OLD SAYBROOK — On Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m., Salt Marsh Opera presents a double bill at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center — ‘The Kate’ — in Old Saybrook.
It’s all about family dynamics in Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini and Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan. These one-act comedies by two of opera’s most famous composers are sure to be sold, out so reserve your tickets soon.
Gianni Schicchi, Puccini’s only comedy, is a laugh-out-loud farce about the Donati Family and the passing of their not so dearly beloved patriarch, Buoso Donati. The family fortune hangs in the balance as each member of the family looks to bend the late Buoso’s will to their advantage with the help of the conniving Gianni Schicchi.
In Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, the hijinks move into the courtroom when a jilted bride and her philandering groom battle it out in divorce court in this slightly updated production of the G&S classic.
Purchase tickets at this link for Friday and this link for Sunday.
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 row.currach.nl@gmail.com
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 row.currach.nl@gmail.com. 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 row.currach.nl@gmail.com
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 SAYBROOK — On Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m., Salt Marsh Opera presents a double bill at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center — ‘The Kate’ — in Old Saybrook.
It’s all about family dynamics in Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini and Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan. These one-act comedies by two of opera’s most famous composers are sure to be sold, out so reserve your tickets soon.
Gianni Schicchi, Puccini’s only comedy, is a laugh-out-loud farce about the Donati Family and the passing of their not so dearly beloved patriarch, Buoso Donati. The family fortune hangs in the balance as each member of the family looks to bend the late Buoso’s will to their advantage with the help of the conniving Gianni Schicchi.
In Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, the hijinks move into the courtroom when a jilted bride and her philandering groom battle it out in divorce court in this slightly updated production of the G&S classic.
Purchase tickets at this link for Friday and this link for Sunday.
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 info@oldlymehistorical.org.
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 dickmasonus@yahoo.com.
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 lahm144@comcast.net 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 referendum@region18.org or call 860-434-7238.
OLD LYME — On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Old Lyme Police and Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) are holding the second day of their Thanksgiving Food Drive from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Old Lyme Marketplace near the Big Y. The third and final day of the Food Drive will be Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All food donated will be forwarded to the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau for distribution to families in need.
Food will also be given to stock the mini-pantries at Lymes’ Senior Center and the Town of Old Lyme Social Services.
After local needs are met, all remaining food will be given to Shoreline Soup Kitchens.
Donations of non-perishable food can be taken directly to the Old Lyme Police Department at 294 Shore Rd., or to LYSB at 59 Lyme St. between Nov. 15 and Nov. 18.
Families in need of food should contact LYSB at www.lysb.org/holidaygiving or 860-434-7208.
OLD LYME — On Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m., the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) hosts Fox News Election Night Analyst Arnon Mishkin, who will discuss the 2022 Midterm results. The event will be held at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.
The event is free to members and $20 to non-members in person or remote with Zoom access.
A reception will be held from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and a post-event dinner for members only at the Old Lyme Country Club.
Mishkin will lead an analytical discussion about the Nov 2022 midterms, what happened, what does the data tell us and where might we be heading.
Mishkin has led the Fox News election night decision team since 2008, leveraging election day voter polling, sample precincts, and actual vote results to estimate results of all statewide and congressional contests. He has worked as part of the team since 1998 and directed its coverage in the historic 2020 presidential election.
Earlier in his career, Mishkin worked on election night coverage at NBC News, and as a political consultant for the late David Garth, the well-known New York-based political consultant.
Apart from his work at Fox, Mishkin is an independent strategy consultant, and was formerly a partner of The Boston Consulting Group and Mitchell Madison.
Mishkin holds a BA in Mathematics from Yale and an MBA, with distinction, from Harvard.
Visit the SEWAC website for registration details for this event, more information about the SECWAC organization and membership.
OLD LYME — On Thursday, Nov. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Old Lyme Historical Society, Inc., (OLHSI) will be celebrating the release of its new 2023 ‘Then’ & Now’ Old Lyme Community Calendar at a free After Hours Launch Event at the OLHS building at 55 Lyme St. in Old Lyme. All are welcome.
Wine, beer and soft drinks, along with light refreshments, will be offered. A raffle will also be held to benefit the OLHSI.
Calendars will be available for sale at $12 each.
All are welcome to attend.
This is the 11th year that the OLHSI has published this popular calendar, which incorporates a different set of photographs from the organization’s archives juxtaposing the historical images with contemporary ones of the same scene.
The images included in the calendar are a small sampling of the many interesting, archived photographs of Old Lyme establishments, landscapes, and scenes dating back to the beginning of the 20th century.
Each calendar month is sponsored by a different community organization and includes the dates of their events throughout the year. The intent is to highlight and assist in marketing activities occurring in Old Lyme in 2022 as well as remembering the past.
The 2023 ‘Then’ & Now ‘ Old Lyme Community Calendar was designed by James Meehan and edited by Alison Mitchell. Michaelle Pearson served as copy editor.
The mission of the OLHSI is to “collect, preserve, interpret and promote the rich history” of Old Lyme.
To learn more about the OLHSI and its activities, visit www.oldlymehistoricalsociety.org or stop by the OLHSI office at 55 Lyme St. in Old Lyme.
OLD LYME — On Friday, Nov. 18, the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library hosts a Musical Bingo Night starting at 8 p.m.
All are welcome to come enjoy four ‘spirited’ rounds of Bingo as SeaSide Wine & Spirits provides a taste of Connecticut with local brews and vintages.
Seating is limited. Use the QR code at left to pre-register and reserve your seat. You must be 21 or over to attend. A valid ID must be shown to enter.
The suggested donation is $15 at the door.
For more information, call 860-434-1684 or visit oldlymelibrary.or
OLD LYME — On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Old Lyme Police and Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) are holding the second day of their Thanksgiving Food Drive from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Old Lyme Marketplace near the Big Y. The third and final day of the Food Drive will be Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All food donated will be forwarded to the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau for distribution to families in need.
Food will also be given to stock the mini-pantries at Lymes’ Senior Center and the Town of Old Lyme Social Services.
After local needs are met, all remaining food will be given to Shoreline Soup Kitchens.
Donations of non-perishable food can be taken directly to the Old Lyme Police Department at 294 Shore Rd., or to LYSB at 59 Lyme St. between Nov. 15 and Nov. 18.
Families in need of food should contact LYSB at www.lysb.org/holidaygiving or 860-434-7208.
LYME — On Sunday, Nov. 20, the First Congregational Church of Lyme presents a worship service at 5 p.m. Susan Olson will preach and the Lyme Church Gospel Band will provide music. All are welcome.
The service will be followed by an appetizer coffee hour.
The featured, local jazz musicians, who will lead the music during the evening service are Megan Weikleenget, vocalist; Scott Konrad, keyboards; Bob Boska, saxophone; Adam Anderson, bass; and Rolf Wolfswinkel on drums.