Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble of CT will perform at the Sill House at 1 pm
OLD LYME — On Sunday, June 12, the newly-created ‘Welcome’ mural at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School (LOLMS) will be dedicated at a ceremony starting at 1:30 p.m. and running through 2:30 p.m.
All are welcome to attend the ceremony and view the mural.
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 murals have now been completed in Old Lyme and New London.The lead artists for the Old Lyme mural is Jasmine Oyola-Blumenthal, who is an alumna of Lyme Academy College of Fine ArtThe Old Lyme Sister Mural has been installed inside Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, adjacent to the gymnasium.
In addition to her role as lead artist, Oyola-Blumenthal worked with school faculty to develop student workshops, which coordinated with the project.
Oyola-Blumenthal and her counterpart for the New London mural, Marvin Espy, 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.”
OLD LYME — Two new exhibitions are on view at Lyme Art Association (LAA), Ship to Shore and Renaissance in Pastel. An opening reception and award presentation for both exhibitions is being held Friday, June 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Celebrating all aspects of sea and shoreline life, Ship to Shore is a member’s exhibition, which features a broad range of styles and mediums including paintings, drawings and sculptures. The exhibit is juried by Anthony Tomaselli, who is a painter based in Providence, R.I. He apprenticed with Gene Tonoff and Joseph Rotundo and is represented by a variety of galleries.
Lyme Art Association Gallery Manager Paul Michael says, “Our coastal communities are a vital part of New England life. This show acts as a survey of contemporary maritime artwork, celebrating the seas that connect us.”
Concurrent with Ship to Shore, the Connecticut Pastel Society will display Renaissance in Pastel. The exhibition includes the finest pastel work from the Connecticut Pastel Society member artists. Lyme Art Association is delighted to welcome back the Connecticut Pastel Society for this always impressive show.
The exhibition’s awards are juried by Eileen Casey. Casey is a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies Master Circle and graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston.
In addition to these two exhibitions, Lyme Art Association’s youth exhibition, Water All Around Us, will be on display in the Mile Brook Gallery.
The shows run through Aug. 4, 2022.
Lyme Art Association is located in a building designed by Charles Adams Platt and located within the national historic district at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT.
Ship to Shore is made possible by the generous support of the LAA’s premier sponsor, Essex Savings Bank.
The LAA was founded in 1914 by the American Impressionists and continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork by its members and invited artists, as well as offering art instruction and lectures to the community. Admission is free with contributions appreciated.
Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 to 5 p.m.
For more information on exhibits, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, visit the LAA website or call (860) 434-7802.
OLD LYME – The Witness Stones Poets will join the Nat Reeves Quartet in a Juneteenth celebration of jazz and poetry on the lawn of the Florence Griswold Museum on Saturday afternoon, June 18, at 2 p.m.
The acclaimed Connecticut poets – Marilyn Nelson, Kate Rushin, Rhonda Ward and Antoinette Brim-Bell – will read a verse cycle written in collaboration with the Old Lyme Witness Stones Partnership. The poems commemorate 14 African-descended persons once enslaved in Old Lyme.
The internationally-renowned bassist and bandleader Nat Reeves will offer a musical tribute to those once held in bondage in the community.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The celebration takes place outdoors from 2 to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Limited seating is offered. Lawn chairs or blankets for additional outdoor seating are recommended.
Admission is free.
The event has received generous support from the Side Door Jazz Club and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA program.
The Old Lyme Witness Stones Partnership’s goal is to expand the understanding of local history and honor the humanity and the contributions of those formerly enslaved in the community.
The partnership’s founding members include the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, the Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, and the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.
Community partners include the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, and the Old Lyme Historical Society.
The Partnership has received generous support from a Health Improvement Collaborative of Southeastern Connecticut (HIC) Partnership Grant for Racial Equity.
Witness Stones Old Lyme partnered with The Witness Stones Project, an organization that seeks to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities.
For further information, visit https://www.witnessstonesoldlyme.org.
