September 16, 2021

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Our Expanded Policy on ‘Letters to the Editor’

September 12, 2021 by Leave a Comment

We welcome Letters to the Editor.  The following are our general rules relating to publication of letters on LymeLine.com:

  • Letters should be addressed to editor@lymeline.com.
  • Letters must not exceed our 450-word limit.
  • Letter writers must supply their name, home town, and telephone number for verification purposes.  They also should note any political memberships/affiliations.
  • We will publish a maximum of one letter every two weeks from any individual letter-writer.
  • We will not publish letters that include abusive, defamatory, indecent, libelous, obscene, off-topic, pornographic, profane, threatening, unlawful, vulgar, or otherwise objectionable comments.
  • Personal attacks on anyone or any group or organization are not permitted.
  • Letters that include code of any kind or hyperlinks to objectionable material will not be posted.

As always regarding the publication of any article, opinion or letter on LymeLine.com, the editor’s decision is final.

Thank you for respecting these rules, which have been in place for over 17 years and rarely abused.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Shoemaker Explains Decision to Run for Old Lyme’s ‘Top Job’ + BOE, Seeks Broad Support From Voters

September 10, 2021 by 10 Comments

To the Editor:

An Open Letter to the Residents of Old Lyme:

I am running for First Selectwoman of our town and I hope to earn the support of all our citizens whether they be Democrat, Republican, or Unaffiliated.  Old Lyme residents deserve a leader who will listen to their concerns, create sound fiscal budgets, and bring consensus among diverse groups working toward the common goal of improving our town.  I will prepare this town for the challenges of the future. My decision to run was prompted by overwhelming resident concerns that these critical responsibilities were not being met. I am confident that my skill-set and prior experience will enable me to address these issues

During my 35-year career as a public-school teacher I worked collaboratively with fellow teachers, administration, and parents to provide a quality education for students.  I served as the union president for the last twelve years of my tenure.  Mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills are tools that I incorporated to bring consensus between people.  These experiences will be crucial as First Selectwoman.  I am currently Co-Chair of the Lyme/Old Lyme Prevention Coalition (LOLPC) and President of the Friends of the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library. I am passionate about public service and believe there is a benefit for the entire Old Lyme community in being able to integrate activities, align networks and identify compatible and complementary opportunities among organizations.  

I am also running for re-election to the Region 18 Board of Education. I was first elected to the Board for a four-year term in 2017 after retiring from teaching.  Public education has been and is an integral part of my life and is critically important to the residents of Old Lyme.  I have enjoyed working on the Board of Education and look forward to contributing to the Regional District 18 Strategic Plan beginning in the fall of 2021.

The role of First Selectwoman is to serve the community of Old Lyme and to maintain, and where appropriate improve, the quality of town assets and services for our citizens.  I will respect the trust you place in me to lead our town.  If also re-elected to the Board of Education, I will continue to collaborate with the other eight members of the board to make the best decisions we can for the public education our students deserve. 

I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail.

Sincerely,

Martha H. Shoemaker,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is the Democratic-endorsed candidate for Old Lyme First Selectwoman and also one of the four Democratic-endorsed candidates for the Region 18 Board of Education, on which she currently serves.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme, Politics, Schools, Top Story, Town Hall

Letter to the Editor: Thank You To All The Storm Volunteers

August 25, 2021 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

An Open Letter to Everyone Who Volunteered to Help in the Aftermath of Hurricane Henri

Thank you, and many of your family members, for your rapid and generous offers to volunteer as needed to support our beautiful town due to Storm Henri.

I am so pleased that we did not have to activate volunteer support in Old Lyme, but I am again acutely aware of why Old Lyme is the best small town in CT, because of our people.

