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 — 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/
The Old Lyme Fire Department will host its annual Open House this evening, Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will be held at the main firehouse located on 69 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Conn.
All are welcome to this night of events, food, games and prizes.
Activities will include
- Fire safety and firefighting demonstrations.
- Fire truck rides
- Bike Rodeo and helmet giveaway
- Life jacket information from the DEEP
- CHIP Child ID Program information
State of the art firefighting apparatus and equipment will also be demonstrated and on display.
Information pertinent to preventing fire-related incidents and home evacuation will be available for all ages.
Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel will be on hand to answer any questions the public may have to ensure a safer environment for children and adults.
Admission is free and all are welcome.
Regular Board of Education Meeting
October 5, 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
- Special District Meeting of September 7, 2022
- Regular Meeting of September 7, 2022
III. Visitors
- Preschool Students
- Unified Sports Team Recognition
- Recognition of Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year
- Report from Student Representatives
- 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
VI. Educational Presentation
- Report on Results of Annual State Achievement Tests (SAT, AP, SBAC and NGSS)
VII. Chair and Committee Reports (Facilities, Finance, Communications, Policy, LEARN, LOL Prevention Coalition)
VIII. New Business
- LOLHS Field Trip Request
- Setting of Graduation Date for Class of 2023
- Budget Process Timeline
- Appropriation to the Reserve Fund for Capital and Nonrecurring Expenditures
- Policy Review
- Childrearing Leave Request
IX. Old Business
- Closing of LOLHS Project
X. Executive Session
XI. Adjournment
OLD LYME — This evening from 5 to 7 p.m., the Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Lions Club host their kick-off event of the year at the Old Lyme Inn. The event will be held out on the patio or indoors, if it is raining. All are welcome.
Hearty appetizers will be served. There will be a cash wine and beer bar, and as guests of the LOL Lions, your first drink will be complimentary.
Join the event to learn about Lions Club activities and membership in the organization.
The LOL Lions give back all the funds they raise from their car show, pancake breakfast and many other events to the community.
The Lions invite you to join them, make new friends, and learn how you can serve the communities of Lyme and Old Lyme.
For more information, or if you have questions, contact Lion Karen Geisler at 860-434-5321.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Historical Society hosts its Annual Fall Plant Sale Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9, from 12 to 2 p.m.
The sale will be held at the Society‘s 55 Lyme Street location
Potted perennials and annuals of all types and sizes will be on sale at competitive prices.
Proceeds will support the mission of the Society, which is to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of Old Lyme, Conn. and its environs for the benefit of residents and visitors.
View of the Farmer’s Market at Tiffany Farms.
LYME — ‘The Farmers Market at Tiffany Farms’ in Lyme will open today from 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. with fresh farm produce, baked goods, seafood, maple syrup, and more on sale.
Jen Tiffany stands proudly in front of the 2020 Farmers Market that she and her husband Bill Hurtle will host again this summer at Tiffany Farms.
This Farmers Market, which evolved from the Lyme Farmers Market of yesteryear, is a perennially popular destination for both local and regional shoppers.
Jennifer Tiffany and her husband Bill Hurtle run the market and are excited this year to introduce “Community Service” and “Hospitality” tents.
For the Community Outreach tent, Tiffany explains, “We will be compiling a list of approximately 20 different organizations and providing one group per week with the market venue as a form of outreach.”
She stresses, “The idea is to not promote sales of their product or enhance collection of donations. It’s quite simply to provide the selected group a platform giving them the opportunity to spread their cause — in other words, to say, “Here we are and this is what we are all about.”
The hospitality tent, Tiffany explains, will be a resting spot for those who just need to sit a spell, noting, “We had some very faithful, strong-willed but physically-challenged visitors attending the market last year and this tent will be out of respect for them.”
A view of the iconic Tiffany Farms where the Farmers Market will be held.
Tiffany notes, “All Department of Agriculture, Markets, Department of Health and CT Grown guidelines will apply.” She aspires to the same look as [Lyme Farmers Market at] Ashlawn,” with the aim being to offer a “very classy ” market, focused on Co
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.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Historical Society hosts its Annual Fall Plant Sale Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9, from 12 to 2 p.m.
The sale will be held at the Society‘s 55 Lyme Street location in Old Lyme.
Potted perennials and annuals of all types and sizes will be on sale at competitive prices.
Proceeds will support the mission of the Society, which is to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of Old Lyme, Conn. and its environs for the benefit of residents and visitors.
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.
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LYME — On Saturday, Oct. 15, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Lyme Fire Company hosts its annual steak dinner in the Town of Lyme’s fire station in Hamburg.
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns, the event is being held again to help bring the community together.
