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.
OLD LYME — Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold gave LymeLine.com an update Wednesday via e-mail on the presentation scheduled Saturday on the Old Lyme Regional Wastewater System. The event will be held at 10 a.m. in the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.
Griswold advised that it will be hosted by the heads of the three private beach associations and Sound View Beach Association, and the chairs of the respective Water Pollution Control Authorities (WPCA).
Griswold stressed that this informational meeting is, “an update for beach residents and others.”
He added, “We think an update before seasonal residents head back home is a wise thing.”
Griswold also clarified that, “A number of distinguished guests [Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy, State Senator Paul Formica (R-20th), State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd)] have been invited but only State Sen. Formica has responded – he will attend via phone. The US Senators have worked on trying to secure funding.”
Griswold reported previously in his Aug. 19 newsletter to residents that State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd) is unable to attend.
Questions regarding the project can be submitted in advance to [email protected] for review by the committee. A panel will then select questions to be answered at the meeting and at the end of the presentation, the selected questions will be answered.
There will be no open Q&A after the presentation.
Griswold commented, “This is a very complex and expensive project. It includes not only sewers but storm water drainage and road repaving. The sewer shared assets went out to bid twice and, due to the very high cost, had to be rejected. We believe additional outside funding must become available for the entire project to be viable.”
The meeting will start with the introduction of the four WPCA entities involved with the project.
Then the following guests will make comments:
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- State Senator Paul Formica (R-20th) — by phone
- Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold (R)
The next agenda item will be a PowerPoint presentation regarding the project.
The final item will be a review of the selected questions regarding the project, which were submitted in advance. questions.
To attend this session virtually, visit https://oldlymect.webex.com/oldlymect/j.php?MTID=m7bb8ab96d52e54ddb27ed079eb689dfc or dial +1-408-418-9388 and enter access code: 2343 721 4416.
Second Annual LOLFSG Open House Slated for Saturday, Sept. 24, All Welcome
OLD LYME — The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) celebrated a milestone this week!
Following a much-needed rain event, mid-week volunteers harvested kale, tomatoes, string beans, peppers, eggplants, and more. In doing so, the garden reached a total donation threshold of more than 2000 pounds of produce in its first growing season.
The LOLFSG President Jim Ward commented, “This incredible accomplishment is due to the dedication of volunteers and community support.”
Ward noted that the realistic LOLFSG goal for the 2023 season is to double production and is already looking forward to a “Two-Ton Tuesday.”
To celebrate the successful inaugural growing season and to learn more about the garden, all are invited to visit the 2nd Annual LOLFSG Open House on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the garden from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The garden is located at Town Woods Park behind the Field House and playground.
“Conduct Us” October 2, 2022, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Hygienic Art Park
On Sunday, October 2 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., members of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra will be located at Hygienic Arts waiting to perform, all they need is a conductor. The general public will have a chance to conduct In the Hall of the Mountain King, Blue Danube Waltz, Toreador Song from Carmen, Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld, and William Tell Overture (The Lone Ranger Theme.) Everyone is invited to step up to the podium and try their hand at conducting the orchestra. Our Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada will be there to give guidance and encouragement to the volunteer maestros!
Hygienic Art is located at 79 Bank Street, New London. This unique experience is free and open to the public in the outdoor Frank Loomis Palmer Amphitheater. Pack a lunch or enjoy takeout from the many eateries on Bank Street and come enjoy a gorgeous fall afternoon with us. Families and children are welcome and encouraged.
“Conduct Us” started when the ECSO participated in the international Make Music Day movement, which brings free, community-wide, outdoor musical celebrations to hundreds of cities worldwide! We last held this fun community event in Mystic River Park and we are delighted to bring it to New London.
LYME — On Sunday, Oct. 2, join Pete Picone, Connecticut DEEP wildlife biologist and native habitat expert, for a tour of the meadow and surrounding shrubland in Jewett Preserve.
The meadow walk, which is co-sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust, Lyme Pollinator Pathway and the Town of Lyme, will start at 1:30 p.m. and last until 3:30 p.m.
Meet at the Jewett Preserve in Lyme, Conn. Park in the lot on McIntosh Rd, about 1/4 mile from the intersection with Rte. 156.
