This letter is in response to Amanda Novak’s Letter to the Editor published Nov. 5 on LymeLine under the title, “Re-elect Powell-St. Louis to Region 18 BOE, Her ‘Passion and Track Record’ Make Her ‘Outstanding Choice’ for Lyme.”
While she is a doctor, Mary Powell-St. Louis has not endorsed women’s rights to control their own healthcare, including access to abortion and the need for sex education. For students and their parents, these are important issues about which they should be informed and have choice.
Mary has signed the petition that circulated in Old lyme to ban books, hardly an expression of tolerance or understanding.
At a 2018 rally in Haddam, Mary and her husband, dressed in American flags, joined a protest against the Freedom of Speech rights of the Haddam Selectwoman who had chosen to demonstrate against Donald Trump‘s embrace of Putin. Again, hardly evidence of Mary’s tolerance or her defense of the First Amendment.
More recently, Mary has sent a letter to Lyme residents admitting she is a conservative Republican, but claiming she is not in step with national Republican leaders. She did not elaborate about what she opposes or whether she believes Joe Biden won the 2020 election fair and square. Mary’s claim about the distance between her views and the extremism-dominated national Republican Party is hard to believe.
On land she owns, Trump‘s biggest financial supporter – Timothy Mellon – had his orange electric road sign flashing right wing messages.
Now, I believe in free speech, so that display was not the problem. The sign’s presence simply shows there is little evidence that Mary does not support Trump all the way! Trump’s national education policies, his lying and his persistent intolerance and bigotry are hardly qualities we in Lyme want represented in any way on the Board of Education.
Editor’s Note: We received this letter last Thursday but were unable to open it. The author re-sent it numerous times but the problem persisted. She has finally solved the issue and so, in light of those circumstances, we are now publishing it now. Consequently, we will accept comments or letters responding directly to this letter through 11 p.m. Monday.No other comments or letters will be considered for publication on Monday.
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Mary Powell-St. Louis, who is seeking reelection to the Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education. Having lived in Lyme since 2007, and raising 4 children here, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Mary’s dedicated service to her family, community, and for the past 8 years the Board of Education.
During Mary’s tenure as a board member, she has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the most critical issues facing our school district, including the Building Renovation Project. Her diverse background as a Medical Doctor, active community volunteer, leadership roles in Scouts, and her role as a mother of three boys, all of whom have attended Lyme-Old Lyme schools, have significantly influenced her approach to responsible budgeting and her ability to collaborate across party lines in order to ensure that all students benefit from the decisions at hand. Mary has been a dedicated advocate for both students and educators, consistently working diligently to ensure that the needs of all our students are effectively addressed.
Mary is well versed in district policy and prioritizes transparency and open communication. She is first to say if something wasn’t handled to her high standards, and moving forward how it could be handled to produce a better outcome. Her commitment to listening to the concerns of parents, teachers, and students underscores the utmost importance she places on community engagement
She has shown she can adapt to the changing educational needs of our students. Her forward thinking approach and dedication to improving the quality of education for all students is truly commendable.
I endorse Dr. Mary Powell St. Louis for reelection to the Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education. She has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to championing the needs of our children. Her proven leadership, extensive experience, and deep commitment to our students and community make her the ideal candidate for another term in this critical role. Mary’s passion and track record make her an outstanding choice to continue serving our community.
Vote Mary Powell-St. Louis on November 7th!
Sincerely,
Amanda Novak, Lyme, CT
Editor’s Note: Mary Powell-St. Louis is the incumbent candidate on the Region 18 BOE for one of the two Lyme seats. She is endorsed by the Lyme Republican Town Committee for re-election in the upcoming election.
After being presented with two awards, Sculptor Gilbert Boro sits in his wicker chair surrounded by state and local officials, and also his sons, Jason Boro (back row, left) and Dr Alex Boro (back row, right). State Rep Devin Carney (R-23rd) stands second from left, back row, and Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker is to his right. Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold sits to Boro’s left in photo and Old Lyme Economic Development Commission Chair Cheryl Poirier is to Boro’s right. Photo by C. Goldberg.
OLD LYME — In the early evening of Saturday’s brilliant weather, friends and family gathered at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds for the 2023 Summer Sculpture Showcase Closing Reception and to celebrate the artistic legacy that founder and artist Gilbert Boro brought to the Old Lyme location.
Throughout the evening Boro was surrounded by well-wishers on his upcoming retirement when the Sculpture Grounds close to the public at the end of 2023. Although the grounds will be closed, Bryan Gorneau, who has served as lead fabricator and studio manager for more than 15 years at Studio 80, will still be available for custom fabrication services.
During the reception, a surprise presentation was made to Boro of both a Connecticut Official Citation and a Town of Old Lyme Certificate of Recognition.
Connecticut State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) presented the Citation on behalf of State Senator Martha Marx (D-20th), who was unable to attend, and himself. Old Lyme is included in both Carney’s and Marx’s legislative districts.
Carney shared before the presentation, “Congratulations Gil on your much deserved retirement. I remember when I first ran for office, my predecessor gave me a list of people I should meet … and you were on that list.”
Acclaimed sculptor Gilbert Boro relaxes for a few moments during the busy farewell event. Photo by C. Goldberg.
