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Carbon Footprints? Poirier Discusses Yours, Its Impact and How to Reduce It, Wednesday

March 8, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Alan Poirier

OLD LYME — Ever wonder how big a footprint you are leaving?

Join the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Wednesday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. for a virtual informative discussion with local resident Alan Poirier to learn more about the subject of carbon footprints.

Whatever your motivation, you can help reduce global warming with the choices you make each day. Everyone can contribute to improving the environment for future generations.

Poirier is a career scientist now retired from Pfizer Inc.

Click here to register for this free, virtual (via Zoom) program. All are welcome.

This event is co-sponsored by Sustainable Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Headline News, Lyme, Old Lyme

Coral Reefs are Topic of Opening Virtual Lecture in RTPEC’s 2021 CT River Series, Thursday

March 7, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Dr. Mark Hixon presents a virtual lecture on coral reefs Thursday, March 11. This virtual lecture is hosted by RTPEC and free of charge, but registration is required in order to obtain the Zoom link.

LYME/OLD LYME — Throughout the past challenging year, the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (RTPEC), which is is part of Connecticut Audubon Society, has still found many ways to continue its work in environmental education, conservation, research, and advocacy.

It has offered small group programs like bird walks and owl prowls, a virtual Connecticut River ecology course, seasonal nature crafts for kids via Zoom, and more.

The RTPEC continues its mission with the announcement of their Spring 2021 Connecticut River Lecture Series.

A mainstay of the organization’s adult programming, the Connecticut River Lecture Series introduces scientists, researchers, writers, and artists who inform us about the biodiverse coastal and estuarine ecosystems of our region and planet.

In 2021, the RTPEC will celebrate the series’ seventh year with Zoom presentations from three prominent scientists, each focusing on a critical environmental issue. The programs are free, but registration is required and space is limited.

All the programs start at 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 11
Coral Reefs: Rainforests and Canaries of the Sea
Mark Hixon, Ph.D., Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

Dr. Mark Hixon

A leading expert on coral reefs, Dr. Hixon will discuss what is happening to them, why they are important, and how we can help preserve them.

Mark Hixon is the Sidney and Erika Hsiao Endowed Chair in Marine Biology and Chair of the Zoology Graduate Program at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. His research analyzes what determines the number of fish in the sea, how so many species naturally coexist, and how marine reserves and artificial reefs help conserve sea life and enhance fisheries.

A Fulbright Senior Scholar, Aldo Leopold Fellow, and Fellow of the International Coral Reef Society, Dr. Hixon serves on the editorial boards of multiple scientific journals. Past chair of both the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee for NOAA and the Ocean Sciences Advisory Committee for the National Science Foundation, Mark has given TED talks and appeared on the PBS TV show “Saving the Oceans.”

Details of the second lecture are as follows:

Thursday, April 8
Butterflies: Monarchs, Migrations, and Conservation
Robert Michael Pyle, Ph.D., conservation biologist and author of The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Butterflies, will be interviewed by Evan Griswold.

As a foremost authority on butterflies and other invertebrates, in 1971 Dr. Pyle founded The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of butterflies and all invertebrates and their habitats.

Evan Griswold will interview Dr Pyle about his life’s work on invertebrates and monarch butterfly migration and conservation.

Robert Michael Pyle grew up and learned his butterflies in Colorado. He earned his Ph.D. in butterfly ecology at Yale and worked as a conservation biologist in Papua New Guinea, Oregon, and Cambridge, England.

He has written 22 books including The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Butterflies, winner of the 1987 John Burroughs Medal for Distinguished Nature Writing and the 2007 National Outdoor Book Award. His book about Pacific Northwest forests and origins of the legends of Sasquatch was recently made into a movie.

Dr. Pyle has also published a book of poetry and his newest book, Nature Matrix, is a collection of essays, expressions of a life immersed in the natural world.

Evan Griswold, a Yale School of The Environment/School of Forestry classmate of Dr. Pyle’s, is a former Executive Director of the Connecticut Chapter of the Nature Conservancy and a prominent Connecticut conservationist.

Details of the third and final lecture are as follows:

Thursday, April 29
The Secret Life of Plankton: The Base of the Marine Food Web
Hans Dam, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut

Plankton, a single cell organism, is the base of the marine food web. Hans Dam will speak about the evolutionary ecology of plankton and its vulnerability to climate change. He will describe the macro-power of its micro-organisms and his efforts to better understand the invisible life teeming in a tablespoon of river or Sound water.

Hans Dam is a biological oceanographer interested in the ecology and evolution of planktonic organisms: tiny creatures that control the biology of the sea. His current research focuses on how copepods, the most abundant animals on Earth, adapt to the ocean’s warming and acidification.

