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Holiday Boutique Today in Old Lyme Benefits LYSB, Other Local Youth Organizations

December 12, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Wrap up your gift shopping at the Holiday Boutique on Wednesday! Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

A Holiday Boutique will be held Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Lyme Country Club, 40 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme. It is is open and free to all community members.

The event will benefit the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services, and Tri-Town Youth Service Bureau.

The Holiday Boutique features 18 vendors from Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Florida, and has something for everyone on your list. Items for sale will include jewelry, gifts, hand bags, scarves, soaps, ties, florals and so much more.

The high-end vendors include:

CatchAll from Westport
Pinky’s from Greenwich
The Calvert Collection
Nat Fry Woodworking from Haverford, PA
Old Lyme’s Allie Fiscus
Three Islands from Westerly
Lowebows Bowties
Patrice Collection from Darien
Stix & Stones from Hartford
Carlisle clothing and Mali jewelry from New York
The Patrice Collection from Darien
Katherine Clarkson Studio
Tucci Designs from Stonington
Savor and Cortland Park from Essex
Maggie Lee Designs from Lancaster, PA
Cynthia Slack Designs from Bonita Springs, FL
Farm to Bath from Thompson
Alka’s Indian gifts
Make-up demonstrations by Clippers of Guilford.

A luncheon buffet will be available $18.

Filed Under: Old Lyme, Top Story

Remembering Chip

December 11, 2018 by Admin 2 Comments

UPDATED 12/12: There is now a wonderfully appropriate commentary on Chip’s passing at this link,
written (we presume) by his children.

We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Chip Dahlke’s passing this past weekend. Chip, who founded the Lyme Farmers Market back in 2001 — or thereabouts, was a larger-than-life character with an even bigger heart.

There have been numerous Facebook tributes at this link recalling Chip’s friendship, wit, kindness, and the fact he was “one of a kind.” One writer said wistfully — undoubtedly expressing a sentiment shared by many — that, “Summer Saturdays will not be quite the same.”

We do not have any details of his obituary or services at this time, but will publish both as soon as they are received.

Mary Stone, who was intimately involved in the continuation of the Market once Chip decided to move into the background of the operation, told LymeLine, “Chip loved his children and Ashlawn Farm. He regarded the farm as a town treasure to be shared with all of us at concerts in the field, farm-to-table dinners, the Tour de Lyme, and the Lyme Farmers Market.”

She added, “Chip ran the Market out of his back pocket, where any paperwork resided. For 14 years, he coordinated vendors and musicians and publicity with little apparent effort. The Market had been started as a way to draw more customers to the coffee shop, but it soon became apparent that the coffee shop drew people to the field. In the Market newsletter, he gained many fans with his curmudgeonly skewering of trends, fads, local vendors, and a reliable rant against over-pampered pets and kale in any form.”

Stone summed up Chip beautifully in these words, saying, “He was a true original, a devoted father and friend, who loved to share his home and land.”

A Note from our Publisher: On a personal note, we would like to add that Chip was an early and fervent supporter of LymeLine.com. Back in 2004, he summoned me to Ashlawn Farm to explain in his own inimitable way that he respected our efforts and wanted to know how he could help.

He started contributing a monthly financial column and then continued to advertise the Lyme Farmers Market with us (when he didn’t really need to!) for many years.

His support when we were just a fledgling business was not only extremely generous but also incredibly important to us in terms of convincing us that we were doing something worthwhile. We will be forever indebted to Chip for giving us such tangible — and intangible — support.

We send our sincere condolences to Chip’s family on his passing and agree with so many others that the world will just not be the same without him.

Filed Under: Community, Top Story

SECWAC Hosts Local Independent Expert Tonight, Presents “Cuba, the Conflicted Isle”

December 11, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Rob Hernandez will give a presentation on Cuba at the next SECWAC meeting.

The Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) hosts Rob Hernandez to speak on ‘Cuba, the Conflicted Isle: can it reconcile its past while creating a new future?’ at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Old Lyme Country Club, 40 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, CT.

Hernandez, an international business consultant and lecturer on global issues for the National Geographic, universities and corporations, will discuss the current status of Cuba in the context of its historical relationship with the United States. Specifically, he will recount the long and often tortured history of U.S.-Cuba relations, describe the reality on the ground today, and discuss possible solutions to the five decades of seemingly irreconcilable differences between the two neighbors.

Born in the U.S. but raised in Spain and Cuba—and Essex, Hernandez has worked extensively around the world for more than 40 years. An ecologist by education, he spent his early career doing field research and documenting through film and photography many of the world’s more remote places, work that has appeared in many leading global publications.

