
OLD LYME — On Tuesday, April 12, from 6 to 7 p.m., the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) hosts Professor Marci Shore from the Department of History at Yale University. She will speak on the highly topical subject of “The War in Ukraine.”
This will be a hybrid presentation offering both in-person and Zoom options.
Since this will be SECWAC’s return to in-person events, attendees will be required to wear a mask during the meeting, unless you are speaking. Also, chairs will be spread out to provide some level of social distancing.
Light hors d’oeuvres will be served in the half hour before the presentation starts.
Professor Shore recently published an article in the Wall Street Journal (February 26/27, Review) entitled “Why Ukrainians Are Prepared to Fight”, in which she described the historical context for the war, pointing out that eight years ago the country rose up against the corruption and brutality of Russian domination, and forged a new kind of civic bond and commitment.
Shore is associate professor of history at Yale University. She is the translator of Michał Głowiński’s The Black Seasons and the author of Caviar and Ashes: A Warsaw Generation’s Life and Death in Marxism, 1918-1968, The Taste of Ashes: The Afterlife of Totalitarianism in Eastern Europe, and The Ukrainian Night: An Intimate History of Revolution.
In 2018 she received a Guggenheim Fellowship for her current project about phenomenology in East-Central Europe tentatively titled Eyeglasses Floating in the Sky: Central European Encounters that Took Place while Searching for Truth.
Registration is free to members or $20 for non-members. Register at this link.
For more information on SECWAC, visit their website.

OLD LYME — Lyme Youth Service Bureau (LYSB)’s annual Youth Art Show, which is now in its 36th year, celebrates the artistic achievements of K through 12 students, who attend Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools. The show includes many pieces that have recently won impressive awards in state and local competitions.
The show is a collaboration between LYSB, LOL Schools, and Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. The show features drawings, paintings, graphic, and ceramic arts and is held in the Academy’s Sill House Gallery.
The show opens on Thursday, April 7, with a reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for Grades K to 5, followed immediately by one for Grades 6 to 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The show will be on view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for the next two days, Friday April 8, and Saturday April 9, and also on Saturday, April 16.
All are welcome and admission is free.
The Sill House Gallery at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is located at 84 Lyme St. in Old Lyme.
For more information, contact Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau at 860-434-7208 or visit www.lysb.org.

OLD LYME — Lyme Youth Service Bureau (LYSB)’s annual Youth Art Show, which is now in its 36th year, celebrates the artistic achievements of K through 12 students, who attend Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools. The show includes many pieces that have recently won impressive awards in state and local competitions.
The show is a collaboration between LYSB, LOL Schools, and Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. The show features drawings, paintings, graphic, and ceramic arts and is held in the Academy’s Sill House Gallery.
The show opens on Thursday, April 7, with a reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for Grades K to 5, followed immediately by one for Grades 6 to 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The show will be on view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for the next two days, Friday April 8, and Saturday April 9, and also on Saturday, April 16.
All are welcome and admission is free.
The Sill House Gallery at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is located at 84 Lyme St. in Old Lyme.
For more information, contact Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau at 860-434-7208 or visit www.lysb.org.
LYME — In celebration of Earth Day today, Lyme Land Trust is offering a live video screening tonight at 7 p.m. via Zoom of Spring Emergence: An Exploration of Wildflowers in Pleasant Valley and Jewett Preserves.
This new, 27-minute video is the third in a series of preserve explorations with charismatic naturalist Mike Zarfos.
Zarfos, the writer, and Sue Cope, the video editor, will be live for a brief introduction to the video and then, after the viewing, for a live Q & A.
All are welcome to join the presentation. Preregister by sending an email to [email protected] to obtain the Zoom link.
LYME — On Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Lyme Ambulance Association is offering a class titled, ‘Emergency 101.’ The class is free for Lyme residents aged 14 and over and will teach attendees how to learn to recognize a medical emergency.
The class will be held at the Hamburg Fire Station.
Call 860-510-2815 to reserve your place.
The Rogers Lake Authority is holding a virtual meeting tonight, April 25, with a single agenda item of reviewing public comment concerning the controversial topic of No Wake Buoys.
To join the meeting, use the following meeting link: https://oldlymect.webex.com/oldlymect/j.php?MTID=m4be2068d5a47f0384c11fe3ab1950ae6
To join by phone, call: 1-408-418-9388 and enter Access Code: 2332 517 5949.
The Rogers Lake West Shores Association is holding a viewing party of the meeting at the Rogers Lake Clubhouse this evening at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Editor’s Note: Read a related Open Letter to the Lyme, Old Lyme Boards of Selectmen:- Actions of Rogers Lake Authority Spark Concern, Anger published April 21, on LymeLine.com.
OLD LYME — On Wednesday, April 27, the newly-created ‘Welcome’ mural at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School will be unveiled to the community at a ceremony in the school’s auditorium beginning at 1:30 p.m. and lasting around 30 minutes.
All are welcome to attend the ceremony and view the mural after its ‘unveiling.’
The mural is part of the Sister Murals Project sponsored by Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE), which was officially launched March 1, 2021. The primary mission of PARJE is to utilize the broad appeal of art and education to confront racial injustice.
One mural has already been unveiled in Norwich and now murals are being worked on concurrently in Old Lyme and New London.