Another area of work is the evolutionary “arms race” between grazers and toxic plants. Dr. Dam has published more than 100 papers and trained a generation of oceanographers. He has also spent 20 years advising the State of Connecticut about water quality in Long Island Sound.

This year’s Lecture Series includes a special offer: a dinner available for pick-up on the day of the event prepared by renowned chef Ani Robaina, formerly chef to the Gates foundation, and currently owner and chef at Ani’s Table. The cost is $75.

For additional information and Zoom registration, visit https://www.ctaudubon.org/rtp-programs-events/ or call 860-598-4218.

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

Basketball Update: Old Lyme Boys Steal Last Minute 50-47 Win Over Coginchaug

March 7, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

LYME/OLD LYME — In a thrilling game played away Saturday in the Coginchaug gym, the Old Lyme boys ultimately outlasted Coginchaug 50-47 in a tightly contested Shoreline Conference game.

Caden Monte his a jump shot with less than a minute to go to give Old Lyme the lead at 48-47 and Jacob Ritchie added two free throws with five seconds left for the final victory.

Coginchaug had a last second look at three points on the buzzer, which would have tied the game, but — for the Coginchaug fans — excruciatingly, it bounced out.

Leading the Wildcats was Jacob Ritchie with 16 points, Colbe Andrews was close behind with 13 and Frank Sablone added 10.

Coginchaug was led by AJ Defilio with 17 points, Tyler Garratson 13, and Jaysen Penney 11.

The boys meet Valley this evening away with a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.

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

Planning Continues for 2021 White Elephant Sale, But No Final Decision Yet on Whether it Will Happen

March 7, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Will the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme’s White Elephant Sale take place this year?

OLD LYME — They kept it going through World War II, but last year — for the first time in 83 consecutive years — the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme had to cancel their White Elephant Sale (WES) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked if this year’s sale was going ahead, Bob Davis, who has been chairing the WES for some 20 years, said by email, “We are currently in a holding pattern waiting to see the impact of the vaccination program, the state’s approval of large crowds and the final approval of our ministers.”

He continued, “The WES Board met in December, as usual, to plan for this years sale. We looked at shifting the dates to late summer and fall to buy us time; but either Christ The King church parking was unavailable or we ran into other organization’s events and a fall venue with folks back to school and work is not practical for a two day sale.”

Davis added, “With that, the board decided to keep to our original schedule of July 9 and 10 [for 2021.]”

He concluded by explaining that the WES Board would continue, “… reserving tents, parking, banners, etc. hoping for the best.”

Expressing an optimistic air, Davis said, “Those eligible for vaccinations, hopefully will be receiving them soon and we can look forward to some normalcy in our lives with the WES.”

Editor’s Note: We will update this information as further decisions are taken regarding whether or not the WES will take place.

Filed Under: Community, Old Lyme, Top Story

Death of Francis J. “Frank” Purdue Announced, ‘a Life Full of Love and Joy’

March 5, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

OLD LYME — Francis J. “Frank” Purdue passed away peacefully Feb. 12, 2021, holding his wife, Maria’s hand, at Middlesex Hospital after a short illness. Born March 8, 1933, in New York to Francis and Viola Purdue.

Frank is survived by his wife, Maria, and his six children, Frank (wife Linda), Maureen (husband John), Susan, Edward (wife Carole), Pamela (husband Paul), Gina (husband Garth); and 18 grandchildren …

… Frank lived a life full of love and joy.

Visit this link to read the full obituary published Feb. 18, in The Day.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Old Lyme

Unplug This Weekend! Plenty to Enjoy for All Ages in Lyme/Old Lyme — Without Devices

March 4, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

The Lyme-Old Lyme community is invited to join the upcoming ‘Unplugged Weekend’ and turn off all devices in favor of connection, reflection, and quality time.

LYME/OLD LYME — Why not join the Lyme/Old Lyme community in an Unplugged Weekend this coming Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7?

Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) invites you to de-stress and take a ‘time-out’ from technology and social media. The intent is that this is a weekend to consciously turn off our devices in favor of connection, reflection, and quality time.

Stop by the LYSB porch with your children to pick up a fun activity sheet to help birds find nest-making materials as well as some displays that are easy to replicate. This activity is offered by Pollinate Old Lyme! and the Lyme Pollinator Pathway.

Check out all of the other fun family unplugged activities, which include making seed bombs, family beach clean-up, and a family beginner bird walk at Watch Rock Preserve.

Mary Seidner, LYSB Executive Director

Mary Seidner, LYSB Executive Director, tells LymeLine.com, “During the pandemic, all of us (including kids) are using screens more than ever. Stress levels among youth are high, and we are seeing more anxiety, depression and other mental health issues cropping up.”

