Concert/Vigil for Gaza to be Held Tonight at Old Lyme Church

Michael Dabroski

Michael Dabroski

This eveningAug. 19, at 7 p.m., a concert/vigil for Gaza will be held at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme

Michael Dabroski, a concert violinist, will play an original composition in honor of the people of Gaza who have suffered so much tragic loss.  This composition and some classical selections will be interspersed with moments of silence, prayers and readings. 

There is a suggested donation at the door (optional).  Children are free.  There will a collection gathered as well. 

All proceeds will benefit ‘The Middle East Children’s Alliance,’ which is actively working in Gaza.

Death of Maitland McNamara, “Coach Mac,” Announced

HeadshotA mass of Christian Burial for Maitland V. McNamara Jr., 86, of Old Lyme, will be held this morning at 11 a.m. at  Christ the King Church in Old Lyme.   Mr. McNamara passed away on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, surrounded by his family.  He was most well known for his avid involvement and support to Lyme-Old Lyme Athletics, affectionately known to many as “Coach Mac”.  Don Desautels, who served as coach of the Lyme-Old Lyme High School girl’s soccer team for more than 20 years with whom Mr. McNamara worked closely, will deliver the eulogy at today’s service.

Mr. McNamara was born on May 18, 1928, in Bridgeport, to Maitland McNamara Sr. and Mary Hemson. He married his wife of 63 years, Ramona Watkins, on Oct. 6, 1950 in South Dakota. He honorably served in the Army during World War II. He was a faithful member of the VFW in Old Lyme; serving as the chaplain for many years. 

Mr. McNamara is survived by his loving wife, Ramona McNamara; two daughters, Gail Griswold and her husband, Michael Griswold, of Cary, N.C. and Bonnie Russ and her husband, Paul Russ, of Waterford; and three grandchildren, Amanda Russ, Caroline Griswold, and Garrett Russ.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Beth Alane McNamara.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, in Christ the King Church, Old Lyme. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme.

Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions, and more service information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maitland’s memory to the VFW Post in Old Lyme.

‘Spark a Reaction’ at the Old Lyme Library This Afternoon

The Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library will host a ‘Spark A Reaction’ science program this afternoon at 2:35 p.m.   Join Miss Alex for a new science experiment for teens every third Monday of the summer.  This week the task will be to make your own motor.

Registration is required.  Ages 12 and up.  This program is free and open to the public.

On Thursday, Aug. 21, the library will host Teen Summer Craft: Water Color Art at 2:35 pm.  Decorate your own tote bag with puffy paint, jewels and paint markers.  All supplies will be provided.  Registration is required. 

The Library is located at 2 Library Lane, off Lyme Street.  Summer hours are Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call 860-434-1684 or visit www.oldlyme.lioninc.org.

Lyme Horse Trials at Lord Creek Farm Today, Offers Opportunity to Join Newly-Formed Lyme Trail Association

Shannon Palumbo rides "Just Chance" at a previous year's Lyme Horse Trials.

Shannon Palumbo rides “Just Chance” at a previous year’s Lyme Horse Trials.

The public is invited to come to beautiful Lord Creek Farm in Lyme, Conn., today, Aug. 17, and watch close to 100 local riders of all ages compete in the equestrian competition known as Eventing. One of the fastest growing equestrian pursuits, it is the ultimate challenge for horse and rider, testing their partnership and athletic prowess in three disciplines: the grace and harmony of dressage; the rigors and thrills of cross-country jumping over natural obstacles; and the power and pageantry of show jumping.

Founded by Lord Creek Farm owner, Janie Davison, 14 years ago, the Lyme Horse Trials offer both an opportunity for beginner and intermediate riders to compete, and to support High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. and the Connecticut Valley Pony Club, and the Lyme Trail Association, three locally based nonprofit organizations, who share the proceeds.

A new component to the horse trials this year is the formation of the Lyme Trail Association, which is a 501(c)3 membership association that allows anyone who joins to hike or ride on Lord Creek Farm.

This is an opportunity for the public to watch an exciting competition 
from key vantage points at a private estate along a course that winds through woods and fields with spectacular views of the Connecticut River. Food will be available from local vendors or bring a picnic. It’s sure to be a fun family day. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the event, visit www.lymehorsetrials.com.

Lyme Horse Trials is organized entirely by volunteers and is generously supported by local business partners, including Northstar Wealth Partners, Reynolds Garage & Marine, BA Brooks Associates, SeaSide Wine & Spirits, Drs. McAraw, Cantner, Cantner, Foise and Barasz,and Essex Savings Bank. Proceeds from the Trials will benefit High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Connecticut Valley Pony Club and the Lyme Trail Association.

The mission of High Hopes is to improve the lives of people with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education.

The Connecticut Valley Pony Club is a volunteer organization that fosters the development of thoughtful, responsible and knowledgeable young riders in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. Connecticut Valley Pony Club is a member of the United States Pony Clubs. To learn more, visit cvponyclub.wordpress.com

The Lyme Trail Association is a non-profit membership association 
dedicated to the maintenance, stewardship and enjoyment of trails in Lyme and the surrounding area. It supports a community of horseback riders and non-riders who appreciate the rural character of Southeastern Connecticut and understand the importance of preserving the area’s rustic nature.

Essex Winter Series Board of Trustees Elects New Members

Essex Winter Series Vice President Janice Atkeson (left) stands with (from left to right) newly-elected trustees Madeleine Nichols and Paula Anik, and board president Peter Amos at the organization’s June garden party.  Not shown is Henry Resnikoff, who was elected to the board in August.  Photo by Peter Harron.

From left to right, Essex Winter Series Vice President Janice Atkeson stands with newly-elected trustees Madeleine Nichols and Paula Anik, and board president Peter Amos at the organization’s June garden party. Not shown is Henry Resnikoff, who was elected to the board in August.           Photo by Peter Harron.

Peter Amos, president of the Board of Trustees of Essex Winter Series, has announced that Paula Anik of Essex, Madeleine Nichols of Lyme, and Henry Resnikoff of Essex were recently elected to the board of the organizatioin.  In addition, Janice Atkeson, who has served on the board since 2012, was elected vice president.

Anik has strong ties to music and has been a member of Essex Winter Series.  Her father was a classically-trained vocalist who toured with the USO entertaining troops. her eldest daughter is also a classically trained vocalist. She has lived in Boston, Los Angeles and Essex, where she now resides with her husband, Joel.  Anik is a retired residential real estate broker and has served on various charitable committees in a fund-raising role.

Nichols, an interior designer, was born in Budapest, Hungary, and attend Hungarian University of Fine Arts.  She has lived in Cairo, Egypt, and Athens and is fluent in in numerous languages.  She has been professionally involved with antiques and interior design for nearly 30 years in New York and Connecticut, and is currently as Associate with Jonathan Isleib Design of Old Lyme and owner of MWN Interior Design.

Henry Resnikoff is a professional real estate developer and has developed commercial, residential, industrial and assisted living properties throughout the Northeast and Mid Atlantic states.  He was born and raised in New London where his father was also a real estate developer.  With the exception of four years, Henry and his wife Daphne Nielsen have lived in Essex since 1978, currently on Ingham Hill Rd. They have four grown sons.

Bringing world-class classical and jazz music to the shoreline area was the dream of Fenton Brown, who established the Essex Winter Seriesin 1979.  Each year, the Essex Winter Series presents a series of concert performances by top-rated musicians from around the world.

These concerts, held primarily at Valley Regional High School in Deep River, are presented on Sunday afternoons in January, February and March.  A single season may include a mix of such performances as instrumental soloists, opera singers, chamber orchestras, and jazz bands.