Monthly Archives: November 2020

‘The Magic of Christmas’ Opens at Old Lyme’s Florence Griswold Museum

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There are now four palette trees to hold the more than 200 hand-painted palettes on display in this year’s ‘Magic of Christmas.’

OLD LYME — Even this year the holiday season is something special to celebrate at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Conn.!

After all, Miss Florence was born on Christmas Day, 1850. The Museum will be decked out in its holiday finery for the Magic of Christmas celebration from Nov. 27, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021.

Twelve new works of art have been added to Miss Florence’s Artist Trees. Since 2004, noted artists from across the country have donated works to this one-of-a-kind holiday icon – so many that now four trees are needed to hold the works of art.

One of this year’s new palettes is ‘Florence Griswold Summer Garden’ by Jeffrey Saverine.

The idea of contemporary artists creating paintings on artists’ palettes is a nod to the Museum’s history as the center for the Lyme Art Colony, and alludes to the door and wall panels the artists painted throughout Miss Florence’s boardinghouse over a century ago.

The palette artists’ styles and subject matter are as varied as the individuals. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, ceramics, glass, and collage are used to transform the palettes into traditional holiday scenes, delightful landscapes, and more than a few surprises. The palettes are displayed on four trees in the Krieble gallery, along with the current exhibitions, Expanding Horizons: Celebrating 20 Years of the Hartford Steam Boiler Collection and Centennial of the Lyme Art Association Gallery.

All ages can enjoy the beautiful Palette Christmas Trees at the ‘Magic of Christmas’ exhibition

The decorations in the historic rooms of the Florence Griswold House feature a new twist on the traditional décor. Imagine a fictional mantel-decorating contest in the Griswold boarding-house between the historic Lyme Art Colony artists. Inspired by their paintings, they rummage through their studios as well as old trunks in Miss Florence’s attic for festive objets d’art and holiday decorations.

Miss Florence (with the help of votes by visitors) will decide on winners and award ribbons on her birthday – Christmas Day. Watch the Museum’s social media accounts for the news.

In addition to the traditional decorations, three Fantasy Trees add bespoke sparkle in the historic house – two created by Museum staff and a third by Candice Hunsinger of Ivory & Iron in Essex.

And just for fun (and a great photo opportunity), Santa’s sleigh filled with presents will be stationed in the Rafal Landscape Center.

Many special events and programs are held in conjunction with the Magic of Christmas.

Christmastime Teas are among the most popular events. Delectable scones with clotted cream, assorted tea sandwiches, and cookies prepared by Gourmet Gallery, a caterer known for their delicious flavors and impeccable presentations, are accompanied by “Miss Florence’s Tea,” a special blend from Sundial Gardens in Higginum. Miss Florence’s Tea is a special blend of superior Ceylon and China black tea enhanced with a touch of delicate spices. The tea celebrates the camaraderie and creativity of the Lyme Art Colony with each cup.

Teas are held Dec. 1 through 30 on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 2 p.m. Call 860-434-5542 x 118 for information and reservations.

Unique gifts from The Shop and memberships to the Museum make thoughtful holiday and hostess gifts. Purchases can be made at the Museum or online.

When you visit the Museum during the Magic of Christmas, consider bringing a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries.

Located on a 12-acre site in the historic village of Old Lyme, the Florence Griswold Museum is known as the Home of American Impressionism. In addition to the restored Florence Griswold House, where the artists of the Lyme Art Colony lived, the Museum features a modern exhibition gallery, education center, landscape center, extensive gardens, and a restored artist’s studio.

The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95 and is open April through December Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 4pm and January through March Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 1 to 4pm. The Museum is closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 students, and free to children 12 and under. Note that admission is available with 24-hour advance online ticketing only.

For more information, visit the Museum’s website www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org or call 860-434-5542 x 111.

Ledge Light Health District Offers Free Flu Shots in Local Area

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Photo by CDC on Unsplash.

LYME/OLD LYME — Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) will be hosting free flu clinics for area residents. The LLHD includes both Lyme and Old Lyme.

Flu shots will be provided for adults 19 years and older. Flu Mist will be available to individuals 19 years and older who are healthy and not pregnant.

All participants must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

The times and locations of upcoming flu shot clinics are as follows:

  • Sunday, Nov. 29, from 12 to 2 p.m: Thames Club Parking Lot (290 State Street, New London) Turn right from 290 State Street onto Washington Street
  • Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m: St. Vincent de Paul Place (120 Cliff Street, Norwich)
  • Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m: Wheeler Library (101 Main Street, North Stonington)

A flu consent form is required for each participant. Forms can be downloaded at www.llhd.org or obtained at the clinic. It is recommended that people wear a short sleeve shirt or loose-fitting clothes for easy access to the upper arm.

If you have any questions, call 860-448-4882.

In addition to Lyme and Old Lyme, Ledge Light Health District serves as the local health department for East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, New London, North Stonington, Stonington, and Waterford.

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

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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.

Giving Thanks During a Pandemic

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Come ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home . . .

Well, maybe not this year.

It’s 2020 and starting back in March, our lives changed as the pandemic started spreading across the land. We sheltered in place, incessantly spritzed with hand sanitizers, and began wearing masks every time we dared to venture out in public.

Now it seems that 2020 will be a demarcation date on our timelines. Do you remember what it was like PC (Pre-COVID) when you could hug your friends and meet them for dinner at a favorite restaurant?

More importantly, who could have imagined that nine months later the COVID crisis would have worsened with a death toll of more than a quarter of a million Americans and still spiking? And now it’s Thanksgiving—a time to gather round the table with family and chow down on favorite foods. But many of us will not be celebrating the traditional way in this “annus horribilis” — as Queen Elizabeth would say.

Yet I have plenty to be thankful for (a song by Irving Berlin, by the way.)

I am grateful for my health and that of my family, that I have a roof over my head, and that I go to sleep with a full tummy at night. Especially now when I know so many are suffering, grieving for loved ones, or wondering how to put food on the table.

And I am thankful for all those working on the front lines—from health care workers to those stocking grocery shelves—who have helped us to keep the home fires burning. The heart I placed on my kitchen door last spring is still hanging there and there are many heart signs still in place around our town.

The thoughtfulness of family and friends have also been blessings in my life this year.

Sure, there are days when I’ve been depressed and it was difficult to keep my sunny side up. But how heartwarming it has been to have neighbors text, “Do you need anything at the store?” To receive phone calls from old friends asking, “How are you doing?” Or to have my niece stop by with a “care package” from Sift Bake Shop (my favorite chocolate croissants!)

Since I am a senior citizen and have feasted at many turkey dinners, I will add “Thanks For The Memories” of Thanksgivings Past.

In days of yore, my family would receive a package of pecans from Louisiana at the beginning of each November. They were from the trees in my aunt’s yard and it was a sign that it was time to start baking pies. As I child, I remember rising early with my mom to start cutting up the celery and onion for the stuffing and the periodic basting of the bird. And, oh, that tantalizing aroma of a turkey roasting for hours!

Though I am sad that I can’t be with my family for Thanksgiving 2020, I am counting my blessings and thinking of the song lyrics:

Someday soon, we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow . . .

Editor’s Note: Linda Ahnert is a resident of Old Lyme and former Arts Editor at the now-departed ‘Main Street News.’

She is a long-time docent at the Florence Griswold Museum and has volunteered for numerous local art organizations.