Carney then read the Official Citation signed on Saturday at the State Capital by the CT Senate President, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State:
“Be it hereby known to all, that the Connecticut General Assembly hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Gil Boro in recognition of your retirement and years of service to the Town of Old Lyme. For close to two decades, you provided a free sculpture garden to the public seven days a week. The sculpture garden has been a beloved addition to the Old Lyme Arts District and certainly a draw for the Town’s cultural tourists. We thank you and wish you all the best on your much deserved retirement. The entire membership extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses a hope for continued success.”
Also in attendance were Old Lyme (OL) First Selectman Timothy Griswold, OL Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, and OL Economic Development Commission Chair Cheryl Poirier, who together presented a Certificate of Recognition to Boro for contributions to the arts in Old Lyme.
In presenting the certificate, Poirier shared with the attendees, “My favorite story that Gil’s ever told me is about ‘Don’t Touch the Art.’ Gil and his wife would go to museums in New York and he’d want to touch every sculpture.” She joked with Gil, “And how many security people said to you, ‘Stop touching the art!’?
Poirier explained that Boro’s response to this ‘no-touch’ rule was, simply “I’m going to have a place where not only I can touch the sculpture, but everyone else can touch the sculpture too.”
Poirier then noted to ripples of enthusiastic laughter, “And how lucky are we that he chose Old Lyme to do that!”
The Midnight Anthem entertained the attendees throughout the rest of the evening, which included a very successful silent auction of some of Boro’s sculpture.
Guests lined up to say a fond farewell to Gilbert Boro in person during the event. The Sculpture Grounds will stay open to the public through Dec. 31, 2023.
Asked by LymeLine after the event how he felt about the award, Boro responded, “I am deeply grateful to the [Old Lyme] Economic Development Commission (EDC) and our state and town representatives for their thoughtful presentations.”
He continued, “I am humbled and honored to have been a part of this exceptional artistic community,” adding, “It is indeed with a heavy heart that we have announced the forthcoming closure of Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, but I warmly welcome the community and art enthusiasts to visit us during our final months of operation.”
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds issued an official statement after the event saying, “We extend our sincere appreciation to State and Town representatives, and the Old Lyme EDC for their steadfast support of Gilbert Boro’s artistic endeavors and his dedication to cultivating a generous and creative artistic community. Their recognition of the invaluable role Gilbert has played in the development and enhancement of public art has been truly inspiring.
Throughout his years at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, he has been privileged to witness the transformative power of art and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities alike. It is this sense of public service that has fueled his artistic vision, and he is immensely grateful for the opportunities and support he has received.
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds welcomes everyone to visit before Dec. 31, 2023 to experience Gilbert Boro’s remarkable sculptures firsthand. The profound beauty and thought-provoking nature of his works will continue to inspire and captivate visitors until our closure.
Again, we thank the Old Lyme EDC, state representatives and this wonderful community for their unwavering support of Gilbert Boro and Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds. Together, we have fostered a vibrant and creative artistic environment that will forever be cherished.”
The current Republican-dominated Board of Education has been an unmitigated disaster, from a consistent lack of transparency, to the glaring inexperience of the Chairman, Steven Wilson, who clearly has no idea how to run a meeting.
As a parent who has spoken at the Board of Education several times over the years, I was surprised that after an incendiary public comment calling for all of the Democrats on the BOE to resign based on their opposition to Book Banning, Mr. Wilson did not adhere to the traditional format of thanking the person for their public comment, and moving on. Instead, he encouraged BOE members who agreed with the commenter to speak up and address the issue, thereby validating the comment and effectively adding it to the agenda. This was an outrageously partisan gaffe on his part, and it’s not the first time. Wilson runs the Board like it’s his own personal fiefdom, allowing discussion when it suits his purposes and quickly shutting down debate or dissent from the Democratic members. Board of Education meetings must be conducted with decorum and respect for all participants and board members, regardless of party.
There has also been a serious lack of transparency. The Board knowingly withheld knowledge of the Middle School fuel oil spill from the community for months, and we would probably still not know anything about it had it not been for a contractor who notified nearby residents that their wells may have been compromised. It’s true that the Board issued a mealy-mouthed “apology” for their lack of transparency many months after the fact, but the damage had already been done.
This community deserves better. I urge concerned citizens to vote for the experienced and talented Democratic candidates Susan Fogliano, Scott Brown, Alexander Lowry, and Gavin Lodge (Lyme) on Row A to restore equality, respect, and transparency to our Board of Education.
For thirty years I have proudly served as your Tax Collector, and I thank you for your continued support over the years in re-electing me for this position. This month, I will be retiring as Tax Collector for the Town of Old Lyme.
I would like to take this opportunity to show my support for Suzanne Thompson to be your new Tax Collector. Suzanne currently works in my office and has demonstrated the skills necessary to run this office efficiently. She is very helpful to the town taxpayers who call or stop by our office. Suzanne has the knowledge, experience, and abilities to take over this responsibility.
Although my retirement is bittersweet, I will look forward to gardening more.
Judy Tooker, Old Lyme.
Editor’s Note: The author is the current Old Lyme Tax Collector. Suzanne Thompson is endorsed by the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee for the position in the upcoming election.
