Community Calendar

MADISON, CT – On Friday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 6 p.m., Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccination Van will be at The Country School to provide free vaccinations. No appointment, health insurance, or a state-issued ID is required. No one will be turned away.

Children aged 6 months to 11 years are eligible for the Pediatric Moderna or Pfizer vaccine for their first and second doses. Third and booster doses are available only to children 5 years- to 11-years-old. Children 12 years and older and adults may receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for first, second, third and booster doses.

The highly visible yellow Vaccination Vans, provided by the CT Department of Public Health and run by Griffin Health, can administer 100-125 shots per day in a six-hour window of time.

“As a private school, we are keenly aware of our public purpose,” said John Fixx, Head of School. “We are thankful to give back to the shoreline community that has supported The Country School for the past 67 years.”

The following forms need to be completed and are available at the Clinic: PreVaccination CDC Screening Form, Pediatric Intake Form, and the COVID Vaccine Intake Form. For more information on vaccinations and COVID-19 visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.

Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational, independent day school serving over 215 students in PreSchool through Grade 8. To schedule a tour, visit www.thecountryschool.org.

LYME — Santa is dropping by the Lyme Fire Company’s Hamburg Station Sunday, Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. to11 a.m., for breakfast!

All are welcome to join him.

Make sure your children remember their lists for Santa!

Breakfast will include pancakes, bacon, French toast, eggs, fruit, toast, sausage, milk, coffee, and juice.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

Hamburg Fire Station is located at 23 Hamburg Rd.in Lyme.

OLD LYME / OLD SAYBROOK — The Old Lyme Town Band (OLTB) under the direction of Richard Chiappetta, gives two holiday concerts this season. The first was on Sunday, Dec.11, and the second is on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., when the band will perform at The Kate, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Tickets for this concert are $8 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and can be purchased online at this link or at the door. Numbers for the performance at ‘The Kate’ include Farandole by Georges Bizet, which is not a seasonal piece but rather an exciting work that builds in speed and volume in all sections until the end and Lo, How A Rose E’r Blooming, a Christmas carol and Marian hymn of German origin, which is hauntingly beautiful. Those who have attended OLTB concerts in the past may remember the festive sounds of Hanukkah, a festive medley. A Very Merry (Minor) Christmas was written by the OLTB Director based on the tune of O come O come Emmanuel, but in a minor key. And who doesn’t love the OLTB’s closing number, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride … and by the way, we hear they do a great whip-crack! The band welcomes new members of all ages, from talented middle-school students to seniors, without audition when rehearsals begin again in January. The band rehearses at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit the band’s website at http://www.oldlymetownband.com or speak to any band member to add your name to the band’s mailing list.

All Donors Through Dec.15 Receive $10 Amazon.com Gift Card By Email

OLD LYME — On Thursday, Dec. 15, the American Red Cross is hosting a Blood Drive at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 2 Ferry Rd. from 1 to 6 p.m.

As more people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside a time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays.

Throughout the season, several factors can disrupt the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients across the country.

• Travel: According to a recent study, nearly half of Americans plan to travel over the holidays this year, which may negatively impact the blood supply if fewer people come out to donate.
• Seasonal illness: The U.S. is seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, which can decrease the availability of healthy donors.
• Weather: Parts of the country have already seen storms bring several feet of snow this year. Winter weather often leads to hazardous road conditions, canceling blood drives and making it dangerous for donors to venture out to give.

It is important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need through the end of the year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, all who come to give blood through Dec.15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, courtesy of Amazon.

Editor’s Note: i) This article is based on press release from the American Red Cross.

ii) The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

OLD LYME — On Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., Amtrak is hosting a Public Informational Session via Zoom to discuss the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project.

The purpose of this meeting is to re-introduce the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project, highlight the environmental aspects of the project, and solicit community feedback.

To join the virtual meeting, click here.

If you are unable to join via Zoom, you may also join by phone at (646) 931-3860 using Webinar ID: 822 6042 2411 and Password: 508462.

The Connecticut River Bridge, first built in 1907, is located on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between the towns of Old Saybrook and Old Lyme and is used by Amtrak, CTRail’s Shore Line East, and freight trains.

The project will involve building a two-track, electrified, and resilient movable bridge structure equipped with new track, signal, catenary, power, communication, controls and security features.

