OLD LYME — A new initiative, Pollinate Old Lyme!, will have its public launch on Tuesday, Jan. 26, via Zoom presentations at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Interested participants will learn about Old Lyme’s new initiative and simple ways to be a part of a growing “pollinator pathway” where birds, butterflies, and insects are attracted to native plants and trees in yards or gardens.
Pollinate Old Lyme! is an initiative of Sustainable Old Lyme and includes over a dozen Old Lyme partner organizations hosting anchor gardens and providing educational opportunities during 2021.
Email PollinateOldLyme@gmail.com with your name and location to register for one of the two Zoom presentations and obtain the log-in information by return.
LYME/OLD LYME — Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau hosts a virtual screening of the compelling new documentary LIKE, Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. The event is free of charge and all are welcome.
Parents, educators and community members interested in attending must pre-register for the Zoom link either here or by visiting www.lsyb.org.
More than 2 billion people have smartphones today … and we check our phones on average 150 times every day. Technology makes our lives easier in so many ways – but what is the cost of our dependence, and our children’s reliance, on screens?
LIKE is a new documentary exploring the impact of social media on our lives. It reveals the true effects of technology on the brain and uncovers the impact social media can have on our lives. The film’s mission is to educate, inform and inspire people to effectively self-regulate their screen time.
Social media is a tool and social platforms are a place to connect, share and care… but is that what is really happening? When social media users chase “likes” or seek followers, they lose sight of the fact that their devices are now using them. The goal of the screening is to raise awareness about the hidden costs of social media as well as start a conversation about how to ensure our own, and our children’s, healthy use of technology.
The LIKE screening will be followed by an informative panel discussion featuring experts from the film.
The following day, Wednesday, Jan. 27, the film will be viewed by all students at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle and High Schools. This is a great opportunity to start conversation with your children about a real issue in their every day lives.
The film features interviews with experts including Max Stossel, Head of Education & Content at Center for Humane Technology; Leah Pearlman, Co-Creator of the Facebook “Like” button; Dr. Jerry Bubrick, Senior Psychologist at Child Mind Institute; Professor Jevin West, DataLab, iSchool, University of Washington; John Borthwick, CEO, Betaworks; and Professor Katie Davis, author of The App Generation.
To learn more about LIKE, visit http://thelikemovie.com
Editor’s Note: IndieFlix Group Inc is a global screening and streaming service that promotes and supports social impact films to create positive change in the world. IndieFlix screening service books offline community screenings in schools and corporations around the world while IndieFlix online streaming offers a monthly subscription based service to access thousands of high-quality shorts, features, documentaries, and series from around the world.
For more information, visit https://www.indieflix.com/
Join SECWAC virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 at 6 p.m. for a presentation by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser, New York Times and The New Yorker journalists, to speak on their book, ‘The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III.’ Register in advance.
More information at http://secwac.org.
LYME — Lyme Public Library will host a Valentine’s Day Workshop, presented by Lori Neumann, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m.
Embellish your own treasured keepsake set of Valentine Heart tins in this fun and simple project. The kit includes three vintage style heart tins, Dresden foil borders, Valentine scraps, stickers and an Italian Coccoina specialty Glue Stick. You need only have a pair of scissors available and your imagination.
Space is limited to 15 participants and there is a $15 materials fee.
Email programreg@lymepl.org to receive the Zoom link for this event.
For more information, call the library at 860-434-2272.
LYME/OLD LYME — Connecticut Audubon hosts Superb Owl Sunday on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m.
This popular live owl event is being held virtually this year. All are welcome.
Join Mary-Beth Kaeser from Horizon Wings as she introduces these local owl species: Great-horned, Eastern Screech, Northern Saw-whet, Barred and Barn owls.
The fee for this fun hour of owls is $5.
Register at this link and you will receive your Zoom link in your registration confirmation.
All proceeds benefit CT Audubon’s education and conservation programs in the Greater Hartford Region.
