OLD SAYBROOK — A fundraiser and silent auction to benefit Old Saybrook’s first community mural will be held on Sunday, Nov. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Penny Lane Pub in Old Saybrook.

The mural, which will be painted on the side and front of Foodworks, will be a celebration of Old Saybrook’s inclusive and diverse heritage, and the culmination of a partnership between Old Saybrook March for Justice community members and Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE).

This will be the fifth mural in the area, following initiatives in neighboring Norwich, East Lyme, Old Lyme, and New London.

Old Saybrook art teachers, Hannah Newton and Sara Menga, will be leading a talented and diverse group of student artists in creating the mural.

As the launch fundraiser for the project, the group hopes to ultimately raise $15,000 to offset production costs for the mural.

Alex Foulkes of Penny Lane Pub is donating the fundraiser event space and providing appetizers and service staff. Silent auction items have been generously donated by local businesses, including Saybrook Point Resort and Marina, Saybrook Home, Fromage, Foodworks, Essence, ‘the Kate’, Soundrunner, Dagmars, Pursuit of Pastry, Seaside Wine, Nyman Jewelers, Ivoryton Playhouse, Ashlawn Farm, Ace Hardware, Old Lyme Inn, Bowerbird, Pieces, Cocotte, and others.

The program will include comments by Sheila Hayes, President of Norwich NAACP, Dr. Mellisa Pensa, as well as art teachers and students from Old Saybrook schools.

Old Saybrook resident Dr. Pensa comments, “What better way to signify our rich heritage and cultural diversity than by creating a community mural that celebrates important figures of our history? Many are surprised to learn of the diverse cultural heritage of Old Saybrook.”

She continues, “The indigenous community was here before the white people and there were many black families who lived and worked here. We are all better off when we are aware of our history. As a parent, I am thrilled to be part of a project that celebrates our diverse past and inspires a welcoming and inclusive community vibe.”

All are welcome to join this historic and important event as our shared history is celebrated and work continues towards a bright future ahead.

Tickets can be purchased at the door — a $20 donation is suggested.

COVID guidelines will be enforced regarding space limitation and requiring masking. 

Contact Dennis Tulimieri Jr. at 808zfr@gmail.com  for more information.

OLD LYME — The annual Community Service of Thanksgiving, organized by the faith communities of Lyme and Old Lyme,  will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23, at Christ the King Church. (This is the first  ecumenical service since 2019, because of the pandemic.)

All are welcome to attend this ecumenical service  of prayer and song, which will include music led by choir members from First Congregational Church of Old  Lyme, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, and Christ the King Church.  Clergy from the various churches will  participate, as will lay members and community leaders.

Fr. Joseph Ashe, pastor of Christ the King Church, said that there are two reasons to hold this service: “At  this time of year, as we gather with family and friends to share meals and joyous times together, we should  take a moment to reflect and give thanks for all the gifts that have been bestowed on us.”

He added, however, “We also need to keep in mind the many people in our world, and right here in southeastern  Connecticut, who have no family, no job, no food on the table, or even a roof over their heads, and do what  we can to help them.”

To that end, donations of nonperishable foods for the Shoreline Food Pantries will be collected during the service, and a free-will offering will be taken up to benefit the New London Homeless Hospitality  Center, to help our neighbors in need.

The 2021 Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service takes place at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Rd., Old  Lyme.  Everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, is welcome to  attend.

Note: Face masks are required in church buildings for any unvaccinated individuals. Hand  sanitizer is available for all at the doors.

For more information, visit www.christthekingchurch.net.

LYME — The Lyme Public Hall & Local History Archives and the Lyme Garden Club present a Holiday Wreath Making Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd. (Rte. 156), Lyme.

Materials and greens will be provided. Bring your own trimmings to customize your creation.

Pre-registration is required, but there is no charge to attend.

To pre-register, text or call Bill Denow at 860-574-4143.

For more information, visit lymepublichall.org