As part of those endeavors, he spent a year in Africa filming a television special on lions and, in his early twenties, spent two years circumnavigating the Pacific and Indian Oceans in a 29 ft. sailboat. Since then he has continued to lead numerous expeditions to Africa, the Arctic and Antarctic, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and South America, among others.

This led to a 30-year career at the National Geographic Society (NGS) where he served in numerous capacities, including senior editor of the National Geographic magazine, head of Strategic Planning, and later as Senior Vice President, founder and head of the Society’s International Publishing Division. In that role, he established NGS offices in more than 35 countries and published books, magazines, maps, DVDs, websites and a broad range of other digital media in over 40 languages. Totally committed to NGS’s non-profit missions, he was also heavily involved in the scientific, educational, and conservation initiatives of the organization.

Most recently, he completed his career at the Walt Disney Co. where he ran Disney’s Magazine Publishing Worldwide Co. producing more than 400 local-language magazine titles and other publications for sale throughout the globe.

Now semi-retired, he lives in Essex and works as an international business consultant and lecturer on global issues for the National Geographic, universities, and corporations. He has traveled to Cuba often in the last three decades and looks forward to sharing with his insights about this enigmatic island.

Immediately following the presentation, SECWAC meeting attendees have the option for $35 to attend a dinner with the speaker at the Old Lyme Country Club. Dinner reservations are required by Thursday, Dec. 6, at 860-912-5718.

A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the main event beginning at 6 p.m. The presentation is a part of the SECWAC 2018-2019 Speaker Series. For non-members, tickets ($20) may be purchased at the door; ticket cost can subsequently be applied towards a SECWAC membership. Attendance is free for SECWAC members (and their guests). Membership September 2018 through June 2019 is $75; $25 for young professionals under 35; free for area college and high school students.

SECWAC is a regional, nonprofit, membership organization affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). The organization dates back to 1999, and has continued to arrange eight to 10 Speaker Series meetings annually, between September and June. The meetings range in foreign affairs topics, and are hosted at venues along the I-95 corridor, welcoming members and guests from Stonington to Old Saybrook, and beyond.

SECWAC’s mission is “to foster an understanding of issues of foreign policy and international affairs through study, debate, and educational programming.” It provides a forum for nonpartisan, non-advocacy dialogue between members and speakers, who can be U.S. policy makers, educators, authors, and other experts on foreign relations. Learn more at http://secwac.org.

Filed Under: Old Lyme

Legal News You Can Use: Are Connecticut Roads Prepared for Winter?

December 11, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Snow’s so pretty but are the roads — and you and your vehicle — ready for the next winter storm? Photo by Korey Moore on Unsplash

SPONSORED POST by Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.

Connecticut’s first winter storm of the season in mid-November caught many people off-guard, including the Department of Transportation. Snow blanketed many areas of the state just as people left work. Although the DOT salted the roads, it wasn’t enough.

Crashes and stuck cars closed three highways, causing major back-ups. A man from Florida died when he left his spun-out vehicle and another car hit him. Connecticut is no stranger to snow and winter driving, so what went wrong this time?

More snow than expected

First, the state received more snow than expected, but not by a huge amount. Fairfield County took the brunt of it, but many areas received over half a foot. This may have been enough to cause trouble. Drivers knew there would be snow, but didn’t expect quite so much of it. Connecticut drivers are used to driving in snow, and they may have thought they could handle it.

Bad timing

The storm’s timing did not help matters, either. Anytime bad weather coincides with the rush hour commute, you have a terrible combination. Commuters hurrying to make it home blocked the plows trying to clear the roads. Police had to escort them out of traffic.

Operations center failure

Unfortunately, the storm also caught Governor Malloy off-guard. He was speaking on prisoner reforms in California at the time of the storm and did not activate the emergency operations center. Nor did his chief of staff, Brian Durand, who sought advice from the Transportation Commissioner.

Are you prepared?

If you haven’t done your winter car check, now is the time to do it. You should check the following before hitting the snowy roads:

Battery. Many garages can test your battery. Carry jumper cables, even if you have a good battery. You may be able to save a neighbor in need.
Fluids. Top them off, especially windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze. Keep your gas tank at least half-full, as well.
Tires. Switch to winter tires if you have them. Otherwise, make sure your all-weather tires are in good condition.
Lights. It gets dark much earlier, and you want other drivers to see you.
Emergency kit. Make sure you fully stock your winter car kit with flashlights, water, snacks, a warm blanket, a first aid kit and kitty litter or sand.

Winter has only just begun. We will see more snow before the season is over. Stay safe and make sure you are prepared for the next winter storm.

Visit the Law Firm of Suisman Shapiro at this link for more information.