The new bridge will improve the bridge’s functionality and serviceability to a useful life of 150 years, a far greater period than the current bridge’s 100-year useful life.The bridge replacement will allow for better reliability and decreased delays for travelers due to trains traveling on more modern infrastructure.

Amtrak hired a 3rd Party Consultant to design the new bridge and is in the process of hiring a construction management firm to assist with the construction phase of the project. The design is currently at 90 percent design level and working toward a 100 percent design to be submitted in the near future. An Environmental Assessment (EA) and Preliminary Design has been completed to date with a NEPA Reevaluation currently being performed.

Amtrak is also in the process of coordinating with both state and federal agencies to obtain several environmental permits needed for the project based on both temporary and permeant disturbances anticipated during construction.

The comment period is open through March 15. Comments can be submitted via e-mail to [email protected], by phone to (844) 891-7879 or by USPS mail to:
Office of Community Engagement c/o Danielle Hunter
Amtrak (Re: Conn River Bridge)
2955 Market St., 3N-153
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Visit this link for more information about Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor project.

Visit this link to view the brochure produced by Amtrak about the bridge replacement project.

Editor’s Notes: This article is based on information posted on the Amtrak website at this link.

OLD LYME — On Saturday, Feb. 18, the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library hosts Indoor Mini-Golf at the Library.

Join others at the library for a fun-filled day as you play your way through the Library’s temporary indoor mini-golf course.

10am – 4pm: All Ages, 18-Hole Open Play
$5 per person.
Cash only at the door or purchase with a credit card using the button at this link.

7:30-9:30pm: 21+ Only, 18-Hole Open Play
$10 per person.
Ticket price includes mini-golf, one free drink ticket, and access to the dessert bar. Additional drinks may be purchased at a cash only bar. Tickets require advanced purchase using the button at this link or by visiting the main desk in the Library.

SPONSOR A HOLE!
Starting at $125, sponsoring a hole is a wonderful way to celebrate a special person, occasion, or interest in your life. All sponsors will receive early access on Friday night (Feb. 17, 5-7pm) to personalize and decorate their green. Complete details can be found on our sponsorship flyer. Sign up using the button at this link.

Purchase a ticket or become a sponsor. All proceeds from the event benefit the Library.

The library is located at 2 Library Ln. in Old Lyme.

More details are available at OldLymeLibrary.org

OLD LYME — On Saturday, Feb. 18, the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library hosts Indoor Mini-Golf at the Library.

Join others at the library for a fun-filled day as you play your way through the Library’s temporary indoor mini-golf course.

10am – 4pm: All Ages, 18-Hole Open Play
$5 per person.
Cash only at the door or purchase with a credit card using the button at this link.

7:30-9:30pm: 21+ Only, 18-Hole Open Play
$10 per person.
Ticket price includes mini-golf, one free drink ticket, and access to the dessert bar. Additional drinks may be purchased at a cash only bar. Tickets require advanced purchase using the button at this link or by visiting the main desk in the Library.

SPONSOR A HOLE!
Starting at $125, sponsoring a hole is a wonderful way to celebrate a special person, occasion, or interest in your life. All sponsors will receive early access on Friday night (Feb. 17, 5-7pm) to personalize and decorate their green. Complete details can be found on our sponsorship flyer. Sign up using the button at this link.

Purchase a ticket or become a sponsor. All proceeds from the event benefit the Library.

The library is located at 2 Library Ln. in Old Lyme.

More details are available at OldLymeLibrary.org

OLD LYME — On Saturday, Feb. 25, the New London Currach Rowers will display their currach during their Celebration of Irish Music at the 40 Thieves Irish Pub at 171 Bridge St. in Groton They will also host the versatile members of local band, Bards of Gungywamp.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Irish cultural sport of currach rowing.

In addition, members of the Spirited Soles Irish Dance Academy will perform jigs and reels in their colorful, traditional Irish dance costumes.

The Currach Rowers will display the currach both at The Garde Performing Arts Center for the March performance of the High Kings and at local Irish parades.

Maureen Plumleigh of Old Lyme is the president of the New London Currach Rowers. She notes, “The currach (Kurr-ik) is an ancient Irish boat that is both sea-going and a river craft. It was used for fishing, ferrying visitors to the islands, and transporting goods and livestock. There is a rich history of the sea-going currach that tells the story of the dangerous lives of Ireland’s fishing communities.”

