Death Announced of Sheldon Baker of Old Lyme, Long-Time Member of ‘Con Brio’ Known for His ‘Beautiful, Tenor Singing Voice’

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Admin

OLD LYME — Sheldon Arthur Baker, 78, of Old Lyme, CT passed away peacefully on August 6, 2021. He was born in Barre, VT on January 24, 1943, the son of George Baker and Hazel (Griffith) Baker.

His early education took place in Montpelier, VT after which the family relocated to Pittsburg, PA. Sheldon attended Middlebury College in VT and was always fond of claiming membership in the classes of ’65, ’66 and ’67.

Notwithstanding the tenuous beginnings to his college career he graduated successfully in 1967. After trying his hand at various forms of gainful employment he soon settled into the field of wholesale paper sales, at which he excelled. He retired in 2010.

One of Sheldon’s greatest gifts was his beautiful tenor singing voice. Whether performing solo, with a chorale, notably with Simsbury Light Opera and Con Brio, in a barbershop quartet or just jamming, he was a delight. To his friends life’s singular joys included listening to or singing with Sheldon.

He also enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, wagering on the horses and visiting his friends and relatives in Vermont and elsewhere.

His passion for birding took him on trips all over the United States, to Central America and Kenya.

With Sheldon’s absence ice cream futures are predicted to drop precipitously.

He satisfied his gastronomic interests on TV’s PM Magazine as the Phantom Diner in the 80’s.

He had an inspiring talent for nurturing and maintaining life-long friendships. Spending time with Sheldon was always a pleasure. His humor and laugh were loved by all.

Sheldon was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Brenda Gael (Broughel) Baker. He will be greatly missed by his partner Gail Barber, his brother George Baker, sister-in-law Sandra Baker, his nephew and niece Chris and Heather Baker as well as his myriad of friends and his “adopted” family, the Halls.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church located at 82 S re Road, Old Lyme, CT, to be followed immediately by a funeral service at church at 11am. His burial will take place on Monday, August 16 at 11 a.m. at Cedar Grove Cemetery located at 13 Cemetery St., Fair Haven, VT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sheldon’s memory to the Con Brio Choral Society at 1 McCurdy Rd, Old Lyme, CT 06371.

CT DPH Upgrades New London County to Red “High Transmission” COVID-19 Category, Ledge Light Director Recommends Municipal Buildings Require Masks Inside

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Admin

Photo by CDC on Unsplash,

NEW LONDON – Updated 10:47am:We received an email from Ledge Light Health District Director of Health Stephen Mansfield REHS, MPH at 10:44 a.m. this morning that states the following (the italics are ours):

“As you are aware, the Centers for Disease Control has now placed New London County in the “High Transmission” category of COVID-19. Ledge Light Health District concurs with the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommendation that all Connecticut residents over age two wear masks when in indoor public locations, regardless of vaccination status.

Further, we recommend that LLHD municipalities require masks for both staff and the general public in all municipal buildings, unless a 6 foot separation distance can be assured. It is our position that as leaders in our communities, it is important to set an example that others will follow.

LLHD will continue to advocate for a statewide approach to any mandatory mitigation measures; as cases continue to increase in our communities, it is important that these measures are applied fairly, equitably and consistently throughout Connecticut.”

Original article published Aug. 11 at 7:17am: The Centers for Disease Control has now placed New London County, which includes both Lyme and Old Lyme, in the “High Transmission” category of COVID-19. New London is the third county in the state to be upgraded to the High Transmission category.

Late last week, New Haven and Hartford counties were listed as High Transmission—the other five Connecticut counties are still classified by the CDC as being in the “Substantial Transmission” category.

The High Transmission category—which is the most severe as defined by the CDC—is 100 or more cases per 100,000 people or a positivity rate of 10 percent or higher over the past seven days.

The Substantial Transmission category is 50 to 100 cases per 100,000 or a positivity rate between 8 and 10 percent over the past seven days.

With the ongoing rapid increase in cases of COVID-19 in the state over the last 14 days due to the spread of the Delta variant, the Connecticut Department of Public Health strongly recommends that ALL CONNECTICUT residents over age two years, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, return to wearing masks when in indoor public spaces.

Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at high risk for complications from COVID-19, including those with compromised immune systems, diabetes, asthma, other lung diseases, pregnancy, or obesity, should also avoid large indoor gatherings that may include a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Vaccination remains the most important defense against illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. So-called “vaccine breakthrough” cases have occurred in Connecticut, but they remain rare, and the vast majority of hospitalizations and deaths in Connecticut and around the country are in unvaccinated individuals. DPH strongly recommends that unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible to help stop the ongoing spread of the Delta variant.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Ledge Light Health Department Aug. 10, at 10:04 p.m.

Lyme Art Association Celebrates its Centennial in True ‘Twenties’ Style

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Olwen Logan

Replicating the traditions of the early part of the last century, artists associated with the Lyme Art Association set up their easels at different points along Lyme St. on Saturday, and painted local scenes. Photo by Anne Smith Brandenburg.

OLD LYME — On Saturday, the Lyme Art Association (LAA) celebrated 100 years (and one day!) since their gallery opened with art and awards, teas and ‘The Twenties,’ and much mirth and merriment all around.