Filed Under: Community, Legal, Lyme, Old Lyme, Top Story

Superintendent/Student Recognition Award Presented to LOLHS Seniors McGlinchey, Fava

December 10, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser stands between Brynn McGlinchey and Nick Fava after they had received CAPSS Student Recognition Awards

Brynn McGlinchey and Nicholas Fava, students at Lyme-Old Lyme High School, have been awarded the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents’ (CAPSS) Superintendent/Student Recognition Award for leadership service to the school, academic prowess relative to ability, and service to others in the community at a ceremony held Nov. 26, at Saybrook Point Inn.

Ian Neviaser, Superintendent of Schools of Regional School District 18, made the presentation as part of a program designed by school administrators to recognize students who have served their schools and communities while maintaining good scholastic progress.

The Superintendent/Student Recognition Program awards a Certificate of Excellence at the discretion of the local superintendent of schools according to a distribution formula set for all state school districts. Awards are generally given during American Education Week in November in order to provide a meaningful focus for each school district and to enhance the quality of the certificate.

Brynn McGlinchey is a bright young woman in every sense of the word. She is an intelligent, high-level student while taking an extremely competitive course load. She is a spirited member of the school community and involved in many activities at school. She gets others to be interested, enthusiastic and involved.

McGlinchey’s style of leadership is calm and deeply thoughtful; she steps to the forefront representing her peers while serving on the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau Board of Directors and as the student representative of the Board of Education. She is proof that leadership is not about volume but rather the quality of one’s actions and the ability to foster compromise and moving forward effectively.

McGlinchey’s vision of the world values our community but reaches much, much wider and it will take her far.

Nicholas Fava has been involved in leadership and service at the high school since his earliest days of his freshman year. He is vice-president of his class and can be counted on to show up and get the job done, whatever the task may be.

A three-season athlete, Fava is a key member of Techno-Ticks Robotics Team and the Community Service Club.

Fava can seem quiet by nature, but is an excellent listener, assessing the situation and feedback around him to know how the group needs to proceed. He is academically talented, conquering everything from honors math to college-level Spanish. We have yet to see anything slow Nick down, and we are proud he has come so far so fast.

CAPSS, the statewide school superintendents’ professional organization, is based in West Hartford and provides professional development, personal support, statewide conferences, legislative information and educational services to its membership.

For more information about CAPSS, contact Ian Neviaser at neviaseri@region18.org or 860-434-7238.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Schools, Top Story

Residents Hear Initial Ideas on Halls Rd. Improvement from Yale Urban Design Team, Reactions Mixed: What do YOU Think?

December 9, 2018 by Admin 1 Comment

Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder addresses the audience in the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School cafeteria during the Thursday evening meeting.

“Members of the Halls Road Improvements Committee and the Yale Urban Design Workshop met with the public Thursday evening to discuss the creation of a master development plan envisioning future improvements to Halls Road, the town’s main commercial district.

The committee, after holding a similar public discussion earlier this year, has been working …”

These are the opening sentences of an article by Mary Biekert titled Improvements to Old Lyme’s Halls Road discussed in public forum and published today on theday.com. Read the full article at this link.

Editor’s Note: In pursuit of our mission of serving our community … let us know what YOU think of the Halls Rd. Improvement proposals? Either post a comment with your thoughts here on LymeLine.com or send us an email with them to editor@lymeline.com

We’ll publish a summary of the comments we receive, but only naming the writer if you have given specific permission.

Thank you — we look forward to hearing from you!

Filed Under: Old Lyme, Top Story

LYSB Hosts Gingerbread House Family Workshop This Afternoon

December 9, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) hosts a Gingerbread House Family Workshop this afternoon from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

In keeping with all the years this annual tradition has been followed, LYSB will supply all the ingredients for the houses, while you simply bring your camera, create a masterpiece … and leave the mess behind!

The fee is $10 per participant. Space is limited.

For more information, call 860-434-7208 or visit the LYSB website.

Filed Under: Old Lyme

Con Brio Presents Second Holiday Concert in Old Lyme, This Afternoon

December 9, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

How do you get into the holiday spirit? Why not ease into the season by experiencing the joy of uplifting seasonal music at a Con Brio Choral Society December concert this afternoon, Sun., Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme. You’ll hear glorious choral music, trumpet fanfares, and even get the chance to sing your favorite carols along with the singers at the concert’s end.

Danielle Munsell Howard, soprano.

Three professional soloists – Danielle Munsell Howard, soprano; Louise Fauteux, soprano; and Allison Messier, mezzo-soprano – will join the 66 voices of Con Brio and the Con Brio Festival Orchestra under the baton of Dr. Stephen Bruce. To open the concert – and herald the holiday season – four trumpets will perform Jan Zelenka’s Fanfares for four trumpets and timpani.