The volunteer effort is what allows Emergency Operations to focus on keeping us all safe.  Mission accomplished.
Sincerely,
Mary Jo Nosal,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is the Old Lyme Selectwoman.
Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Motion Failed at Old Lyme Town Meeting Due to Absence of Supporting Information from First Selectman, Salient Point for Upcoming Election

August 19, 2021 by 7 Comments

To the Editor:

As a voting resident in the Town of Old Lyme, I attended the Special Town Meeting on August 16th in the Town Hall, which was only held in person.  The purpose of the meeting was to vote on the appropriation of money for four items totaling $197,000. In the past, I was always asked to verify that I was a property owner or eligible to vote prior to the meeting.  No such verification was held at this meeting where less than 20 people were in attendance.  I only knew about the meeting because Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal highlighted to First Selectman Tim Griswold at a Board of Selectman’s meeting two weeks prior, that proper support and information for the requests needed to be clear to the public.  Nevertheless, no handouts or information of any kind was shared with the public.

Thankfully, David Roberge, the Fire Marshal, was able to provide substantial information on the funds for Covid-19 and Storm Isaias responses, much of which will be reimbursed by the federal government.  Phil Parcak, Facilities Manager, was also helpful in providing detailed information regarding the construction of a new scale house building.  All three of these motions passed. Sadly, Tim Griswold was unable to provide information about the $42,000 expenditure for Police/Ranger overtime and as a result, this motion failed.  When a Board of Finance member in attendance was asked what happens now, his reply was, “I don’t know, this has never happened before!”

The people of Old Lyme deserve better.  We need strong leadership, not incompetence, especially when it comes to our precious tax dollars.  I hope the voters will remember that on November 2!

Sincerely,

Kathleen Tracy,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is running as the Democratic-endorsed candidate for the position of Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate in the upcoming November election.

Filed Under: Headline News, Letters, News, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Recognize the Past, Look to the Future; CT House, Senate Have Both Now Passed Resolution on Racism, Why Hasn’t Old Lyme BOS?

June 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

The Witness Stones project, which was dedicated last week on the library grounds, demonstrates that Old Lyme residents recognize a non-revisionist view of an unfortunate part of our town’s history.

We should place a capstone on that project, and publicly acknowledge that, in Old Lyme, all residents may avail themselves of the same resources and opportunities, regardless of race, color, or creed. Aren’t these our values? Note that Connecticut did block the importation of slaves in 1774, and began a gradual emancipation in 1784.

That said, we call upon the BOS to take one additional symbolic step and finally support the Resolution that’s been on the table for the past few months.

Also note that, earlier this month, both CT’s House and Senate affirmed racism as a public health crisis, and resolved to convene a panel to study the effect of racism on health care.

Paraphrasing, the past need not always be a prologue to the future.

Respectfully submitted.

Sincerely,

Christina J. & Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Headline News, Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: 50-Year Resident of Old Lyme Says Town Does Not Need Another Gas Station/Convenience Store

May 10, 2021 by 2 Comments
To the Editor:
I have lived in Old Lyme for almost 50 years and raised my family here. People love Old Lyme because it is a beautiful, peaceful and non-commercial community. Old Lyme has intentionally sought to keep our community distanced from unnecessary development.  Our Main Street is a beautiful example of that. Old Lyme would not let a McDonalds be located here, and Dunkin Donuts was eventually allowed in, but with no signage.
1.  We do not have any need for a new gas station or a convenience store.  We already have that on Halls Road. Furthermore, this proposed development would put two local people at risk of going out of business.
2. We do not want to make Halls Road a pass through for traffic from 95 which would include the inevitable large, noisy and polluting 18-wheel vehicles.
3. The Halls Road Improvement Committee is working hard to develop a plan to beautify Halls Road.  Another gas station and convenience store would be in direct opposition to that intent.
4.  Why would Old Lyme compromise its values for corporate gain?
It is my hope that LymeLine will join with others in opposing this absurd project that would only compromise the visions of an intentionally non-commercial small town.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mary Devins,
Old Lyme.
Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Turnout for LOL School Budget May Have Been Low, But Canceling In-Person Voting is Start of ‘Slippery Slope’

May 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

We applaud the overwhelming support for the Lyme-Old Lyme Schools proposed 2021-22 budget at the May 4th referendum. Unfortunately, turnout was only about 5 percent.

We realize that there was some expectation of both approval and low turnout; and, as such, at least one elected official recommended that the in-person vote be canceled, and just allow the BOE to approve the school budget.