HARTFORD – On Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23) will join Bi-partisan Women’s Legislative Caucus Members State Rep’s Donna Veach (R-30) and Christie Carpino to host an informational webinar to discuss resources available to women- and minority-owned businesses.
Register for the forum using this link.
The webinar will feature Fran Pastore, CEO of the Connecticut Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) and is expected to cover the WBDC’s Equity Match Grant Program.
The Equity Match Grant Program provides grants to women-owned/minority-owned businesses to help businesses pivot, expand or restructure during the pandemic and beyond. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on business.
“The funding businesses receive through grants provided by the WBDC and other organizations is crucial to getting some of these businesses over the hump and to continue thriving, without them many would be forced to not just close temporarily, but forever,” Rep. Veach said. “It’s important that businesses know the type of funding is available to them in order to prevent that from happening.”
“Outreach to local businesses, especially those owned by women and minorities, is so important right now,” said Rep. Carpino. “I am excited to partner with WBDC to bring this information into the community.”
“The grants from Women’s Business Development Council are a good opportunity to women and minority-owned businesses if they need extra resources due to the coronavirus pandemic,” said Rep. Carney. “The Council is always there to assist business owners and those considering starting a business with training, education, and funding opportunities.”
Trita Parsi presents, “A New US Paradigm for the Middle East”
OLD LYME — The PGN Library hosts commuter advocate Jim Cameron, who will answer questions and offer a status update on CT transportation crisis addressing topics like:
•Will riders return to commuter rail?
•Who will pay to keep the trains running, and where will money be found for our highways?
•How will new residential / workplace trends affect CT’s economy?
Click here to register and receive a link for this virtual program.
Exploring the Importance of Pollinator Pathways
To register for this Zoom program, email programreg@lymepl.org
You will receive a zoom link several days before the presentation.
Learn about Pollinator Pathways with eco-friendly gardening experts Jim Sirch and Mary Ellen Lemay.
Jim Sirch is Education Coordinator for the Yale Peabody Museum for Natural History. Mary Ellen LeMay owns a company that specializes in the use of natural systems for habitat restoration.
The presentation is free and open to all, brought to you by the Friends of the Lyme Public Library. For more information call the library: 860 434-2272.
OLD LYME — Old Lyme’s Duck River Garden Club (DRGC) continues to hold virtual presentations and meetings on Zoom while COVID restrictions are in place. These DRGC presentations are open to the public and require advance registration.
Virtual socials take place at 6:30 p.m., presentations at 7 p.m., followed by a business meeting for members.
Katherine Dugas.
Join DRGC on Monday, Feb. 22, via Zoom to hear Katherine Dugas, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) research technician, discuss current insect and plant disease conditions in Connecticut, including latest known migration of invasive Spotted Lanternfly, Emerald Ash Borer and Southern Pine Beetle.
Brush up on your insect ID skills, learn about the latest threats to our environment and what you can do to help.
Katherine is daughter of Albert and Denise Dugas of Old Lyme.
Dugas earned her Bachelors Degree from Connecticut College in 2005 and Master’s Degree from URI in 2008. She works in the Insect Information and Plant Disease Information Offices of CAES.
To register for this free program, call or email Karen Geisler, DRGC president, 860-434-5321, karen
Check DRGC’s website and the club’s public Duck River Garden Club of Old Lyme Facebook page for any changes to planned programs.
DRGC welcomes new members, who can join via the membership form on the website. For further information on membership, contact Karen Geisler. Attendance at DRGC virtual programs counts toward the required two meetings for prospective club members.
LYME — Lyme Public Library hosts an Eco-Safari of the Connecticut Watershed presented by Jim Arrigoni on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m.
The Connecticut River is recognized as one of the most ecologically and culturally important rivers on the East Coast. In this interactive webinar, conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni will take you on a virtual tour of the watershed, highlighting the flora and fauna and unique aspects of its natural and human history.
Email programreg@lymepl.org to receive the Zoom link for this event.
