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September 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment
See ‘Sculpture Dances’ at 2pm Today at Studio 80 During Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival
July 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Dance bursts forth in a free performance inspired by the beauty of Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, 80-1 Lyme Street, during the Old Lyme Midsummer Festival tomorrow!
Dancers from GUSTO Dance, IMMIX Dance Project and Mystic Moves Dance Theatre come together from 2 to 3 p.m. to perform “Sculpture Dances.” These wonderful dances celebrate the special magic of the sculptures, the natural surroundings and summer.
The performance is free and all are welcome.
(Photo credit: Christina Goldberg; Sculpture: Gil Boro)
Greenho, Danes are Class S State Tennis Doubles Champions
June 5, 2018 by Leave a Comment
From left to right, Morgan Greenho celebrates his Class S state doubles tennis victory with coach John Pfeiffer and partner George Danes.
Last Thursday, Lyme-Old Lyme High School senior Morgan Greenho and freshman George Danes won the CIAC Class S boys’ tennis doubles championship at Yale. The pair, who were top seeds, defeated Patrick Markovics and Matthew Newfield of Morgan High School 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
Moment of victory! Morgan Greenho raises his arms in celebration while his doubles partner George Danes gives a thumbs-up sign.
Old Lyme has not won the Class S doubles championship since Dane Pfeiffer and David Neaton’s success in 2003. Dane is the son of the current coach, John Pfeiffer.
Reaching for the sky … or rather the ball!
Sadly, Greenho and Danes lost on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the CIAC State Open at Amity, but despite that, the pair still enjoyed an extraordinarily successful season.
Many congratulations to Morgan and George!
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 23, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Op-Ed: Old Lyme Should Return to Local Health Department; Dramatic Increases in Ledge Light Fees Adversely Impacting Local Residents, Small Businesses
November 1, 2017 by 5 Comments
Editor’s Note: The author, Dawn Root, is the owner of Old Lyme Seafood.
Old Lyme joined Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) on Nov 1, 2016 after approval at a Town Meeting by a margin of only 3 votes (82-79). The time between the first public hearing (scheduled on Aug 29 during prime vacation season, with only 10 days’ notice) and the Town Meeting vote held on Sept 27 was less than a month. That’s not enough time for public debate on a fundamental change to our town government that has a direct impact on all Old Lyme residents, businesses and organizations.
At the Sept 2016 Town Meeting, we were told that joining LLHD would result in significant cost savings, but it has not. Previously, Old Lyme residents and businesses paid fees to our Town that helped offset our local health department costs. However, fees paid to LLHD don’t offset town costs, so become additional costs.
LLHD septic and well permit/review fees typically increased between $25-$150. High septic and well fees have a greater impact on Old Lyme than other LLHD towns, such as New London, Groton, Waterford, East Lyme, because a greater portion of Old Lyme residents and businesses rely on wells and septic systems.
Most LLHD licensing and inspection fees increased between 2- and 10-fold (e.g.: from $50 to $300, or from $20 to $205-$245), and fee adjustments for seasonal vs year-round, or small vs large establishments were eliminated. Such dramatic fee increases have been particularly challenging to Old Lyme small businesses and organizations because many are seasonal, or serve a much smaller local population than other LLHD communities.
LLHD also introduced many new fees, including $100 late fees, $100 re-inspection fees, and $50 repeat violation fees. When one considers total costs paid to LLHD, there are no costs savings. The LLHD fee increases have already become a substantial burden to many local residents, small businesses and organizations, as demonstrated by over 100 Old Lyme residents and business owners signing a petition to bring the matter back to another Town Meeting.
The possibility of a future cost reduction was also mentioned at the Sept 2016 Town Meeting, but it was tied to eliminating an extra payment that Old Lyme makes to LLHD to maintain LLHD staff at Town Hall. Without these extra payments, on-site health staffing may be significantly reduced; currently, LLHD provides on-site staff in Stonington and East Lyme only 2-4 hours/week.
Importantly, we were told that by joining LLHD, Old Lyme would not lose control of this important town function because Old Lyme would “have a seat at the table” on the LLHD board. In reality, Old Lyme will have minimal influence over future LLHD decisions regarding costs, fees, staffing, and service, because representation on the LLHD board is based on population, and Old Lyme is by far the smallest town in the LLHD – representing only 5% of the total LLHD population (see table below).