Doing so creates a very “slippery slope”, whereupon we have set a precedent that enables future cancellation of referenda when “we all know what the outcome will be, anyways”.

We are in an era of American history when well-meaning politicians are implementing some “Orwellian” changes in voter rules and procedures in an effort to improve voter “integrity”, a problem that doesn’t really seem to exist in the United States as a whole, and was largely disproven, after the 2016 election, via numerous recounts; and repeated decisions in the courts. Even the threat to “release the Kraken” had no impact.

Like beauty, voter fraud exists only in the eye of the beholder, which, in this case, was the losing political party, who has not yet put the specious issue behind them.

Sincerely,

Christina J. Gotowka,
Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, News, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Resolution on Racism Does Not Say Old Lyme is Racist; Approval Will Enable Town to Focus on Process, Not Apportion Blame

May 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Although I am the current chair of the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee, I write today regarding the Resolution on Racism as a Public Health Crisis as a resident.

The resolution reflects the growing body of academic work that confirms that centuries of racism in the US has had a profound and negative impact on communities of color. COVID-19 and police brutality, both of which disproportionately affect people of color, have spurred a recent movement to address racism as a public health crisis.

This belief, racism as a public health crisis, was recently supported by the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.]  Their statement said “To build a healthier America for all, we must confront the systems and policies that have resulted in the generational injustice that has given rise to racial and ethnic health inequities.”

The resolution in no way condemns the Town of Old Lyme or its residents.  No one of us caused these uneven living conditions and opportunities for health, but we are all responsible and must act if we want our communities to achieve their potential.

The resolution is an important first step – it would allow us to focus on the process and not blame any individuals.  Briefly, the resolution as originally presented, suggests that Old Lyme try to:

  • enhance diversity through leadership, staffing and contracting
  • promote equity through policy
  • improve the quality of data collected
  • advocate locally and work with other partners to support relevant policies to improve health in communities of color and confront racism
  • support the efforts of others in the community to do the same
  • identify goals and objectives to assess progress and identify opportunities to advance racial equity.

After one of her constituent Zoom meetings was disrupted with racist remarks, Jahana Hayes, congressional representative for the CT 5th District said “The only way we can cut the cancer of racism out of our community is by calling it out when we see it and raising our collective voices to get rid of it.  In the words of Edmund Burke, “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good people to do nothing.”  

I’d like to see the Board of Selectmen and the people of Old Lyme do something.  I ask the Board of Selectmen to pass the resolution.

Sincerely,

Christine Gianquinto,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Region#18 BOE Seeks Community’s Help in Finding Ways to Thank Lyme-Old Lyme Staff for Remarkable Efforts in Extraordinary Year

April 9, 2021 by 1 Comment

To the Editor:

An Open Letter to the Lyme-Old Lyme Community

The sights and sounds of springtime are in the air and with those come thoughts of the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. As we look toward the end of this historic year, the Region #18 Board of Education asks your assistance in thanking our school staff for everything they have done this school year.  

Lyme-Old Lyme is unique for having offered full in-person instruction for the entire school year. This is nothing short of amazing and deserves our recognition and thanks. Therefore, we plan to recognize our staff for their commitment to making this year so successful. In this effort, we would like the community’s assistance.  

We are asking for donations that we can provide to our staff to show appreciation. We are not looking for monetary donations but instead are looking for opportunities within our community that will help our staff relax and recharge for another successful school year. These donations will be given to the staff at our annual end of the year banquet, which will be held outdoors this year in a COVID-safe environment.

If you own a business, or work in a business that may be willing to help, or just want to show your appreciation, please consider some of the following donation ideas.

  • Gift cards/certificates to restaurants, gyms, spas, recreational activities, hair salons, barbers, nail salons, etc.
  • Tickets to special events
  • Exercise or sporting equipment
  • Car services
  • Home services
  • Babysitting services

Donations can be sent to or dropped off at the Board of Education, ℅ Michelle Dean, Center School, 49 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371.  

All donations are welcomed, no matter the size. Of most importance is the community’s thanks and appreciation for our staff who have provided our children with a sense of normalcy in what was a year like no other.