Animal Tracking presented by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Saturday, March 6, 2pm
In this Zoom presentation sponsored with the Lyme Land Trust, you will learn to identify the tracks of local wildlife as well as how to interpret the stories they tell. In addition, you will also meet an owl who leaves telltale tracks behind from a hunt.
Presented by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic, CT. Founded in 1946, DPNC provides environmental education programming for all ages on a wide variety of natural history and environmental science topics.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lyme Public Library for March 2021.
Email programreg@lymepl.org to register for this Zoom program.
- Science related to public health and our youth
- Marijuana industry right now
- Status of legalization of marijuana in Connecticut
Wednesday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.
The Old Lyme-PGN Library hosts a free Zoom lecture titled, “Your Carbon Footprint,” by Old Lyme resident Alan Poirier.
This event is promoted by Sustainable Old Lyme.
Sign up for the Zoom link at http://oldlymelibrary.org.
Asian Fusion Cooking Demonstration with Chef James Martell
Thursday, March 11, 5 p.m.
James Martell, the head chef at On the Rocks Restaurant at the Fox Hopyard Golf Club in East Haddam, will demonstrate how to prepare an Asian Fusion dinner as well as mocktails and cocktails to complement the dish. Learn how he makes tuna rolls, quick kimchi, and Buffalo Chicken Rangoon.
Email programreg@lymepl.org to register for this virtual program and obtain the Zoom link.
OLD LYME — Do you believe that access to healthy food is important?
Do you believe that a community should support members in need?
Do you have interest in growing food and cultivating relationships between neighbors, friends and community members?
If your answer to any or all of those questions is, ‘Yes,’ then you might wish to consider joining a discussion to plan a community food garden to support the nutritional needs of the shoreline community by providing local food pantries with fresh produce.
Jim Ward, a resident of Old Lyme since 2006 whose wife attended Old Lyme schools and taught in the district, is the initiator of the project. Asked how he came up with idea for the garden, he explained, ” While I have always been interested in gardening and landscaping, my interest in the garden was initiated while I was participating in the 2020 UCONN Master Gardening Program.’
Ward continued, “As a participant in the program you are responsible for a certain amount of outreach hours and I volunteered and continue to volunteer at the Food for All garden in Clinton.”
Noting, “The atmosphere at this very successful Food Bank garden was one of a small community,” he pointed out that there were always plenty of volunteers, who between them had, “A broad range of gardening skills, from no gardening experience to master gardeners.”
Moreover, Ward emphasized, “Everyone shared their knowledge of gardening and cooking … along with local and national political conversations.”
The catalyst for trying to start the endeavor in Old Lyme was simply, in Ward’s mind, the type of community found in Lyme-Old Lyme, which Ward felt, “Would be very supportive of this type of initiative.” He therefore set out, “to replicate the Food for All garden project.’
His plan was not only wholeheartedly supported in principle by the volunteers of the Clinton garden, but he noted that in addition, “They gave me access to their records and provided advice on the daily and annual demands of the garden.”
Finding a location for the garden in Old Lyme did not prove quite so straightforward, however. Ward said, “My wife and I researched town-owned lands defaulted to the Town, but didn’t find any that were suitable and could see why many were defaulted.”
Finally, the seed of an idea evolved, when, in Ward’s words, “We thought of Town Woods as it had water, electricity, parking, restrooms, proximity to the Senior Center and it served as a hub of activity for many residents.”
Asked what has happened since the potential site was identified, Ward explained, “Through generous cooperation of the Parks and Recreation Commission and with site approval by the Old Lyme Inland Wetlands Commission, a parcel of land behind the Field House at Town Woods Park has been secured.”
He added enthusiastically, “The location, amidst the park’s organically-managed fields, with access to water, electricity and parking, is ideal.”
The timeline for starting the project is, according to Ward, “Totally dependent on funds.” he states, “With the generous assistance of the Parks and Recreation Commission, we have cleared the large hurdles of land and water, so the next big hurdle will be the fencing for the garden.”
