OLD LYME–One of the latest graduates of the Connecticut State Police Comfort K9 program is a Labrador Retriever named Viera who, in four short months, has been there for traumatized children, shell-shocked First Responders, and her own partner, when they most needed a helping paw. Viera had spent most of her life in training for the New York-based Guiding Eyes for the Blind … [Read more...] about Labrador Retriever Viera Brings Comfort Both Across State, At Home in Old Lyme
Op-Ed: Dip Into Region 18 ‘Rainy Day Fund’ to Dampen Debt Impact
Town residents have received their postcard reminder about the 2025-2026 district budget meeting and referendum vote from Regional 18 school district both scheduled for May 5 and May 6 respectively. By means of background information on the school budgeting process, it is important to understand some of the Connecticut school laws defined by the general … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Dip Into Region 18 ‘Rainy Day Fund’ to Dampen Debt Impact
Talking Transportation: Don’t Believe the Hype
Don’t believe everything you read or see in the media. Sage advice on any topic, but especially when it comes to coverage of transportation. A couple of recent stories illustrate my point. Improved Cell Service on Metro-North The Governor and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner held a media event recently in Stamford to promote the … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Don’t Believe the Hype
Death Announced of Susan P. Rankin, Former Associate Pastor at First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
A Remembrance of Susan Rankin by Jasper Craven On a perfect summer day in late August of 2022, I met Susan Rankin on the bank of the Passumpsic River, in St. Johnsbury. It was the first I’d seen her since the pandemic and we caught up for hours, seated at a picnic table with pizza from Kingdom Crust. I’d brought my then-new girlfriend, Lauren, on Susan’s insistence, even … [Read more...] about Death Announced of Susan P. Rankin, Former Associate Pastor at First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
Word-Based Paintings by John Boone on View at Lyman Allyn Through Aug. 10
NEW LONDON –Lyman Allyn Art Museum will hold an opening reception for its latest exhibit, “John Boone – WhatsWhat,” on Friday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit of word-based paintings will continue through Aug. 10. The museum in a press release said Boone, who is based in Stonington and Brooklyn, NY, has long explored text-based art in his studio practice. His … [Read more...] about Word-Based Paintings by John Boone on View at Lyman Allyn Through Aug. 10
Ferry Landing Pier/Boardwalk Closes in Old Lyme, Another Pier Opens in Haddam
New Pier Provides Alternate Fishing Location While Old Lyme Boardwalk Closed During Construction of New Connecticut River Bridge OLD LYME–The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the opening of the pier at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam as an alternate fishing location for local anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who have been … [Read more...] about Ferry Landing Pier/Boardwalk Closes in Old Lyme, Another Pier Opens in Haddam
Referendum on Lyme-Old Lyme Schools’ Budget to be Held Tuesday, Budget Meeting Monday
'Rainy Day Fund' Will Not be Used to Offset 7.4% Budget Increase LYME/OLD LYME–Registered voters and qualified taxpayers on Tuesday will be asked to weigh in on the proposed $39.7 million budget for the regional school district serving Lyme and Old Lyme. The District 18 Board of Education earlier this month voted unanimously to hold a District Budget Meeting this … [Read more...] about Referendum on Lyme-Old Lyme Schools’ Budget to be Held Tuesday, Budget Meeting Monday
Septic Truck Catches Fire on Halls Rd. in Old Lyme
OLD LYME–The local fire marshal said a blaze that ignited in the engine compartment of a septic pumper truck was contained to the cab by firefighters in a Halls Road parking lot Wednesday afternoon. Old Lyme crews were called to the Old Lyme Shopping Center at 1:16 p.m., according to Old Lyme Fire Marshal David Roberge. Lyme and Old Saybrook fire departments also … [Read more...] about Septic Truck Catches Fire on Halls Rd. in Old Lyme
Hurtle’s ‘Lyme Home Watch’ Earns Accreditation From National Organization for Third Year
LYME, CT — Lyme Home Watch has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association (NWHA) for the third year. Home Watch uses visual inspections to check for obvious issues at vacation or primary homes while the owners are away, according to a press release from the association. NWHA has been around since 2009, ensuring that all principals of NHWA-accredited … [Read more...] about Hurtle’s ‘Lyme Home Watch’ Earns Accreditation From National Organization for Third Year
Three New Spring Exhibitions on View at Lyme Art Association Through May 29
OLD LYME – The spring season brings three exhibitions to the Lyme Art Association (LAA) beginning April 18. An Opening Reception will be held Friday, April 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunflower’s Bloom; Ship to Shore: A Marine Show; and Stillness: A Still Life, run through May 29 at the LAA gallery, 90 Lyme Street. The association in a press release said Sunflower’s Bloom … [Read more...] about Three New Spring Exhibitions on View at Lyme Art Association Through May 29
Old Lyme Town Budget Hearing Uncontentious Despite Proposed 7.8% Increase Over Current Spending
OLD LYME – Board of Finance Chairman Bennett J. Bernblum on Monday presented the proposed $45.39 million budget along with its potential implications on taxes in this and coming years. The proposed $45.39 million 2025-26 budget – which includes town operations and capital expenses as well as the town’s share of the regional Lyme-Old Lyme school district – represents an … [Read more...] about Old Lyme Town Budget Hearing Uncontentious Despite Proposed 7.8% Increase Over Current Spending
Gardening Tips for Late Spring from ‘The English Lady’
Though April showers may come your way, They bring the flowers that bloom in May,So if it's raining have no regrets, Because it isn't raining rain you know, it's raining violets.- Al Jolson April was a month of activity in the garden, and our old nemesis, weeds are beginning to rear their heads, so we need to extract the little devils before they take hold and are … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Late Spring from ‘The English Lady’
Why are there Red Lights on an Old Lyme Fire Station? Answer: ‘Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters’
OLD LYME—The Old Lyme Fire Department has announced Station 38 on Lyme Street will be lit red this week as part of a national initiative to honor fallen firefighters, including Wethersfield firefighter Robert Sharkevich. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is inviting fire departments and homes across the country to “light up red” through May 4 to honor 70 … [Read more...] about Why are there Red Lights on an Old Lyme Fire Station? Answer: ‘Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters’
A View From My Porch: A Lesson in Civics, Part 1
Epigraph: “It's a story they tell in the border country, where Massachusetts joins Vermont and New Hampshire;” “and they say that if you go to his grave and speak loud and clear: ‘Daniel Webster, Daniel Webster!’ “The ground'll begin to shiver and the trees begin to shake. And after a while you'll hear a deep voice saying: ‘Neighbor, how stands the Union?’” “Then you better … [Read more...] about A View From My Porch: A Lesson in Civics, Part 1
Letter to the Editor: Bravo and Brava to the Old Lyme Town Band!
To the Editor: Christina and I spent a date night celebrating the Old Lyme Town Band’s 50th anniversary last night at the LOLHS Performing Arts Center — a musical tour de force. We were impressed with the versatility and professionalism of the band members, who performed a setlist that ranged from the patriotic to "The Wiz" and a sea shanty. I look forward to their … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Bravo and Brava to the Old Lyme Town Band!