The choral program that follows will feature two baroque pieces performed with soloists and orchestra. The first piece, one new to most, is Czech composer Jan Zelenka’s Te Deum for double chorus. A new edition of this long-lost Baroque masterwork prompted Con Brio to program it. Zelenka knew J.S. Bach and at least once, stayed at Bach’s house in Leipzig, and also knew Telemann and other famous musicians of the time.

The other baroque piece is likely more familiar, the first movement of J.S. Bach’s Cantata 63, Christen ätzet diesen Tag, composed for the First Day of Christmas, 1713.

Soloist Danielle Munsell Howard, soprano, has been praised by Opera News Online for her “bright, pretty timbre and remarkable facility.” She has performed as soloist with the American Bach Soloists, Amherst Early Music Festival, Boulder Bach Festival, the Yale Collegium Soloists, Princeton Pro Musica and a number of contemporary choral and chamber ensembles. Her New York debut singing Melagro in Gluck’s La Corona at Merkin Hall was enthusiastically received, critically acclaimed in the New York Times and recorded live for Albany Records.

Louise Fauteux, soprano

Soloist Louise Fauteux enjoys a diverse career in the arts devoted to education and performance. Her versatility as a soprano includes a performance of Peer Gynt with the New York Philharmonic and actor John De Lancie and a tour of Venice with DiCapo Opera and the Fairfield Chorale. She has also performed as soloist with New Haven Chorale, Concora, the Farmington Valley Chorale, the Connecticut Master Chorale and the Connecticut Chamber Chorus.

Soloist Allison Messier, mezzo-soprano, has performed as an oratorio soloist in numerous major works including the Mozart Requiem with the Clearlakes Chorale in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, the Rachmaninov Vespers with the Boston Russian Choir; Dvorak’s Mass in D and Mass in Time of War with the Bermuda Chamber Choir. Her opera credits include Dido in Dido and Aeneas and La Zia Principessa in Suor Angelica with Piccola Opera NH, as well as other works.

As in past years, Con Brio will sing two pieces in the round while the singers are arrayed around the Sanctuary. The first piece is Quem Vidistis Pastores by Richard Dering and the second, Hodie Christus Natus Est by Giovanni Gabrieli. For many regulars, the eight-part early music pieces sung in the round are a highlight of each Con Brio concert.

Allison Messier, mezzo-soprano

Also on the program is Ola Gjeilo’s Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium) and Franz Biebl’s Ave Maria, both written for eight parts, Mary Had a Baby, arranged by Craig Courtney, I Saw Three Ships arranged by Mack Wilberg, and Sir Christémas, arranged by William Mathias.

The concerts are on Friday evening, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. and on Sunday afternoon, at 3 p.m. at Christ the King Church at 1 McCurdy Lane, Old Lyme, CT. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in advance at www.conbrio.org or by calling 860-526-5399.

Con Brio Choral Society is a classical, all-auditioned chorus drawing its 66 singers from 15 towns extending along the Connecticut River from Old Saybrook to Deep River and East Haddam and along the shoreline from Guilford to Mystic.

The group performs with the Con Brio Festival Orchestra and professional soloists under conductor Dr. Stephen Bruce.

Filed Under: Old Lyme

Holiday Music, Movies and More at ‘the Kate’ in December

December 7, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Lunasa and vocalist Ashley Davis will play traditional Irish holiday music, Dec. 13.

From classic holiday films to live theater, to music of many genres and family programs, there is plenty to see and enjoy at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (the Kate) this December!

Celebrate the season with several Christmas-themed events, including traditional Irish holiday music with Lunasa and vocalist Ashley Davis on the 13th.

Community traditions continue with the Old Lyme Town Band’s Holiday Concert on the 12th and Cappella Cantorum’s annual Messiah Sing or Listen on the 16th. The films Home Alone and White Christmas will be shown on the 9th and 20th, respectively, on the Kate’s big screen with surround sound and an encore viewing of the Bolshoi Ballet’s stunning production of The Nutcracker takes place on the 22nd.

Rounding out the month are performances by The Weight playing the music of The Band on the 14th; songwriter/guitarist/blueseman Chris Smither on the 15th; the John Poussette-Dart Band on the 21st; NRBQ on the 22nd; and singer-songwriter Dar Williams on the 30th.

For information and tickets for all shows at the Kate, visit www.thekate.org or call 860-510-0453.

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is a non-profit performing arts organization located in an historic theatre/town hall on Main Street in Old Saybrook. Originally opened in 1911 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Center has been renovated with public funds from the Town of Old Saybrook and donations raised by the Trustees of the Center.