Editor’s Note: The Florence Griswold Museum is at 96 Lyme St. in Old Lyme, CT.
OLD LYME — Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds on Lyme St. in Old Lyme offer a vibrant, artistic environment owned and managed by acclaimed international sculptor Gil Boro, who lives on the property.
Dedicated to arts education and appreciation, Boro vigorously pursues his mission to create a bond between art, nature and community by inspiring and promoting participation in the arts.
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds’ 8th annual Summer Sculpture Showcase exhibition provides a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their sculptures in a stunning environment specifically designed to nurture the creative arts. This year, the Showcase features a variety of sculptures from 15 national artists, who represent a broad range of artistic communities, which, in turn, creates an exhibition of diverse sculpture.
All works on the grounds are available for sale.
On Saturday, June 18, an Opening Reception is being held from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the 2022 Summer Sculpture Showcase. It will feature live music by Ramblin’ Dan Stevens, light refreshments, and the opportunity to tour the ground and view the artwork at leisure. All are welcome.
Boro comments, “I’m delighted to be able to open my grounds to these exceptional sculptors whose work intrigues me. Each one offers original creative thinking resulting in a combination of contrasting conceptual designs in a variety of media. I think any visitor to the exhibition is going to be thoroughly engaged by what he or she sees – including children.”
Boro is somewhat unusual as a professional sculptor in that he loves to see folk of all ages directly interacting with his sculptures, noting that he has a strong aversion to exhibitions, “… where people can’t touch my work.”
The Sculpture Grounds are thoroughly invested in the vibrant Old Lyme arts scene and anticipate this exhibition will attract art-loving visitors from near and far. Boro is committed to the important public mission to enrich the cultural life of the region for the education, enrichment, and enjoyment of the community. In previous years, the exhibition has drawn over 7000 viewers to the 4.5-acre sculpture garden located on the Connecticut shoreline.
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds is located at 80-1 Lyme St., less than a minute from Exit 70 on I- 95. The Sculpture Grounds are open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Children, field trips and group visits are all welcome.
For further information, visit the Sculpture Grounds website or call 860-434-5957.
OLD LYME — UPDATED 6/29: The Old Lyme Board of Selectmen has called a Special Town Meeting to be held on Tuesday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Hall at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall at 52 Lyme St. The Special Town Meeting will be conducted in person only.
This meeting will consider and act upon the following single agenda item:
Whether to approve the disbursement of $2,120,593 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, as outlined in the report of the Old Lyme American Rescue Plan Committee (APRC) report dated June 21, 2022, and as recommended by the Old Lyme Boards of Selectmen and Finance on June 21.
Copies of the proposed ARPA disbursements are available in the Town Clerk’s office and on the Town of Old Lyme website.
In summary:-
- 23 small businesses (< 500 employees per the US Treasury Department) applied for and met the requirements to receive grants up to $10,000, having substantiated pandemic-related economic loss occurring between March 3, 2021 and April 1, 2022:
- 10 nonprofit organizations (501c3) applied for and met the requirements to receive grants up to $10,000, having substantiated pandemic-related economic loss occurring between March 3, 2021 and April 1, 2022:Community Initiative Grants were recommended
- To invest in and support mental health services or public health services to assist Old Lyme residents (seven projects)
- To reinvest in Old Lyme government services that were deemed essential during the pandemic (such as emergency services) to ensure future preparedness (11 projects)
- To invest in current and future infrastructure challenges such as clean water and sewer/waste treatment (two projects)
- To invest in town-wide broadband (internet) improvements and/or cell services (one project)
- To invest in early childhood care, and education (three projects)
- To invest in bringing visitors to our Old Lyme attractions, restaurants, shops, and accommodations (six projects)
- To invest in affordable housing to meet the needs of those working and living in Old Lyme (one project)
- To provide (direct and indirect) financial assistance to Old Lyme families and households having difficulty recovering from pandemic losses (two projects)
In addition to the 10 recommendation categories above, the American Rescue Plan Committee has included in its recommendations:
• Reserving up to $20,000 to cover fees by an independent consultant retained to administer the Economic Recovery Grant applications (this expenditure was approved by the Town in its 3/21/22 Town Meeting)
• Reserving up to $20,000 in legal, outreach, and administrative costs associated with the survey and application, and granting processes.