She notes, “We created the first Unplugged Weekend back in November 2020 with the middle school administration in an effort to reduce stress among youth and families in our community, and to get our kids to step away from social media for one weekend.”

Explaining how that weekend came about, Seidner says, “We put out a call to local nonprofits to join us, and the response was strong. We have a variety of activities and adventures for kids and families to get outside during the upcoming weekend and enjoy some time away from social media, and simply de-stress.”

She also points out that this will be a homework-free weekend for students of Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.

Seidner emphasizes, “This collaboration shows our kids how much our community cares about them. We hope that having another Unplugged Weekend will encourage our community to turn off our devices in favor of connection, exploration, and quality time during quarantine and social distancing.”

Visit this link to view a listing and full details of all the events and opportunities on offer in Lyme and Old Lyme this weekend.

Choose some (or all!) of the following activities:

• FLORENCE GRISWOLD MUSEUM… Nature Activities & Hunt on the Artists’ Trail

• HIGH HOPES… Help Maintain the Trail & Visit the Herd. Reserve your spot.

• LYME ART ASSOCIATION.. Gallery Game and Hands-On Art Project

• LYME LAND TRUST… Faery Quest and Gnome Hunt

• LYSB… Community Service Weekend… Beach Clean Up… Seed Bombs… Dog Biscuits

• NIGHTINGALE’S ACOUSTIC CAFE.. Cigar Box Guitars – Build & Learn to Play! Reserve Your Spot

• OLD LYME HISTORICAL SOCIETY.. Photo Scavenger Hunt … Historic Lyme Street Walking Tour

• OLD LYME LAND TRUST… Nature Sculpture Contest… Nature Scavenger Hunt

•OLD LYME PGN LIBRARY .. Spice Explorers

• POLLINATOR OLD LYME & LYME POLLINATOR PATHWAY… Bird Nests!

• ROGER TORY PETERSON ESTUARY CENTER… Family Beginner Bird Walk

• ST ANN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH … Scavenger Hunt

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme

Old Lyme Kindness Committee Names Gretchen Knauff as February’s ‘Kindness Award’ Winner

March 4, 2021 by Admin 1 Comment

Gretchen Knauff proudly displays her Old Lyme Kindness Award. Photo submitted.

OLD LYME — The Town of Old Lyme Kindness Committee has awarded its February 2021 Kindness award to local resident Gretchen Knauff.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down so many of our normal activities in the spring of 2020, many of our senior citizen residents needed help. Together with the Lymes’ Youth Services Bureau, the Town of Old Lyme created a link on its website for residents who might need help, and also for those who could give help.

One senior in particular, Ethel Chatkin, needed assistance.

Due to her age and a medical condition, her doctor advised her to not leave the house. With no immediate family nearby to help, she did not know how she would be able to take care of herself, especially in the early phases of the pandemic shutdown.

She reached out to the Town, which was able to connect her with Knauff.

Chatkin says of Knauff, “She is the best … she is just wonderful. I don’t know what I’d do without her.” Knauff began helping Chatkin by buying her groceries.

Chatkin recently celebrated her 92nd birthday, and Knauff helped coordinate a Zoom celebration for Ethel with 38 friends and family members.

What started out as a resident helping another resident has developed into what Chatkin describes as a “marvelous friendship.”

Asked to comment on the award, Kindness Committee Chair Michelle Noehren says, “The Kindness Committee is delighted to celebrate Gretchen Knauff for helping a neighbor in need during these difficult times.”

Filed Under: Community, Headline News, Old Lyme

March 3 COVID-19 Update: No Change in Lyme or Old Lyme Cumulative Cases Since Tuesday

March 4, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Transmission electron microscopic image of an isolate from the first U.S. case of COVID-19, formerly known as 2019-nCoV. Photo courtesy of the CDC.

LYME/OLD LYME — The Daily Data Report for Connecticut issued Wednesday, March 3, by the Connecticut Department of Public Health(CT DPH) for data as at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 2, shows that cumulative cases (confirmed and probable) since the pandemic began were unchanged in Old Lyme at 281 and Lyme at 88 compared with the previous day’s numbers.

The next CT DPH Daily Data Report for Connecticut will be issued in the afternoon of Thursday, March 4.

Lyme – No Change in Cumulative Cases

Lyme has a cumulative total (since the outbreak began) of 81 confirmed cases and 7 probable cases, making a TOTAL of 88 cases.

This represents NO CHANGE in the cumulative number of confirmed or probable cases over those reported Tuesday, March 2.

The total number of Lyme residents tested is 1,265, an increase of one over Tuesday’s number.

Old Lyme – No Change in Cumulative Cases

Old Lyme has a cumulative total (since the outbreak began) of 275 confirmed COVID-19 cases and SIX probable cases, making a TOTAL of 281 cases.