It includes a 250-seat theatre and a small museum honoring Katharine Hepburn, Old Saybrook’s most celebrated resident. As befits an organization born of such a public/private partnership, programming is eclectic, offering something for all ages and income levels on the Connecticut shore and in the lower river valley.

Filed Under: Arts, Community, Top Story

Faculty Exhibition Continues Through Jan. 26 at Lyme Academy

December 7, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Featured artwork in the Faculty Exhibition is by Jeremy Santiago-Horseman, Golem Processes; Lily Green (detail), oil, latex, clay, shellac, tar, straw, 2016

Work by college faculty of Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts of the University of New Haven is on view in the Chauncey Stillman Gallery in an exhibition titled, ‘Making Artists, Making Art,’ which was curated by Charlotte Gray, Ph.D., Practitioner in Residence, and Janis Mink, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor.

This exhibition is on view Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Jan. 26, 2019.

Admission is free to the exhibition.

Filed Under: Arts, Old Lyme, Top Story

Public Meeting to Discuss Halls Rd. Improvements Master Plan to be Held This Evening

December 6, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Halls Road — existing conditions 2018.

The Old Lyme Board of Selectmen (BOS) and the Halls Road Improvements Committee (HRIC) will host another Community Meeting titled, ‘Halls Road Improvements: Introduction of Design Concepts and Community Workshop’ on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School cafeteria.

12/3 UPDATE: A regular HRIC meeting scheduled for that night has been cancelled.

Halls Road Improvements Committee Chairman Bennett (BJ) Bernblum told LymeLine.com that he is hoping for a good turnout at the event. He noted that the Yale Urban Design Workshop (YUDW) will present their recommendations and options at the meeting and then will conduct a design workshop to stimulate feedback from the public. Bernblum said he was aware in broad terms of the concepts that the YUDW was going to present, but the group was still working on details of the plans.

The Old Lyme BOS and the HRIC’s publicity flyer for the meeting states it is, “the next step towards creating a Master Plan for Halls Road. The Yale Urban Design Workshop in conjunction with the Halls Road Improvements Committee has been developing design options based on the community meeting held this past July.”

The flyer further notes the hope is that by seeking community participation, it will, “help us [the BOS and HRIC] move closer to an agreed-upon framework for future development at Halls Road.”

Looking back to the July meeting, the publicity poster for that meeting said, “Feedback at community meetings over the past two years has made it clear that developments along Halls Rd. need to be looked at in an integrated, long-term context.” It continued, “In addition, the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC), which is a non-profit government/business joint effort, has offered to help collect economic and market data in support of the planning process.”

Filed Under: Old Lyme, Town Hall

‘Light Up Old Lyme’ Continues Through the Holidays, Check Out Our Full Calendar of Events

December 6, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Here is a calendar to help readers navigate all the Light Up Old Lyme holiday events that are happening in Old Lyme during the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday.

We have also included a few events, which take place outside Old Lyme, because the hosts are Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Chamber of Commerce members.

The LOL Chamber pulled most of this information together and we have added a few more events of which we have been notified.

If we have missed any events, please let us know as soon as possible and we will add them promptly.

FRIDAY, NOV. 30

Community Tree Lighting hosted by the Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce
4-4:45pm: outside Center School (inside if inclement weather).
Festive music by Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School Band, conducted by Carrie Wind. Community carol sing. Seasonal refreshments provided by Essex Savings Bank.

Holiday Book Sale: Preview Night with Wine Reception hosted by Phoebe’s BookCellar
4-7pm: Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library:
Shopping, live music, and light refreshments. Gift quality – including rare and collectible- books available for purchase in the festively-decorated Reading Room. All BookCellar books half-price or less. All proceeds benefit the Library. Sale continues Saturday, Dec. 1, 9am-2pm.

Deck the Walls Opening Reception
5-7pm: Lyme Art Association
This annual member show features more than 200 works of art priced for holiday gift giving. Opening Reception Friday, November 30, 5-7pm. Gallery hours Wed- Sun, 10-5 pm, and by appointment. $5 donation suggested.

Delights of December Holiday Pops Concert by Old Lyme Town Band
7:30pm: Christ the King Church
Free admission.
A second concert will be given on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2pm, at Lymes’ Senior Center, Town Woods Rd., Old Lyme.

SATURDAY, DEC. 1

Cookie Walk hosted by Child & Family Agency
9am-12 noon: Old Lyme Town Hall.
Choose from a huge selection of beautiful, delicious, homemade cookies and other gift items. Benefits Child & Family Agency.

Pictures with Santa! hosted by Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau.
10am-12 noon: Old Lyme Town Hall.
Meet Santa and his Elves! Free. Donations benefit LYSB.

