either school.
When the registration forms are fully completed, call the school to make an appointment to register your child. In view of the COVID-19 situation, it is preferred that only one family member come to the registration appointment.
The following are also required at your registration appointment:
If you would like additional information, call either school at these numbers:
Lyme-Old Lyme Schools look forward to welcoming your child to their community.
OLD LYME — The Town of Old Lyme Public Works Department will pick up Christmas trees in Old Lyme from Tuesday, Jan. 19, through Friday, Jan. 22.
If you would like the Town to pick up your tree, you are requested to have it curbside by 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
There will be no return trips for curbside pick-up.
Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash.
We wish all our readers, advertisers and friends a very Happy New Year 2021.
We hope it brings you and yours peace, good health and happiness.
We thank you sincerely for your support through the challenging year of 2020 and look forward to continuing to serve you in what we hope is a far better 2021!
Faith Leitner will play her harp Thursday afternoon in the Florence Griswold Museum as she celebrates, “An Ode to the New Year.”
OLD LYME — Listen to the sounds of yesteryear on the eve of a new year Thursday, Dec. 31, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.
Faith Leitner will play a variety of songs in an Ode to the New Year filling the Krieble Galleries with the beautiful sounds of the harp, which was one of Miss Florence’s favored instruments.
Visitors can also see the actual harp that Miss Florence’s father brought back for her from England in the Florence Griswold House. She cherished it and wanted it in the portrait that Alphonse Jongers painted of her, which is on display in the current exhibition.
This event is included with Museum admission, which must be purchased or reserved at least 24 hours in advance.
For more information, visit www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org
Season’s Greetings to all our readers!
In this strange year, we still hope you enjoy wonderful celebrations wherever and with whomever you might be.
Support the Safe Grad Party for the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Class of 2021 by eating at or buying take-out, Thursday, Dec. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Teddy’s Old Lyme Pizza Palace, 264 Shore Rd. in Old Lyme.
The restaurant is donating part of the proceeds for the entire day, eat-in or take-out, to the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Class of 2021 Safe Grad Party fund.
To place your order or for more information, call 860-434-1517.
Sorting the food donated during the Food Drive is a Herculean task organized by LYSB Director Mary Seidner (center) in photo and assisted by Leslie Massa (right) and Arleen Sharp (left). File photo by B. Groth.
Old Lyme Police Officers will hold their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on three dates starting Saturday at the Old Lyme Marketplace near the Big Y. The dates and times are as follows:
Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All food donated will be forwarded to the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) for distribution to families in need.
Food will also be given to stock the mini-pantries at Lymes’ Senior Center and the Town of Old Lyme Social Services.
After local needs are met, all remaining food is given to Shoreline Soup Kitchens.
Arleen Sharp (left) and Leslie Massa continue their sorting efforts. File photo by B. Groth.
Donations of non-perishable food can be taken directly to the Old Lyme Police Department at 294 Shore Rd., or to LYSB at 59 Lyme St. between Nov. 16 and Nov. 23.
Families in need of food should contact LYSB at www.lysb.org/holidaygiving or 860-434-7208.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Historical Society hosts the second day of their Annual Fall Plant Sale at the Society‘s 55 Lyme Street location today, Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They will have potted perennials and annuals of all types and sizes.
Proceeds will support the mission of the Society, which is to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of Old Lyme, Conn. and its environs for the benefit of residents and visitors.
LYME/OLD LYME — We look forward to receiving your Letters to the Editor regarding the upcoming election and so thought it would be helpful to republish our policy regarding Letters.
Letters must not exceed our 450-word limit.
Letter writers must supply their name, home town, and telephone number for verification purposes. They also should note any political memberships/affiliations.
We will publish a maximum of one letter every two weeks from each individual letter-writer.
We will publish letters and op-ed’s related to the Nov. 3 election through midnight Saturday, Oct. 31. The only letters which will be published Sunday, Nov. 1 and Monday, Nov. 2, will be those directly related to letters previously published.
No letters related to the election will be published Nov. 3.
OLD LYME — With the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season in full swing and Tropical Storm Isaias working its way up the East coast, Old Lyme Emergency Management is reminding residents to be prepared.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with the principal threat period for Connecticut occurring between August and October. This is when weather and ocean conditions become prime to support a tropical depression or hurricane coming up the east coast and threatening our shores.
Every home should have a basic emergency plan that can be used for any emergency. Lyme and Old Lyme residents should know what potential risks their neighborhood may face, such as the effects of storm or tidal surge, flooding, or roadway closures.
It is recommended that all local residents take three simple preparedness steps now:
In summary, this means residents should carefully monitor the summer’s weather reports, have a personal plan in place in case a storm hits and stay informed of any special information from local and state officials if a storm approaches.
Register your cell phone, work number, or other phone numbers for automated phone messaging during an emergency. You can choose to be notified by e-mail, phone or text message.
Don’t wait for a power outage: visit www.ct.gov/ctalert and click on the blue Register for Alerts button.
Old Lyme Emergency Management offers the following preparedness tips:
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit
One gallon of water per person per day for at least three to five days, for drinking and sanitation
At least a three to five day supply of non-perishable food on hand
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Chargers, inverter or solar charger for cell phones and electronic devices
A whistle to signal for help
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local and state road maps to aid in an evacuation
Family Emergency Plan
Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, enter that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts
Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to be connected.