This represents NO CHANGE in the cumulative number of confirmed or probable cases compared with those reported Tuesday, March 2.

The total number of Old Lyme residents tested is 4,728, up four from the previous day’s number.

Old Lyme Now in Yellow (Second Lowest) Zone for Two-Week New Case Rate, Lyme Remains in (Highest) Red Zone

The report issued Tuesday, March 2, by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) for the average daily rate of new cases of COVID-19 by town during the past two weeks contains good news for Old Lyme … but not Lyme. This report is issued daily, but only updated weekly on Thursdays. The current report was updated Thursday, Feb. 25: the next updated report will be issued in the afternoon of Thursday, March 4.

It shows that Old Lyme has moved from the (second highest) Orange Zone down into the (lowest but one) Yellow Zone reflecting an even lower case rate than the previous week. Unfortunately, Lyme remains in the ‘Red Zone’ — the category with the highest rate of new cases. (Four zones are specified by the CT DPH — see details below)

Overall, the report contains more good news for the whole state with the following data for this week (the previous week’s figures shown in parentheses):

15 (10) towns are now in the (lowest case rate) Gray Zone
7 (4) are in the (lowest but one) Yellow Zone
28 (16) are in the (second highest case rate) Orange Zone.

All the remaining towns are in the Red Zone. This is, however, a dramatic improvement from the map we published back in November when every town in the state was in the Red Zone.

This report shows that Old Lyme now joins six other towns — Middlefield, Waterbury, Burlington, Bolton, Tolland and Granby — in the Yellow (second lowest rate) Zone.

The Gray (lowest rate) Zone includes Bridgewater, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, New Hartford, Norfolk, Scotland, Hartland, Barkamsted, Eastford, Franklin, Lisbon, Pomfret, Roxbury, and Warren.

The gray category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is less than five or less than five reported cases.
The yellow category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is between five and nine reported cases.
The orange category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is between 10 and 14.
The red category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town exceeds 15.

In all cases, this rate does not include cases or tests among residents of nursing home, assisted living, or correctional facilities.

Three Fatalities in Old Lyme Since Pandemic Began, None in Lyme

According to the report mentioned above, there have now been THREE fatalities in Old Lyme. Asked Tuesday, Feb. 9, for details of this third fatality, Ledge Light Health Department Director of Health Stephen Mansfield responded, “We have not been notified of any recent deaths in Old Lyme. Keep in mind that that report is compiled by the Connecticut Department of Public Health; deaths are not reportable to local health districts.”

He added, “I can’t speak for their data sources.”

The two fatalities from Old Lyme previously reported in 2020 were a 61-year-old female and an 82-year-old male.

No fatalities have been reported in Lyme.

More Detail on Two-Week Case Rates

On Thursday, Feb. 25, Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) also issued their latest weekly report of COVID data for the municipalities within their District. Ledge Light Director of Health Stephen Mansfield prefaces the report with the comment, “We are encouraged to see a moderate decrease in cases for the 6^th consecutive reporting period, and are hopeful that this trend will continue.”

The latest two-week case rate announced Thursday, Feb. 25, for the period 2/7 to 2/20 per 100,000 population (compared with the previous two-week case rate for 1/31 to 2/13) has fallen in Old Lyme but increased in Lyme.

The two-week case rates are as follows:

Old Lyme from 11.6 to 6.8
Lyme from 21.4 to 24.4

The same report shows that the number of cases in Week 1 and Week 2 recorded for the period 2/7 to 2/20 (compared with the previous two-week case rate for 1/31 to 2/13 shown in parentheses) is as follows:

Lyme had 5 (2) cases in Week 1 and 3 (5) in Week 2
Old Lyme had 4 (9) cases in Week 1 and 3 (7) in Week 2

This data was updated Feb. 25, 2021. The next Ledge Light Weekly Data Report for their District will be issued in the afternoon of Thursday, March 4.

Connecticut Hospital Occupancy

At the request of several readers, we are adding a new report today showing the respective rates of hospital occupancy at local hospitals. The data for this report is obtained from the Connecticut Hospital Occupancy Report published weekly by the CT DPH and extracted from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) facility-level data for hospital utilization aggregated on a weekly basis (Friday to Thursday).

[table id=10 /]

Editor’s Note: The state issues a COVID-19 metric report daily around 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, which includes current data up to the previous evening. In light of the serious rise in Coronavirus cases, we publish a new weekday update reporting confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in Lyme and Old Lyme.

Filed Under: COVID-19, Lyme, News, Old Lyme

Death Announced of Joanne Trawicke Centola of Old Lyme; Loved Living on Rogers Lake, Volunteered at High Hopes

March 2, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

OLD LYME — Joanne Trawicke Centola, 73, of Old Lyme, passed Feb. 24, 2021, due to complications from heart failure. Born June 3, 1947 in Waterbury, Joanne was the only child of the late John D. and Anna B. Trawicke.

