Follow-up Work Party
Saturday, April 17
Join volunteers on the old bridge access road between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
(Rain date Saturday, April 24th)
Come help detangle the wooded lot next to the old bridge abutment off Halls Road. Bring gloves, clippers, loppers, rakes, and hand-saws and be ready to do some bush-whacking.
Wear your protective clothing, & use tick repellant, it’s a jungle in there!
In the fall of 2018, the Halls Road Improvements Committee began the work to remove trash and untangle the wooded lot leading to the old bridge abutment on the Lieutenant River. It’s time to finish the project near the river and collect up any litter in the lot.
This is a fun way to get to know your neighbors and contribute to the efforts of Halls Road improvements.
Work in small socially-distanced groups, with masks on, to pull all the dead wood, trash, and invasive plants out to the access road.
Later, Old Lyme Public Works crew will dispose of the piles and do any final chain-sawing needed.
Nip the Knotweed with Master Gardener, Suzanne Thompson
Join Gardener/Writer Suzanne Thompson in her Nip the Knotweed campaign – an organic method of starving back the encroaching plants and releasing and reintroducing desired native plants and ecosystems. Taking on Japanese Knotweed this way can be therapeutic exercise and a good reason to get out into nature.
“Nip the Knotweed” is a free webinar offered by the Old Lyme-PGN Library.
Sign up for the Zoom link at http://oldlymelibrary.org.
OLD LYME — A small but mighty single cell organism, plankton, pictured above, is the base of the marine food web.
Dr. Hans Dam
In a free lecture presented by the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center on April 29 at 6 p.m. via Zoom, Hans Dam, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut, will speak about the evolutionary ecology of plankton and its vulnerability to climate change. His lecture is titled, The Secret Life of Plankton: The Base of the Marine Food Web.
Register to obtain the Zoom link for the presentation at ctaudubon.org/
Dr. Dam is a biological oceanographer interested in the ecology and evolution of planktonic organisms: the tiny creatures that control the biology of the sea.
He will describe the macro-power of these microorganisms and help attendees to improve their understanding of the invisible life teeming in a tablespoon of river or Sound water.
Dr. Dam’s current research focuses on how copepods, the most abundant animals on Earth, adapt to the ocean’s warming and acidification.
Another area of his 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.
Included with participation in the lecture is a special offer: a dinner available for pick-up on the day of the event prepared by renowned chef Ani Robaina, formerly chef at the Microsoft Conference Center and the Pond House in Hartford and currently owner and chef at Ani’s Table. The cost is $75.
This is the third and final presentation in The Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center’s Connecticut River Lecture Series, now celebrating its seventh year with presentations that feature prominent scientists focusing on critical environmental issues. Named for the internationally and locally renowned artist, scientific illustrator, environmental educator, and conservation advocate, the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center is known for its work in environmental education, conservation, research, and advocacy.
For the past year and continuing in 2021, the Center has served young people and adults across the region with small group programs like bird walks and owl prowls, virtual CT River ecology and other courses, seasonal nature crafts and activities for kids via Zoom, as well as an upcoming multi-disciplinary, summer camp program.
More information is available at https://www.ctaudubon.org/
LYME/OLD LYME — The Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools Board of Education (BOE) will hold their District Budget Meeting Monday evening, May 3, in the Board of Education Conference Room at Center School starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Budget Meeting will also be live-streamed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2_W7yYtFwx067Ici9776Q/videos?view=57
Public comment can be made in person or virtually via this Zoom link: https://region18.zoom.us/j/83527766795 and using Meeting ID: 835 2776 6795.
Those choosing the virtual option to make public comment will be required to follow the same expectations as those commenting in person, i.e., after being recognized by the chairperson, participants must state their name and place of residence before making their comments to the board.
The proposed budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year totals $34,874, 548 representing a 0.47 percent increase over the current year’s budget. When this total is combined with last year’s decrease of 1.06 percent, the total change over two years is -0.6 percent or $210,210.
In the Letter of Transmittal accompanying the printed budget, LOL Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser and Region 18 Board of Education Chairman Diane Linderman say, “We have developed a budget that continues to support all of our award-winning academic and curricular offerings, which are commensurate with, and often superior to, both public and private schools throughout Connecticut.”
Members of the BOE are expected to vote at the meeting to move the public vote to approve the budget to an in-person referendum the following day, Tuesday, May 4.
Voting will take place from 12 noon to 8 p.m. at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School for Old Lyme residents and Lyme Town Hall for Lyme residents.