What is his best guess for how things will progress? Ward responds, “With that being said I would love to see a fence up, some site prep, and soil testing by this fall with a small planting next spring.”
The proposal was mentioned at the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen’s meeting last Tuesday, Feb. 16, when Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal described the project as, “A really neat thing,” and “Pretty exciting.” First Selectman Timothy Griswold felt the board needed one of their members to “Prepare a checklist of what we [the board of selectmen] need to do,” and coordinate the effort between all the town boards and commissions involved. Selectman Chris Kerr agreed to take on that role.
The next step for the project is a kick-off virtual planning meeting scheduled for Monday, March 15, when, says Ward, “We will discuss organization of a non-profit, fundraising, sustainability, outreach, education and community engagement.” There are two options timewise for the meeting, 12 noon or 6 p.m.
All are welcome and he stresses, “Differing viewpoints, experience, backgrounds and ages are encouraged. No gardening experience is required.”
To register for either March 15 meeting and obtain the Zoom log-in information or raise any questions, email Ward at jimdub@gmail.com.
OLD LYME — Do you believe that access to healthy food is important?
Do you believe that a community should support members in need?
Do you have interest in growing food and cultivating relationships between neighbors, friends and community members?
If your answer to any or all of those questions is, ‘Yes,’ then you might wish to consider joining a discussion to plan a community food garden to support the nutritional needs of the shoreline community by providing local food pantries with fresh produce.
Jim Ward, a resident of Old Lyme since 2006 whose wife attended Old Lyme schools and taught in the district, is the initiator of the project. Asked how he came up with idea for the garden, he explained, ” While I have always been interested in gardening and landscaping, my interest in the garden was initiated while I was participating in the 2020 UCONN Master Gardening Program.’
Ward continued, “As a participant in the program you are responsible for a certain amount of outreach hours and I volunteered and continue to volunteer at the Food for All garden in Clinton.”
Noting, “The atmosphere at this very successful Food Bank garden was one of a small community,” he pointed out that there were always plenty of volunteers, who between them had, “A broad range of gardening skills, from no gardening experience to master gardeners.”
Moreover, Ward emphasized, “Everyone shared their knowledge of gardening and cooking … along with local and national political conversations.”
The catalyst for trying to start the endeavor in Old Lyme was simply, in Ward’s mind, the type of community found in Lyme-Old Lyme, which Ward felt, “Would be very supportive of this type of initiative.” He therefore set out, “to replicate the Food for All garden project.’
His plan was not only wholeheartedly supported in principle by the volunteers of the Clinton garden, but he noted that in addition, “They gave me access to their records and provided advice on the daily and annual demands of the garden.”
Finding a location for the garden in Old Lyme did not prove quite so straightforward, however. Ward said, “My wife and I researched town-owned lands defaulted to the Town, but didn’t find any that were suitable and could see why many were defaulted.”
Finally, the seed of an idea evolved, when, in Ward’s words, “We thought of Town Woods as it had water, electricity, parking, restrooms, proximity to the Senior Center and it served as a hub of activity for many residents.”
Asked what has happened since the potential site was identified, Ward explained, “Through generous cooperation of the Parks and Recreation Commission and with site approval by the Old Lyme Inland Wetlands Commission, a parcel of land behind the Field House at Town Woods Park has been secured.”
He added enthusiastically, “The location, amidst the park’s organically-managed fields, with access to water, electricity and parking, is ideal.”
The timeline for starting the project is, according to Ward, “Totally dependent on funds.” he states, “With the generous assistance of the Parks and Recreation Commission, we have cleared the large hurdles of land and water, so the next big hurdle will be the fencing for the garden.”
What is his best guess for how things will progress? Ward responds, “With that being said I would love to see a fence up, some site prep, and soil testing by this fall with a small planting next spring.”
The proposal was mentioned at the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen’s meeting last Tuesday, Feb. 16, when Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal described the project as, “A really neat thing,” and “Pretty exciting.” First Selectman Timothy Griswold felt the board needed one of their members to “Prepare a checklist of what we [the board of selectmen] need to do,” and coordinate the effort between all the town boards and commissions involved. Selectman Chris Kerr agreed to take on that role.