Sincerely,

The Region #18 Board of Education
Diane Linderman, Chair, Old Lyme
Rick Goulding, Old Lyme
Stacey Leonardo, Lyme
Jennifer Miller, Old Lyme
Mary Powell St. Louis, Lyme
Martha Shoemaker, Old Lyme
Suzanne Thompson, Old Lyme
Jean Wilczynski, Old Lyme
Steven Wilson, Old Lyme

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, News, Old Lyme, Schools, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Proposed Gas Station/Convenience Market on Halls Rd. Raises Many Concerns

March 5, 2021 by 9 Comments

To the Editor:

Re: Proposed Service Station Complex on Halls Rd.

We recently learned that Big Y Foods, Inc. is planning to develop the open parcel of land that lies between Treasures and the Essex Savings Bank on Halls Road into a large gas station and convenience market complex.

The open parcel, which is owned by the bank, is contiguous with another bank-owned parcel that fronts on Neck Rd. (Rte. 156). Both are for sale and, if linked, would provide access and egress on two of Old Lyme’s (already) busiest thoroughfares. The Halls Road “raceway” already connects, in less than three quarters of a mile, two busy entrance/exits to I-95 North and South. Old Lyme’s roads are already burdened by cars, trucks, and buses seeking alternate routes, when backups occur on the interstate,

I have been involved in the past in drafting certificates of need applications for Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford. I know that we took great care to demonstrate that a proposed expansion of service was unique and not redundant of other readily available and existing services.

I don’t believe that the approving process for this project is required to consider redundancies. However, that said, Halls Road already has a Shell gas station, which, coincidentally, had also proposed a convenience store expansion.

Further, both Andy’s Deli & Market, and the Big Y World Class Market, already serve different segments of Old Lyme residents and visitors shopping for groceries and prepared foods. Thus, Old Lyme is already well-served by two high quality organizations.

We patronize both, and interestingly, for the same reasons. We are known, by name, in both stores; and both provide us with the feel of a small-town local market.

However, the difference is that the supermarket’s customer base will not be largely compromised by the new convenience market.

In contrast, I know that Amish and Neha Shah, Andys’ owners, feel that the proposed facility would compete with their customer base, and probably, as part of a much larger organization, offer broader products and services at lower prices than they, as sole proprietors, can provide. They are very concerned that their small market and relatively small margins, could not sustain any significant new competition.

Further, I don’t think, based on the meetings that I’ve attended, that this proposed gas station and convenience market complex can possibly be consistent with the master plan that is still in development by Old Lyme’s Halls Road Improvements Committee. Finally, we don’t need to put existing local businesses at risk by approving redundant services; and Halls Road’s ability to support increased traffic from I-95 is very limited.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. and Christina J. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story, Town Hall

Letter to the Editor: Make Increased Voter Access Permanent in Connecticut

February 24, 2021 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

I am old enough to remember when voting was considered to be a patriotic duty.

Voting by mail in Connecticut will not continue unless we make it so.

Among the many lessons of the COVID pandemic, we have learned that the State of Connecticut is one of only 6 states in the country with no access to either early in-person voting days or to “no excuse” mail-in voting. When given the option to mail in our ballots in November 2020 due to COVID-19, the turnout for eligible Connecticut voters increased to 80%, a 3.5% increase from the high turnout in 2016.

I was thrilled to have an option besides standing in line on Election Day. I, for one, would like to see this increased voter access continue.

Our society has changed. We work long hours. We have long commutes. We have to contend with childcare and eldercare. Throw in an occasional blizzard, power outage, or pandemic, and continuing to have access to alternative voting methods just makes sense.

The Connecticut State Constitution currently does not allow for anything but in-person Election Day voting, and absentee ballots only under strict conditions. There is legislation being proposed this session in the Connecticut General Assembly to amend this, or at the very least, extend the option of “no excuse” mail-in ballots for another calendar year.