She grew up in Meriden and spent her summers on Rogers Lake in Old Lyme …

… Joanne always loved living on Rogers Lake and moved there full-time in 2005. To her family, she was affectionately known as “Lake Girl.” She enjoyed boating, water skiing and ice skating when she was younger and boat rides, paddle boarding and even tubing with her grandchildren as she got older …

… Joanne also enjoyed volunteering at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Center in Old Lyme …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published Feb. 28, in The Day.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Old Lyme

March 1 COVID-19 Update: Both Lyme, Old Lyme Show Increase in Cumulative Cases; OL Up Two to 281, Lyme Up One to 87

March 1, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

LYME/OLD LYME — The Daily Data Report for Connecticut issued Monday, March 1, by the Connecticut Department of Public Health(CT DPH) for data as at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28, shows that cumulative cases (confirmed and probable) since the pandemic began increased by two in Old Lyme to 281 and by one in Lyme to 87.

The next CT DPH Daily Data Report for Connecticut will be issued in the afternoon of Tuesday, March 2.

Old Lyme – Cumulative Cases Up Two

Old Lyme now has a cumulative total (since the outbreak began) of 275 confirmed COVID-19 cases and SIX probable cases, making a TOTAL of 281 cases.

This represents a INCREASE of TWO in the cumulative number of confirmed cases compared with those reported Friday, Feb. 26, and NO CHANGE in the cumulative number of probable cases reported the same day.

The total number of Old Lyme residents tested is 4,718, up 26 from the previous day’s number.

Lyme – Cumulative Cases Up One

Lyme now has a cumulative total (since the outbreak began) of 80 confirmed cases and SEVEN probable cases, making a TOTAL of 87 cases.

This represents an INCREASE of TWO in the cumulative number of confirmed cases and a DECREASE of ONE in the number of probable cases over those reported Friday, Feb. 26.

The total number of Lyme residents tested is 1,262, an increase of four over Friday’s number.

Old Lyme Now in Yellow (Second Lowest) Zone for Two-Week New Case Rate, Lyme Remains in (Highest) Red Zone

The report issued Monday, March 1, by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) for the average daily rate of new cases of COVID-19 by town during the past two weeks contains good news for Old Lyme … but not Lyme. This report is issued daily, but only updated weekly on Thursdays. The current report was updated Thursday, Feb. 25.

Overall, the report contains more good news for the whole state with the following data for this week (the previous week’s figures shown in parentheses):

15 (10) towns are now in the (lowest case rate) Gray Zone
7 (4) are in the (lowest but one) Yellow Zone
28 (16) are in the (second highest case rate) Orange Zone.

All the remaining towns are in the Red Zone. This is, however, a dramatic improvement from the map we published back in November when every town in the state was in the Red Zone.

This report shows that Old Lyme now joins six other towns — Middlefield, Waterbury, Burlington, Bolton, Tolland and Granby — in the Yellow (second lowest rate) Zone.

The Gray (lowest rate) Zone includes Bridgewater, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, New Hartford, Norfolk, Scotland, Hartland, Barkamsted, Eastford, Franklin, Lisbon, Pomfret, Roxbury, and Warren.

The gray category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is less than five or less than five reported cases.
The yellow category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is between five and nine reported cases.
The orange category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is between 10 and 14.
The red category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town exceeds 15.

In all cases, this rate does not include cases or tests among residents of nursing home, assisted living, or correctional facilities.

The next CT DPH Weekly Data Report for Connecticut will be issued in the afternoon of Thursday, March 4.

Three Fatalities in Old Lyme Since Pandemic Began, None in Lyme

He added, “I can’t speak for their data sources.”

The two fatalities from Old Lyme previously reported in 2020 were a 61-year-old female and an 82-year-old male.

No fatalities have been reported in Lyme.

More Detail on Two-Week Case Rates

The two-week case rates are as follows:

Old Lyme from 11.6 to 6.8
Lyme from 21.4 to 24.4

Lyme had 5 (2) cases in Week 1 and 3 (5) in Week 2
Old Lyme had 4 (9) cases in Week 1 and 3 (7) in Week 2

This data was updated Feb. 25, 2021. The next Ledge Light Weekly Data Report for their District will be issued in the afternoon of Thursday, March 4.

Connecticut Hospital Occupancy

[table id=10 /]

Filed Under: COVID-19, Lyme, Old Lyme

Basketball Update: Both Teams Defeat H-K; Boys Lose to Hale-Ray

March 1, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

LYME/OLD LYME — The Old Lyme girls continued their winning streak winning a fifth game in succession Thursday when they trounced Haddam-Killingworth (H-K) 51- 25. Old Lyme advanced to a 5-1 record while H-K fell to 0-6.