Read the full details of all the proposed beneficiaries/projects at this link.
OLD LYME — Tonight, the Corvettes Doo Wop Revue will perform outdoors in the Lymes’ Senior Center field, 26 Town Woods Road in Old Lyme, starting at 7 p.m. The concert is part of the Summer Sounds Outdoor Concert Series.
The Corvettes perform the toe-tapping music of the Doo Wop era with a fresh new energy.
All ages are welcome to come and enjoy this free musical performance.
Free ice cream will be served at 6:30 p.m. before the concert.
Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes!
For more information, call 860-434-4127 or email [email protected].
The Cartells Band, as part of the Summer Sounds Outdoor Concert Series, will perform outdoors in the Lymes’ Senior Center field, 26 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 7:00pm. This 5-person band will be packing the dance floor! Playing Jazz, Swing, Motown, R&B and Rock n Roll!
All are welcome to join us for this free musical performance Bring your lawn chairs.
Don’t feel like cooking before the concert, the Lions Club will have a cookout at 6pm. Hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, drinks, and chips will be available for purchase on the Lymes’ Senior Center grounds. Proceeds go to the Lions Club Scholarship Fund.
Call 860-434-4127 or email [email protected] for more information.
Rock Solid Alibi Band, as part of the Summer Sounds Outdoor Concert Series, will perform outdoors in the Lymes’ Senior Center field, 26 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at 7:00pm. Rock Solid Alibi plays primo cuts from The Allman Brothers, The Cars, Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, Joe Jackson, John Cougar Mellencamp to name just a few.
All ages are welcome to join us for this free musical performance.
Free Ice Cream will be served at 6:30pm before the concert.
Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes!
Call 860-434-4127 or email [email protected] for more information.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Board of Selectmen has called a Special Town Meeting on Thursday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Hall at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Conn.
This meeting will be conducted in person only.
The agenda for this meeting is as follows:
- Due to the absence of the Town Clerk from this Meeting, the appointment of a clerk pro tempore (per general Statutes § 7-21), for purposes of this Meeting only.
- The following proposed Resolution:
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Town of Old Lyme, CT grants the request by The Point O’Woods Association, Incorporated (POW) that the Town of Old Lyme (Town), for purposes of Connecticut General Statutes §7-372 only, consents to POW issuing bonds pledging the security of POW in the amount of up to $820,000.00 for the purpose of restoration and rebuilding of the boat basin bulkhead.
POW is a separate taxing district situated within the limits of the Town of Old Lyme. The Town is not liable at law for any debt of such a district, and its consent to this bond issue does not and cannot be interpreted to mean that the Town is now assuming or shall ever have any obligation to assume any or all of the obligations to be created by the bond issue.
Copies of a brief description of the project proposed by POW are available in the Old Lyme Town Clerk’s office and online here.
Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Regular Board of Education Meeting
August 3, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Conference Room at Center School
LIVE STREAM OF MEETING: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2_W7yYtFwx067Ici9776Q/live
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes
- Regular Meeting and Executive Session of June 1, 2022
- Special Meeting and Executive Session of June 15, 2022
III. Visitors
- Public Comment
While in person public comment is still acceptable, those wishing to make public comment virtually may use the following Zoom link: https://region18.zoom.sus/j/87635839590; Meeting ID: 876 3583 9590; +16465588656,,83527766795# US (New York). Those choosing this option will be required to follow the same expectations for those making public comment in person. After being recognized by the chairperson, participants must state their name and place of residence before making their comments to the Board.