A spokesperson from the Fire Company says, “We look forward to hosting you, enjoying each other’s company and having a good meal while showing support for our volunteer firefighters and medical responders, who put in many hours being there for you in your time of need.”
Tickets may be purchased at the door at $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 years of age or younger
OLD LYME — Scott Driscoll of Internet Safety Concepts will give a presentation via Zoom on Internet Safety for Parents at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17. This program is free of charge and presented by Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau. It is intended for all interested adult members of the community.
Register here for the Zoom link to attend the presentation.
For the majority of his law enforcement career, Driscoll has worked with the youth in his community to help them stay safe. Many years ago, Driscoll began teaching school children about the dangers of the Internet.
Seeing the growing need and concern for Internet safety, he developed programs for parents as well.
During the school day on Monday, Driscoll will meet with students in grades 4 through 12 to discuss topics such as cyberbullying, safe internet practices, and hidden dangers in their favorite apps .
The goal of the evening program for parents is to share information about good “digital citizenship” for youth, parental monitoring, highlighting information on all aspects of social media.
As a law enforcement officer, Driscoll has taken part in numerous Internet crime investigations. Some of the crimes were undercover on-line investigations, possession and distribution of child pornography, on-line bullying and harassment, identity theft, enticement of minors and more.
As a parent, Driscoll is also aware of the concerns that parents face every day. While speaking to parents, it became clear to him that they needed this education to help keep their children safe.
With firsthand knowledge of Internet crimes and the dangers of the world wide web, Driscoll started Internet Safety Concepts. Through presentations, Internet Safety Concepts teaches people of all ages how to stay safe while online.
For more information, contact Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau at 860-434-7208 or www.lysb.org.
NEW LONDON/LYME/OLD LYME — On Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 7 p.m., the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) hosts presents retired Danish Ambassador, Friis Petersen. He will discuss the implications of Russia’s war on Ukraine for Europe.
Is Europe’s strategic autonomy becoming more important given the war and the increased geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China?
The event will be held at Connecticut College, South Lot Blaustein Building, 270 Mohegan Ave., New London, or via
Zoom.
Friis Arne Petersen served as Denmark’s ambassador to the United States from October, 2005, until September 2010. Petersen received a Master of Economics from the University of Copenhagen in 1978 and became Head of Section at the National Audit Office from 1978-1979. He served as Head of Section in both Economic and Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry and became the 1st Secretary at the Royal Danish Embassy in Cairo in 1981-1984.
After serving as ambassador to the US in Washington, D.C. in 2005 he was appointed ambassador to China. He served in China as ambassador for five years before becoming Denmark’s ambassador to Germany, and accredited ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Ambassador Petersen and his wife Birgitte currently reside in Copenhagen. He is a frequent lecturer and advisor to several companies.
Visit this link to register.
Free Flu Shots will be offered Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, for Lyme and Old Lyme residents 18 and over from 10 a.m. to 1 pm at the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School in a drive-through format.
OLD LYME — On Saturday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m., the Old Lyme Historical Society, Inc. offers an An Autumn Ramble through the Duck River Cemetery presented by authors and local historians Jim Lampos and Michaelle Pearson Saturday,
Admission is free, but the event is limited to 20 attendees
Registration required at [email protected].
OLD LYME — The Lyme-Old Lyme VFW Post 1467 will hold its annual dinner-dance fundraiser this coming Saturday, Oct. 22, at Christ the King Parish Hall, 1 McCurdy Rd. in Old Lyme. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by a catered buffet dinner at 7 p.m., which will include appetizers, choice of entrée, desserts, beer and wine.
Reservations are required at $45 per person, payable in advance, or at the door. Make reservations with LOL VFW Post 1467 Commander Richard Mason at (724) 554 9439 or [email protected].
Entertainment will be provided by The Red Satin Band, a noted big band orchestra featuring recording artist Valerie Rodgers who has performed at USO and veterans’ events across the country.
Mystery gift boxes will be offered at $25 each that contain a variety of prizes and gifts from local merchants. Advance purchase is available.
Funds support the Post’s Vets-in-Need outreach program, including support programs for local area Vets as well as West Haven VA Hospital, Rocky Hill State VA Hospital Program, West Haven VA Blind Center, Fisher House for West Haven, and the Giant Steps Art and Music Therapy Program.
For more information, contact VFW event coordinator David Lahm, Senior Vice-Commander, at [email protected] or (860)-434-7163.
Lyme-Old Lyme Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1467 is a 501( c) (19) non-profit organization.
LYME — The Lyme Volunteer Fair will be held on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Lyme Public Library, where more than 30 Lyme-affiliated nonprofits, associations, boards and commissions will be on hand with opportunities for local residents to volunteer and be of service to our town.
To see the flyer for the event, click here.
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.