Lastly, we were told that Old Lyme could simply try LLHD for 2 years and switch back to a local health department after giving LLHD 6 months’ notice. Please join me, and many other Old Lyme residents and small business owners adversely impacted by the LLHD changes, in requesting that Old Lyme return to a local health department that will be more responsive to the unique needs of our small, and very special, community.
LLHD-Member Town Populations (CT Dept. of Public Health 2016 estimates)
| Town | Population | % of LLHD Total |
| Groton | 39,261 | 27% |
| New London | 26,984 | 19% |
| Waterford | 19,101 | 13% |
| East Lyme | 18,886 | 13% |
| Stonington | 18,647 | 13% |
| Ledyard | 14,911 | 10% |
| Old Lyme | 7,469 | 5% |
| LLHD TOTAL | 145,259 | 100% |
Community Music School Hosts Master Clarinetist to Teach Technique Intensive Today
October 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Clarinetist Ken Lagace will lead a full day clarinet workshop, Oct. 21.
Community Music School presents master clarinetist Ken Lagace, who will lead a full day of workshops on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., focusing on intermediate/advanced level clarinet technique on a wide range of topics. The intensive will be hosted on Community Music School’s main campus in Centerbrook and will cost $95, with lunch included. Register online at www.community-music-school.org/clarinet-intensive or by calling 860-767-0026.
The morning session will include in-depth information on clarinet reeds, including how to select them, maintain them, fix them, properly play them, and even how to make them. The afternoon session will provide an introduction to Lagace’s signature REALM method, which stands for Reed, Embouchure, Air, Ligature, and Mouthpiece. This method teaches players to achieve an excellent sound with flexibility, range, control, and many other aspects of good clarinet performance.
Each session will be followed by a chance for the participants to experiment with their newly learned skills. During the final session, participants will be broken into two or more groups where they can apply their new techniques in a chamber ensemble setting, with feedback from Lagace and other clarinet instructors.
Lagace received his Bachelor of Music degree at Hartt College of Music (CT) in 1960. He studied with Keith Wilson at Yale in 1955, Bernard Portnoy in New York City from 1958 to 1960. He served as a member of the US Coast Guard Band and studied with Kalmen Opperman in New York City from 1962 to 1966. He instructed at the Hartt College of Music (CT) from 1966 to 1987. Under the tutelage of Kalmen Opperman, Lagace learned to make his own reeds and reface clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces which has become a skill he willingly shares with his peers.
He was a member of the Hartford (CT) Symphony Orchestra from 1966 to 1987 playing Assistant Principal Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Eb Clarinet. He was Principal Clarinetist in the Hartford (CT) Chamber Orchestra from its inception until 1987. His performances include many on TV and Radio, and at Lincoln Center (NYC) and Carnegie Hall (NYC) with the Hartford Symphony. He also made a CD recording of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto with the Hartford (CT) Chamber Orchestra in 1976.
In 1987 Mr. Lagace abandoned the clarinet to program computers and in 2008 after retiring, dusted off the clarinet and is enjoying being back in the clarinet world again.
About Community Music School
Community Music School offers innovative music programming for infants through adults, building on a 30 year tradition of providing quality music instruction to residents of shoreline communities. CMS programs cultivate musical ability and creativity and provide students with a thorough understanding of music so they can enjoy playing and listening for their entire lives. Learn more at visit www.community-music-school.org or call (860)767-0026.
RollinReds Host ‘Backyard Olympics’ at Sound View Today to Benefit Terri Brodeur Foundation
September 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment
On Saturday, Sept. 9, RollinReds Beach Shanty along with the Sound View Beach Association and The Carousel will host ‘Backyard Olympics’ at Sound View.
Entries will be accepted from up to 100 teams of two people per team for four events as follows: Corn Hole, Waterballoon Toss, Oversized Yahtzee, and Giant Jenga. All winners will receive Olympic-style gold medals.
The entry fee is $70 per team and all proceeds benefit the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.
Register at the RollinReds Beach Shanty at 83, Hartford Ave.
Old Lyme Trash & Recycling Routes for July 4 Week
July 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Old Lyme’s trash and recycling schedule for the week commencing Monday, July 3, is as follows:
Monday, July 3:
All trash and recycling routes will be picked up on their normal schedule.
Tuesday, July 4:
NO trash or recycling pick-up.
Wednesday, July 5:
BOTH Tuesday AND Wednesday’s trash and recycling routes will be picked up on their normal schedule.
