SPRINGFIED, MASS. — Charles Kenneth “Ken” Burke, age 95, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family …
He is survived by his five sons, Charles K. Burke Jr and his wife Gwen of Springfield, Robert Burke and his wife Donna of Lyme, CT, Michael Burke and his wife Karla of Old Lyme, CT, James Burke and his wife Teresa of Huntington and Joseph Burke and his wife Gina of Feeding Hills …
This new homepage for the Town of Old Lyme’s website will be seen by visitors accessing the site from Tuesday afternoon onwards. Numerous changes have been incorporated within the site in order to give viewers a more user-friendly experience.
OLD LYME — The Town of Old Lyme will launch a new website Feb. 14, with its goal being, “An improved user experience,” according to a press release issued by the Town yesterday. Visitors to the existing OldLyme-ct.gov site will automatically see the new site, once it has been released.
The website revamp is part of the Town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that was approved at the Town Meeting in July 2022. The cost for the website host, CivicPlus, to upgrade the existing site was $44,444.
“It became apparent during the pandemic shutdown how much we needed to rely on the Town’s website as a conduit to continue the business of the Town,” said Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold. He noted, “We realized there were some website enhancements that could improve the online experience of our taxpayers.”
In addition to improving the attractiveness of its layout, the functionality of the website was improved, such as the directory of Town Hall employees and a user-friendly link to all agendas and minutes. The new website also complies with the website practices set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A review of past website analytics informed a Town Hall Task Force charged with overseeing the website makeover with CivicPlus.
According to town hall employee Jennifer Datum, who was a member of the task force, “We learned that what most online visitors are looking for is information on trash and recycling information, Parks and Recreation programs, and how to apply for certain permits and licenses. This led us to make these topics more easily accessible from the home page.”
The home page also includes an improved calendar as well as news alerts.
Although much of the website conversion is completed and ready for residents to access, moving the vast amount of historical records and documentation from the existing website to the newly improved website will take months to complete. “The town hall staff working on this aspect appreciates the public’s patience during this transition phase,” Datum said. “All historic agendas and minutes are still available in person at the Town Clerk’s office.”
The website improvements are part of a larger effort to make online access to the Town easier for residents, including an effort to provide live recordings of town meetings. This effort is still in the development stage and also funded by Old Lyme’s ARPA grant.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued Feb. 13, by the Town of Old Lyme.
Due to the growing concern around the oil spill at the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, it is important to clarify any misconceptions.
The First Selectman and I were made aware of the oil spill during a Community Leaders meeting in September 2022. We were informed that the spill was under control and the School District/BOE were working in conjunction with the DEEP to comply with all clean-up and remediation efforts.
In hindsight the abutting property owners near the spill should have been notified earlier by the School District out of an abundance of caution.
I want to assure everyone going forward, especially as clean-up efforts continue, I will be available to hear your concerns. The safety of the residents impacted by the spill is our priority. Mr. Griswold and I will remain on top of this issue and will keep residents informed as information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Matthew Ward, Old Lyme.
Editor’s Note: The author is a Selectman on the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen.
OLD LYME — Donna Reynolds Speirs, 102, of Saunders Hollow Road, died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 at her residence with her family by her side. Donna was born in Lyme March 2, 1920, the daughter of Donald and Kathryn (Harding) Reynolds …
She then worked for the Selective Service Board in Old Lyme. She married Malcolm Speirs Oct. 4, 1943. After living in Cleveland, Ohio … they returned to Old Lyme where she lived for the rest of her life …
Donna … was a long time member of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, the Hamburg Cove Yacht Club and was an active member of the Lyme – Old Lyme Senior Center …
Donna is survived by her daughter Gail (Ron) Jewell; son David (Ginny) Speirs; grandchildren: Michael (Lori) Speirs, Andrew (Stephanie) Speirs, Matthew (Jessica) Jewell and Jonathan (Nichole) Jewell; as well as nine great-grandchildren …
A Celebration of her Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in First Congregational Church, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme … Donna spent many hours reading books from Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library. Donations may be made in her memory to the library.