The lead artists for the Old Lyme mural is Jasmine Oyola-Blumenthal, pictured left, who is an alumna of Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
The Old Lyme Sister Mural is being installed inside Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, adjacent to the gymnasium.
In addition to her role as lead artist, Oyola-Blumenthal has worked with school faculty to develop student workshops, which coordinate with the project.
Oyola-Blumenthal and her counterpart, Marvin Espy, in New London were selected from a field of nearly 20 applicants.
In her application, Oyola-Blumenthal referred to the ability of art to inspire people to talk to one another, commenting, “Art is a neutral vessel that can bring forth conversations that can be uncomfortable and promote opportunities to open dialogue on racial justice and education.”
Wednesday, April 27 – 6:30—7:30 p.m.
FISH STORIES – Migratory Fish in the Connecticut River
Join us in person at the Library or Zoom in for a conversation with Sally Harold and Steve Gephard, contributing columnists to “Below the Surface” in Estuary Magazine. Together, they will discuss the history of migratory fish in the Connecticut River, as well as fishways, and dam removals locally and throughout Connecticut.
Register at oldlymelibrary.org

OLD LYME — The Duck River Garden Club (DRGC) of Old Lyme will hold its monthly meeting and program on Wednesday, April 27, at Memorial Town Hall on Lyme St in Old Lyme.
A community social begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m., which is open to all.
A business meeting for all active members will commence after the conclusion of the program.
The April program is entitled “Mechanics and New Techniques for Creative Floral Design” presented by Trish Manfredi, who is well-known and respected in her field. Trish is a National Garden Club Accredited Flower Show Judge and has received several awards for her expertise in floral design. Her designs created during the program will be raffled off to members and community guests.

LYME — On Wednesday, April 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., Lyme Public Hall will host another Open Jazz Jam session.
All are welcome to come and participate or just listen.
This is a BYOB event and admission is free.
Lyme Public Hall is located at 249 Hamburg Rd. in Lyme.