Thursday, July 6 & Friday, July 7:
All trash or recycling routes will be picked up on their normal schedule.
Lyme, Old Lyme School & Town Closures in Effect Today, Parking Ban in Old Lyme From 6am
February 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment
How much snow will there be tomorrow? File photo by Fran Gumkowski.
UPDATED 5:04am: Due to predictions of 11-14 inches of snow today from Winter Storm Niko, Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, Lyme and Old Lyme Town Halls, the Lyme Landfill and Old Lyme’s Transfer Station, Lyme Public Library, and Lymes’ Senior Center are all closed today. Many other institutions have also announced they will not be opening Thursday.
The Town of Old Lyme has also announced a parking ban from 6 a.m. through midnight today. This will enable snow plows to keep roads clear and safe, and also open for emergency vehicles.
To reach the Town’s Emergency Management Team with storm-related questions/concerns, leave a message at 860.598.0120. Team members will monitor messages and issue updates, which will be posted on LymeLine.com, throughout the day.
In an emergency, call 911.
Make preparations for the storm and stay safe by keeping off the roads for its duration.
Community Music School in Essex, East Lyme Offers Free Preview Week Jan. 29-Feb. 2, 2018
January 8, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Community Music School, located at 90 Main Street in Centerbrook and 179 Flanders Rd. in East Lyme, welcomes the general public to enjoy a variety of music programming during Free Preview Week Jan. 29 through Feb. 2, 2018. Children and adults are invited to schedule a free 30-minute preview lesson, and sample a vast array of programs for all ages including private and group lessons, Suzuki violin, adult cabaret, senior band, string ensembles, music therapy, Kindermusik, and more. The public is welcome to observe any group class or ensemble during Free Preview Week.
Community Music School is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. Those interested in a 30-minute preview lesson can schedule it by calling 860-767-0026 or emailing info@community-music-school.org. Musical instruction is available for all ages, abilities, and genres.
For additional information, visit www.community-music-school.org/programs, call 860-767-0026, or email info@community-music-school.org.
Community Music School offers innovative music programming for infants through adults, building on a 34 year tradition of providing quality music instruction to residents of shoreline communities. CMS programs cultivate musical ability and creativity, and provide students with a thorough understanding of music so they can enjoy playing and listening for their entire lives. Learn more at www.community-music-school.org or call (860)767-0026.
Hear Cappella Cantorum Sing Handel’s ‘Messiah’ This Weekend; Old Lyme Church Choir to Accompany Chorus
December 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Come and celebrate the beginning of the Holiday Season with the Cappella Cantorum MasterWorks Chorus performing Handel’s Messiah (Christmas Section), Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 170 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford CT 06385. The concert will be repeated Sunday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m. at John Winthrop Middle School, 1 Winthrop Road, Deep River 06417.
The chorus will be joined by members of the choir of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme and will be accompanied by a professional orchestra. Simon Holt will conduct at the Waterford concert, and Barry Asch will direct at the Deep River performance.
Messiah is one of the most popular choral works and is a joyous start to the season. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the door or at www.CappellaCantorum.org.
Cappella Cantorum is the lower Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline’s premiere non-auditioned community choral organization whose primary purpose is to learn, perform and enjoy great choral music while striving for excellence and the enrichment of its singers and audience.
For more information, call Barry Asch at 860-388-2871.
Walk Today to Raise Awareness, Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Developing Countries
October 9, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Last year, participants gathered together to hear a speaker prior to starting their walk
This Sunday, Oct. 9, The Maina Foundation is hosting a three-mile-walk in Rocky Neck State Park to raise funds for its critical work increasing breast cancer awareness and promoting early detection to women in need of financial assistance. By working at a grass roots level, the foundation devotes the majority of the funds raised to hospitals and clinics for furthering the cause of early detection.
The incidence of breast cancer is rising globally, especially in developing countries such as India where 1 in 28 women develop the disease. Unfortunately, because of the social taboo associated with breast cancer, almost 80 percent of patients reach an advanced stage before medical care is obtained.
The Maina Foundation hosts breast cancer awareness classes in India.
By supporting awareness programs and providing mammogram units, The Maina Foundation wants to bring breast cancer discussion to the forefront and encourage women to seek preventative care. Since its inception in 2008, Maina has donated mammogram units, set up awareness programs and helped with patient care.
Onsite registration for the walk begins at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m.
Refreshments will be provided after the walk.