Information on absentee ballot and voter information is available at the following links:
- for Old Lyme residents:- https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/town-clerk/pages/voter-information
- for Lyme residents:- https://townlyme.org/
Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School will not be closed during voting hours — students will be following a regular school day.
Voting will take place from 12 noon to 8 p.m. at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School for Old Lyme residents and Lyme Town Hall for Lyme residents.
Information on absentee ballot and voter information is available at the following links:
- for Old Lyme residents:- https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/town-clerk/pages/voter-information
- for Lyme residents:- https://townlyme.org/
Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School will not be closed during voting hours — students will be following a regular school day.
Join an evening of kindness card creation.
In this free presentation, professional designer and local resident Tracie Larson will demonstrate some creative techniques to improve your card-making skills.
After registering, you will receive instructions regarding collection of your card-making kit at the Library.
You will also need the following materials:
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- A coloring tool; colored pencil, marker or paint
Register here to receive the Zoom link.
LYME/OLD LYME — Can video gaming be dangerous for kids?
On Tuesday, May 4, from 7 to 8 p.m., Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau and the Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Community Coalition are sponsoring a Zoom presentation on youth gaming and gambling. The Parent Teacher Organizations of Lyme, Mile Creek and LOL Middle School are co-sponsoring the event.
This free, interactive workshop will discuss an overview of youth gaming and gambling. Learn from experts about risk factors, and protective factors for prevention, treatment, and recovery. All are welcome.
The presenters are Kaitlin Brown and Kelly Leppard, who both have extensive experience in this field.
Brown is Director of Programs & Services with CT Council on Problem Gambling. Kaitlin is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor, and holds and International Gaming Disorder Certificate.
Leppard serves as the Primary Prevention Services Coordinator for Problem Gambling Services with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Certified Prevention Specialist.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Land Trust (OLLT), the Old Lyme Open Space Commission and the Old Lyme Inn are sponsoring a “Hiker’s Happy Hour” on Wednesday, May 5.
Hikers should meet at 4:15 p.m. at the Old Lyme Land Trust’s Watch Rock Preserve, in the parking lot at the end of Joel Road. All are welcome.
From Rte. 156, turn off onto Noyes Road, take an immediate right on Caulkins Road and when it bends to the left, take another quick right turn onto Joel Road and follow it to the end.
The pleasant hike will wend its way though the Preserve where hikers will look at coastal forest, a reclaimed meadow, and attempts to restore the native understory vegetation. Spectacular views of the Connecticut River are also to be found. The hike is flat and easy and will take 45 minutes.
Hikers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Land Trust (OLLT), the Old Lyme Open Space Commission and the Old Lyme Inn are sponsoring a “Hiker’s Happy Hour” on Wednesday, May 5.
Hikers can enjoy a friendly happy hour at the nearby Old Lyme Inn but you need not hike to enjoy the event! The happy hour at the Inn will begin at 5 p.m. for hikers and others alike.
The public is invited to join the hike and/or the happy hour.
A Watch Rock Preserve trail map may be found at the Old Lyme Land Trust website.
P.S. In the event of rain, meet at the Old Lyme Inn for Happy Hour instead of Watch Rock.
LYME — On Saturday, May 8, the Lyme Grange hosts a Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Grange sited on the corner of Sterling City Rd, and Rte. 156 in Lyme.
A great selection of perennials and annuals will be offered for sale.
All proceeds benefit the work of the Grange.
Fearghal McGarry presents “The Irish Revolution,1919-1921, in a Global Context”
When: Thursday, May 13, 2021, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Registration required. The link to join us will be emailed with your registration confirmation. We will be using Zoom meetings.
https://scwac.wildapricot.org/
If you are new to Zoom virtual meetings and would like to learn more about how to join us, visit zoom.us for more information. Also, feel free to call us at 860-912-5718 for technical advice prior to the event. We will not be able to resolve issues during the meeting. A link to the recording will be shared via email following the meeting.
Presenter: Fearghal McGarry, Queens University Belfast and Boston College
The Topic: 2021 marks the culmination of a remarkable series of 100th anniversaries of events that significantly impacted the twentieth century: World War I, the Russian Revolution, the first commitment of American troops to a land war in Europe, and the beginnings of the end of the British Empire with the independence of (most) of Ireland after a bitter War of Independence, 1919-1921. Professor McGarry will discuss the Irish revolution within its transnational and global contexts.
Cost: Free for members, guests $20
OLD LYME — Through the choppy waters of restoration to the calm seas of seasoned boat ownership, local author Ron Breault will take attendees on a 25-year virtual voyage of his sailing life aboard Marionette.