During the tour, Picone will make recommendations for nurturing the vegetation that provides habitat for wildlife. Learn about which plants are beneficial for pollinators, and how to manage invasives. His guidance can be applied to enhancing habitat in your own back yard.
Registration is required at [email protected].
OLD LYME — The final Hikers’ Happy Hour of 2022, sponsored by the Open Space Commission, the Old Lyme Land Trust, and the Old Lyme Inn, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
A guided hike will leave at 4:15 p.m. from the Bunny Hutch behind the Old Lyme Inn to explore the Champlain North Preserve.
After the hike, a friendly happy hour at the Old Lyme Inn will follow from 5 to 7 p.m. Drinks will be half-price from 5 to 6 p.m.
Even if you do not hike, you are still welcome at the Inn for Happy Hour.
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 Bunny Hutch.
Information on the Champlain South Open Space and its trails may be found at: https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/
OLD LYME — On Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Old Lyme Land Trust hosts a Free Outdoor Workshop at Watch Rock Preserve with local artist Barbara Barry.
Nature Journaling with watercolor and pen!
Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 9.
All materials provided or bring your sketchbook and paints as we capture the beauty of the Watch Rock Preserve in watercolor and pen.
Meet at the Watch Rock Preserve at the parking lot at 10 a.m. and we will all walk in together. (Off Rte. 156 at Joel Road)
Bring a lightweight chair or blanket to sit on, there are a few tight turns so no rolling bags. Also bring bug spray/sunscreen/hat/water/snacks – whatever you need to feel comfortable carrying and sitting on.
Donations are encouraged.
Learn to row an Irish currach on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Hains Park in Old Lyme.
OLD LYME — Learn to row Irish … remember, you don’t need to be Irish to row Irish!
Readers are invited to try out the ancient art of Irish Currach Rowing, Saturday, Oct. 15, at Hain’s Park, Rte. 1/Boston Post Rd. in Old Lyme from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Send an email to reserve your time: 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 a.m., 12:00 or 12:30 p.m. to [email protected]
An Irish currach is a traditional vessel made of wood lathe and covered in canvas. Currachs date back several thousand years. They were used for trade among islands, between islands and mainland and along coastal mainland villages. The relatively light (for their size) fishing/trade boats, which could withstand high swells, have been streamlined in design for rowing competitions.
Veteran and newcomer rowers are all welcome. Pre-register before Oct. 15. You will be required to sign a waiver.
Request the forms from [email protected]. Pre-register and also take an introductory lesson to receive a free team t-shirt.
The organizers suggest that attendees should bring gloves.
There is no obligation to join the group — simply come and try out currach rowing.
For more information, contact [email protected]
This event is sponsored by New London Currach Rowers with support from the Ancient Order of Hibernians of New London County and the Irish Coastal Club, the New London Maritime Society/New London Custom House and Forty Thieves Irish Pub.
The dramatic amount of large plastic material that has been introduced into our rivers, bays and oceans has been well documented, and the harm this material can cause to marine organisms is well known to conservationists. Billions of pounds of plastic have been found in about 40 percent of the world’s oceans, an amount that could outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050.
This pollution has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife. Thousands of marine mammals such as seabirds, seals and sea turtles are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it. Moreover, these macro-plastics also fragment into micro-plastic particles via weathering and UV degradation. According to one report, over 99 percent of plastic that entered the ocean since 1950 has sunk below the first few hundred feet of the ocean. There are 10,000 times more microplastics on the seafloor than in the polluted surface waters.
These small particles can also interact with marine animals, especially those that filter feed. The uptake and accumulation of microplastics by filter-feeding, bottom-dwelling animals such as bivalves, is not clear. Equally unclear is whether ingestion of microplastics by filter feeders results in toxicological effects. This is the focus of Dr. Ward’s research.
In his presentation, Dr. Ward will discuss the current understanding of plastic pollution in the ocean and its interactions with marine animals. He will present his research into the capture, ingestion, rejection and elimination of microplastics by commercially important bivalves. The goal of this work is to understand uptake of microplastics by marine animals, identify a robust bioindicator for plastic particles in the ocean, and examine the potential for transfer of microplastics through the food chain.
The free program will be interactive with an opportunity for participants to ask questions. There is no charge, but space is limited and registration is required. To register, visit https://www.ctaudubon.