The next step for the project is a kick-off virtual planning meeting scheduled for Monday, March 15, when, says Ward, “We will discuss organization of a non-profit, fundraising, sustainability, outreach, education and community engagement.” There are two options timewise for the meeting, 12 noon or 6 p.m.
All are welcome and he stresses, “Differing viewpoints, experience, backgrounds and ages are encouraged. No gardening experience is required.”
To register for either March 15 meeting and obtain the Zoom log-in information or raise any questions, email Ward at jimdub@gmail.com.
Wednesday, March 18, 6 p.m.
“The ABCs of Pollinator Plants,” a free webinar by Suzanne Thompson, co-chair of Pollinate Old Lyme!, and the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center.
Learn what native plants support your favorite birds and pollinating insects.
Email PollinateOldLyme@gmail.com for the Zoom link
‘The Other Side of the Ice’ presented by Sprague Theobald
One Family’s Treacherous Journey Negotiating the Northwest Passage
Saturday, March 20, 3 p.m.
Sprague Theobald, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and expert sailor with more than 40,000 offshore miles under his belt, always considered the Northwest Passage—the sea route connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific—the ultimate uncharted territory.
Since Roald Amundsen completed the first successful crossing of the fabled Northwest Passage in 1906, only 24 pleasure craft have followed in his wake.
From his home port of Newport, Rhode Island, through the Passage and around Alaska to Seattle, it would be an 8,500-mile trek filled with constant danger from ice, polar bears, and severe weather
What Theobald couldn’t have known was just how life-changing his journey through the Passage would be.
Unrelenting cold, hungry polar bears, and a haunting landscape littered with sobering artifacts from the tragic Franklin Expedition of 1845 make The Other Side of the Ice a harrowing story of survival, adventure, and, finally, redemption.
Email programreg@lymepl.org to register for this Zoom program.
OLD LYME — Old Lyme Historical Society opens its Spring Lecture Series Wednesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. with a presentation by Markham Starr titled, In History’s Wake: The Last Trap Fishermen of Rhode Island.
This slideshow covers the last of the four floating trap fishing companies in Rhode Island. This fishery, going back over 150 years, once dominated the coastline, but was quickly abandoned with the advent of the modern trawler.
The presentation follows the four companies as they build and fish their unique floating traps, which were over 1,500’ long.
This is a free, virtual event. All are welcome.
Register at info@oldlymehistorical.org to obtain the Zoom link.
LYME/OLD LYME — The Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) has announced that Binalakshmi Nepram is to speak on the peace movement by Indigenous women in India at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 23, via Zoom. The virtual presentation is free for members; $20 for non-members. Registration is required.
Binalakshmi Nepram will discuss the story of the forgotten, former Asiatic nation state of Manipur located on the Indo-Burma border. She will trace the struggle of the Indigenous Women of the state, now located in Northeast India, and how they developed a unique and unprecedented women’s movement.
Nepram will throw light on the unreported conflict region that is home to South Asia’s longest running war, where a martial law called the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has been imposed on the population since 1958; she will also discuss the resilience of the people who have long struggled for democracy and rule of law.
Nepram’s presentation is part of the SECWAC 2021 monthly Speaker Series. Register in advance at https://scwac.wildapricot.org/
Binalakshmi “Bina” Nepram is an indigenous scholar and a woman human rights defender, whose work focuses on deepening democracy and championing women-led peace, security, and disarmament in Manipur, Northeast India, and South Asia.
She is the founder of three organizations: the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, the Control Arms Foundation of India, and the Global Alliance of Indigenous Peoples, Gender Justice, and Peace. In 2010 Bina also initiated the Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace to ensure that indigenous women in Northeast India are included in peace talks and peace processes.
Bina has authored and edited five books, including Deepening Democracy, Diversity, and Women’s Rights in India (2019), Where Are Our Women in Decision Making? (2016), Meckley: A Historical Fiction on Manipur (2004) and South Asia’s Fractured Frontier (2002).