Lyme and Old Lyme residents, I urge you to reach out to your state Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) representatives, House Member Devon Carney (who represents Lyme and Old Lyme), State Senator Paul Formica (for the Town of Old Lyme), and State Senator Norm Needleman (for the Town of Lyme).  (Their respective contact information is given below.) Encourage them to permanently increase our access to the polls in as many ways as possible!  We deserve nothing less.

Sincerely,

Susan Fogliano,
Old Lyme.

Contact information for the CGA representatives is as follows:
State Rep. Devin Carney: Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov
State Senator Paul Formica: Paul.Formica@cga.ct.gov
State Senator Norm Needleman: Norm.Needleman@cga.ct.gov

Filed Under: Letters, News, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Patience, Kindness of Old Lyme Postmaster, All OL Postal Workers Much Appreciated

January 12, 2021 by 3 Comments

To the Editor:

“Only Kindness Matters” a popular song by Jewel, is the modus operandi of Jim Swimmer, our Postmaster of the Old Lyme Post Office. Over the years, I have witnessed his patient, kind, and personal attention as a problem solver, or just as a helpful Human Being.

December was a burdensome month for all forms of delivery due to the pandemic. There were often lineups of customers at the post office mailing packages to family and friends. Kudos to all the Old Lyme Postal Workers who handled the stream of objects coming to their counters – the packages piled up high behind the counters, which had to be sorted and started on to the next transit. Every worker was courteous and patient, and I’m sure were working many more than 8 hours a day behind the scenes to keep it all moving.

Folks complained about packages that were not delivered or received in the time expected. Even Priority Mail packages and Express Mail packages were delayed. I observed and heard about several instances of parcels that were sometimes routed to the wrong post office on the way to final destination. Through it all, Patience and Kindness to all customers seemed to be the rule at the Old Lyme Post Office. Thank You to all our Postal Workers!

Sincerely,

Patricia Shippee,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Less Than Two Weeks for This President, But Now New Concerns

January 9, 2021 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

The least of our worries is not whether the outgoing president pardons unrepentant criminals, or to whom he awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Rather, consider the following: in the final days of Nixon’s presidency, Defense Secretary James Schlesinger had issued a set of orders that, if the president gave any military strike orders, or, God forbid, a nuclear launch order, commanders should check with him or Secretary of State Henry Kissinger before execution. Schlesinger feared that the president, who appeared out of touch with reality, might start a war, or initiate nuclear Armageddon.

Today [Friday, Jan. 8], the Speaker of the House of Representatives began discussions with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding appropriate  precautions that may be taken during the period before the inauguration.

God save the United States of America.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: First Congregational Church Leaders Denounce ‘Unholy Alliance of Religion, White Supremacy, and Far Right’

January 7, 2021 by 2 Comments

To the Editor:

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, (the wise ones) left for their own country by another road. — Matthew 2:12

It was for many of us a sleepless night.  Though the President and his supporters have been broadcasting their intentions for weeks now (years actually), the events on Capitol Hill and the Washington Mall on Wednesday were incredibly disturbing.  The violence, the lies, the ignorance, the gullibility, and the cynicism were staggering to behold, filling many of us with dread about the future of our country.

Not the least of the disturbing images to emerge from Wednesday’s events was the Confederate flag unfurled within the Capitol Building.  So too, the implements and symbols of Christianity were widely apparent among the insurrectionists – a sign reading “Jesus Saves,” crosses, and other such unholy displays of religious fervor were readily displayed.  Let there be no mistake: this was a white supremacist attack on democracy, one that appropriated and distorted the symbols of Christian faith as a means to achieve its twisted ends.

We at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme stand firm against this unholy alliance of religion, white supremacy, and far right political values.  We call on our neighbors and friends to join us in renouncing such distortions of faith, in the name of an embracing love that refuses to accede to the darkest illusions of human life.  We acknowledge the long history that has misconstrued religious faith as a means to express hatred, intolerance, racism, homophobia, xenophobia and misogyny.  Together, we seek another road.

It cannot be overlooked that Wednesday, January 6th was the Day of Epiphany, when Christians commemorate the journey of the Wise Men toward Jesus.  It also cannot be overlooked that in that story, Herod, another unstable political leader, unleashed violence in his own attempt to preserve what little power and authority he possessed.  But the Wise Men saw through Herod’s bluster and his ruses.  They refused Herod’s authority, and sought out the wisdom of the Prince of Peace.