Stay Informed
In addition of using local TV and radio, Old Lyme Emergency Management utilizes the Town of Old Lyme website and social media such as Facebook and Twitter to share important storm related information to its residents. Old Lyme Emergency Management also stays in close touch with LymeLine.com and we work with them to ensure we always have the latest information and publish all their announcements promptly.
Follow Old Lyme Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.
Old Lyme Emergency Management Facebook
Old Lyme Emergency Management Twitter
For further preparedness information, contact the Old Lyme Office of Emergency Management at 860-434-1605 extension 231 or visit the additional resources at the attached links.
Weather and storm information:
Emergency planning and homeowner information
Being prepared for emergencies
Insurance Information for homeowners
The National Hurricane Center has developed video guides on hurricane preparedness
Develop an Personal Emergency Plan
State and Federal Information
Federal Emergency Management Agency Home Page
CT Dept of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
LYME/OLD LYME — Churches in Lyme and Old Lyme will follow their normal schedule of services this coming Sunday.
Starting Tuesday, Dec. 24, there are numerous additional Christmas services being held in both towns. As a service to our readers, we have listed below all the services of which we are aware — please advise us of any errors or omissions.
Christ The King Church
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
4 p.m. — Vigil Mass of the Nativity with children’s pageant and youth choir
11:30 p.m. — Concert with adult choir and orchestra, followed by:
12 a.m. — Midnight Mass of the Nativity
Wednesday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day
9 a.m. — Mass of the Nativity
First Congregational Church of Lyme
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
5 p.m. — Candlelight Celebration, which will include beloved Christmas Carols, the lighting of the Christ candle, and both a children’s sermon and regular sermon.
Sunday, Dec. 29
10 a.m. — Worship Service
First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
5 p.m. — Service for families with young children, with The Living Manger.
8 p.m. — Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols
10 p.m. — Late-night Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols
Sunday, Dec. 29
One service only at 11 a.m. in unity with the South Lyme Union Chapel — no Sunday School.
Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
1 p.m. — Service at Essex Meadows with Christmas carols, sermon by Mother Anita and Communion. Open to all.
4 p.m. — Family Eucharist with Christmas Story. Music by the Choir, organ and trumpet.
10:30 p.m. — Late night Christmas Eve service. Strings, organ music, choir and traditional Christmas carols and sermon are a part of this festival communion service.
Wednesday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day
10 a.m. — Service includes organ music, hymns, sermon and Holy Communion.
Sunday, Dec. 29
8:30 a.m. — Holy Communion.
10:30 a.m. — Traditional service of Christmas Lessons and Carols.
OLD LYME / OLD SAYBROOK — The Old Lyme Town Band, under the direction of Carolyn Whinnem, will perform three hour-long holiday concerts this season.
The first is on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m., at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme. Admission is free.
The following day, Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. they will perform at the Lymes’ Senior Center, 26 Town Woods Rd. in Old Lyme. Admission is free.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., they will perform at “The Kate,” 300 Main St., Old Saybrook Tickets for this only concert are $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and can be purchased online at this link or at the door.
Numbers for all performances may include Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”; “A Christmas Festival,” by Leroy Anderson; “And All the Bells Shall Ring”; “Merry Christmas, Darling”; “Festive Sounds of Hanukah”; and “A Tribute to Judy Garland.” The 40 band members range in age from 10 to 80+ and come from several towns along the shoreline.
The band will welcome new members without audition when rehearsals start again in January. The band rehearses at Christ the King Church Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m.
Visit the band’s website at http://www.oldlymetownband.com or speak to the band’s director, saxophonist Christine Repasy, at any concert to add your name to their mailing list.
OLD LYME — The annual ‘Elephants in Winter’ Christmas Sale in the Fellowship Hall at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme (FCCOL) at 2 Ferry Rd. will be held Saturday, Dec.7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is the Christmas version of the extremely popular White Elephant Sale hosted annually by the church in July.
The Sale features Christmas decorations, artificial trees, garlands and wreaths,lights,window candles, holiday china and glassware, baskets and cookie tins, tree ornaments, stuffed animals and toys,gently used, all at bargain prices.
Find new unique gifts for your Christmas list – original works of art from Haiti and lovingly sewn or knitted creations from our Ladies Who Stitch: beautiful mittens, hats, scarves, shawls, throws, totes and more.
Items will also be on sale from several more of the FCCOL mission partnerships such as the Lakota Reservation at Green Grass on the Cheyenne River in South Dakota, and from Palestine.
Coffee and doughnuts will be available.
Enjoy some holiday shopping for a great cause at this event.
Santa will be in Old Lyme on Saturday.
OLD LYME — Take ‘Pictures with Santa’ this morning in the Old Lyme Town Hall between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Santa is even bringing some of his elves with him, who will help little ones write their own letters to the North Pole.
Don’t miss him … he has a hectic schedule and won’t be able to stay past noon!
Donations to the Lyme Youth Service Bureau’s Youth Advisory Council scholarship fund will be gratefully accepted.
OLD LYME — Join the faith communities of Lyme and Old Lyme in an ecumenical Thanksgiving Service of prayer and song at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.
All are welcome to attend this ecumenical service sponsored by the churches of Lyme and Old Lyme, which will feature music by the choirs of First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, and Christ the King Church. Clergy from the various faith communities will participate, as will lay members and community leaders.
A free-will offering will be taken up during the service to benefit the New London Homeless Hospitality Center and the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries. Donations of nonperishable foods would also be appreciated to help our neighbors in need.
Everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, is welcome to attend the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service.