The Maina Foundation is a non-profit organization with an office in Old Lyme. For more information, visit The Maina Foundation’s website at mainafoundation.org.
Directions to the walk are as follows:
Exit 72 off I-95: Follow the turnpike connector south to Route 156. Turn left and take Route 156 east for 1/4 mile to the park. The park street address is 244 West Main Street (Route 156).
After entering the park, go towards the West side towards the Administrative building. Registration desk will be located near the building.
US Men’s Eight, with Old Lyme’s Austin Hack as Stroke, Rows for Olympic Gold at 10:24am This Morning!
August 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The US Men’s Eight in action Monday morning. A determined Austin Hack is the first rower (the stroke) in the boat facing the camera. Photo courtesy of worldrowing.com
Austin Hack, a member of the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Class of 2010, rows as stroke in the US Men’s Eight at 10:24 a.m. in Rio today! Along with the whole town of Old Lyme and the whole country, we wish Austin and his team the very best of luck!
The Old Lyme Rowing Association (OLRA) is hosting a breakfast reception for Austin Hack’s Rio Olympic final on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the barn at 325 Grassy Hill Rd. in Lyme. Enjoy this opportunity to watch the race on a big screen TV with friends and family.
All are welcome. Space is limited. A $10 donation to OLRA is suggested.
Contact Jane Montanaro for more information and/or to RSVP at janemontanaro@aol.com.
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser to be Held in Sound View This Morning
June 18, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The Shoreline Community Center will host a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser this coming Saturday, June 18, at the Center at 39 Hartford Ave., Old Lyme, from 7 to 11 a.m. Enjoy delicious pancakes, sausage. and coffee/tea.
Donations are suggested as follows: 13+ and adults $8, 6 to 12 years $4, and up to 5 years free.
For more information, visit soundviewbeach.com.
This event is sponsored by the Sound View Beach Association, Inc.
Witness For Peace Concert to be Held in New London Today
June 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
A distinguished gathering of musicians and speakers will present the inaugural Witness For Peace concert, which has been re-scheduled to Sunday, June 12, from 12 to 3 p.m. . The concert will take place at New London’s Hempstead Houses, at 11 Hempstead Street, in conjunction with the annual Juneteenth Day Celebration held there.
The concert is being sponsored by St. Francis House and local members of Veterans For Peace, in support of the peace vigil which has been lead by Cal Robertson in New London for more than three decades. This event will honor the memory of the fallen with a pledge to work for a day when the specter of war will no longer stalk the living days of humankind. Also recognized will be the tragic reality of slavery, which often results from unsettled war in this, the 21st century.
The concert will be headlined Connecticut State Troubadour Lara Herscovitch and Hugh Birdsall, with more joining in. Speakers will include representatives of Veterans For Peace and the War Resisters League. Members of Veterans For Peace will be on hand with information about their work, including plans to establish a New London Division of Veterans For Peace.
The New London Peace Vigil is held five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the corner of Huntington and Broad Street. A vigil is also held on Thursday afternoons at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, led by Bob and Ronna Stuller. All are welcome and encouraged to join in.
Juneteenth is the annual celebration of the end of slavery in the State of Texas on June 13, 1865. The date also celebrates the end of slavery across America. The Hempstead Houses will host events, along with the Greater New London NAACP, on Saturday, June 11; there will also be a storytelling festival at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 12.
The concert is free to the public, and all are invited to enjoy the music while learning more about the peace vigil and other ongoing work for the cause of peace.
For further information, contact Mike Hatt at 860-574-6235 or veteransforpeacese@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page @ Witness For Peace New London
‘Witness for Peace’ Concert Held Memorial Day in New London
May 28, 2016 by Leave a Comment
John Carlos and Cal Robertson stand in New London on a vigil for peace.
The inaugural Witness For Peace concert will be presented on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 10 a.m., at New London’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, at the corner of State and Bank Street. Sponsored by St. Francis House and local members of Veterans For Peace, the concert is in support of the peace vigil which has been lead by Cal Robertson in New London for more than three decades.
The concert will honor the memory of the fallen with a pledge to work for a day when the specter of war will no longer haunt humanity. This seeking of support for the New London peace vigil is a recognition of the need to wage peace with a greater commitment than the waging of war.
Performances at the concert will be presented by Connecticut State Troubadour Lara Herscovitch, Hugh Birdsall, Coal Tattoo, and more. Members of Veterans For Peace will be on hand with information about their work, including plans to establish a New London Division of Veterans For Peace.