We choose the way of the Wise.  That way is arduous.  It forces us to interrogate our deepest assumptions about religion, and about power.  It asks us to be resolute in renouncing the blandishments and deceptions unleashed by all the Herods of the world.  But it is also the way that leads toward truth, toward healing, toward wholeness, toward mercy, toward life.

It was for many of us a sleepless night.  Let it be our own invitation to take up the quest of the wise and to seek out another way.  Let it be an invitation to search for our own country by another road.

In the name of the Child born in Bethlehem …

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Steve Jungkeit, Rev. Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager and Rev. Carleen Gerber,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The signatories are all ministers at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme; Jungkeit is Senior Minister, Fitzpatrick-Nager is Senior Associate Minister and Gerber is Associate Minister.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Hold Accountable Everyone Who Played Any Role in DC Disruption, Jan. 6; Elect Courageous Lawmakers at All Levels to Heal the Divide

January 7, 2021 by 3 Comments

To the Editor:
Reflections on 01/06/21

On a day in which our elected lawmakers were carrying out their Constitutional roles, violent rioters, rather than peaceful protesters, illegally entered the U.S. Capitol and disrupted and obstructed our government. Tragically, people died during this riot. Those responsible, those who instigated it, and those who played any role in it, both domestically or abroad, must be held accountable to the full extent of the law for their illegal actions and the resulting deadly consequences.  

I understand that U.S. senators, forced to shelter together for their safety, had meaningful conversations, and this hopeful sign helped me sleep last night. We must use the peaceful power of the vote to elect courageous lawmakers, at all levels of our government, who will do the hard work to heal the polarized divide and build a more civil union for all the people of the United States of America. 

Peace.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Nosal,
Old Lyme

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: LymeLine Should Focus on Positive, Local News Stories

December 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

While the LymeLine header states “Community News for Lyme and Old Lyme”, it seems like the passion for national politics hasn’t diminished following the election. I suggest we take a break from including these critiques/opinions in your publication. There are plenty of media outlets to share views about how evil republicans are.

I enjoy the local LymeLine articles especially those recognizing the special people we are fortunate to call our neighbors. I’d love to see more articles about high school students excelling in academics, arts, sports, volunteering, … Articles could also be about people new to our towns, people providing essential services, new to town hall, new to our schools, new businesses…

There are so many great stories to be told. Let’s redirect the passion for national politics to positive stories about our awesome community.

Sincerely,

Dwayne Basler,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: A Thanksgiving COVID Retrospective — Running to Daylight

November 26, 2020 by 3 Comments

To the Editor:

Paraphrasing Thomas Paine, “These were the times that tried our souls.”

Looking back, the first COVID-19 case in the United States was diagnosed in Washington State, just seven weeks after last Thanksgiving [2019]; the patient had recently returned home from Wuhan, China. Yesterday [Nov. 25], that state’s total cases exceeded 158,000, confirmed; with over 2,800 deaths.

On March 8th of this year, Governor Lamont announced that CT DPH had confirmed CT’s first case in a Wilton resident who had just returned from CA; and was under treatment at Danbury Hospital.

The Bad News:

We are currently in a public health crisis, and it’s worsening daily. This week, we reached 265,740 dead Americans; and 142,732 new confirmed cases, nationwide. CT’s case total now exceeds 109,000, with 4,926 deaths.

The seven-day rolling average of 170,856 new cases per day grew nearly 50 percent in the last two weeks. We now have more than 88,000 people hospitalized with Covid-19, the highest number the nation has ever experienced. Scientists have predicted this fall surge for months, and now, have also warned us that it’s extending into a dark winter. “dark winter”.

Public health officials have stressed, for months, some simple behaviors that should help to curb the further spread of the disease: Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, avoid crowds, especially indoors, keep a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household — a piece of cake? Some elected officials have absolutely refused to promulgate, or model these accepted behaviors; and some new jargon, “super-spreader events” has become part of the epidemiologic lexicon.