Visit this link to read a review by Felix Kloman of Voyaging with Marionette, which was published Aug. 3, 2020 on LymeLine.com.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Land Trust owns a large field lot at 14 Sill Lane. The Trust recently had a contractor clear the very overgrown northeast corner of the property, which was extremely overgrown with invasive plants.
On Saturday, May 22, from 9 to 11 a.m., a Work Party is now planned with the aim of cleaning up the remaining surface to keep the area mowed and prevent the invasive plant from growing back.
The location for the event is 14 Sill Lane — park along the road in front of the stone wall.
Bring gloves, metal rakes, pitch fork, perhaps a tarp.
The plan is to haul the debris to the transfer station. If you can provide a pick-up truck or dump trailer, it would be much appreciated.
LYME/OLD LYME/OLD SAYBROOK — The last chance locally for a while to vaccinate adults and 12- to 15-year-old children against COVID-19 will be held this Sunday, May 23.
The clinic will be held at Old Saybrook Middle School (OSMS) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You choose whether to have a Pfizer, Moderna or J & J vaccine administered.
You will not need to exit your car to receive the vaccine.
After you and/or your child has been vaccinated, you can choose a breakfast sandwich between 9 and 11 a.m. and a hot dog or hamburger between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The OSMS is located at 60 Sheffield St., Old Saybrook.
Tuesday, May 25, Heirloom Gardens, with Linda Turner, Florence Griswold Museum garden coordinator.
Email Karen Geisler, DRGC president, karengr007@gmail.
May 25th at 6 p.m. for a virtual event with Joshua Freeman of Princeton University (“The Plight of the Ulighurs in China”)
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Land Trust (OLLT), the Old Lyme Open Space Commission and the Old Lyme Inn are sponsoring a “Hiker’s Happy Hour” on Wednesday, June 2.
A guided walk will leave at 4:15 p.m. from the red trailhead in the Champlain North Open Space, located at the end of Wyckford Lane, just north of the I-95 exit 70. People preferring an easy, level walk can just go a short way to the Barbizon Oak, a 300-year-old historic landmark.
All are welcome.
After the hike, people will re-group at the nearby Old Lyme Inn for a 5 to 7 p.m. friendly happy hour, with half-price drinks the first hour. You need not hike to enjoy the event; the happy hour at the Inn will begin at 5 p.m. for hikers and others alike.
Additional “Hikers’ Happy Hours” are scheduled for Sept. 1 and Oct. 6, with locations to be announced.
Information on the Champlain North Open Space and its trails may be found at: https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/open-space-commission/pages/champlain-north.
Hikers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent.
In the event of rain, meet at the Old Lyme Inn for Happy Hour instead of the trailhead.
Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
The Nut Museum – The Visionary Art of Elizabeth Tashjian
Wednesday, June 2 , 6:30—7:30 PM via Zoom
Do you remember Old Lyme’s Nut Museum? Elizabeth Tashjian (1912-2007) opened the Nut Museum in 1972 on the ground floor of her Victorian home in Old Lyme. The museum featured Miss Tashjian’s original artwork devoted to nuts, her collection of nuts, and, for her museum visitors, a capella performances of her songs about nuts.
Beginning in 1981, Miss Tashjian appeared regularly on late-night television talk shows, including twice on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. In response to her new-found celebrity status, Miss Tashjian transformed herself from an academically-trained painter into an avant-garde visual and performance artist.
This talk explores the unique trajectory of Elizabeth Tashjian’s life and her eclectic artistic career.
Christopher B. Steiner, PhD, – Professor of Art History & Anthropology at Connecticut College will talk about the rescue mission and the archival process of preserving Miss Tashjian’s unique collection.
To register, visit the library website http://oldlyme.lioninc.org/
LYME — The First Congregational Church of Lyme is offering a Mental Health First Aid class in two sessions on Friday, June 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You must attend the full eight hours to receive the certificate.
The church is hosting this class for the whole Lyme community. Pastor Susan Olsen stresses, “It’s not a religious class–please invite anyone who might be interested.”
This is an eight-hour class designed to help laypersons recognize the early signs of mental health crises, and take some steps to offer support until more advanced help arrives. It is an engaging, interactive course that teaches important skills for members of communities and families.
Bring snacks or meals as you wish to either/both classes.
RSVP to [email protected].
Cost is $10. If that presents a hardship, simply ask and scholarship funds can be found.