The New London Peace Vigil is held five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the corner of Huntington and Broad Street. A vigil is also held on Thursday afternoons at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, lead by Bob and Ronna Stuller. All are welcome and encouraged to join in.
The concert is free to the public, and all are invited to enjoy the music while learning more about the peace vigil and other ongoing work for the cause of peace.
For further information, contact Mike Hatt at 860-574-6235 or veteransforpeacenl@gmail.com
Essex Wellness Center Hosts Free Talk, Discussion on Prescription Drug Abuse, This Afternoon
May 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Joanna Crowell, LPC, LADC
ESSEX — Abuse of prescription painkillers and opioid drugs has become an epidemic that has worked its way into many Connecticut families.
On Saturday, May 21, at the Essex Wellness Center from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Joanna Crowell, LPC, LADC, psychotherapist, drug and alcohol counselor, will talk about abuse of certain medications – opioids, central nervous system depressants and stimulants – and adverse health effects, including addiction, accidental overdose and death.
When people lose their access to prescription narcotics, they often turn to heroin in both affluent suburbs and inner cities alike. Addiction to prescription painkillers is common and dangerous.
Join this open dialogue and candid discussion that includes a variety of treatment options available to begin the healing process for people in trouble. This event is free, but preregistration is required as space is limited. Call 860-767-7770 or email info@essexwellnessctr.com.
This program is part of Essex Wellness Center’s free Live Well Lecture series. Essex Wellness Center is at 8 Novelty Lane (upstairs), Essex Village.
Internationally Renowned Norwegian Architect Ramstad Lectures in Essex Tonight
May 17, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Trollstigen Visitor Centre
The Centerbrook Architects Lecture Series, hosted by the Essex Library, presents acclaimed architect Reiulf Ramstad at Centerbrook’s office this evening, Tuesday, May 17, at 7 p.m. Ramstad’s firm, Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, has earned an international reputation for boldly simple architecture that strongly connects to its Scandinavian context and landscape.
Ramstad’s Oslo-based firm achieved notoriety for its design of the Trollstigen Visitor Centre, in Møre of Romsdal, Norway. Completed in 2012, this facility is one of the earliest and largest structures among the the now-famous Norwegian Tourist Routes. Set in a stunning natural environment, it exemplifies how the deep understanding of a place can lead to innovative modern architecture. The firm has gone on to produce a wide range of pioneering projects that have attracted international accolades, including the Architizer A+Awards Firm of the Year in 2015.
Ramstad earned a professorship from the Oslo School of Architecture and was a regular thesis advisor and juror. Recognized professionally as a board member of the National Association of Norwegian Architects, he has served on juries for domestic and international architectural competitions. In recent years, following awards and publicity of his firm’s projects, he has lectured around the world. He will receive an Honorary Fellowship into the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows at the AIA National Convention in Philadelphia this May.
The lecture will be held at Centerbrook Architects’ office, located at 67 Main Street in Centerbrook. Admission is free but seating is limited — call the Essex Library at (860) 767-1560 to register or for more information.
Vista Accepting Applications for Summer Program until May 2
April 20, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Vista is now accepting applications for its two-week summer program.
AREAWIDE – Individuals with disabilities 17 and older are invited to experience life at Vista Life Innovations for two weeks during the Exploring Independence summer program.
Exploring Independence is designed to provide prospective students with an introduction to Vista and the independence of adulthood in a supported learning environment. Participants will experience living away from home in a dorm-style setting and take part in a variety of interactive activities. The program combines hands-on learning in the areas of social skills, life skills and team building with fun activities, such as off-site day trips, arts projects and community immersion.
Participation in the Exploring Independence summer program is the first step in the admissions process for many Vista students and members. Among them is Vista student Tim Maloney, who participated in the 2015 summer program.
“I learned that you can be yourself and have a nice time away from home,” Tim said of his experience in the summer program. “My favorite part was making friends and doing activities.”
This year’s Exploring Independence program will run August 1-12. Applications are being accepted through May 2. Space is limited. For more information or to apply, contact Esther Vallas, admissions manager, at evallas@vistalifeinnovations.org or 860-399-8080 ext. 136.
With campuses in Westbrook, Madison and Guilford, Vista Life Innovations is a nationally accredited community-based education program for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, seizure disorders, traumatic brain injuries, intellectual disabilities and ADHD.