OLD LYME — On Thursday, April 28, the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Club will hold its monthly meeting and program at Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme St, in Old Lyme. The presenter will be Eric Parker, who is host of CT ’22, the state’s most watched public affairs program, which airs on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. on WFSB Channel 3.
He will discuss “The Changing Face of Local TV News.”
The program is free and open to the public, and no registration is needed.
A social will be held at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. A business meeting for members is held at the conclusion of the program.
Parker is a local resident, and has a lengthy career in journalism, in addition to being an attorney. The industry has evolved in many ways during his 20 years in reporting. At the conclusion of the program, he will answer questions.
Parker previously co-anchored WFSB’s Eyewitness News This Morning for 10 years, and served as Chief Investigative Reporter for the Channel 3 I-Team.
Contact Bev Lewis at [email protected] for more information.
LYME — On Monday, May 2, at 7 p.m. on Zoom, the Lyme Affordable Housing Commission (AHC) will host a virtual community meeting to introduce a draft of Lyme’s affordable housing plan.
Visit this link to review a draft of the proposed plan in advance of the meeting.
Under a state mandate (CGS Section 8-30j), every Connecticut municipality must prepare and adopt an affordable housing plan by June 1, 2022.
All residents of Lyme are encouraged to attend the online meeting and share their responses to the draft plan. The Zoom link for the meeting is here. The passcode to use to enter the meeting is 411561.
At the community meeting, members of the AHC will present a draft of Lyme’s plan and discuss its various components including:
- its Community Values Statement
- the importance of affordable housing
- demographics and housing conditions
- land use and zoning issues
- strategies for increasing affordable housing in Lyme.
As background, residents may wish to review the following information:
- In January 2022, the AHC issued a summary on affordable housing in Lyme entitled Status Update for Affordable Housing in Lyme: Where Have We Come From? Where are We Going? The report can be read by visiting this link.
- In November 2021, RiverCOG (River Council of Governments) published its 10-year Regional Plan of Conservation & Development – a land-use plan that is intended to inform land-use decisions made by RiverCOG, land-use commissions, town governments and state agencies; and to encourage land-use coordination across municipal boundaries.
To read or download a printed copy of this plan, click here.
To peruse an electronic version of the plan, visit this website.
OLD LYME — On Wednesday, May 4, Ledge Light Health District in collaboration with the Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association has scheduled a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Lymes’ Senior Center.
This free Clinic will be open to members of the public irrespective of their hometown from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment, insurance, or ID is necessary, but you are asked to bring your CDC vaccination card.
Only the Moderna vaccine will be available at this clinic for individuals 18 years or older who need a 1st or 2nd dose (primary series) or are eligible for a 1st or 2nd booster dose.
The following groups are eligible for a 1st booster shot at this clinic:
- individuals 18 years of age and older who have completed a primary series of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) and it has been at least 5 months since completion of primary series
- individuals 18 years of age and older who have had a primary dose of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and it has been at least 2 months and would like a mRNA booster
The following groups are eligible for a 2nd booster shot at this clinic:
- individuals 50 years of age and older who have received a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine, and it has been at least 4 months since first booster dose.
LYME — On Saturday, May 7, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Hamburg Fair and Lyme Pollinator Pathway hosts a presentation on all aspects of beekeeping.
The presentation will be held at the Lyme Grange Hall at Hamburg Fairgrounds and immediately follows the Lyme Grange Plant & Bake Sale, which takes place that morning at the same location from 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
Steve Dinsmore, CT Beekeepers Association Past President, will be the speaker.
This program is free but advance registration is appreciated. Register at www.hamburgfair.org or scan the QR code at left.
The presentation is intended for flower enthusiasts, new and experienced beekeepers.
It will offer an opportunity to learn about beekeeping history, best practices, threats, and how you can create a bee-friendly environment in your yard.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS PROGRAM.
Create your own sunshine! We’ve planned an afternoon of springtime fun in the Community Room.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Historical Society Inc. (OLHSI) presents a talk on the History of Artisan Tiles, tomorrow, Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at the Society’s building at 55 Lyme St. in Old Lyme.
The guest speaker will be Paul Halferty of Lilywork Artisan Tile.
All are welcome and admission is free.
This is the first in a series of speaker events sponsored by the OLHSI.
Donations are welcome. Proceeds benefit the Carol Noyes Winters Scholarship Fund.
For more information about the OLHSI, visit the Society’s website.