Elephants-in-Winter Christmas Sale
9am–2pm: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme Fellowship Hall
Assorted Christmas decorations, gifts, handmade craft items, and stocking stuffers for sale. , or add just the right touch to your holiday decor. Sale also sale includes special treasures from mission partnerships in South Dakota, Haiti and Palestine. Donations benefit Church missions.

Musical Masterworks
5pm: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
Program includes Schubert’s Winterreise by baritone Randall Scarlata and veteran pianist, Jeewon Park. Join Edward Arron, Artistic Director, for a pre-concert talk before the performance at 4pm.
Tickets: MusicalMasterworks.org. or 860 434 2252. There will be a second concert on Sunday at 3pm with a pre-concert talk at 2pm

Magic of Christmas
Nov. 23 through Jan. 6, 2019: Florence Griswold Museum
Enjoy Miss Florence’s Artist Trees, Christmastime Teas, special events and hands-on crafts for all ages, and wonderful items in The Shop.

SUNDAY, DEC. 2

Cappella Cantorum Christmas Concert
3pm: John Winthrop Middle School, Deep River
Cappella’s Masterworks Chorus will perform Puccini’s “Messa Di Gloria” and Saint-Saens’ “Christmas Oratorio.” Featured soloists will be soprano Abigail Paschke, tenor Brian Cheney and baritone Paul Fletcher. Simon Holt will direct the chorus and professional orchestra. Tickets are $30 purchased in advance, $35 at the door. Tickets at www.CappellaCantorum.org or 860-526-1038.

MONDAY, DEC. 3

Annual Community Wreath Making Event hosted by Duck River Garden Club
6:30pm: Rogers Lake Community Center
Bring gloves, clippers, and clipped evergreens if you have some! Our community is invited to join Club members and create festive wreaths for town buildings.

FRIDAY, DEC. 7

Student Holiday Art Sale Opening Reception
5-7 pm: Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts of the Univ. of New Haven, Sill House Gallery
Art Sale on View: Dec. 7 – 14.

Con Brio Choral Society
8pm: Christ the King Church
Danielle Munsell Howard, Soprano; Louise Fauteux, Soprano; Allison Messier, Mezzo Soprano, and the Con Brio Festival Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Stephen Bruce. Open seating, unreserved. Tickets at conbrio.org or 860.526.5399, or at the door.
There will be a second performance on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3pm.

SATURDAY, DEC. 8

2018 Homes for the Holidays Tour hosted by the Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center
11am-3pm. Along Lyme Street.
Self-guided tour of beautifully decorated village homes & businesses.
Ticket stubs valid for free admission to Florence Griswold Museum Magic of Christmas that day. The Lyme Art Association’s Deck the Walls exhibit will also be open. Lyme-Old Lyme High School’s Select Singers perform at the OL Historical Society; Old Lyme Town Hall hosts a Holiday Boutique from 10am-4pm, featuring beautiful, hand-crafted items. Tickets $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Call 860-434-1728, Ext. 1 and leave a message or purchase through Eventbrite @ olclchometour2018.eventbrite.com

Santa’s Trunk Show
9am-4pm: APC Driving Gallery, Old Lyme Shopping Center.
Car art, automobilia and collectibles for the holidays.

The Nutcracker by Eastern Connecticut Ballet,
1:30 and 7pm: at The Garde Arts Center, New London. Tickets at 860-444-7373 ext.1 or gardearts.org.
There will be a third performance on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 1:30pm

Holiday Sale of O ld Lyme Historical Society Books & Gifts
Sat., Dec. 8 (am): at Old Lyme Post Office
Books, calendars, household items and other Society merchandise.
On Dec. 8, OLHSI’s 55 Lyme Street headquarters will be part of the OLCLC Home for the Holidays tour.
Book and gift sales will also be held in the morning and afternoon on both Saturdays, Dec. 15 & 22.

SUNDAY, DEC.. 9, TUESDAY, DEC.. 11 & TUESDAY, DEC.. 18

Holiday Gift Workshops hosted by LYSB
Gingerbread House Family Workshop 12/9, 12:30-2pm. An annual tradition Fee: $15/house
Festive Felt Stocking, 12/11, 4-6pm and Felt Holiday Ornaments, 12/18, 4-6 pm. Fee: $25. Registration required.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Top Story

“Chasing the Dragon”: Important Heroin & Opioid Awareness Event to be Held Tonight Community Urged to Attend

December 6, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

There have been overdoses and overdose deaths in every county in Connecticut; New London County – and the town of Old Lyme – are no exception.

Opioid addiction knows no boundaries.

