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.
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.
LYME — On Sunday, May 7, at 4 p.m., Lyme Public Hall hosts Lyme resident and author Bruce Stark, who will discuss his book,The Myth and Reality of Slavery in Eastern Connecticut. All are welcome.
This work is the product of more than a decade of research inspired by a false story that a slave plantation existed in Salem, Conn. Yet his inquiry goes far beyond an analysis of this narrative.
His presentation titled, Peeling the Research Onion, or How a Newspaper Article Led to a 300-Page Book, explores the genesis and debunking of the Salem slave plantation tale as well as the larger historical context involved.
Books will be available for purchase and signing at this event.
Stark is a Lyme native, who has a Ph.D. in history from the University of Connecticut and a library degree from Southern Connecticut State University.
In a 40-year career as an archivist and historian, he has written and published more than 40 books and articles, mostly on Connecticut subjects and a few of them on Lyme.
He spent 12 years as Assistant State Archivist at the Connecticut State Library in Hartford, the repository that holds the bulk of materials used in his extensive research.
These sessions will update the public about the needs, benefits, costs and timeline for the renovation plans for the center.
Monday, May 8, at 7 p.m. in the LOL Middle School auditorium
Tuesday, May 9, at 4 p.m. at the Lymes’ Senior Center