OLD LYME — On Saturday, May 14, at 4 p.m., Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church will present Ekklesia, a contemporary dance company. The new church entrance terrace and scenic lawn will form a natural backdrop for this experience.
In their piece “Body and Land”, dancers will move through the four seasons using the music of Vivaldi and composer Simonelli with words from poet Blankson. This work uses the arts to embody the challenges our modern earth faces from climate change.
“Saint Ann’s has been named a Level 2 Green House of Worship by the Connecticut Interreligious Eco-Justice Network,” explains The Rev. Dr. Anita Schell. “That’s why it’s so fitting we welcome Old Lyme and all our neighbors to experience Ekklesia’s moving message.”
The suggested donation for this production is $15.00.
Saint Ann’s is located at 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme.

LYME — The Hamburg Fair Association in cooperation with the Lyme Public Hall presents a spring music concert featuring “John Brown and the Backporch Pickers” band on Saturday evening, May 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the ring at the Fairgrounds.

John Brown
The band, known for its well-blended mix of traditional country, classic rock, and heartfelt originals that reflect the trials and tribulations of life is sure to entertain those of all ages.
Grab your folding chairs or blanket and pack your families and friends in your car, truck, or SUV to join us for a night of great music!
Admission is $30.00 per carload and proceeds benefit the 2022 Hamburg Fair.
Hotdogs, hamburgers, and soda/water will be available for sale onsite.
Don’t miss this fun-filled, fund-raising event at Hamburg Fair Grounds, 2 Sterling City Rd., Lyme, CT.
AREAWIDE — UPDATED WITH DETAILS OF ADDITIONAL CLINIC: Ledge Light Health District has scheduled the following COVID-19 vaccine clinics, which Lyme and Old Lyme residents can attend:
- Friday, May 20, 11am-1pm, Waterford Senior Center (24 Rope Ferry Road). Call Waterford Senior Services at 860-444-5839 to schedule an appointment.
- Monday, May 23, 2-4pm, East Lyme Senior Center, 37 Society Road, Niantic
- Tuesday, June 7, 1-3pm, Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road, Groton
Only the Moderna vaccine will be available at these clinics, for individuals 18 years or older who need a 1st or 2nd dose (primary series) or are eligible for a 1st or 2nd booster dose.
The following groups are eligible for a 1st booster shot at this clinic:
- individuals 18 years of age and older who have completed a primary series of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) and it has been at least 5 months since completion of primary series
- individuals 18 years of age and older who have had a primary dose of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and it has been at least 2 months and would like a mRNA booster
The following groups are eligible for a 2nd booster shot at this clinic:
- individuals 50 years of age and older who have received a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine and it has been at least 4 months since first booster dose
The clinics are free and open to the public. No appointment (except for the clinic at Waterford on Friday, May 20), insurance, or ID is necessary. Bring your CDC vaccination card if you have one. CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 years and older get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine, and that everyone ages 12 years and older also receive a booster.
For a complete list of community clinics including those where vaccinations are available for people younger than 18, visit LLHD.org.
Community members and businesses are urged to access up-to-date information regarding the pandemic from reputable sources, including the Ledge Light Health District website (www.LLHD.org), Facebook (@LedgeLightHD), Twitter (@LedgeLightHD), and Instagram (@LedgeLightHD).
LYME — On Saturday, May 21, Lyme Public Library hosts acclaimed photographer Skip Hine from 2 to 3 p.m. to discuss his new book Memories in Hine Sight: My Life with a Camera.
Hine’s free presentation will include examples of his photographs and the fascinating stories that went into taking them.
With over 45 years of experience, this artist/author has traveled around the world photographing breathtaking landscapes, and taking portraits of some of the most famous celebrities, athletes and politicians in the world.
Register at this link for a unique “behind the lens” tour of life through the eyes of this award-winning photographer. There are only 30 places available for this talk, so register asap!