This coming Thursday, Dec. 6, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, Lyme-Old Lyme Prevention Coalition, and Lyme Old Lyme Schools are jointly sponsoring a Heroin & Opioid Awareness Event.The program, which will be presented by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and the US Heroin Education Action Team (USHEAT), starts at 7 p.m. at Lyme-Old Lyme High School. It will offer an in depth look at the opioid crisis and how it is affecting families from communities just like our own.

The program is free and open to the public.

This presentation will also be given to students in grades 9-12 earlier in the week. The program includes a showing of the film “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict,” a powerful documentary created by the FBI and DEA to educate students and parents about the dangers of addiction. The movie will be followed by a panel discussion with a federal prosecutor, a DEA agent, and community members, whose lives have been impacted by the opioid crisis.

The mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Heroin Education Action Team (USA HEAT) is to stop the spread of the opioid abuse epidemic in Connecticut by increasing community understanding of the dangers associated with these drugs. USA HEAT is a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and families who have lost a loved one to an overdose.

These courageous moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and children share their stories in order to educate others about the warning signs and dangers associated with opioid use and abuse. By doing so, they hope to help others avoid the pain they have suffered.

Oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids have become widely and easily available in Connecticut. As a result, we have seen a significant increase in the number of young adults who use and abuse opioids, often with deadly consequences.

The scourge of opioids is not limited to any particular locality, socioeconomic group, race, or gender. Rather, there have been overdoses and overdose deaths in every county in Connecticut; New London County – and the town of Old Lyme – are no exception.

USA HEAT seeks to inform our communities of what we are up against, and what we can do to fight back. Our team members deliver a compelling message based on the tragedy that they have experienced first-hand with the goal of implementing a coordinated, effective response to this growing threat.

For more information contact LYSB at 860-434-7208 or www.lysb.org.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme

‘Pop Goes the Portrait’; OL Library Hosts Final Lecture in ‘Art of the Portrait’ Series Tonight

December 6, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

From Impressionism to PopArt, the upcoming ‘Face to Face’ lecture series at the Old Lyme Library will explore the art of the portrait.

The Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library is hosting a three-part lecture series titled Face to Face: How great artists transformed the art of the portrait. The series will be presented by Bob Potter on the first Thursday of October, November and December from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

From Manet to Warhol, the art of the portrait has given the viewer a unique expression of and visual insight into the personalities and worlds in which both the artist and their subjects lived.

Through a wide range of examples of their art, profiles of the artists, videos, and historical context, this series will explore the artists, the people they painted and photographed, and the historical, social and artistic movements that influenced the art of portrait from Impressionism to Pop Art.

Details of each lecture are as follows:

Oct. 4
From Manet to Van Gogh: The impact of Impressionism on the art of the portrait. Click to register.
Nov. 1
When the Camera and Palette Collided: The portrait reimagined in photography, dreams and painting. Click to register.
Dec. 6
Pop Goes the Portrait: Breaking and remaking the rules of the portrait. Click to register.

All are welcome and admission is free. Registration is requested for planning purposes. For more information, call 860-434-1684.

Filed Under: Old Lyme

Duck River Garden Club Hosts Community Wreathmaking Event This Evening

December 5, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

The members of the Duck River Garden Club (DRGC) are extending an invitation to the public to join them on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Rogers Lake Community Center for their annual Christmas wreath-making.

Once again the DRGC offers the opportunity to bring joy to our neighbors, as members of the club and community join together in the holiday spirit of giving. Many large wreaths are made and delivered to town buildings in Old Lyme.

The Club also makes tussie/mussies to decorate trays that Meals on Wheels deliver to Old Saybrook and Lyme and Old Lyme residents.

It is a lovely Christmas workshop with music and refreshments, which make everyone’s efforts so enjoyable.

Filed Under: Old Lyme

Old Lyme Town Band Performs Holiday Pops Concert This Afternoon at Lymes’ Senior Center

December 2, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

The Old Lyme Town Band

The Old Lyme Town Band will perform a Holiday Pops Concert this afternoon at 2 p.m. at Lymes’ Senior Center.

Come enjoy a wonderful selection of holiday music!

All are welcome. Admission is free.

For more information, visit this link.

Filed Under: Old Lyme

Puccini, Saint-Saens Featured at Cappella Cantorum Concert This Afternoon

December 2, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Tenor Brian Cheney will be a soloist in the Dec. 2 Cappella Cantorum concert.

Bring in the spirit of the holiday season by attending Cappella Cantorum’s Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. at John Winthrop Middle School, One Winthrop Road, Deep River.

Cappella’s Masterworks Chorus will perform Puccini’s “Messa Di Gloria” and Saint-Saens’ “Christmas Oratorio,” two glorious works from the late 1800s.

Featured soloists will be soprano Abigail Paschke, tenor Brian Cheney and baritone Paul Fletcher. Simon Holt will direct the chorus and professional orchestra.