Senior Emily DeRoehn had 15 points, including going 11-15 from the Foul Line, six rebounds and two assists while Emma McCulloch scored 10 points and had 12 rebounds. Other contributors were Ali Kyle with 8 points, Sam Gray also with 8 and Grace Lathrop with seven.

After the game, Coach Don Bugbee commented on his girl’s performance, saying, It was a very nice team win for the girls. We got contributions from everyone on both the offensive and defensive ends of the game.”

In the Junior Varsity game, Old Lyme defeated Haddam-Killingworth 40-24. Alexis Fenton scored 16 points, Ali Kyle 10 and Melanie Warren six.

The girls meet Morgan in an away game, Monday, March 1, with the JV game tipping off at 4 and Varsity at 6 p.m.

Kirk Kaczor’s boys made up for a mid-week 42-57 home loss to Hale-Ray on Wednesday with a convincing 64-50 win over H-K on Thursday.

After the H-K game, Kaczor commented, “[This was] a good win for us.” noting that Jacob Ritchie had scored 18 points and Frank Sablone 16.

Playing at home, the Old Lyme boys meet Morgan Monday, March 1, with the JV game tipping off at 4 and Varsity at 6 p.m.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Sport

Musical Masterworks Video of February Concert in Old Lyme Now Available for Viewing

March 1, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Rieko Aizawa plays the piano in the February ‘Musical Masterworks’ concert.

OLD LYME — Musical Masterworks welcomes Rieko Aizawa on piano, Todd Palmer on clarinet and Edward Arron on cello for their concert video, which was filmed from the stage of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

The concert video features the music of Mozart, Bernstein, Kenji Bunch and Brahms

This performance was filmed in mid-February and the link to the virtual concert is now available to ticket buyers. The video can be enjoyed for three weeks and watched as many times as one wishes.

Ticket holders can experience Musical Masterworks in a whole new way: the audio-video production team creates an intimate concert experience, providing a virtual front row seat, featuring the performers’ exceptional artistry.

In March and May, Musical Masterworks will feature a selection of favorite artists, including baritone Randall Scarlata, Gilles Vonsattel and Jeewon Park on piano and Tessa Lark on violin, performing music from Bach to Corigliano.

The Musical Masterworks season runs through May 2021.

To purchase a video mini-subscription ($100 each), individual video tickets ($40 each), or student tickets ($5 each), visit Musical Masterworks at www.musicalmasterworks.org or call 860.434.2252.

Filed Under: Arts, News, Old Lyme

Old Lyme Harbor Commission Now Accepting 2021 Mooring Applications

February 28, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Harbor Commission is now accepting applications for 2021 moorings in Town waters.

Beginning in May, the Harbor Master will commence routine checks of the mooring fields of the Local Waters. Boaters are reminded that moorings without valid permits and/or those that do not comply with the Old Lyme Harbor Ordinance standards for placement or identification may be removed from service without notice, and the associated removal and storage costs will be the owner’s responsibility.

The cost is $25 for the permit, and Proof of Tackle Compliance provided by a qualified Inspector is required.

Additional information and forms are available at https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/harbormaster-harbor-management-commission

Any questions regarding the process can be sent via e-mail to Tom Meyer at meyertom@comcast.net.

Filed Under: News, Old Lyme, Outdoors

Hadlyme Country Market Hosts Fundraiser Tomorrow to Benefit LOLHS ‘Safe Grad 2021’ Event

February 26, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

LYME — Hadlyme Country Market hosts a ‘School Safe Grad Day,’ Saturday, Feb. 27, to benefit the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Class of 2021’s ‘Safe Grad Night.’

From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, the store will generously donate 10 percent of all sales to the event.

Filed Under: Lyme

Death Announced of A. John Plikus Jr., 80, of Lyme; He Took Great Pleasure in … Bringing out the Beauty of his Corner of Lyme.

February 26, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

LYME — A. John Plikus Jr., 80, of Lyme passed away Feb. 18, 2021, at his home. John was born April 3, 1940, son of Anthony J. Plikus Sr. and Alice (McCully) Plikus in New London …

… He leaves his beloved wife Christine (Audibert) Plikus; son John M. Plikus and his wife Kerry; daughter-in-law Monica Plikus; step-son Mark Hope and his wife Melissa; step-daughter Dr. April Chitwood; …

… In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Lyme Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 911, Hadlyme, CT 06439.

Visit this link to read the full obituary published Feb. 21, in The Day.

Filed Under: Lyme, Obituaries

Death Announced of Kathleen Jane “Kathy” Munday of Old Lyme, Member of OLHS Class of 1967

February 26, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

OLD LYME — Kathleen Jane “Kathy” Munday passed into the hands of Our Lord Super Bowl Sunday Feb. 7, 2021, the thought of Tom Brady winning another championship being the last straw. Kathy was born May 31, 1949, in Woonsocket, R.I., the third child and only girl of nine.