IV. Correspondence
V. Administrative Reports
- Superintendent’s Report
- Business Manager’s Report
- Educational Presentation
- Five-Year Curriculum Plan
VII. Chair and Committee Reports (Facilities, Finance, Communications, Policy, LEARN, LOL Prevention Coalition)
VIII. New Business
District Goals for 2022-2023
- Bond Resolution
- Building Committee
- Addition of .5 FTE Special Education Teacher and .4 FTE School Psychologist at Mile Creek School (per policy 4113.4)
IX. Old Business
- Closing of LOLHS Project
X. Executive Session
XI. Adjournment
Take 2 and Call Me in the Morning Band, as part of the Summer Sounds Outdoor Concert Series, will perform in the Lymes’ Senior Center field, 26 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 7:00pm. Local group comprised of physicians and health care providers. This person band specializes in vocally driven classic rock songs from the 60’s to the 2000’s All ages are welcome to join us for this free musical performance, Bring your lawn chairs. Don’t feel like cooking before the concert? the Lions Club will have a cookout at 6pm. Hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, drinks, and chips will be available for purchase on the Lymes’ Senior Center grounds. Proceeds go to the Lions Club Scholarship Fund.
NIANTIC/OLD LYME — Niantic Bay Gallery of Fine Art is hosting an exhibit of work by Lyme Academy of Fine Arts students, featuring academic drawings from current students and a painting by instructor Edmond Rochat.
An opening reception for the exhibition will be held tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. All are welcome and there is no fee for admission.
This is a special opportunity to view and purchase the work of students.
The opening reception in downtown Niantic will feature an evening of both fine art and refreshments.
The Niantic Bay Gallery of Fine Art is located behind the Arthur Murray Dance Center at 291 Main St Unit C in Niantic, Conn.
OLD LYME — On Friday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., Lyme Art Association (LAA) will host an Opening Reception for two new shows, which opened Aug. 12. All are welcome.
The first is Point of View, the 101st Annual Elected Artists Show, which showcases the ‘best of the best’ in representational art from LAA’s Elected Artists.
These are the Association’s most accomplished artists and also torch-bearers for the American representational tradition. They follow directly in the footsteps of the original Lyme Art Colony artists, who hung their tonalist and impressionist works on the walls of the local library back in 1901.
The second exhibition is True Blue. Considered beneficial to the mind and body, the color blue elicits a sense of tranquility and healing. The LAA challenged its Associated Artists to submit work where blue is the predominant or most significant color in their piece. This ode to blue will be both pleasing and intriguing for visitors.
Both shows are on view through Sept. 22, 2022 and sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank. Admission is free with donations appreciated.
The gallery is open at 90 Lyme St. in Old Lyme from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and by appointment. The Lyme Art Association is located in the Old Lyme Historic District in a building designed by Lyme Colony artist and architect, Charles Adams Platt.
The LAA was founded 1914 by the American Impressionists and continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork by its members and invited artists, as well as offering art instruction and lectures to the community.
For more information on exhibits, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, visit www.lymeartassociation.org or call 860-434-7802.
OLD SAYBROOK — Join Salt Marsh Opera on Friday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. for a free concert at the Old Saybrook Town Green. Rain date is Saturday, Aug. 20.
The concert will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Arrive early for the best seating. This event is suitable for all ages.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, settle in, and enjoy these three performers:
KIRK DOUGHERTY, TENOR
ABIGAIL PASCHKE, SOPRANO
BLAKE HANSEN, PIANIST
LYME — On Saturday, Aug. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m., the Lyme and Old Lyme Democratic Town Committees (DTCs) host their 2022 Summer Picnic at Lyme Public Hall, a short walk from the Hamburg Fair. All Democrats and Democratic supporters are welcome.
Senator Richard Blumenthal will be attending as the honored guest.
There will be picnic goodies galore to enjoy, as well as opportunities to mingle with friends, neighbors and local DTC members.
Parking for the event will be available in the parking lot of the Lyme First Congregational Church or the Subaru dealership (the $6 fee benefits the church and the local Boy Scouts.)
A $25.00 donation for the picnic is suggested. Find donation information to the Lyme DTC and Old Lyme DTC at these links.