Tickets are $30 purchased in advance, $35 at the door.

Puccini is best known for his later works, the operas “Tosca,” “La Boheme,” “Madama Butterfly” and “Turandot.” His “Messa Di Gloria” was composed earlier but is no less masterful. Saint-Saens is perhaps best known for his opera “Samsun et Dalila” and “The Swan” from his “Carnival of Animals.”

For more information or tickets, visit www.CappellaCantorum.org or call 860-526-1038.

Filed Under: Deep River, Old Lyme

Tesla Technology Aids Autoimmune Conditions; Pop-Up Event on Revolutionary AmpCoil at OL Library

December 2, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

This photo shows Aaron Bigelow’s wife holding the AmpCoil, while Aaron and the couple’s daughters share the moment.

Join an AmpCoil pop-up event this Sunday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. at the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library.

One of the cofounders of the AmpCoil technology will be speaking about his battle with Lyme Disease and how necessity for his own wellness was the mother of his invention. Aaron Bigelow from Nevada City, Calif., wanted to see the place from which Lyme Disease acquired its name and is visiting Lyme and Old Lyme to speak about his journey with this disease.

The AmpCoil is a modern wellness tool that combines bio-feedback, bio-resonance and a customized coil based on Tesla technology. The use of this technology has transformed Bigelow’s life and he is anxious to share this approach to wellness, which can be applied to numerous autoimmune conditions.

This is a free event with demonstrations for those hoping to open the door to a new level of wellness.

For more information, contact Sandy Garvin at 860-391-3088.

Visit www.AmpCoil.com to learn more.

Filed Under: Community, Lyme, Old Lyme

Musical Masterworks Presents ‘Winterreise’ Concert This Afternoon

December 2, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Cellist Edward Arron and pianist Jeewon Park

Musical Masterworks will ring in the winter with the beautiful song cycle by Franz Schubert titled Winterreise — which translates to a winter’s journey – on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m.

Baritone, Randall Scarlata and pianist, Jeewon Park will perform this remarkable piece of music.

Join Artistic Director, Edward Arron, one hour before each concert for a pre-concert talk about Schubert’s life and his composition of this masterpiece.

Musical Masterworks’ season runs through May 2019. Mini subscriptions are available for $100 each or individual tickets are $40 for adults and $5 for students. visit Musical Masterworks at www.musicalmasterworks.org or call 860.434.2252.

Filed Under: Old Lyme

Old Lyme Library ‘Holiday Book Sale’ Continues Today, Includes Jolly Holiday Breakfast

December 1, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Wine Reception on Friday with Gift Quality & Collectible Books in Festively-Decorated Reading Room, Everything Half Price in BookCellar; Sale Continues Saturday with Mary Poppins at a Jolly Holiday Breakfast

Rare books like these will be available for purchase throughout both days of the sale.

The BookCellar at the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes (OLPGN) Library is pleased to invite the community to its annual Holiday Book Sale on the evening of Friday, Nov. 30, and during the day on Saturday, Dec. 1. Kick off this year’s holiday season by choosing books as gifts and supporting your local library at the same time!

More than 5,000 books carefully sorted by category, including many rare and collectible books, will be offered for sale in two different locations in the library. Upstairs in the festively-decorated Reading Room, the focus this year is on gift quality and collectible books, along with DVD’s and CD’s. Prints of historic local maps from 1868 of towns in New London County will also be on sale.

Downstairs in the BookCellar’s usual home, all the books will be half-price or less. The BookCellar is including its extensive collection of rare, collectible, and first edition fiction books in this year’s sale.

The Opening Reception and Sale, which features a reception with refreshments, will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. Shop to the merry acoustic tunes of Strum, Strum from the Charles’ Music Center in Old Lyme.

The sale continues on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Start the day with a Jolly Holiday Breakfast with Simply Enchanted’s Mary Poppins, who will offer a spoonful of fun with your favorite English nanny and plenty of photo opportunities!

Historic maps of local towns including Old Lyme make perfect holiday gifts.

There will be books from all genres – from Children’s and Young Adults to Art and Photography, the Classics, History and Biography, small gift books and large coffee table books. There is a large collection of First Edition hardcover books, many with protective Mylar covers.

Dealers are welcome and there are no buyer restrictions. Most prices will range from $2 to $5, with a special bargain table with books priced under one dollar. All proceeds benefit the Library.

The Library is located at 2 Library Lane, off Lyme Street. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If the Library’s parking lot is full, additional spaces are available on Lyme Street. There is also a lot behind the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall across the street from the Library.

For more information about the library or questions about the sale, call 860-434-1684 or visit www.oldlyme.lioninc.org.

Filed Under: Old Lyme