After the family resettled in Old Lyme, she graduated from Old Lyme High School in 1967, and went on to college at Eastern Connecticut State University where she received a degree in education. After substitute teaching at Center School in Old Lyme, but not finding permanent employment, she started working at EB Publishing, a job she truly loved …

… Calling hours will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday March 13, with private burial to follow …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published Feb. 21, in The Day.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Old Lyme

Feb. 24 COVID-19 Update: Old Lyme Cumulative Cases Up Two to 280, Lyme Down One to 86

February 25, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

LYME/OLD LYME — The Daily Data Report for Connecticut issued Wednesday, Feb. 24, by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) for data as at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23, shows that cumulative cases (confirmed and probable) since the pandemic began are up two in Old Lyme at 280 (compared with the numbers reported Monday, Feb. 22) but down one in Lyme to 86.

It should be noted that Monday’s data always includes numbers from Friday through Sunday since reports are not issued over the weekend.

The next CT DPH Daily Data Report for Connecticut will be issued in the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 25.

Old Lyme – Cumulative Cases Up Two

Old Lyme now has a cumulative total (since the outbreak began) of 274 confirmed COVID-19 cases and SIX probable cases, making a TOTAL of 280 cases.

This represents an INCREASE of TWO in the cumulative number of confirmed cases and NO CHANGE in the number of probable cases compared with those reported Tuesday, Feb. 23.

The total number of Old Lyme residents tested is 4,659, up three from the previous day’s number.

Lyme – Cumulative Cases Down One

Lyme now has a cumulative total (since the outbreak began) of 78 confirmed cases and EIGHT probable cases, making a TOTAL of 86 cases.

This represents an DECREASE OF ONE in the cumulative number of confirmed cases and NO CHANGE in the cumulative number of probable cases over those reported Tuesday, Feb. 23.

The total number of Lyme residents tested is 1,249, an increase of five over Monday’s number.

Old Lyme Moves Down into Orange (Second Highest) Zone for Two-Week New Case Rate, Lyme Moves Back into (Highest) Red

The weekly report issued Thursday, Feb. 18, by the CT DPH for the average daily rate of new cases of COVID-19 by town during the past two weeks shows that Old Lyme has finally moved into the (second highest) Orange Zone — down from the state-identified Red Zone, where it has been since early December 2020. Unfortunately, Lyme has moved back into the ‘Red Zone’ with the highest rate of new cases.

Overall, the report contains good news with 10 towns now in the Gray Zone, four in the Yellow Zone and 16 in the Orange Zone. This is a far cry from the map we published back in November when every town in the state was in the Red Zone.

As of the Feb. 18 report, Old Lyme now joins 16 other towns — Essex, Deep River, Kent, Sherman, Goshen, Granby, Winchester, New Hartford, Canton, Farmington, Portland, Haddam, Hebron, Lebanon, Bethany and Southbury — in the Orange Zone.

Redding, Woodbury, Pomfret and Salisbury are in the Yellow Zone.

The Gray Zone includes Bridgewater, Canaan, Cornwall, Norfolk, Scotland, Hartland, Barkamsted, Eastford, Franklin and Warren.

The gray category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is less than five or less than five reported cases.
The yellow category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is between five and nine reported cases.
The orange category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town is between 10 and 14.
The red category is defined as when the Average Daily Rate of COVID-19 Cases Among Persons Living in Community Settings per 100,000 Population By Town exceeds 15.

In all cases, this rate does not include cases or tests among residents of nursing home, assisted living, or correctional facilities.

The next CT DPH Weekly Data Report for Connecticut will be issued in the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 25.

Three Fatalities in Old Lyme Since Pandemic Began, None in Lyme

He added, “I can’t speak for their data sources.”

The two fatalities from Old Lyme previously reported in 2020 were a 61-year-old female and an 82-year-old male.

No fatalities have been reported in Lyme.

More Detail on Two-Week Case Rates

On Thursday, Feb. 18, Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) also issued their latest weekly report of COVID data for the municipalities within their District. Ledge Light Director of Health Stephen Mansfield prefaces the report with the comment, “We are encouraged to see a moderate decrease in cases for the 4th consecutive reporting period, and are hopeful that this trend will continue.”

The latest two-week case rate announced Thursday, Feb. 18, for the period 1/31 to 2/13 per 100,000 population (compared with the previous two-week case rate for 1/24 to 2/06) has fallen in Old Lyme but increased in Lyme.