Her work has garnered international recognition, including the Anna Politskovskaya Award (2018), Women have Wings Award (2016), CNN IBN Real Heroes Award (2011), Ashoka Social Innovators Fellowship (2011), and the Sean MacBride Peace Prize (2010).
SECWAC is a regional, nonprofit, membership organization affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). The organization dates back to 1999, and has continued to arrange at least 8-10 meetings annually, between September and June.
The meetings present a range of topics in international affairs, foreign policy and diplomatic history, and are hosted at venues along the I-95 corridor, welcoming members and guests from Stonington to Old Saybrook, and beyond.
SECWAC’s mission is “to foster an understanding of issues of foreign policy and international affairs through study, debate, and educational programming.” It provides a forum for nonpartisan, non-advocacy dialogue between members and speakers, who can be U.S. policymakers, educators, authors, and other experts on foreign relations. Learn more at http://secwac.org.
Tuesday, March 23, 6:30pm:
“Renewable Energy” is a free webinar offered by the OL-PGN Library and promoted by Sustainable Old Lyme.
- Clean Energy Technologies
- Federal and State Policies
- Future Innovative Trends
- How to get involved
OLD LYME — Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme, Conn., will hold a community-wide discussion group on the book Waking Up White by Debby Irving on Thursday, March 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
In this book, Irving describes her “aha!” moment regarding the racial tensions she sensed in her life and in society. This moment launched an adventure of discovery and insight that drastically shifted her worldview and upended her life plan.
All are invited to join this discussion group, as these highly topical issues are explored. Share, listen, gain new insights, and make new friends.
The discussion will take place via Zoom. The Zoom link is on the home page of Saint Ann’s website at www.saintannsoldlyme.org.
Registration is not required.
For further information about this program, call 860-434-1621.
Saint Ann’s is an Episcopal parish in Old Lyme, CT that invites and welcomes visitors to this program. The church’s mission is to enrich the community and introduce visitors to the parish.
Saint Ann’s is located at 82 Shore Rd. (Rte. 156), two miles off I-95, Exit 70. Parking is adjacent to the church.
For information about the parish, contact Kathy Rowe at 860-434-1621, via email at office@saintannsoldlyme.org, or visit Saint Ann’s online at www.saintannsoldlyme.org.
Saint Ann’s is a Level 2 Green House of Worship. This recognition is awarded by the CT Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN), a program of environmental stewardship that grants certificates of achievement for implementing eco-friendly measures in buildings and within congregations.
OLD LYME — Duck River Garden Club (DRGC) presents Spring Backyard Birding at 7 p.m., a virtual program about how to attract and support eastern bluebirds, ruby-throated hummingbirds and Baltimore orioles by Jessica Penfield of Wild Birds Unlimited, Old Saybrook.
This DRGC presentation is open to the public and requires advance registration.
Virtual socials take place at 6:30 p.m., presentations at 7 p.m., followed by a business meeting for members.
To register for this free program, call or email Karen Geisler, DRGC president, 860-434-5321, karen
Check DRGC’s website and the club’s public Duck River Garden Club of Old Lyme Facebook page for any changes to planned programs.
DRGC welcomes new members, who can join via the membership form on the website. For further information on membership, contact Karen Geisler. Attendance at DRGC virtual programs counts toward the required two meetings for prospective club members.
OLD LYME — Old Lyme Historical Society opens its Spring Lecture Series Wednesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. with a presentation by Markham Starr titled, In History’s Wake: The Last Trap Fishermen of Rhode Island.
This slideshow covers the last of the four floating trap fishing companies in Rhode Island. This fishery, going back over 150 years, once dominated the coastline, but was quickly abandoned with the advent of the modern trawler.
The presentation follows the four companies as they build and fish their unique floating traps, which were over 1,500’ long.
This is a free, virtual event. All are welcome.
Register at info@oldlymehistorical.org to obtain the Zoom link.