To the Editor: As a follow up to Kim Thompson’s letter dated September 17, I would like to review a few things.Signs continue to be stolen from private property.Here you have theft, as if someone stole your patio furniture.You have trespassing.You have infringement on free speech.This is not mischief; they are criminal acts.Maybe the thieves feel they are above the law, just … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Stealing Political Signs is a Criminal Act, Infringement on Free Speech
Letter to the Editor: Safe (Gun) Storage Saves Lives—Writer Urges Local Leaders to Endorse Policy Locally
To the Editor: Another day in America - another mass shooting. This time in a high school in Georgia. Lives snuffed out, lives ruined forever, families broken to bits. A lot of pundits saying it is an outrage, an indictment of all the American people: “We allow this…” No, we don’t. The vast majority of Americans want stricter gun safety measures. The politicians allow … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Safe (Gun) Storage Saves Lives—Writer Urges Local Leaders to Endorse Policy Locally
Letter to the Editor: Gravel Pit Concerns ‘Very Real’, Perhaps ‘Emblematic of Culture of Old Lyme?
To the Editor: Thank you, Mr Caron [regarding you letter dated May 22, published on LymeLine.com.] These concerns [re the gravel pit along the Three-Mile River located at 308-1 Mile Creek Rd. in Old Lyme] are very real, and the neighbors of this property are suffering economic, environmental and disturbances to the peace on our properties.The 1984 (!) noise ordinance in Old … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Gravel Pit Concerns ‘Very Real’, Perhaps ‘Emblematic of Culture of Old Lyme?
Letter to the Editor: Resident Has Right to Call for BOE Members, Who Signed Petition Against ‘Book-Banning’, to Resign; But Forgets They Were Elected, That Others Also Have ‘Parental Rights’
** COMMENTING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS LETTER ** To the Editor: At a Region 18 Board of Education meeting on October 4, an Old Lyme resident presented a public comment, asking all Democratic BOE members to step down (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zSCLbbfvcM) - [it is about 10 mins in]. His reasoning is that those members support internet pornography for children. This is … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Resident Has Right to Call for BOE Members, Who Signed Petition Against ‘Book-Banning’, to Resign; But Forgets They Were Elected, That Others Also Have ‘Parental Rights’
Letter to the Editor: Sex Education Requires Different Materials for Preteen, Young Teen, Older Teen; Must ‘Get There’ via Practical, Civil Discussions
To the Editor: Recently, a letter and petition has been circulating regarding the removal of several library holdings in the young adult section on sexual education reportedly aimed at 11 to 19 years of age. Both this group and their anti-censorship/anti-book banning are missing what should be the main point of this discussion. ( Full disclosure - as a third generation … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Sex Education Requires Different Materials for Preteen, Young Teen, Older Teen; Must ‘Get There’ via Practical, Civil Discussions
Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme BOF to Consider $28K Budget Request for Weapons for OL Police, No Justification for Purchase Discussed
To The Editor: The Old Lyme Board of Finance is expected to vote this Tuesday, March 28, on the Town's capital budget, and money requested by the Town Police for weapons and ammunition. Initially budgeted for $32,500, this was modified by First Selectman Tim Griswold to $28,500. The Old Lyme [OL] Board of Selectmen [BOS] has never taken a vote on approving or recommending … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme BOF to Consider $28K Budget Request for Weapons for OL Police, No Justification for Purchase Discussed
Letter to the Editor: Armed Guards in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools — More Questions
To the Editor: Does anyone, parents or voters, know yet how much more in taxes they will be forced to pay for the salaries and insurance coverage of armed guards in Region 18 schools? Region 18, OUR schools. If this is public knowledge, I cannot find anything. Nor can I find any information on whether the armed guards will also be present during after-school activities, … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Armed Guards in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools — More Questions
Letter to the Editor: Armed Security Guards in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools are Not the Solution to Gun Violence
To the Editor: This past Wednesday, the Board of Education voted 7-2 to place armed guards at District 18 schools. Though many board members expressed reservations, including to NBC News, it passed. I am submitting this letter as a child advocate and as a pediatric nurse practitioner withe certification and expertise in pediatric mental health. I am a parent and a … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Armed Security Guards in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools are Not the Solution to Gun Violence
Letter to the Editor: Clarifying the Contrasting Positions of Carney, Rubino on Critical Matters
To the Editor: Human rights attorney Dave Rubino is challenging Devin Carney for the House of Representatives seat in the 23rd District. Dave’s position on many social issues differs markedly from Devin’s. As indicated on Dave’s campaign website, he supports: criminal justice reform; a strong social safety net; adequate paid family and medical leave; and a … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Clarifying the Contrasting Positions of Carney, Rubino on Critical Matters
Family Wellness: New Beginnings
Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. Every year in New England nature reminds us of this. Crocuses emerge, the landscape turns from brown to green and many animals have their babies: foxes, otters and black bears, just to name a few. I look fondly back on my grandmother’s stories about lambing season in Ireland. Human babies are born year round, of course, but my … [Read more...] about Family Wellness: New Beginnings
Family Wellness: Does Mindfulness Work for Families?
“Mindfulness” is certainly trending these days. Books and workshops are in abundance, aimed at children, adults and families. For some, the concept provokes rolling of the eyes, for others, curiosity, others still, an eagerness to share how helpful the practice has been for them. Perhaps in some it may provoke an urge to purchase new yoga pants and scented candles. I … [Read more...] about Family Wellness: Does Mindfulness Work for Families?
Family Wellness: Screens, Media and Family Life
The idea for this column came from a LymeLine.com reader, but there is also a general clamor for information about this topic that I am privy to in my work with families. Anna and Rosalie Shalom were the picture of old school, imaginative play in their West Orange, New Jersey, home. The two, 5 and almost 3, labored in harmony at their task, preparing an elaborate pretend … [Read more...] about Family Wellness: Screens, Media and Family Life
Welcome to Betsy Groth, our new ‘Family Wellness’ Columnist!
We are delighted to welcome Betsy Groth to our stable of writers today. She is an APRN, PMHS – BC and a pediatric nurse practitioner with advanced certification in pediatric mental health. She is a counselor, mental health educator and parent coach in Old Lyme and will be writing a monthly column for us on 'Family Wellness.' In this introductory column, she explains the … [Read more...] about Welcome to Betsy Groth, our new ‘Family Wellness’ Columnist!