Today, the currachs are used for tourism and leisure purposes and currach racing has become a popular sport across Ireland, the United States, and parts of Europe.
The local Regatta will be held Saturday July 29 in New London.

Anyone interested in rowing in this ancient Irish boat for recreation or competition is encouraged to contact the team at [email protected] in order to receive information about the next Learn to Row Irish event.

OLD LYME — On Saturday, March 4, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts hosts a lecture by Jerry Saltz, Pulitzer Prize winner and senior art critic at New York Magazine, who will speak as part of the Lyme Academy’s ongoing lecture series. This program was created to welcome creative leaders and influencers in the world of art to speak on their craft. Saltz will share his inspiring insight, experience and story with Lyme Academy students and the public. Saltz is the senior art critic at New York Magazine and its entertainment site, Vulture. He was an art critic for The Village Voice from 1998 until 2007, when he joined New York Magazine, and was nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize during his tenure there. He is the winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Criticism and the 2019 National Magazine Award. A frequent guest lecturer, Saltz has spoken at the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, the Rhode Island School of Design and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others. “We are thrilled that Jerry Saltz will be coming to speak at the Lyme Academy in the midst of his national book tour to sold out crowds around the country”, says Melissa Barbieri, artist and trustee at Lyme Academy. “As an artist, I can tell you that no one speaks more compellingly or with more heart about artists and the art world than Jerry Saltz. What an honor to have him join us.” Saltz wrote the New York Times bestseller “How To Be An Artist” brimming with inspiration, rules, prompts and practical tips for emerging artists and creatives.  He recently published his book, “Life is Art” (Nov. 2022), which will be offered for sale ($30 SRP) before or after the lecture at de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities on the campus of Lyme Academy, South entrance, or online at degerendays.com. Registration for seating at the 2 p.m. free lecture will be available through the Lyme Academy website at https://lymeacademy.edu/lectures/. The full schedule of events is as follows:  1-2pm – Pre-Event “Bagels and Coffee” with Jerry Saltz in the Chauncey-Stillman Gallery. The pre-event is free and open to students, staff, faculty, and board members. Anyone who purchases Saltz’s book from de Gerenday’s can show their receipt of purchase and attend this event. This includes couples who purchase one copy. 2-3pm – Jerry Saltz presentation in the Cole Studio (South Entrance). This portion of the event is free and open to the public. 3-4pm – Book signing by Jerry Saltz in de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities (South Entrance). Free and open to the public. Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is located at 84 Lyme St. in Old Lyme, CT.  Free parking is available at both the north and south entrances. Follow signs to the lecture. Editor’s Note: The mission of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is to teach the foundational skills of drawing, painting, and s sculpture in the figurative tradition. By its commitment to training students in these skills and an engagement with contemporary discourse, the Academy will empower a new generation of artists. Through its programs and related ventures, including the opening of de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities on its historic campus, the Academy is committed to enriching the cultural life of the community. Learn more about classes and programs offered at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts by visiting www.lymeacademy.edu.

Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. Tax Free Retirement Workshop with USA Financial & Tax Services, LLC, Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, 2 Library Lane, Old Lyme.

Michael V. Alimo of USA Financial and Tax Services, LLC will discuss current tax laws and share ways to reduce taxes now and in retirement. To register visit oldlymelibrary.org or call 860-434-1684.

New Environmental Director of Lyme Land Trust to Speak at Sierra Club CT, Saturday; All Welcome Arrigoni’s Talk Topic to be ‘Regeneration and Growing’ OLD SAYBROOK/LYME — On Saturday, April 1, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., the Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter Shoreline Group is holding a public forum titled, “Regeneration and Growing” at the Acton Public Library, Old Saybrook, Community Room. The speaker will be Jim Arrigoni, who is the new Environmental Director of the Lyme Land Conservation Trust. He was formerly with the Connecticut Audubon Society. Learn how we can regenerate and grow our landscape through gardening, individual action, group action, and networking. All are welcome and the event is free. Registration is requested at this link for planning purposes on the Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter website. For more information, contact Richard Melchreit at [email protected] or (860) 912-9332.