Professor and Head, Department of Marine Sciences, UConnDr. Ward is an experimental biologist whose research interests are directed toward an understanding of the dynamic interactions between marine animals and their environment. Using an integrative approach, he directs his students in the study of processes ranging from the organism to the ecosystem level.
He is particularly interested in the behavior and physiology of benthic, particle-feeding invertebrates. Much of his research focuses on commercially important bivalves (e.g., clams, mussels, oysters), which are key components of most coastal ecosystems. These animals provide vital ecosystem services and are an important link between oceans and human health.
About the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center:
Named for the renowned artist, scientific illustrator, environmental educator, and conservation advocate, Connecticut Audubon Society’s Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center is known for its work in environmental education, conservation, research, and advocacy. The center is dedicated to facilitating scientific research, establishing high-quality environmental education for children, teens and adults, and promoting outreach and advocacy to preserve, protect and conserve the estuary and its beauty for generations. From it’s 5.25-acre site on the Lieutenant River in Old Lyme, the Center serves young people and adults across the region in person and virtually, offering small group programs like bird walks and owl prowls, a CT River ecological expeditions course, citizen scientist activities, vacation and summer camp programs and a curriculum-based Science in Nature program for schools in Southeastern Connecticut.
LYME/OLD LYME — Setting the Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools Building Referendum on Tuesday, Nov. 8 — the same day as the state elections — has, in Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold’s words (sent via text), been, ” … very complicated with, I believe, five lawyers working out the details.” Those details were required to be filed with the State of Connecticut today.
Griswold went on to explain, “Electors will vote on the candidates by ballot and on the school referendum question (yes/no ballot) in the same room,” but, “Qualified voters who are not electors may vote only on the referendum question in a separate room.”
Lyme Selectman John Kiker similarly confirmed by text, “… regular voting will be in [Lyme] town hall and the referendum voting will be in the [Lyme Public] library.”
Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser noted by email that Lyme-Old Lyme Schools are sending out a Fact Sheet to all Lyme and Old Lyme residents and property owners next week, which, along with additional information on the referendum, will help to clarify the difference between ‘electors’ and ‘qualified voters.’
The Fact Sheet explains that an ‘elector’ is any registered voter in either Lyme or Old Lyme.
It then goes on to state that, “A qualified voter who is not an elector is any citizen of the United States of the age of 18 years or more who, jointly or severally, is liable to the Town of Lyme or Town of Old Lyme for taxes assessed against him or her of not less than $1,000 on the last completed grand list of the Town, or who would be so liable if not entitled to an exemption under subdivision (17), (19), (22), (25) or (26) of Section 12-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and is not an elector (registered voter) of the Towns of Lyme or Old Lyme.”
This difference between the two is significant as qualified voters (who cannot vote in the state elections in Lyme or Old Lyme because they are registered to vote elsewhere) must by state statute physically vote at a location at least 75 ft. from that of registered voters.
Therefore, in Old Lyme:
- ‘Electors’, i.e., registered voters, will vote in both the state election and on the school building referendum in the LOL Middle School Gym.
- ‘Qualified voters’ (who are not electors) will vote solely on the LOL Schools Building Referendum in the LOL Middle School Cafeteria.
Meanwhile in Lyme:
- ‘Electors’, i.e., registered voters, will vote in both the state election and on the LOL Schools Building Referendum at Lyme Town Hall.
- ‘Qualified voters’ (who are not electors) will vote solely on the LOL Schools Building Referendum in the Lyme Public Library.
Regarding the unusual need for two polling locations in both Lyme and Old Lyme, Griswold stressed, “The Registrars must man and equip the two separate voting locations in each town,” noting, “The school will be responsible for the costs related to the school referendum.”
The ballot question for the LOL Schools Building Referendum will read as detailed below and and then ask for a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.
“Shall the resolution appropriating and authorizing bonds in the amount of $57,555,000, of which it is expected that an estimated $9,775,000 shall be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut, for the planning, design, demolition, construction, renovation, equipping and furnishing of Mile Creek School, Center School, Lyme Consolidated School and Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School and related costs, be approved?“
Two public meetings will be held in advance of the $57.6 million LOL Schools Building Referendum on respectively Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. at Lyme School, and Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at Mile Creek School.
Polls will be open in both towns on Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on the referendum from LOL Schools, visit https://www.region18.org/district-information/referendumwww.region18.org, email [email protected] or call 860-434-7238.