Unbelievably (to me), seven Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire have called for the NH House Judiciary Committee to begin an investigation to determine whether Governor Sununu, also a Republican, can be impeached for requiring people to wear a mask in public places.

I always review the data from South Dakota, whose “cowboy culture” (their term), makes anything, but free choice, unacceptable. This week, SD reported more COVID-19 deaths per capita than anywhere else in the United States, and it also had the highest per capita rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Two weeks ago, SD’s test positivity rate reached a frightening 60 percent, second only in the U.S. to neighboring Wyoming. SD hospitals are approaching their breaking point.

The Daylight:

There is some very good news. Scientists and boffins on both sides of the Atlantic have made vaccine development their highest priority, and have moved forward “All Ahead, Flank, Cavitate”! (This is Southeast Connecticut, just ask a submarine driver.)

Distribution and vaccination are on the horizon.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: A Note of Thanks From Organizers of Christ The King’s Food Drive

November 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Thank you everyone for contributing to the success of the Christ the King Food Drive. We surpassed our goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of food with a total intake of more than 1,500 pounds. In addition, our generous supporters donated close to $700 of gift cards and cash.

Thank you to the Christ the King Men’s Club members, confirmation candidates and all those, including LymeLine.com, who help spread the word about the drive.

Sincerely,

Tom Ortoleva,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Community, Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Rubino Will Bring Unique Background, Fresh Perspective to State Rep. Role

November 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: We received this letter on Oct. 27, but, due to an oversight on our part, failed to publish it. Ms. Dimon contacted us to highlight that we had omitted her letter when we published all the letters we had received by our publication deadline. We apologize sincerely for the unintentional omission of Ms. Dimon’s letter and are publishing it now to compensate for our error. 

To the Editor:

I am writing in strong support of Dave Rubino for State Representative for Connecticut’s 23rd District, which includes the towns of Old Lyme, Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Dave will bring a unique background and a fresh perspective to the work he will do on our behalf in Hartford. He is an attorney and small business owner in Old Lyme with a lengthy career in promoting democracy in other nations. This is the kind of experience the constituents in the 23rd District need to navigate the challenges of a state suffering through a pandemic and the aftermath of these circumstances.
Like Dave, I also chose to live in Old Lyme and have been a resident of Old Lyme for 24 years. My entire career has been dedicated to supporting and advocating for public education and public school teachers. Dave is the clear choice for those who believe in maintaining strong policies to protect our education system and the teachers working our schools. He will protect the collective bargaining rights of teachers. He will ensure adequate funding for our schools. He will protect teacher pensions. He will co-sponsor legislation to address student trauma and promote social-emotional policies and funding.

More globally, Dave will work to strengthen our economy. He will work to attract small business owners by proposing that the state invest in a marketing campaign to improve the economic future in Connecticut. Similarly, he will work to improve policies and funding to promote travel and tourism, which is so critical to this region.

Please join me in voting for Dave on November 3rd. The residents of the 23rd District deserve a legislator who is committed to these principles.

Sincerely,

Gloria Dimon,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Carney Focused on State, Local Policies, A Strong Advocate for our Communities

November 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Let’s be clear about one thing, the race for the 23rd District is about Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Devin Carney is focused on state and local policies and has been a strong advocate for our communities. Reading his campaign literature and in speaking with Devin, I know this will continue.

Not long ago I can remember Devin working alongside Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters to defeat a federal rail bypass plan that would have devastated our region. Devin has always worked to keep local control of our towns and schools and will not back down against the governor on this issue. He took on the Port Authority and demanded accountability from an organization that misused our tax dollars. He formed bipartisan caucuses to move Connecticut forward in a united way. He helped countless individuals and businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic despite an unprepared Department of Labor. He demanded better from the Lamont administration on their COVID nursing home response. His focus is clear and he always works toward common ground.

This election is extremely important to the future of our community. Devin has immersed himself in our region and has given his support to so many local organizations.  He has my vote on Election Day and I hope he has yours.

Sincerely,

Cyndi Miller Aird,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme
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