The two-week case rates are as follows:

Old Lyme from 25.2 to 11.6
Lyme from 12.2 to 21.4

The same report shows that the number of cases in Week 1 and Week 2 recorded for the period 1/31 to 2/13 (compared with the previous two-week case rate for 1/24 to 2/06 shown in parentheses) are as follows:

Lyme had 2 (2) cases in Week 1 and 5 (2) in Week 2
Old Lyme had 9 (17) cases in Week 1 and 3 (9) in Week 2

This data was updated Feb. 18, 2021. The next Ledge Light Weekly Data Report for their District will be issued in the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 25.

Connecticut Hospital Occupancy

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Filed Under: COVID-19, Lyme, Old Lyme

Death of Mark Michael Gordon, 61, Announced; Spent All His Childhood Summers at Old Colony Beach, ‘Unforgettable Memories, Amazing Lifetime Friends’

February 23, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Mark Michael Gordon, of Fort Lauderdale, FL passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2021 at the age of 61. Mark grew up in Bloomfield, CT and after attending Bloomfield High School, he continued his education and graduated from Adelphi University in New York …

… we would be remiss if we did not mention Mark spent all of his childhood summers with his immediate and extended family at Old Colony Beach in Old Lyme CT making unforgettable memories and amazing lifetime friends …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published Feb. 22, in the Hartford Courant.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Old Lyme

Kokomo’s in Old Lyme Launches Beach Club Membership with Resort-Style Service

February 23, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Remember this? Summer is just around the corner and Kokomo’s is launching a new Beach Club Membership program to celebrate.

OLD LYME – Kokomo’s, Old Lyme’s premier beachfront dining experience located in Sound View, today announced a new opportunity for beach lovers and vacationers to enjoy on-the-beach dining with personalized service without the need to travel. This new Beach Club membership has a limited capacity, and open houses to discuss the program are expected to begin this month.

“Kokomo’s has always prided itself on providing a tropical experience without the need to travel, and during the coronavirus pandemic that kind of opportunity has been more important than ever,” said Brian Cleary, owner of Kokomo’s.

Almost the Caribbean? Kokomo’s has a prime beachfront location on Sound View Beach in Old Lyme.

He added, “We wanted to do more. We want to provide more than a dining experience, but an opportunity for members to have guaranteed beach access along with in-the-sand dining and event opportunities.”

Memberships start at $80 and come with recreational learning opportunities like mixology classes, a priority spot on the Kokomo’s beach and, most importantly, a personalized Genie. Genies are the Kokomo’s membership experts and personal concierge for each Kokomo’s member.

The heated cabanas at Kokomo’s have proved extremely popular during the winter months.

During the winter, Kokomo’s has prided itself on its heated, private cabanas that allow for beachfront dining regardless of temperature or need for distancing.

Editor’s Note: i) For more information about the Kokomo’s Beach Club membership, call 860-390-6403 or visit this link. Follow Kokomo’s on Facebook @kokomosrestaurant or Instagram @kokomosrestaurant.

ii) This article is based on a press release issued by Kokomo’s Beach Club.

Filed Under: Headline News, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Learn Your Insects in Duck River Garden Club’s Virtual Program, Tonight; All Welcome

February 22, 2021 by Admin 1 Comment

Duck River Garden Club hosts a program all about insects, Feb. 22. Photo by Dorothea Oldani on Unsplash.

OLD LYME — Old Lyme’s Duck River Garden Club (DRGC) continues to hold virtual presentations and meetings on Zoom while COVID restrictions are in place. These DRGC presentations are open to the public and require advance registration.

Virtual socials take place at 6:30 p.m., presentations at 7 p.m., followed by a business meeting for members.

Katherine Dugas is the speaker at the DRGC meeting, Feb. 22.

Join DRGC on Monday, Feb. 22, via Zoom to hear Katherine Dugas, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) research technician, discuss current insect and plant disease conditions in Connecticut, including latest known migration of invasive Spotted Lanternfly, Emerald Ash Borer and Southern Pine Beetle.

Brush up on your insect ID skills, learn about the latest threats to our environment and what you can do to help.

Katherine is daughter of Albert and Denise Dugas of Old Lyme.

Dugas earned her Bachelors Degree from Connecticut College in 2005 and Master’s Degree from URI in 2008. She works in the Insect Information and Plant Disease Information Offices of CAES.

To register for this free program, call or email Karen Geisler, DRGC president, 860-434-5321, karengr007@gmail.com. One needs to have free Zoom app to see this virtual program, phone call-in also available.

Check DRGC’s website and the club’s public Duck River Garden Club of Old Lyme Facebook page for any changes to planned programs.

DRGC welcomes new members, who can join via the membership form on the website. For further information on membership, contact Karen Geisler. Attendance at DRGC virtual programs counts toward the required two meetings for prospective club members.

Filed Under: Old Lyme